[Liberandos]

I have been dealing with this myself for a few years. Here is what works for me.

1. Plenty of exercise.

2. Cut out soda, unrefined sugar and corn syrup.

3. Take plenty of Omega-3 fatty-acids. (For kids I use a product called "Coromega" from Drugstore.com. Orange Flavor Packets can be added to many foods and tastes like orange yogurt)

4. Nuerofeedback! Look for this in your local phonebook. This type of therapy is new, but becoming very popular. Think of it as training for your son's brain.

5. Be aware of the situations that make ADD worse.

Good luck

[Lovergirl]

as a mom who's son was on it for a few years, I would say with out any doubt NO.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

Ritalin, No.
Regular beatings, Yes.

[Non-Sequitur]

How well do you trust your pediatrician? If you are comfortable with them, ask them to recommend another doctor that you can talk to for a second opinion. This isn't a matter to be taken lightly, and the extra time taken to get a second, or even a third opinion will give both of you peace of mind and a chance to learn more about the medication and what it will do for your child.

For the record, I have a 13 year old daughter. She was diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADD about 6 year ago, only after input from her teachers, observations by the school psychiatrist, a battery of tests performed by a child psychiatrist specializing in behavior issues, and consultations with her pediatrician. The medication has helped a great deal.

[7.62 x 51mm]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

There is no such thing as ADHD or ADD or whatever crap the lib-dem doctor scum are calling it these days. They're out to destroy your child. No to Ritalin.

ADHD:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=ADHD%22&btnG=Google+Search

ADD:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=ADD%22&btnG=Search

[krunkygirl]

Hi Joe,
I don't have time now to go through the entire thread so I don't know if this book has already been mentioned: _Talking Back to Ritalin_ by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

This doctor is very anti-drugs for kids diagnosed with ADD.

[Marie]

My son was diagnosed with ADD at age three. Although I knew something was wrong, I really believed that ADD was a symptom of a problem, not the actual issue. Around age 7 he started getting headaches. By ten he was a neurologist. The neurologist found out he had Celiac disease. (cannot eat wheat, oats, barley or rye.) We took him off these items and ALL ADD symptoms went away within 6 weeks.

But here's the rub: According to my son's pediatric GI it can take up to 6 months for the brain and body to heal. He also said that he's cured every behavior disorder that he's encountered by eliminating a variety of foods. There's fructose intolerance, lactose, glucose and a few others.

If you really don't want to put your kid on Rit. try this first. Feed your son nothing but rice, potatoes, meat, veggies, margarine and herbs *in any combination that you like.* I make my kid a stew.) for a period of 6 weeks. See what happens. If there is some noticeable improvement, but not enough, relax and know that you found the problem. Remember, SIX MONTHS. Take him to a pediatric GI to find out exactly what he has a problem with. Eliminate these foods and get on with life.

Don't discard this advice hastily. more than 10% of the population has Celiac disease and doesn't even know it. (Some researchers got together with the Red Cross and tested 10,000 random blood samples for Celiac. 10% were positive for the antigens.) That's just one type of food intolerance. Don't forget there are several others and this doesn't even account for chemical reactions like red dye and processed sugars or allergies. I wouldn't doubt that as many as 50% of the US population was dealing with food issues. Yes, it affects behavior and brain development in children. No, he doesn't have to have diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain to have these problems. Most folks don't even know they have a problem with food, they just don't feel good some of the time.

[DTA]

>>>>What questions should I be asking? <<<<<

-Does my child have ADD?
-What is ADD anyway? Is it Mental disease or it is merely learning disability that requires different approach to learning method?
-WHO diagnosed my child with ADD? Teacher with no psychiatric training, family MD, developmental psychologist?

>>>>What do I need to find out?<<<<

Side effects and adverse effects of Ritalin (R)

FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR AND ASK HIM UPFRONT: ARE YOU GENERALLY IN FAVOR OF RITALIN TREATMENT? HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN ANY INCENTIVES BY ELI LILLY REP RECENTLY?

If you get both answers positive, RUN don't walk.

[tertiary01]

Take him off cow's milk products and concentrated sweets for at least 3 months. See if that helps.

[alisasny]

I would not trust a pediatrician on this matter and see a neurologist.

Here is my sons doc. www.dyslexiaonline.com

He was a lifesaver. And do not trust anyone recommended by the school district nor trust the school shrink by allowing her to bypass you and talk to your childrens doc.

[Fast1]

Did you need Ritalin??

[WV Mountain Mama]

I am a woman, former teacher and the mother of 2 sons (ages 3,1). I would never put my kids on ritalin, and most of the kids I had that were on it, didn't need it in my opinion.

First, change the diet he is on if you can. Go to more natural things, no soda, junk food, etc if he is eating those things. Second, get him a good hobby for after school. This helps with focus. Something that he loves that can also be used as incentive for good behavior or taken away for bad.

Is it because of behavior or grades? Behavior can be modified through having consistent actions and consequences ALL of the time. 80% of the time is not enough. You also have to balance that with knowing which battles to choose. Sit down with your wife and decide which are the imperative behaviors, and go from there. Write down consequences that you both agree on and you will both reinforce all of the time.

Lastly, is he being challenged enough? Many kids act out because they are bored. Look to bump him up in the curriculum, or talk to his teacher about extra projects that he could do for bonus in subjects he enjoys. This is also where the after school activity helps. I would strongly recommend karate because it works on discipline, body control, following directions, and a tough work out. Hope this helps. :)

[meandog]

...well it depends upon your point of trust. You have an opinion from a board certified doctor who deals with such diagonsis on a daily basis, and the opposing opinions from people on this website, many of whom believe GWB is the greatest president who ever lived...

Which opinion do you trust more?

[Gaffer]

Best Advice I've ever heard regarding the need for Ritalin.
Perform this test. Set your son/daughter down in front of the TV with a video game (whatever the new ones are) and tell him he/she can play on it as much as he/she wants.

If he is still there playing the same game in two hours, he doesn't need Ritalin.

Look, you don't need to have people to tell you what to do. What kind of incentives did you get from your parents to follow the "straight and narrow" when you were a boy.

People nowadays are always looking for someone else's opinions and discussing it over and over.

What usually turns out to be the best action is that your first inclination of what to do is the best.

Hope this helps..

[ChefKeith]

NO!

I have seen/dealt with Children that were a difficult task and they were give this crap and it just got WORSE and the doc said "it will pass", Well that is B.S.

Look at the info in a PDR and then compare it to the info the Rx gives You...

The Rx info is the least case senario

Give Your Child tasks to keep Him busy.

[meandog]

My daughter was on ritlin for ADD... At the time, she was failing middle school and had little prospects of academic success. Today, she is a college grad, confident and successful.
I share your concern about drugs, but I believe that you have to have SOME trust in the decisions that doctors make, don't you?

[YngConservative]

"What questions should I be asking?"

Nothing

"What do I need to find out?"

Nothing

"Any good resources?"

Truth, love. Those are the resources your boy needs. Don't look for a solution in the complex; look for it in the simple.

[HawkeyeLonewolf]

Ritalin

Controlled Substance: This drug is a schedule II controlled substance and is unavailable at drugstore.com.
Information on Ritalin

---

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Tablets
Chemical Name: METHYLPHENIDATE (meth-ill-FEN-i-date)

Common uses
This medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable attacks of drowsiness and sleep) and attention-deficit disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine should not be used to treat tiredness or depression.

Before using
WARNING: Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients such as those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Such patients may be more likely to increase their doses unnecessarily. Abuse of this medicine can lead to abnormal behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop this medicine because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the medicine is stopped. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). DO NOT take MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking guanadrel or guanethidine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have anxiety, tension, agitation, glaucoma, motor tics, or a history of Tourette's syndrome. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.


Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. CHILDREN: Take your dose exactly at the times indicated by your doctor. ADULTS: Take your dose 30 to 45 minutes before meals or as directed by your doctor. TO PREVENT THIS MEDICINE FROM AFFECTING SLEEP: try not to take a dose later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take 2 doses at once.


Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.


Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include decreased appetite (more severe in children), stomach upset, difficulty falling asleep, headache, nervousness, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a fever, joint pain, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, vision changes or blurred vision, seizures, involuntary muscle movements, or changes in mood or personality. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions


If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, severe or persistent headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness.


Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

[HawkeyeLonewolf]

Concerta (other types of Concerta)

Controlled Substance: This drug is a schedule II controlled substance and is unavailable at drugstore.com.
Information on Concerta

---

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Controlled Release Tabs
Chemical Name: METHYLPHENIDATE (meth-ill-FEN-i-date)

Common uses
This medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention-deficit disorders (ADHD). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). DO NOT take MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), medicines for seizures, depression (tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline), guanadrel or guanethidine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have anxiety; tension; agitation; glaucoma; motor tics; seizures; history of narrowing or blockage of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines (e.g., esophageal stricture, small bowel obstruction); or a history of Tourette's syndrome. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have history of high blood pressure, alcoholism, drug dependency, or mental conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.


Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take 2 doses at once.


Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. The growth rate of your child should be checked regularly while using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.


Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include decreased appetite (more severe in children), stomach upset, difficulty falling asleep, headache, nervousness, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Inactive parts of this drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a rash, itching, fever, joint pain, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, vision changes or blurred vision, seizures, involuntary muscle movements, or changes in mood or personality. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions


If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, agitation, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, severe or persistent headache, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and loss of consciousness.


Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. THIS MEDICINE should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

[Delbert]

Stratterra is the first non stimulant treatment for ADHD, my nephew went the rounds with this, doc tried Stratterra on him and he is doing quite well.