ADHD Medications: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

Having the right ADHD medications can help both children and adults who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for the condition are stimulants. While these ADHD meds can help to improve symptoms, they don't provide patients with a total cure. They also come with a variety of nasty side effects and risks that lead many to wonder if the benefits of these drugs actually outweigh the risks of taking them.

In the past couple of years there has been a rising amount of controversy sounding the drugs that are used for ADHD treatment. While there are no black box warnings on all of the ADHD medications, the FDA has been doing some careful scrutiny on the safety of these drugs, which has raised concerns and alarms.

One FDA advisory committee recommended that several of the ADHD medications on the market should have the black box warnings on them. On the list are: Adderall, Ritalin, Strattera, and Concerta. The recommendation was issued because of the increased risks for heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia problems that could result from taking the medications. A second advisory panel took a look at the drugs and decided not to go with the black box warnings at all, stating the medications are completely safe for both children and adults.

Both stimulant and non-stimulant drugs can be prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The stimulants are the most widely used and have the best record for effectively treating the condition.

The most common stimulants are: Focalin, Adderall, Metadate, Ritalin, and Dexedrine. These drugs work by stimulating the central nervous system. They help to increase focus and attention, lessen impulsive heavier, and curb hyperactivity. However, there are many awful side effects that come with these ADHD medications such as shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, and paranoia. All of these symptoms are quite serious and patients are encouraged to contact their doctor immediately if they experience them.

Non-stimulant drugs are easier on the body but some claim they don't work as well as the stimulants. Strattera is the first FDA approved non-stimulant drug used to treat ADHD. A few of the side effects of this ADHD medication include insomnia, headaches, dizziness, irritability and nausea. There is also a suicide risk with this drug. Other risks associated with Strattera include mania, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, and agitation.

If you, or your child have ADHD and the possibility of side effects from prescription medications completely turns you off, there are many effective ADHD natural remedies that you should consider. In fact, more and more people are going with ADHD natural treatments just the avoid the risks associated with ADHD meds.

L-Theanine is one natural treatment that is has been widely used by the Chinese for quite some time with great results. Behavior modification and positive attitude reinforcement are also effective ADHD alternative therapies. Some have even seen positive results from completely changing their diet and eating more green vegetables, whole wheat products, and grilled meats.

Overall, every person is different so it's hard to say whether the benefits of ADHD medications actually outweigh the risks. But it may be worthwhile to consider both the conventional and homeopathic treatments for ADHD to see which one will work best for you.

Always seek advice from your doctor before considering any type of treatment but also follow your gut. If you don't think prescription medications are right for you, don't take them. Since ADHD is such a common disorder, there are host of treatment options that are available today that will benefit both children and adults.