2006-10-10 07:21:40 · 10 answers · asked by teresa n 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
My son has been on Concerta for a few years now, he was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6, they did thorough evaluations of the brain with EEG, concluding the diagnosis ADHD. It's an over active lobe in the brain. He is monitored very closely when on Ritalin, my son had side effects on Ritalin and was switched over to Concerta and has been having very good luck with this drug. My son is now 12.
I will tell you why we decided to use medication. Austin was struggling in school, he didn't have the attention span needed to properly learn and keep up with the other kids his age, my options were to treat his ADHD with medication or put him into special education glasses so that they can focus better on him. I knew Austin was capable of participating in a normal classroom and felt he was very smart. I felt I should try the medication and see if there was an improvement before we ruled on a special education classroom.
We put him on the medication and Austin has over exceeded the average on all meap standards and is an honor roll student in normal classes. I didn't want to medicate my child to calm him down, I medicated him to help him have a better chance at life.
It's hard to medicate a child, but sometimes it may make life easier for the child. Why slow him down in special education classes, when you know he is capable of more!
Good luck with what you decide. It's tough.
2006-10-10 07:40:18 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. If the child can function well without it, then why bother? On the other hand, if the medication helps the child without nasty side effects, that's a good thing, right? Just one humble opinion from a parent: The decision has to revolve around what is best for the child, not what's best for the parent(s) or the school(s). There's always a concern about giving a child medication, so the parent(s) really need(s) to talk to the doctor and find out what the potential risks are as compared to what the medication can do for the child. If the risk outweighs the reward, forget it. If not, it's worth a try.
2006-10-10 14:34:49 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old? Does the child really have ADHD or is it just being a kid and bouncing around with a lot of energy and little attention span because there's so much out there to be discovered. Be sure there really is a problem before you let this kid get tagged with ADHD for life. Get a second opinion.
2006-10-10 14:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by canela 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends.
I have ADD Inattentive, and take Adderall XR on a daily basis. Without it, I would not be able to properly focus my attention, and would lose just about everything. I also have difficulty driving if I have not taken my meds.
It primarily depends on the severity of the ADHD, and whether or not alternatives to medication have worked. If you are concerned about some of the side affects, my fiance (who is a Pharmacist) recommends using Strattera, as it is a non-stimulant drug.
2006-10-10 14:33:04 · answer #4 · answered by Souris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids get 'Attention Deficit Disorder' from too many hours of passive entertainment and not enough thought provoking activity...typically in a single-parent household. It has been named as a 'syndrome' to be treated with certain meds when what the kids really need is to be active. Teachers will often suggest the meds simply because it makes thier jobs easier, but it is hardly in the best interest of the child.
2006-10-10 14:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by FreddyBoy1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some medications can be risky to children and the FDA seems to be approving just about anything these days. If you absolutely think it's necessary, start with something low dose in combination with a very healthy low diet and adjust accordingly
2006-10-10 14:33:57 · answer #6 · answered by John Ruiz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the child and on the seriousness of ADHD. is the child being tested appropriately.. if so then talk to the doc about other methods before placing the child on any chemical drug. and PRAY!
2006-10-10 14:55:17 · answer #7 · answered by cristinamendez02 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a second opinion. Just in case of wrong diagnosis. Then explore your options. You can put the child in sports instead of meds and see how it works out. If that doesn't work your next option is meds.
2006-10-10 14:40:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that its up to the parents to decide that. But, I do think that we give our children too many medications. Who knows what kind of effect this is going to have on their health years from now.
2006-10-10 14:31:43 · answer #9 · answered by sarahmoonstone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the diagnosis is made by a competent physician, why would a parent resist, if not for some 'stigma'. Its in your childs best interest to be treated. If he/she had diabetes, meningitis, or athletes foot, you'd get it treated, right?
2006-10-10 14:30:47 · answer #10 · answered by davidosterberg1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋