Are Side Effects of ADHD Drugs Worse Than ADHD Symptoms?

Most ADHD drugs often leave a patient with side effects. In
some circumstances, the side effects have been said to be
just as bad, if not worse than the symptoms of ADHD
themselves. So could this possibly be true?

Understanding ADHD Symptoms and ADHD Drug Side Effects

In order to know whether ADHD drug side effects are worse
than ADHD symptoms, you need to first understand how each
one differs. The symptoms of ADHD may include:
- A lack of attention to detail.
- Hyperactivity.
- Becoming fed up easily and possibly aggressive.
- Not listening attentively.
- Interrupting frequently during a conversation.

ADHD symptoms can cause a child to appear rude, aggressive
and hyperactive, but it all really depends upon the
severity of the condition as each child will react
differently. Some children will only experience slight
attention difficulties, whilst others can be overly
aggressive and disruptive.

Now, the side effects of some ADHD drugs can be:
- Insomnia
- Tummy upsets
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Mood changes

Obviously the side effect that stands out is mood changes
as ADHD symptoms mainly include the mood of a child. Some
medications can cause the child to become more aggressive
and worse behaved than they were before they took the
medication. This is to do with the medication wearing off
and the effects which it has had on the body can cause a
worse reaction once the drug has worn off.

Are Side Effects of ADHD Drugs a Problem?

The advantages of ADHD drugs usually far outweigh the
disadvantages; however it is possible for a child taking
ADHD drugs to experience serious side effects. With all
ADHD medication, it is likely that at least one side effect
will be felt, but usually it is a mild one which does not
last for long. Whilst the side effects can be mild and
there are ways to minimize them, there are times when the
side effects can be so bad that they are unbearable for
both the child and parent. Medications which cause further
problems to the child's mood and behaviours often cause
parents to feel like they are at a loss as to what to do
next.

It isn't only changes in the mood that can be worrying.
Insomnia can cause the child to be more irritable and
problems with concentration can become worse. Headaches can
also be unpleasant, as can tummy upsets too.

Whilst drugs are helpful for managing ADHD symptoms to a
certain extent, they can potentially cause worse side
effects than the symptoms of ADHD. In these cases,
alternative ADHD treatments such as herbal remedies,
behavioural therapy and special educational interventions
should be sought. It is essential to consult with the
doctor before stopping any ADHD medications and trying
alternative treatments.

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Although drug medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are
commonly prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms, they are not
without side effects. Check out the all natural and drug
free treatments for ADHD at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-side