what are the pros and cons of using a.d.d. medicine to help our 4 year old son?

Answer 1

Developmental defects and possible malnutrition. Why would a 4 year old need ADHD meds. All 4 year old boys are wild childs. I wouldn't even consider prescribing amphedamines to any kid under 8.

Answer 2

I would start with behavior modification. Amphetamines do not work too well for children who aren't sure how they are supposed to act in the first place. It isn't a magic button that flips on when you give it to your child they space out. The age of 8 is the accepted age when diagnosed to start medications if nothing else works. Look for loss of appetite, loss of sleep, overhyperstimulation, and worsening symptoms of ADD, If I were you I would get another opinion if they want to medicate him. He is too young, is still testing his boundaries, and wouldn't know any better anyway. Let children be children. They aren't mini adults walking around. He may just need more attention which I know can be hard I have three children myself. But with the proper therapy and support he should grow up with little or no problems. Be carefule also for misdiagnosis. They may want to try it to see if it works. They don't know what they are doing in that case. Be aware of cases of long term amphetamine use and heart attacks in teenagers as well. Educate yourself knowledge is power and no one needs your strength more than your son.

Answer 3

As a therapist and father of a blended family of 5 children it is easy to understand why we could be tempted to use drugs as quick fix option. However side effects of ADD & ADHD medications include Sleeplessness, Irritability, Drowsiness, Loss of appetite, Belly pains, Nausea, Tolerance (after a while it stops working) Dependency, Vomiting, Irregular heart beat, rash, Growth retardation, hair loss, liver damage, blurred vision, Psychiatric disturbances etc... Behavioural problems in youngsters are often a result of family changes, (a new baby, or pet, moving home, other family stress or conflicts etc) Before resorting to drugs you might want to explore Techniques like EFT, NLP, Kinesiology and Hypnotherapy for safe lasting results. Good Luck R

Answer 4

There are alternative medicines available which may be better - also a change in diet can sometimes improve the child's behaviour - personally I would give try these before getting prescribed medication from the doctor - it worked for my twin nephews

Answer 5

i would consider a second opinion,because most doctors wont even consider meds for a four year old.boys are more active in nature than girls. i would consider behavioral plan and change of diet and vitamins daily. this is what we did with our son and did work until he was about 8 years old and started hurting himself and others. know he takes a low dose of concerta and goes to therapy once aweek and is doing very well, we still have challenging days, but it is still worth it to not over medicate him and turn him into a zombie. please talk to a psychiatric they are trained to understand all about mental disorders and will be more help than reg doctor. i also go to support group once aweek were i talk to other parents with similar problems with there child. my son is adhd and has had brain scans and has been draged through hospitals and i feel comfortable with discions i have made. their are alot of children being medicated prematurely. kids with mild add will benefit more with the suggestions i mention above. these type of kids need to learn to controll their impulses and behavior. yes, they can learn this in time and with pations. medication wont teach them nothing. you should also consider therapy for you as well, you cant help your son until you begin to understand you son.

Answer 6

Increased risk of drug abuse when he's older among other things. What are you thinking wanting to drug your 4 year old??? If you are an incompetent parent, you should give the child to parents who are able to take care of him instead of ruining his life and getting him high at four years old!

Answer 7

I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP DRUGGING THIER CHILDREN. There is nothing wrong with your kid! He is acting like a 4 year old. Your problem is that you don't want to deal with a child acting like a child, so you give him sedatives to calm him down! Let him be a kid! And if he doesn't listen to you, show him who is boss and smack him on the ***!

Answer 8

Have you tried dolphin assisted therapy????