any success with ATTEND meds? | ADHD Information

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Hi,

I am new to this forum. My 14 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADD. It is also possible that she has a depression issue. We have been given a prescription for Adderall XR 10 mg. I am so nervous about filling this prescription. The fact that it can be habit forming, the loss of apetite issue (my daughter is 5 feet 6 in. and less than 100 pounds) and the sleeping issue. I found the website that sells natural alternative medicine called ATTEND for add/adhd. Has anyone had success with this medicine? I need any advice. Thanks[QUOTE=ummagumma]Pot is natural. Cocaine is natural. Hell, arsenic is natural. Naturalness has nothing to do with safety or effectiveness.


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You make an interesting point.

I know from the perspective of someone living most of my life undiagnosed and frustrated and wondering WHAT was wrong with me....give me my meds.  I think there are many components to treatment...but I did not hesistate to take my medication.

It is my understanding that ADHD is a neurological disorder.  If your daughter was diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed insulin would you hesitate?

There are potential risks and side effects of all medications....but I would also consider the risk of not giving her the medication.
I am an adult...recently diagnosed and new to adderall.  I can tell you that the appetite suppressant part of this medication went away after a couple of weeks. 

For me..even though I am not at an optimal dose...the adderall has been amazing.  It is like putting on a new pair of glasses.  I cannot even begin to describe how much I have improved...

I would suggest discussing your concerns with your daughter's doctor. 
Pot is natural. Cocaine is natural. Hell, arsenic is natural. Naturalness has nothing to do with safety or effectiveness.

I'm on Ritalin, which has a similar appetite suppressant effect. And I *gained* 15 pounds since I started taking it. I went from being quite underweight, to the lower end of average. I felt so much better about treating my ADD, doing better at work, being able to get things done, etc., that I started feeling better about myself overall. And that led me to pay more attention to my diet and overall health.

It's always scary as a parent to start our children on medication, but you have to realize that "natural" does not = safe. Those medications (and I say medication because they can change body chemicals just as "medications" do) are not FDA approved, not regulated, and have no solid research to show they work. I'm not saying don't try it, don't research it, , that some people haven't had success, or even that it's a bad option, but don't assume that because something says it's "natural" that it is any safer, or better. There are many "natural" products that have just as many side effects. If you are going to try other alternatives it should be done with just as much research, careful consideration, and also under an experts care, just as everything else.

There are risks of side effects from stimulant medications, just as there are with ANY medication... from aspirin, to birth control, to cough medications, to antibiotics. All these things that we don't think twice about taking. Things that even say on their commercials that they can cause stroke, and heart-attack, like birth control, that we rarely even fear because they are so familiar.

Of course with our children, it's naturally scary, but it is good to put it into perspective too. Stimulant medications are the most tested medications that are on the market. They have been used, and tested for over 70 years. There is no other medication available by prescription, or over the counter, that has been tested and used more then stimulants. Aspirin is the only thing that comes close.

As far as habit forming, actually studies have shown that people with AD/HD that are not treated, are twice as likely to abuse drugs. While those that are treated only have a risk very slight risk above the general population of abusing their medication or illegal drugs. Habits are formed by over use and abuse. Careful monitoring of your child's use will prevent this.

It's a very personal decision, and you have to do what you are comfortable with. There is an alternative forum here, if you would like more information on other options. You have to do what you feel is right, just make sure that no matter what you choose it is an educated decision, not a fear based one.

Good luck!

Thank you to everyone for replying. I feel the more information you have the better decision you can make. Other peoples experiences gives me hope and confidence.

Thanks.

hi Alexamom,

You may want to check out this web site and do a search for ATTEND.  The ladies at this site know alot about alternatives and conventional meds

http://millermom.proboards107.com/

[QUOTE=alexamom]Hi,

I am new to this forum. My 14 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADD. It is also possible that she has a depression issue. We have been given a prescription for Adderall XR 10 mg. I am so nervous about filling this prescription. The fact that it can be habit forming, the loss of apetite issue (my daughter is 5 feet 6 in. and less than 100 pounds) and the sleeping issue. I found the website that sells natural alternative medicine called ATTEND for add/adhd. Has anyone had success with this medicine? I need any advice. Thanks[/QUOTE]

my daughter is 5'5" and 94lbs, this is what i am scared of too!