Prescription Drugs

Archive for January, 2011

Crackdown on Prescription Drug Abuse

January 27th, 2011

The State of Massachusetts is cracking down within the sale of prescription prescription drugs. Those who fill prescriptions for powerful painkillers for example OxyContin have, in the recent previous, often needed to display a valid photo ID. Presently, the requirement for a photograph ID may be expanded to a broader class of drug treatments. The impacted medicines include things like a variety of varieties of discomfort medications, sedatives, and certain benzodiazepines including Ativan and Valium.

In an work to curb prescription drug addiction, the state of Maryland is attempting to enhance its capability to keep track of revenue of prescription medicines which might be subject to abuse. By monitoring sales, the state is attempting to cease people who endure from prescription drug addiction from “doctor shopping” or leapfrogging from doctor to physician in an work to satisfy their drug habit. The State of Maryland can also be beginning an on-line tracking method that will let doctors and pharmacists to identify those who habitually fill prescriptions for intoxicating medications subject to abuse.
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ADHD Prescription Drugs and Your Child’s Safety – Discover the Truth

January 27th, 2011

I was shocked at the number of ADHD prescription drugs that are available to children. As you are soon to find out, Adderall and Ritalin are not the only prescription drugs that are used in ADHD treatment. What is even more shocking is the number of negative side effects that these and numerous other prescription ADD, ADHD meds have on your children. Before discussing the side effects, it is important to understand the three classifications of prescription medications for ADHD: long-acting stimulants, short-intermediate acting stimulants, and non-stimulants.

Long-Acting Stimulants

Prescription medications for ADHD that fall into this category include the following: Ritalin LA, Concerta, Adderal XR, Vyvanse, Daytrana (patch worn by child), Metadate CD, and Focalin XR. This group is classified as “long-acting stimulants” because they have lasting effect for 8-12 hours. These are the most convenient type since they can be administered only once in a day. This might be ideal for parents who are not available to administer the meds or who do not trust their children to faithfully take it. If the child gags when trying to take the capsule, then it can be sprinkled on the food.

Short to Intermediate-Acting Stimulants

Short to intermediate-lasting stimulants include the following: Dextrostat, Dexedrine, Methylin ER, Ritalin, and Adderall. The ADHD prescription drugs in this category are less popular because of the availability and convenience of longer-lasting stimulants and non-stimulant brands. These ADHD treatment options must be taken more than once per day, making it a hassle for busy parents to administer to their children. Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine have a shorter time effect, but cost less and are more readily available in generic formulations. Sometimes doctors give Clonidine for ADHD along with Ritalin. There have been reports that it can be a very dangerous combination.

Non-Stimulant Prescription Meds for ADHD

Non-stimulant Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder medications are popular with children who are sensitive to stimulants and who struggle with anxiety. Srattera is the most popular among non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD. Strattera and other non-stimulants are not used as much as stimulant drugs.

The Side Effects Associated with ADHD Prescription Drugs

Stimulant ADHD drugs can result in the following trials for your children: vomiting, nausea, headaches, eating disorders, social isolation, and stomachaches. Taking stimulants for ADHD can also create spaced-out kids, who act abnormal when compared to their classmates. The social stigma and how they are perceived by classmates may be a whole other issue to address as a parent.

The non-stimulant varieties of prescription medications for ADHD (Strattera) have their own problems. There can be a whole list of potential side effects: mood swings, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, allergic reactions, upset stomach, decreased appetite and tiredness.

Non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD such as Strattera are not without their side effects either. Strattera can cause upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, and even allergic reactions. So many parents are seeking to treat the symptoms of ADHD in their children without thinking of all the side effects. Although no parent intends to do so, in reality they are subjecting their children a whole lot of discomfort and social difficulties. Obviously, parents do not want their children to suffer from the side effects of ADHD prescription drugs. There has to be alternative ADHD treatment options, without the risks involved.

Warning! ADHD prescription Drugs and Long-term Risks

This shocking, but often overlooked point needs to be carefully considered. The use of ADHD prescription drugs increases the risk of depression in adulthood. Furthermore, it increases the risk of prescription drug addiction and other substance abuse problems. Think about it. You are giving children powerful drugs at a stage in their life when decision-making and social skills are still being developed. They are being desensitized to taking powerful drugs. Drugs are not just like food. They are powerful and can have serious consequences. They can have interactions with other drugs.

Natural Alternative Therapies without the Risks

It has been said long ago, “Let food be thy medicine.” Food, rich in nutrients, might not address every problem, but it is a reminder that we should looking into natural alternatives for ADHD therapy before rushing to a quick fix with ADHD prescription drugs. There may be short and long-term consequences. Are we willing to sacrifice the well-being of our children now and in the future?

Thankfully, there are powerful and safe natural ADHD alternative treatments that are available. It is unfortunate that so few know about these proven therapies. Homeopathy is one such proven approach that has helped thousands to find relief from the symptoms associated with ADHD. Do not put your child at risk from the side effects of ADHD prescription therapy. Find out more about natural alternative ADHD treatment options like homeopathy. There is a ADHD self test available to help you.

By: Michael Cuneo

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Learn about a ADHD Self Test — and about alternatives to ADHD prescription drugs in order to treat ADHD symptoms

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Thoughts on ADHD Prescription Drugs and Potential Consequences to Your Child’s Health

January 26th, 2011

You have probably, at one point or another, stopped to ponder the number of ADHD prescription drugs and their side effects. Of course, the most well known are Adderall and Ritalin. However, there are others too. The list of side effects that come with any drug, including ADHD drugs can be rather long. Here is a tip: the next time you pick up ANY drug at your local pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to print out a list of side effects for you. You might be VERY surprised! Some of the side effects can even be quite serious.

ADHD drugs usually fall into one of three categories:

1. Long acting stimulant

2. Short or Intermediate acting stimulant

3. Not a Stimulant.

The long acting drugs will include drugs similar to Ritalin LA, Metadate CD, Focalin XR, Daytrana, Concerta, Adderal XR, and Vyvanse. These drugs can affect your child for up twelve hours! As such, they are only taken once-per-day. In the case of Ritalin LA or Adderal XR, they come in a capsule form that you can open and sprinkle onto food. Daytrana is a patch that the child can wear just like a ‘quit smoking’ transdermal.

The short and intermediate drug prescriptions for ADHD include Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Dextrostat, as well as Methylin ER.

These drugs are sort of out-of-style as they need to be taken more than once per day. On the other hand, they are not available in generic forms which can be less costly.

Non stimulant ADHD drugs, the most well known being Strattera, are not prescribed as often as the stimulant drugs are. However, in the case of a child who suffers anxiety in conjunction with his ADHD issues, the doctor might prescribe Strattera. Drugs like this may also be an option for children who do not do well with the stimulant drugs.

The side effects for the stimulant drugs can often include headaches, stomach aches, sleeplessness (insomnia), eating disorders, withdrawing socially, vomiting and, with that, nausea. This is not the end of the list, just some highlights! As a parent, you might see the outward signs of the side effects such as your child being dull or even a bit less-responsive or the appearance of being in a trance!

The non-stimulants, like Strattera can have similar side effects too. Allergic reactions can also be a concern. As a parent, you certainly want the best for your child and that is why you both may benefit from considering an all natural alternative remedy.

One of the most alarming suspicions of researchers is the appearance of a greater risk of depression in adulthood for children who were prescribed ADHD prescription drugs. When you consider the side effects along with this long term potential danger, you might conclude that the risk is too great. The good news is that there are alternative remedies available that do not appear to have these side effects.

To recap, ADHD prescription drugs have a number of possible side effects. You, as a parent, definitely want your child to have a happy, successful and fulfilling life but you also want to deal with the symptoms of ADHD at the same time. Homeopathic remedies could offer a viable alternative. If ADHD can be treated safely with a more natural remedy, you might conclude that to be a better alternative than prescription drugs.

By: Scott Starsky

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Author: Scott Starsky has learned about ADHD prescription medication alternatives and thinks you should too: http://www.ADHD-Discovery.com

*this article is for information purposes only and does not intend to offer advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have a health issue or problem of any kind, visit your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article or on this website.