Medication prescibed but freaked out! | ADHD Information

My 6 year old son was just diagnosed with ADHD. The family doctor gave him a 25mg Strattera prescription. At times I have myself reassured about giving him the medicine and other times, I read the side effects and panic! I am a mess.
I have heard that chiropractic visits can help (the chiropractor did say that my son has vertebrae near his neck that are in proper position, resulting in imperfect nerve communication in his neck, which is close to the brain). Also, I have heard that diet can play a big factor in reducing ADHD symptoms and supplements and vitamins can help (I ordered the Dr. Sears Omega 3 and fish orl supplement). Does anyone know of alternatives to the medication or can anyone offer medication reassurance? I am a nurse and I think that may actually make this decision worse because I tend to really analyze things! Thank you for your input! I really need help!

I am in the same boat as you. My son was perscribed Strattera about a month ago and I his perscription filled then waited 4 days until I got my nerve up.  My son's problems were only Focus issues at school and staying on task, but he's had A & B's throughout his school years but this year the teacher are trying to get them ready for middle school so when she asks for homework, it must be turned in immediatly and so far this year he's not turned it in on time about 30 times(which is a lot) and if was getting 10pts off for not putting his name on it. Now he 99% of the time puts his name on it. His perscription runs out sat and I am trying to decide if I should refill it. His teachers said he's staying on task more often and staying in his seat more, but in my mind, Is that really worth medicine?  I just dont know. I guess I am not much help to you , I just wanted to let you know that your not the only one and that your not alone.  My son has become more emotional at home(not school) and that really bothers me.  Its hard, very hard and stressful knowing what the right thing to do is.  It would be so easy(easier) if there was an xray or blood test that they could take to see if they "really, really" needed medication.  Again, sorry I am not more help!

If your child was diabetic would you deny him medication because of the side effects?  If your child had another serious health issue, would you deny him medication because of possible side effects?  It's possible that diet & other natural methods will work for your child, you won't know until you try them but some cases of ADHD are severe enough that medication is neccessary to function "normally".  There are going to be side effects for any medication, but if the benefits outweigh the "possible" side effects and help your child to be successful & have less troubles in school & with peers, I say it's worth it.  I can see being a nurse would open your eyes to more than the average person would see and that would make the decision tough.  My husband really struggled with the decision to medicate also, he didn't want to have a "zombie" for a child and didn't want to admit that something was wrong w/him.  After his first 3 mos in Pre-K (he's in 1st grade now) he came to the realization that none of this was about him, it was about our son & what could make him successful in life.  He also realized that it wasn't a "zombie" that we would have, we would have a child able to focus & be more "normal".  Our DS is a totally different child when he's fully medicated...he is a successful kid.  I'd say if you're not comfortable with medication & want to try more natural methods, definately explore the opportunities out there, maybe they will work for your child.  If they don't, remember that medication is there to HELP them succeed.  Good luck with your journey.Hi,

My son has autism and ADHD. He's 7 and was prescribed
MEDIKINET for his ADHD. We weren't keen on giving him
medication but felt we had to give it a try.

From waking until he has his medication he is a handful -
disruptive, angry and non-cooperative. After the meds he
transforms into a different person. He is a lot quieter
and listens to us more and will engage in conversation
that he has not instigated (which is very rare). His
personality totally changes, but tbh i am not sure which
personality is the true one! Somewhere unbetween would be
ideal, but as we know its not an ideal world!!? Once the
meds wear off he becomes disruptive once again

Without the meds his school day was a waste of time.

I hate the idea of having to give my son medication, but
i hope the pros outweigh any cons.

We have only tried one type of med, but i am told there
are lots out there and finding the right one can take
time.

Hope this helps. im in the same boat at the moment, my 8 year old son has just been diognosed with adhd and been given a prescription. ive had it sitting in the draw for a week too scared to use it. i won't that to be a last resort. im trying fish oils, vitamins, and natural  suppliments that are designed to calm the active child. plus ive changed his diet for school only putting in healthy foods and water. so far he hasnt been in trouble for 2 weeks which is really good for him as its usually every 2 days. not sure if these are why only time will tell. hope this helps. you can find other natural remidies on the net just type in "natural remidies for kids with adhd" and lists should come up!< id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" ="">I agree that it's good to explore all of the options out there. Most of us have don't that first.  It was the only way I could choose medicine with a clear consciounse. But honestly, most of the success stories that I hear involve medication.  Sometimes I hear of the natural remedies working but only for a short period of time.  We tried many different remedies with my son and NOTHING worked!   Medication is the only thing that ever made a difference with him.  All I have to do is see how much happier he is on the medication and all worries about the side effects go away.  They are a small price to pay for him having a happy "normal" childhood!