Ritalin Alternatives: Things You Must Know
It scared me to death when a friend called Ritalin as the world's "legal amphetamine". Is it true that we are drugging our children just for us to have some peace of mind and a break from their bouts of high energy antics? Ritalin is the most recommended drug for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. However, for parents who do not want to take the chance of giving their child Ritalin, there are several Ritalin alternatives that are available for use. These Ritalin alternatives are still effective in the treatment of ADHD even if they are not the first choice in treating ADHD.
One of the most common ways to treat ADHD would be through some changes in one's lifestyle. This method is still highly effective against ADHD and behavioural modification therapy may be considered to be the most effective way of treating ADHD. This style of treating ADHD may be done on itself or in conjunction with administering medications. The child must be taught how to develop a routine wherein the child learns to become more self-disciplined and in a way, independent. These therapies allow your child to learn to cope with the symptoms of ADHD and to function effectively. These also teach the entire family how to cope up with the child's condition. Some of the ways that you can use this method of treating ADHD is through:
* Behavioral Modification Therapy
* Psychotherapy
* Support Groups
* Social Skills Training
Administration of stimulants such as Ritalin is the most known method of treating ADHD. However, there are other stimulants that can be used as Ritalin alternatives. These drugs work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the child's brain. These neurotransmitters are often decreased when you have ADHD which is why the treatment is aimed at increasing their levels to within normal levels to alleviate the signs and symptoms of ADHD. The problem with stimulants is that they are often abused and therefore are being controlled. Of course, if you follow the prescription as is, there is little chance of abuse and harmful side effects. Examples of stimulants that are being used are:
* Daytrana
* Methylin
* Concerta
* Metadate CD
* Aderall
* Desoxyn
* Dexedrine
* Focalin
There are also Ritalin alternatives that are non-stimulants which are available in the market. However, there are only two drugs available for treating ADHD. These drugs are often prescribed as a last ditch way of treating ADHD. Strattera was the first one to be approved for treating ADHD in children 6 years old and above. It is not a controlled substance unlike most ADHD drugs. Intuniv is also used for children 6 to 17 years old.
What are you afraid of? There are several ways of treating ADHD with the use of Ritalin alternatives that are just as effective and may even be safer.
One of the most common ways to treat ADHD would be through some changes in one's lifestyle. This method is still highly effective against ADHD and behavioural modification therapy may be considered to be the most effective way of treating ADHD. This style of treating ADHD may be done on itself or in conjunction with administering medications. The child must be taught how to develop a routine wherein the child learns to become more self-disciplined and in a way, independent. These therapies allow your child to learn to cope with the symptoms of ADHD and to function effectively. These also teach the entire family how to cope up with the child's condition. Some of the ways that you can use this method of treating ADHD is through:
* Behavioral Modification Therapy
* Psychotherapy
* Support Groups
* Social Skills Training
Administration of stimulants such as Ritalin is the most known method of treating ADHD. However, there are other stimulants that can be used as Ritalin alternatives. These drugs work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the child's brain. These neurotransmitters are often decreased when you have ADHD which is why the treatment is aimed at increasing their levels to within normal levels to alleviate the signs and symptoms of ADHD. The problem with stimulants is that they are often abused and therefore are being controlled. Of course, if you follow the prescription as is, there is little chance of abuse and harmful side effects. Examples of stimulants that are being used are:
* Daytrana
* Methylin
* Concerta
* Metadate CD
* Aderall
* Desoxyn
* Dexedrine
* Focalin
There are also Ritalin alternatives that are non-stimulants which are available in the market. However, there are only two drugs available for treating ADHD. These drugs are often prescribed as a last ditch way of treating ADHD. Strattera was the first one to be approved for treating ADHD in children 6 years old and above. It is not a controlled substance unlike most ADHD drugs. Intuniv is also used for children 6 to 17 years old.
What are you afraid of? There are several ways of treating ADHD with the use of Ritalin alternatives that are just as effective and may even be safer.
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