Monday, March 30, 2009

Non-Stimulating ADHD Medications - What's on Offer ?

Did you know that the ADHD psychostimulant drug Cylert was withdrawn from the market in 2005 after reports that it had been linked to liver disease and even liver failure? Are you aware that up to 16% of children on the ADHD psychostimulant drugs are under pressure from their peers to either get them the drugs or sell them ? There is also a risk that an ADHD child when taking these psychostimulant medications may mix them with another drug or alcohol and the side effects here are much more serious and dangerous. Time to consider the non-stimulating ADHD medications.

So, what are the non-stimulating ADHD meds and are the risks less, greater or is it just the same old story ? One of the most popular ones at the moment is called Strattera (made with atomexatine) and it seems to help with some ADHD symptoms. The child will pay a high price though in that the side effects can be quite serious and the moment the child has a suicidal thought, the doctor should be told ! Add to that, loss of appetite and the fact that nobody knows about the long term effects on growth, moodiness and other problems. I thought childhood was supposed to be carefree and happy ? Any sensible parent will look for alternatives and an ADHD homeopathic cure is one the safest and will beat any of the non-stimulant ADHD medications hands down on side effects (there are none) and effectiveness.

Believe it or not, anti-depressants for ADHD treatment in children are not banned in the USA, whereas in the UK, they are ! Even doctors now are very wary about putting children on anti-depressants and say that psychotherapy or ADHD behaviour therapy should be tried first. Well known anti-depressants still used in the USA extensively are Welbutrin and Bupropion. The side effects are insomnia, headaches, stomach pains and a general state of agitation. One of these anti-depressant drugs called Desipramine has been linked to sudden death in a few adolescents.

The heart risks associated with other non-stimulating ADHD medications are linked to the blood pressure drugs such as Clonidine and Tenex. Even if a child misses his medication here, or stops taking the drug, there is a distinct risk of very irregular heartbeat and also liver, kidney and blood circulation problems. Apart from that, drowsiness is a big problem associated with these drugs.

The non-stimulating ADHD medications on offer then are quite numerous and fall into the main three types I have outlined above. The risks and the side effects , in my opinion, outweigh the advantages and many parents will have to decide what to give their children. The worry and the cost of monitoring these drugs on their children is considerable and any wise parent would do well to investigate an ADHD homeopathic remedy which has no side effects and no risk of drug abuse.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children's Health. He has written extensively on ADHD.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Medications For ADHD - Exploring Current Treatment Options

When evaluating meds for ADHD more than likely one name comes to mind, that would be the prescription medication Ritalin. Ritalin is currently one of the most widely recognized and widely prescribed prescription meds for ADHD with over 2,000,000 prescriptions written annually. But since the introduction of Ritalin there have been a long list of additional meds for ADHD to enter the arena. These would fall into three categories: long acting stimulants, short/intermediate acting stimulants, and non-stimulants.

Meds for ADHD of the long lasting stimulant variety (8 to 12 hours) include such names as Vyvanse, Adderal XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin XR, Metadate CD, and Ritalin LA. These next generation ADHD meds have the advantage of convenience; only having to be taken once a day. Another advantage is Adderall XR and Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto food if your child cannot swallow them.

Meds for ADHD of the short and intermediate acting variety include many of the old familiar names including Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Dextrostat, and Methylin ER, and the list goes on. The statistics show that the short and intermediate varieties have been losing market share due to the once a day dosage guideline. But even with the convenience factor strongly in favor of the longer lasting Ritalin and Adderall have been stubbornly hanging on due to inexpensive generic options, which are much more affordable than their non-generic cousins.

And lastly we have the non-stimulant meds for ADHD. This form of treatment is not as popular as the two other types of meds for ADHD. Strattera is currently the most prescribed of this classification type and is reserved mainly for children, who struggle with anxiety, have shown unfavorable results to ADHD treatments (of the stimulant variety), or failed to benefit from any other treatments.

You may or may not realize that there is a fourth choice that seems to be growing in popularity; homeopathy. Part of the reason for this is the potential worrisome side effects associated with prescription meds for ADHD. These side effects would include: decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, and even allergic reactions. But perhaps the most troubling involves a recently released study which links prescription meds for ADHD to a longer term problem, depression in adulthood.

So there it is just some simple facts. The harmful short-term and long-term side effects of prescription meds for ADHD should be reason enough to seek out information about alternative treatment options for your child. Arm yourself with information, consisting of both prescription meds for ADHD and alternative treatment options like homeopathy. These facts will ultimately give you the information needed to make the best choice in treating your child's ADHD, both for safety and overall results.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural health visit Purchase Remedies.com

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Onychomycosis - Fungal Nail Infection - Possible Causes and Treatments

The fungus that is responsible for fungal infection of the nail can be picked up almost anywhere, but walking barefoot in public places (saunas, swimming pools, etc) is most often responsible. Seasoned citizens, people facing the challenges of diabetes and those with circulatory problems in the feet are at the greatest risk of contacting a fungal nail infection.

Mild infections may produce few or no symptoms; in more severe infections, the nails turn white to yellow-brown in color, thicken, and detach from the nail bed. Usually, debris from the infected nail collects under its free edge. A doctor may confirm the diagnosis by examining a sample of the nail debris under a microscope and culturing it to determine which fungus is causing the infection.

Fungal infections are resilient and difficult to cure, so treatment is dependent on the severity of the infection as well as the symptoms. If you have fallen victim to a fungal nail infection your doctor will likely suggest trimming your nails very short, to minimize discomfort. For mild to moderate infections of the nails, ciclopirox, and antifungal drug that is placed in a nail lacquer, may be effective. The person applies the lacquer directly to the nail; the drug penetrates the nail plate to reach the infected nail bed below. Because ciclopirox has minimal side effects, it may be preferred to antifungal drugs that are given by mouth.

Other antifungal drugs, such as griseofulvin or terbinafine, are taken by mouth and may improve nail fungal infections occasionally, these drugs, if effective, will completely cure it. Terbinafine acts more quickly than griseofulvin, is more effective, and causes fewer side effects. Alternative antifungal drugs include triaconazole and fluconazole.

Millions of people annually face the challenges and the embarrassment associated with fungal nail infections. Many of these people are opting for a natural alternative treatment for nail infections.The most effective natural nail fungus treatments contain a combination of natural oils. These products have been shown to be safe and effective, while producing results in a matter of weeks.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural health visit Purchase Remedies.com