What Alternative ADD Meds Are Recommended?

Question by Ethan R: What alternative ADD meds are recommended?
I’m 15 and Ive Been taking FocalinXR daily for about three months as an alternative to Ritalin, but it’s simply too weak. Even after raising the dose to 20mg it just doesn’t cut it. I don’t want to go back to Ritalin and my parents and I have been given the option to try the following – Adderall – Desoxyn -Dexedrine and I’m curious as to anyone’s thoughts or personal experiences.

Best answer:

Answer by Jerry
I don’t recommend any of the powerful, and addictive central nervous system stimulants. An increased incidence of abuse of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and other amphetamines has been reported among users of Ritalin, and other amphetamine related medications, which may well predispose them to later abuse street drugs, with all the undesirable consequences involved. The only medication for it not in the stimulant family that I know of is Strattera, which is structurally related to the antidepressants, and carries risks, and side effects of its own; see www.drugs.com. If insufficient, Vyvanse has less potential for abuse. People in most Western countries often get several times more Omega 6, than Omega 3, when a far healthier ratio is 1:1 and that deficiency is thought to be a major factor in ADD/ADHD. Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. Eat more in accordance with your “nutritional type”:- ( 20 question quiz http://www.naturalhealthcoach.com/tools ) or at http://www.mercola.com/ and also enter “krill oil”, & “ADHD” in their searchbar. Eliminate, or minimise sugar use, replacing with xylitol, or stevia (health food stores).

Avoid artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, & MSG. Minimise highly processed grains, & alcohol use. Books: “The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet! A Comprehensive Look at Contributing Factors and Natural Treatments for Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity” by Rachel Bell, and “Ritalin Is Not The Answer: A Drug-Free, Practical Program for Children Diagnosed with ADD or ADHD” by David B. Stein, & ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy by Lawrence Weathers, & ADD/ADHD Drug Free: Natural Alternatives and Practical Exercises to Help Your Child Focus by Frank Jacobelli and Lynn A. Watson, & Dr. Bob’s Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days by Robert DeMaria, & The ADD and ADHD Cure: The Natural Way to Treat Hyperactivity and Refocus Your Child by Jay Gordon and Jennifer Chang. Also: “HOW TO BEAT HYPERACTIVITY WITHOUT DRUGS Reversing ADD and ADHD in 20 days” Michael Sichel & Greta Sichel. 2001. Bookbound Publishing. ISBN 1 74011 010 2 You could try your bookstore, or Amazon.com (also enter in their searchbar: “ADD + ADHD; natural treatments”). If you can’t get it those ways, you can also try Bookbound.com.au Hypnotism is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which communication with your subconscious mind is facilitated. 85% of people are suggestible, to some degree, so you could either seek professional hypnotherapy, or more alternatives along such lines are at: http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_9.html on the webpage about the subject; this only contains a few short extracts.

Answer by Randy
Jerry doesn”t know his ass from a hole in the ground. If you avoided everything he suggested, you’d have to avoid almost everything. I’d check out this information provided by Consumer Reports.

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/adhd.htm

It provides some great information on ADHD medications and give some great insight into the various medications.

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