Alternative Medicine

As a mother of two ADHD kids who are now 20 and 16 I have had a lot of experiences with meds.

My oldest daughter developed tics while on Ritalin - but we discovered that the tics only happened when she was on the generic brand. Her doctor had to specify name brand only and believe it or not, the name brand worked great for her through highschool. She was able to tell the difference herself when she took the ritalin and when she didn't.

My second child has never had any luck with ritalin or any other drug prescribed. We tried several different homiopathic alternatives, but did not have any luck there either. She asked to come off the meds when she was about 11 and has been off all medication since. She is struggling in school, but she struggled on the meds as well.

Good Luck

My sister is a nutritionist and swears by Omega 3 vitamins specifically DHA. She says that you have to be on it for about 4-6 months before you notice a change. (About 1000 mg of DHA) She does this for my niece and she has been off medication for 6 years. I have put my daughter on them and we are just now noticing some changes. it has been about 3 months that she has been on the vitamin. good luck

Craneo Sacral Therapy helps to that type of problems. I have heard Bach Flower Remedies do too but have not tried yet. I take care of a child with ADHD and I align his chakra system once in a while and it helps too!
T., Guaynabo PR

Hi Arlyn, I don't know of any medicine, but maybe you should try to go to a different doctor. Although it is a little bit of a drive for you, mine, in Miami Beach, is a regular doctor but has a holistic/alternative medicine doctor in the same office. They prefer to cure the natural way first. If my kids "need" antiobotics, they'll give them in a heart beat, but they don't just prescribe them immediately like a lot of doctors do. (Just like Ritalin!) My sister's son had antiobotics so many times before he was 2. Mine have had them like once. It is always good to get a second opinion when you are not comfortable with what the doctor says.

They are very good and very nice. Here is their information. If it is too far from you, maybe they can recommend someone:

http://www.miamibeachpeds.com/component/option,com_frontp...

My specific Doctor is Valeria Salins, but they are ALL good. I know it is a drive for you, but having a good doctor is very important. I have lived in the beach for 15 years and still drive all the way to Kendall for all of my doctors because I know they are good and I trust them. Even if you just go a few times to get a second opinion and see what they say, I think it is worth it and important enough.

Good luck!

If your son has ADD/ADHD, a pill or remedy from a health food store is not going to help your son. Some real hunker down education about his condition and a major overhaul of his diet will cure him. But, it is hard work and takes a knowledgeable person and dedication to make the necessary changes permanent in order to help your son. Many people don't want to make those kinds of changes in their diet since it will affect the entire family and seek other "easier" solutions. But, if you are really interested, I can lead you to someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and I can give you some resources to start with. Let me know.
L.~

I would really advise you to do a lot of your own research. Check several Websites both on ADD/ADHD meds and Alternative medicines. Also look up some of the Dr's listed on the other posts. Find one that you can relate to, and allow them to advise you in this area.

I had a brother on Ritalin when he was a preteen, and it really changed him from a lively, upbeat kid to a very different listless, lethargic drone. He was taken off Ritalin after less than a year but was never quite the same. Now, in his situation he was misdiagnosed, which is the main reason he was taken off Ritalin fairly soon. That being said, their are now other meds available for children who truly need them, not all kids with ADD need meds, so that needs to be kept in mind. When my brother was put on Ritalin there wasn't much else available, and Dr's and teachers treated it like the behavior cure all, while stripping some kids of a real childhood. From what I understand there are meds for ADD that don't work the same as Ritalin and may cause less of the listless catatonic symptoms that occur in meds that work in the same way Ritalin does. So I would do lots of research on whatever is available, alternative or otherwise. Also you should probably way the pros and cons of keeping him off meds all together. As I said some kids do need to be on meds. while others are manageable without, so you need to find what is right for your child. It will take some time to find the right balance, but that is the case for almost anything like this.

I haven't really had to worry about this issue with my own kids because neither have ADD/ADHD. Although I do question my daughters attention, but it seems to be a problem of easy distraction (playing with anything and everything other than required work), rather than hyperactivity. I know there is an alternative form of ADD that does not present the hyperactivity problems and results more often in girls, but I don't think she is to that point. It may be something I'll have to do more research on later if I continue to see more problems, but I think it is just some minor issues that will hopefully work out as she gets older.

Anyway, I addressed the issue of ADD, Ritalin, autism, and the like before Haley was born when I was selecting a DR, because of my brother and because I have another brother with Autism. Though I went with a regular Pediatrician I wanted to make sure she wouldn't prescribe something like Ritalin without being extremely cautious. She put my mind at ease, expressing as much distress about these issues as I have, and explained that she tries to find other options before diagnosing or prescribing, because she does see the over use of these issues as a big problem, and she told me she has three children so she could relate to many of my concerns as a mom.

I hope that helps a bit. I know I didn't offer much in the way of specifics, but I find that I can learn a lot if I research everything available, and way the pros and cons of what is known about the issues. I have some info on this in my Documents and online, because I went into a teaching degree, and have been interested in this issue. It would take a while to sift through what I do have and take out what is relevant, so hopefully you can research this and get what you need.

Dear Arlyn,
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I can't suggest any alternative medicine, but my younger brother has ADHD and when he was younger, my mom hated having him on the medication also. It totally zoned him out. She used to give him coffee because the caffeine has an adverse affect on people with ADD. I know it's not a solution but I figured I'd throw that information your way.

I am confused with your request. Although i understand your son is on a medication, i am confused as to why he is on it if you are self professing that you are against it. Was he forced on it? Why didn't you get a second, third or fourth opinon before subjecting him to this medicine? As a mother myself, people need to understand more of the situation before we can help... Have you gone online to see any natural or alternatives to this medicine? Do you work and have health insurance? If you have health insurance, call them up or look at website and see that the (they should have) on natural types of medications/solutions. Have you tried accupunture/accupressure for him? Yoga, meditation, etc.? There are so many basic things you can do to start the process, but you have to be resourceful yourself before you can help him.

Check out Gary Null, he has information Ritalin and the effects that is has on children.

I had a son that was on Ritalin for years. I would take him off of it every summer, but he had no choice but to be on it during the school year. He absolutely could not function during the school environment without it. I tried various forms controling his ADHD with diet control, chiropractic, therapy, behavior modification, etc and for him nothing else worked. I believe, though that Ritalin is the most over-prescribed drug for children and I would ask you WHO prescribed it and WHAT were the circumstances? A pediatrician is NOT informed enough to know if a child needs Ritalin. My child was put in a (childrens psychiatric) hospital and underwent two weeks of intense testing and observation before he was diagnosed as ADHD and put on Ritalin. As far as you taking your child off of Ritalin: why don't talk to the person that put him on it and find out what your other options are? I definately think it's overprescribed by about 800%, and I also think that if you take your son off of it for even one or two days you can tell if he really needs it or not....as far as Health Food Stores...you might just go in and ask them, but true ADHD is a chemical imbalance in the brain, so you really need to find someone that knows what they are talking about. Good luck!

Arlyn,
I read about the Tourrete Syndrome and is one of the rare but possible side effects of Rytalin. There are more medications for ADD and AHAD, so your doctor (well, your child doctors) have others alternative for your child.
Don't wait too much.

I.

While I do not myself have a child with this problem, I happen to work in a school office and administer medications to students.
Some of our student are having excellent results with a dietary supplement called Etherium. I comes in three colors:
black, gold and red. One is for anger management, one for focus and one for stress/emotion. It seems to be working extremely well for parents who were in your situation.
Hope this helps.

My son was put on Ritalin when he was 6 years old and after 6 months of it, I took him off. He was like a zombie and lost weight and everything. I hated it. He was then put on Tenex (the generic form is called Guanfacine), which is a very mild medication which brings him to a perfectly normal level and controls any tics. He is now 15 years old and still takes the same medication and we have NEVER had ANY trouble with it. He never had any side effects or anything. It worked for him but every child is different...just a suggestion for you. Good luck!!

I have been told diet can be used. non processed food and foods with no dye I think but. You might want to check on that.

you are bombarded with responses, but here is another one! Dr. Karen Rowe is a doctor of acupuncture and alternative medicine in Ft. Lauderdale. She does bioset(you can google it)allergy testing and elimination. She would most likely not do acupuncture on your 7 year old, but she can help in so many other ways. She has been a blessing for my whole family-we have had food allergies, asthma, behavior issues as well. We also did cranio sacro work with my child who was displaying behavior issues and severe tantrums. I avoided Ritalin at all costs-but was ready to give in to it; I am glad I did not because he 9 now and absolutely fine. On the flip side I do know one child who began Ritalin(and the parents are very holistic) and it really seemed to save her; you just have to really investigate and try many things to see what is right for your child and your family. I know it is a long road and it can be very frustrating; Karen is at 1140 SE Third Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale 33316. Her number is ###-###-####. I know you will find something that works!

I don't know if this would qualify, but some of my health minded friends suggest cutting out refined foods, additives and making sure the child gets plenty of time for active play. I can see the difference in my children's behavior within a day if they have had too much junk food somewhere. Even some typical teachers and doctors (psycologists too) think Ritalin is overprescribed. Dr James Dobson does, and he describes the problem in 'Bringing up Boys'. Others have said that your typical school is geared for girls, most elementary age children have women teachers. Some of these ladies have never had a son, so they don't realize what they need(more physical activity). I tried acidophilus, it can help with issues caused by sugar. Hope this helps.

Hi Arlyn, congratulations in trying to get your child off meds that are being harmful to him, and going for something less toxic. However, I must caution you that if your child has been on these meds for a whole year, then perhaps just pulling him off without taking detoxing into consideration is not a very good idea. For at least the very beginning, you should have the guidance of a wholisticly minded doctor, who not only can give your son something else besides Ritalin, but can adress the underlying issues which caused the ADHD in the first place.
Many alternative doctors do not even like using the term ADHD, as they feel, and rightly so, that this has become a catch-all name in which to lump numerous conditions, all which must be addressed individually. Just trying an herb off the health food store shelf is as much of a blind shot as prescribing a single, side effect laden drug. You really need some guidance to begin with, and tyically, there are going to be many lifestyle changes such as diet.
In the long run though, it will be worth it, believe me!
Here are some alt. doc names and a search web page. I do not know any of these people, but calling around and asking questions is definitely a step in the right direction.

http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/directory/list.asp
http://www.wellness.com/professional.asp

I am a teacher and a mom. I don't have direct experience with my own child, but I have seen many students whom have ADD and ADHD. I want you to know that there are a lot of alternatives. There are other medicines as well as holistic and behavioral alternatives. Talk to your doctor that you trust. If your doctor doesn't see eye to eye with you, then start to shop for a new doctor. Talk to other people who have been through it. Maybe the school psychologist can help also.

Good luck. Just keep loving your little boy and the rest will fall into place.

Medical advice would tell you to take him off the ritalin slow... advice from the dr that gave it in the first place. that means 3/4s of the dose for about 4 days then down to 1/2 for up to 4 days and then 1/4... if you do not, his symptoms could come back in a faster rage and hender any new alternatives. lowering the dosage is always agood idea... Contact a nutritionist, watch sugar intake... most moms take their child off ritalin for the summer months..... this way the stress is less for school and their teachers. really..... do your homework...get yourself educated about this..why he was given it in the first place.
your pediatrition should be monitoring at least once a month.
best wishes.....

Hi,
I raised 3 sons. They are all grown up now but I too in the 70's had my oldest son on the same stuff. I took him off it. Long story short, I took him to a special place in New York City. We traveled from Pa to NY once a week and they took all sugar away from him. He was eating small steak and vegetables in the morning. He had peanuts and some raisins to snack on. Took him off dairy products and cold cuts except turkey and chicken and good roast beef.
Try the sugar first. It worked for my son.
M.

How was your son diagnosed for ritalin? What is the reason he is on it? If he has been diagnosed properly for add or adhd that is one thing. The proper diagnosis should be done with a neuropsychologist. There are other options besides ritalin. I have had experience with that and its not easy. The people at healthfully yours in downtown stuart have some knowledge about homeopathic treatment. There are many options for this. Many schools are not always helpful in the full diagnosis and treatment of children with learning differences. Continue as a strong advocate for your son, He needs your love and support.

Hello Arlyn

Not sure where you live but I first suggest several things for you. YES! GET HIM OFF THE MEDICATIONS NOW! Next look into www.VIC.org and get in touch with April Renee. Second, in Davie, Fl there is a new location called Kaizen Recovery Center operated by Wanda Glemaud who had a son with Autism....HAD is the key word here! And tune into or go to the web site of www.cnn.com/autism and on Wednesday they are doing a DAY-LONG Special on this. I know your son does not have Autism, but there are different levels of this and different symptoms like ADHD, Lack of Focus, Acting Out, etc...Please pay close attention to this and when did you start having problems with your son's behavior? Was it after Vaccinations maybe?

CLEAN UP HIS AND YOUR DIET IMMEDIATELY! Eliminate ALL PROCESSED FOODS AND SUGAR AND CHEMICALS AND PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OILS, HIGH FRUTOSE CORN SYRUP, ETC... YES THEY ARE IN EVERYTHING AND THIS IS THE REASON OUR CHILDREN AND US ARE SICK IN AMERICA AND WE CAN NOT CURE ANYTHING! It is what we are putting into our bodies and the fact that we have STOPPED EATING REAL FOOD that has been grown by mother earth and left on the trees, in the ground and on the bush until it is ready to pick and eat! That's REAL NUTRITION!

Also DETOX his system and make sure he drinks lots of water. Find a good holistic pediatrician to start seeing. If in S. Floirda try Dr. Linda Colon in the Weston/Davie are. You shouls also look into Juice Plus+ a whole food, vine-ripen based nutrition that gives your body nutrition from the cellular levels from ALL your vitamins, minerals and trace minerals, amino acids, and friendly bacteria! Kids between 6 and 15yrs can get theirs for FREE for 3YEARS with the purchase of one adult. I am my child have been on this now for almost 4+yrs and will take this for the rest of our lives!
www.juiceplus.com/+dm72556 My number is posted and I would be more that happy to talk with you about this or any other referral you need. I am a former chapter leader of the Holistic Moms Network of Broward County which is another support organization you should join. Look for a chapter in your area and/or join their on-line blog to get all kinds of help and support on a National level! www.holisticmoms.org

As a former teacher who had kids with ADD and ADHD I agree that alternative meds are the best.
Many of my friends with kids took them off Ritalin too. I have seen much success from putting kids on a healthy diet, remove perservative food, canned and processed foods. A good Vitamin ( i recommend the Kids Hybrid Fruit Punch drink can be found on my website www.J..myarbonne.com)
The Omega's are also a good source. Remember that it will take a few months to cleanout his system beofre you see improvement but you will. Your a good mom for seeing that not all meds are good for your kid.
Good luck and message me if you have any questions.
J.

Find a Homeopath or Bodytalker! Nothing over the counter is right for everyone....even if it is a health food store! Homeopathy has been extremely effective in helping kids w/ various disorders. Pediatrician Dr Bruce Eisenberg on Miami Beach has a homeopath in his office that is supposedly good. Miranda castro is an excellent person to talk to as well (google her). Good luck!
N. Zigel LCSW

Yes I have alternative at a health food that I can help you with your little boy. 100% natural and 100% inconditional guarantee. The company has 52 years in the market. You can buy by online through my PWS.

Call me ###-###-#### ###-###-####

D.
Miami, Florida

Hi Arlyn,

I understand your frustration...and am disgusted how complacent schools have become along with the medical community in accepting and recommending that Ritalin be prescribed for so many children. The statistics are staggering today and will only change as parents become more informed and share their results using natural alternatives with other parents. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the parents, primarily MOMS, to spread the word and stand up against irresponsible flagrant use of Ritalin, Adderall and other dangerous toxic chemicals.

I strongly recommend that you visit www.pinnalewellness.com
and purchase WINOMEGA 3 COMPLEX and FOOD FOR THOUGHT. You will notice almost immediate results, but more importantly, so will your son and his teachers. I can put you in contact with parents who have witnessed dramatic changes and are forever grateful to have gotten their kids off dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.

Please know that the products I am recommending are unparalelled in the natural alternative market, and are the only supplements which are listed in the Physicians Desk Reference and featured in the most reliable web based medical reference: PDRhealth.com. I personally am a nurse of 25 yrs, a mom of 2 sons, one of whom was borderline ADD and also have consulted people in the use of these products for over 10 yrs.

I am happy to guide you with the recommended amount and can also arrange a 20% discount for you.

Warmest regards,
L. Jacobs, BSN, RN
Health and Wellness Consultant
800-594-1023
____@____.com

Please look into fish oil or Coromega. It has been proven that many children who are high energy or high anxiety do very well when receiving their daily intake of omega 3's. I truly feel for you as I'm sure you have quite a journey ahead of you. There are alternatives, please look on the internet or into an alternative doctor to help you. Good luck for the future and your son.

Hi i am B. S. I had a child that took ritalin junior High thru High school he got off it when he entered the Navy But in high school he was changed to Concerta both meds worked because of the dosage 20mg he took once a day he didn't take this medication on week-end , holidays and summer when school was out . I always kept my son check up with the Dr.. I hope this help!! I don't know any alternative meds.........

B. s.

all I know is that
http://www.feingold.org/
has been around for some time...it has a good 'name'
(Dr. Feingold started the diet in the 1960s)

even if you don't want to 'do' this particular diet, I WOULD look at diet...fish oils are the 'latest' as well as cutting out chemicals, dyes, etc...

good luck!
ps: if the tics don't go away, then I would go to a pediatric neurologist. heck, I'd go to one anyway!

Hi there!
I have a alternative, holistic center, www.mizaan.org and we work with alot of children with various disorders with a modality called DNA Theta Healing where we have had amazing results with energetic reprogramming. Medication usually only supresses the real issues and does not usually get to the core of the problem!!!

I've heard this advice from several sources: Eliminate all dairy from the child's diet. I know of a great wellness expert who owns a health food store in south Florida. Call Al at ###-###-####. Talk with Al directly. I wish you success!!!

Hi Arlyn :-)

I teach a one day class to the public to empower you to heal and balance yourself, your family, friends and animals. A class will be coming up soon. In the meantime, if you wish, you may visit my website www.amyfreundbodytalk.com and give me a call and we can discuss some energy balancing you can do for your son right now.

Thanks,
hugs,
A.

I am a mother of a ten year old son with ADHD. For six months along with dietary, schedule, sleeping and regular exercise changes we have tried this natural dietary supplement called Synaptol. It is all natural with zero negative side affects. It's working miracles in my family.

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