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ADD meds
Hello All,
A girl was diagnosed with ADD and surface dyslexia. DR recommended meds. I don’t know the names of the meds but they are stimulants. Any side effects? She is 14 years old . -
2 Replies
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Hey ,
The diagnosis ADD recently changed and means something different.
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) makes no difference between ADHD and ADD anymore. This means that the diagnosis ADD these days could very well mean the old ADHD as well.From the perspective of functional medicine, it doesn’t really matter, but from the perspective of what type of medications are used, it does.
The drugs that are prescribed for what once was called ADHD are stimulants. Non-stimulants weren’t used as much for ADHD, but they are more commonly prescribed for what once was called ADD.
Side effects of medications can differ per medicine, but here are the most common ones:
• Eating issues. The stimulants can suppress appetite which can look like someone doesn’t eat as much.
• Sleep problems. Some medications are short-acting. This means patients use typically 2-3 times per day their medications. The closer the medication is used to the evening, the more influence the medications have on their sleep.
• Tics: sometimes these medications can cause repetitive movements or sounds. Changing medications can help.
• Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
• Mood changes: when the dosage is too high people can get irritable, anxious or they might feel sedation.I don’t know the kid who you are asking for, but some lifestyle factors might look like ADD. For example, a bad night of sleep can make kids easier distracted. Kids, to a certain degree, be full of energy and might have less focus. Having hearing problems might also contribute to a lack of focus. Even sitting in the back of the classroom in school or having a hard time reading things might result in a lack of focus. Some things to consider as well!
Sometimes nutrient deficiencies can be the root cause of ADD as well. Zinc is needed for focus for example. Vitamin B6 is needed to create dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Iron and magnesium deficiencies can also contribute.
Other causes that can contribute are:
• Artificial colors, chemical preservatives or fluor
• Subclinical hypothyroidism
• Food sensitivities.There is more to say about this, if the person you are asking this for wants to learn more, let us know!
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thank you Daniel. I will check if more information is required.
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