Is it ok to put your 13 year old on Ritilin to help her concentrate at school, she is a bit ADD.?

Question

Please do not answer this question if you don't know what you are talking about.

Thankyou

Answer 1

I had my son on it when he was 5 y/o. He was truly ADD. You have to be very careful. Can she concentrate on t.v. or anything. Remember they have to take breaks from the medication. Usually done in the summer. Ritilin decreases the appetite. Shouldn't be given before a meal or late in the evening. My son was excited because he watched cartoons for the first time. I also got a full nights sleep. By the way Respierdol is an antipsychotic drug. You don't want her on that. It can have alot of side effects

Answer 2

I find more and more children these days are being medicated. It seems that if a child doesn't act the exact way that you and society expect them too, they end up on ritalin or some other drug.

I don't believe this outlook on raising children is correct. Yes some kids struggle in school, but school is not supposed to be a cakewalk, it's supposed to be difficult.

I have heard estimates of 30% of the kids might be ADD, well maybe that is true, I am guessing that nobody would condsider giving 30% of the kids Ritalin though-- would you think that is OK
?
Another thing to consider is how bad these drugs are for children, I have a cousin that is on Ritalin and he has been for years. He is all messed up in the head. In most cases the doctor will only perscribe it for a few months at a time knowing the side effects are to damaging.

I would consider leaving the child off of Ritalin, society has become too "magic pill" oriented and I persoannly find it offensive, and so should you.

I have an aunt that gave her children sleeping pills for highschool, I have parents that take a combined 11 drugs plus vitamins. I was listening to the radio and they were having a contest to find out which listener had the highest amount of medications (the winner was taking over 30). They were surprised when one caller said none at all! What kind of society have we become?

Answer 3

I have real issues with Ritilin.
When I was in high school I was addicted to Ritilin....using it for the 'speed' affect. I got it on the streets.
I have family members who've been prescribed Ritilin as children and now they are drug addicts / alcoholics.
I just hate to see children being given this drug.
I think just about ALL 13 year-olds seem to be 'a bit' ADD. Their hormones are going crazy...and the doctors immediately diagnose ADD or ADHD and put them on these drugs.
Is it really THAT bad? I mean, if your child is functioning well, gets along with others and all, then why put this youngster on drugs?
We put these children on drugs to get them to pay attention better, so they get better grades and so they won't be such a pain in the patoot for their lazy parents. Parenting is NOT an easy job. I don't think it's right to put children on drugs so they will perform the way we want them to.
I believe putting children on these drugs is a precursor and an open door to future addictive behaviors.
Just my opinion....from experience.

Answer 4

In theory it's OK, it seems to get the job done' she seems happier and all seems well.

BUT i have to say this, this drug isn't a cure, and it doesn't do anything to help her learn to deal with what is happening to her.

She needs to know what is happening and how SHE can deal with it, i have met people who have had this problem, but as soon as they get into the adult world no one cares and they are left dealing with a problem that was dealt with by medication.

Also talking from the perspective of some on who has taken anti depressants i must say they aren't nice, they make you feel "numb" and you have trouble thinking etc.

All i can say is go back to the doctors, discuss your concerns and talk about how to control ADD with diet etc, sometimes e numbers bring out the worst in people.

But like i said, take her to the doctors and keep a clear line of communication going.

Answer 5

My daughter has been on Concerta since she was 4 years old - she is now 12. This has worked great for her. However, she has major ADHD. You described your daugher as being a bit ADD. Therefore, I would research other treatment options. Had she been diagnosed by a doctor or is this just your own observances? Please, start with her doctor and her school. There may be other ways to help her manage her ADD.

Answer 6

A bit ADD can be controlled without medication. She should be enrolled in sports, say soccer or swimming, that way she releases her energy in a positive way. There are teachers or trainers that might work with her to train her mind to focus more, ask at her school. Drugs always mess with your mind, and can alter personalities, I would not recommend them, only as last resort. And only under dr.'s supervision.

Answer 7

I love today's world. Drug your kids into a state of vegetation to get them to sit still for a few hours during school. Why not just put Jack Daniels in their cheerios before school..same effect...hehehe

Sorry about the sarcasm but this issue really makes me nuts.

My opinion is no. Don't drug your children to help them in school.

If you can't figure it out yourself, search around for a while and find a professional you like and trust to get deep inside your childs heart, soul, and mind and find out what he/she has seen in this world that truly sparks an intrest in him/her. When you find that out, find a school that matches that, move there and enroll your child. He/she will pay attention then...I promise!

Answer 8

1 of all i dont believe in add i believe in spoiled brat children that never get punished!and the schools just tell u that ur kid has add because the more "special" kids,teen, they have the more money they get from the government!

Answer 9

y would u wanna do dat 2 a 13 yr. old wat is she doin at dis age u suppposed 2 b keeping track of her. But if anything jus sit down and talk 2 her but u should ask her doctor cuz she is jus a baby

Answer 10

A good vitamin & mineral supplement is far better, and keep her off the sugar.