Does anyone have suggestions for alternatives to ADHD medication?

Alison - posted on 03/15/2013

have you tried disconnected kids by dr robert melillo? my son went through the proram (brain balance) and is a COMPLETLEY different kid. best of all NO meds!!!!

Shannon - posted on 09/10/2012

Yes, email me - shannonwellness@gmail.com - can give you some information.

Deborah - posted on 08/03/2012

Although the post I am responding to is from 2009, it is so outrageously ignorant I could not contain myself. ADHD is not due to children not having enough unstructured playtime or due to not being a good parent.It is a biologically based brain disorder that creates uncontrollable hyperactivity, fidgeting, impulses, behavior problems, auditory issues, focusing problems, social issues etc....
Parents struggle every day to find ways to make their child's life easier. We have ignorant people staring or giving ridiculous advise as if open play time would make everything ok. These children struggle in every day situations and create uncontrolled chaos. The child struggles and the parents struggle to find answers, cures and methods to help their ADHD child. I struggle every day with my children to help reduce the affects of their ADHD, with change of diet, special services, auditory devices at school, aides, psychotherapy and now perhaps medication. Please please don't tell me to that by taking them to the park they will be magically cured of their ADHD. Your ignorance enrages me and I only hope you raise your children with a more knowledgeable perspective instead of silly notions.

Lynsey - posted on 05/08/2012

Excellent article on alternatives to meds.......http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.a...

Delene - posted on 05/04/2012

Don't give up! Keep trying something new, and give up the things that don't work because not every system is the same since there is a genetic componentas well. Just Glutithione and oxidative stress as a cause for ADHD is not entirely accurate although these are major contributors to many of our health problems including ADHD. There are many factors and Neuro science has come a long way, and it is known that part of the cascade of brain chemical events that determines the ability to "attend" has to do with the dopamine levels in the brain. That is why stimulant meds help because they bring the dopamine levels into balance. There are foods and supplements that are helpful as well, Theanine, 5HTP, GABA, DHEA, phosphotidal choline and serene, along with magnesiusm, essential minerals, and high quality B vitimins help to naturally stimulate the needed neurotransmitters for frontal lobe executive function and to regulate sleep patterns..

Parent education on the neural science, on parental relationships, systemic supports, and learning specific collaborative and skills to handle problems like melt downs and social skills deficits are a major key to a multi-modal approach. Long term studies show that multi modal developmentally applied approaches result in the highest life satisfaction and quality relationships for everyone.

As a family therapist with ADHD and having 2 of 5 children with ADHD as well, I feel that it is important to stress this point,,,As important as what our children ingest physically from meds to meals...children also need their parents to learn how to understand what their kids need along the way, and how to overcome their own beliefs and patterns that interfere with calm and connected parenting. I wish you many resources , friends who understand, joy in parenting, and moments that keep your families connected at the heart level.

Delene Cole, CFLE, LMFT

Brandi - posted on 05/02/2012

Hi everyone. My 9 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in February. We did a lot of research and decided to try the natural route first. As others have said, we try to stay away from processed food as much as possible. I've switched out our pasta and her cereal to a gluten free brand. We also started her on a daily mutivitamin and an Omega3 chewable supplement made by GNC: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?pro...
(I am NOT a rep for GNC!)
We just had her parent-teacher conference. In just 6 weeks time, her teacher reported that she is sitting through most of her day and almost never getting up at inappropriate times anymore. She's finishing her homework in her after school program (and not bringing it all home like she was for awhile). She's been taken out of her extra help/Special Ed math program and moved back in with the class. She's also moved UP a reading level. My husband and I sat there with our jaws on the table. We had forms in our hands for the teacher to complete because we were going to start giving her Concerta as a trial (ADHD stimulant med) before the end of the year. I could have cried I was so happy.
This may not be THE answer for every person with ADHD, but it's certainly worth a try, IMHO.

Pam - posted on 11/23/2009

A friend's son got off his meds at 18+ and then grew like a weed (height & bulk), so years of meds and being small is not necessarily a forever thing. Also check with CHADD (www.chadd.org). They are an incredible resource. Also check into ADHD coaches and adjust your son's IEP at school as needed. I've used supplements, homeopathics, karate, t'ai chi and lots of exercise; they all help ADHD somewhat but not 100%. I find strict diets are hard to keep up, but they can make a big difference.

Beth - posted on 11/23/2009

http://www.feingold.org/
Try looking into this. Both of our kids were diagnosed with ADHD and we looked into this it is an all natural diet for kids with ADHD and autism. It works great!!! I truly hope it will work with you. We have noticed a huge behavior change in both of our children.

Frené - posted on 11/23/2009

Hi Janice - I've posted a reply, but can't see it - so if you receive it 2x, apologies!



Many thanks, it's not that I'm completely against meds, it's just that the 1 SPECIFIC medication her dr suggested, I have concerns about as I've heard too many negatives and side-effects of that particular 1 - so I agree, if meds work, why not try it - I'm just trying to find more suitable meds and alternatives, as I know it will bring relief to all involved.

I'm also investigating reading material on how to handle and understand a child with ADHD (she's a single mom sharing accommodation with other relatives, so hopefully they'll all benefit in the end).

Glad you're enjoying your precious one, as they are special - take care!

Janice - posted on 11/22/2009

I think you are trying to be supportive of your employee, but having said that, perhaps if her child was on medication it would help the child? It is NOT taking the easy way out or doing anything bad. Heck, I'd stand on my head for 24 hours if I thought it would make my son's ADHD go away. Try all the homeopathics, avoid dairy, gluten, try supplements, but maybe in the long run, the child and you both might enjoy success with medication too. I am not totally pro medication, but just am realistic that it has helped our son calm down a considerable amount so we can enjoy what a terrific kid he is and not have to be battling behavior issues. Good luck.

Frené - posted on 11/22/2009

many thanks 2 all of you - my employee came crying 2 my on Friday, stating that her 14yr old has been diagnosed with ADHD, wont be able to go onto the next grade and doesnt know what to do as the dr wants to put him in meds - I googled the specific one and gave her the reasons why NOT to put him on it...and promised to investigate more.
All your replies have helped me - I will forward it on to her.
Best wishes to you all!!!

Robin - posted on 11/21/2009

This discussion was wonderful. My son too has ADHD, ODD and IED and it has been a struggle. He takes "concerta" which definitely helps his ADHD. I too don't give it to him on the weekends, unless we have an event to attend, then I will give it to him. Try karate too, its been proven to help children with ADHD.

Marchel - posted on 11/21/2009

My son has ADHD. He can self-regulate at home but struggles at school. After much search we did find that the medication Focalin worked best and had the least side effects for him. Like your son, he is small for his age. On top of it he is incredibly picky eater so major diet changes have proven to be far more disruptive in our family. The AMEN clinics has some great information on the brain and what is happening. There are definately things that help like "green time" and working with your son's teacher. Honestly though, you will know best as he is your boy. Work with him and I am sure you will find your way.

Janine - posted on 11/21/2009

my younger brother had adhd for several years and i remember my mum just cut out all artificial colours from his diet and put him on primrose oil it seemed to work a treat his whole behaviour calmed down, he slept better at nights and the house was peacefull again x

Therese - posted on 11/21/2009

Hi Melissa
If I had a child with ADHD I would give him Omega 3, colostrum, vitamins and ntrionjuice Aloe Vera. I would also give him food that is as natural as possible and don´t include fabricatet stuff.
If you are interested to get these things please contact me on therese-ostberg@hotmail.com
I hope that you will let me help your son to feel better.
Best regards
Therese

Cheryl - posted on 11/21/2009

Have you tried food sensitivities? My son did better if he stayed away from milk and dairy products in the AM.

Janice - posted on 11/21/2009

Also, reading one of the posts above, we all agonize over finding the right approach for our unique child. Medication worked for us and our son is more able to reach his potential, and the teachers are commenting on how smart and bright he is! Music to our ears, when before, each phone call from the school was preceeded by a feeling of uh-oh. I am sure you know what I mean, like what now? Now we are working on making each day at school filled with success rather than focusing on behavior issues.

Janice - posted on 11/21/2009

We too struggled while having our son off ADD meds. He was frankly, a mess. We went back to meds, and looked into why he was small for his age. It could be that he was a late bloomer, or that he is deficient in growth hormone. Ask your Primary care doctor to do a bone age x-ray of his hand and some growth hormone blood levels. If those are abnormal, he may need growth hormones, which are thankfully available to us now! Just something to think about and to talk to your primary care physcian about.

Rebekah - posted on 11/21/2009

Try getting the book
Please Don't Label My Child by Scott M. Shannon,MD
"Break the Doctor-Diagnosis-Drug Cycle and Discover Safe, Effective Choices for Your Child's Emotional Health"
My mom gave it to me but my daughter's only 2 so I haven't read it yet. Good luck! The less drugs the better...

Tara - posted on 11/21/2009

I actually read WebMD and I have altered my son's diet to the extreme and tried taking him off his meds with natural remedies and it was a nightmare! My son is a sweet adorable boy, but he has to be on his meds in order for him to focus and to control his hyperness. I look forward to him being healed of this and still look for other measures from taking prescription drugs. I am reading all the replies below so I can continue my search as well. I will mention the snoring idea to his doctor, thanks for posting!

Jennifer - posted on 11/20/2009

check out the web site Additive Alert - you can put in the number codes or names of additives and the web site will tell if they're good, ok or not. Doctor wanted to put my son on ADHD medication but I gave this a try first - works perfectly! and I know have a nice (usually well mannered! LOL) little boy in the house and when someone does give him food with one of those hyper causing additives in it it's amazing to see how quickly it sends him off the rails - good luck!

Maggie - posted on 11/20/2009

I sell nutritional supplements for a company called Advocare and we sell whats called spark it is a pouch of powder that you mix in 8oz of water and drink it. It is called a energy/mental focus drink and is safe for kids 12 and older. I know what you are thinking I dont want to give my child an energy drink but I am tell you this to help you I have met several people in this business and heard several stories about people in you situation who were done with all the meds but the teachers could not handle the child with out them so they tried spark with them and it totally worked wonders for them and its just a vitamin drink with some caffene please contact me if interested in trying I will give you a couple of free samples to try and see what you think. It comes in 5 different flavors. Let me know Maggie (425) 737-4136 Any time of day Mon-sun 9am -10pm if no answer leave a message and I will call you back. I am a mom of three and two are a little on the hyper side and I do a half a package with them and it really helps. And they are 8 and 7.

APRIL - posted on 11/20/2009

my 9 year old son had been diagnosed with adhd 3 years ago.we have tried many different meds.finally i took him off them last year realizing what they were doing to him.we seen some pretty scary stuff,he even said he was going to take his own life.but 6 months ago i had no choiceut to try again.he now takes aderall(1)in the morning,half of clonidine after school and half before bed(to help him sleep)so far so good

Diane - posted on 11/20/2009

Are the teachers aware of his ADHD? My son, who is now 20, has ADHD. He too was taken off his meds around the same time (8th grade). The teachers made accommodations for him such as standing at his desk rather than sitting. Allowing a bit of extra time for tests, etc. The school needs to be willing to work with you and your son. Perhaps his psychologist can speak with the social worker at school and give ideas to them. Also, diet does play a role with ADHD (maybe your pediatrician can help guide on that subject), as does structure, structure, structure (but I'm sure you know that one). Good Luck!!

Desiree - posted on 11/20/2009

Everyone has great suggestions. You have to find the one that works for your child. Real is better! Stick to that and it will help. No added color, perservatives, artificial sweetners or hydrogenated oils of any kind. All these things are so hard on a childs body. Not to mention ours as adults, and yet some how we expect child tohandle it. None of this will work completely if your child truely had ADHD, but they will help. My neice was on meds for 2 years, she is now 10 and the smaller then my 7 year old. It makes me want to cry. They have taken her off all meds! Finally! Omegas ALL of them not just 3 help with brain function. "Real" healthty food, nothing from a box or frozen. These are things that have helped my neice. Sensory things like squishy balls, and slinky's help keep hands moving and minds focused. After school "jump" , jump everywhere, it relieses natural cemicals in our brain that make us happy. Happy is always more focused. My neice is doing so awesome now, not quite what other children do, but she is NOT other children she is just herself.

Sheri - posted on 11/20/2009

Pycnogenol in an Isotonic form has been shown in studies to be effective. I can send you articles or you can review it on my web site, but I think you have to ask me for it!

Sheri
sspaleny@gmail.com

Nikki - posted on 11/20/2009

You could try the Feingold diet: http://www.feingold.org/pg-overview.html
My mom used it for my brother when he was little, and she said it worked well.

Bernetta - posted on 11/20/2009

Please dont give up try using liquid milti vitamins with the meds and go online and try to find out what works for your son ther is alot of information out there just do some research my son is 10 and i have use liquid milti vitamins for the last 6mths to a year and he has came off of the 3 out of 4 meds that he was on and it is working let your son get in to some type of sports that will help with releasing some of that energy he has

Amy - posted on 11/20/2009

my son is 14 and has been on adhd medication for like 8 years, we recently tried slowly taking him off, with doctor supervision, and within the first 2 and a half weeks we all knew he had to go back on it. sometimes it is soooo hard to accept that your child needs and has to take the medication, it has been that way for me, until his doctor told us horrifying stories of when parents take them off of it and the children do lose focus and something bad happens. he was telling us of the funerals he had went to due to just the lack of concentration of these poor children. however, i went to the health food store and they do have several different supplements, of course all natural, we tried the pellets, you use 6 to dissolve in your mouth two different times a day, now my son did not like using them, because to him it is still "meds" and he said it took so long for them to dissolve. The only real suggestion i have is to turn it all over to God. Pray daily for God to let you know what to do and to accept what it is you need to do for your child and just trust in God for your answer. whatever you find that is best for your child, do it. this one little guy was off his meds for the summer without doctor consult and just the simple little things of not paying attention walked right out in front of a car and was killed, 13 years old. my son will tell me now that he knows he needs it and takes it daily. i would contact a health store manager and see about changing your childs diet on what they eat and maybe trying some of the natural stuff. sorry wish i could be of more help. God bless.

CARRON - posted on 11/20/2009

My oldest daughter was diagnosed with ADHD age 7, she couldn't take meds as she had issues with her weight, but we found cutting out additives and a really strict discipline regime seemed to work for her. She is now 20 and in her 3rd year of Uni and coping fine on her own.

Barbara - posted on 11/20/2009

My son also have ADHD and he is 10. I took him of the medication and gave him omega 3 and 6, Bio-strath and you can also give him Ginko Biloba and i must say it works for him. His grades have not dropped since i took him of his medication. Maybe this will work for him. Remember that colours would help him to remember his work. Keep to natural foods , no fizzy drinks and keep him in a routine.

Kimberly - posted on 11/20/2009

I HAVE A QUESTION CONCERING ADD AND ADHD. I HAVE A 6YROLD SON THAT HAD SOME PROBLEMS IN KINDERGARD. HE HAD A HARD TIME STAYING FOCUS, COULD'NT STAY STIILL IN HIS SEAT, AND HE COULD'NT PASS ANY OF HIS TEST THAT WAS GIVEN AND WOULD'NT PLAY WITH OTHER KIDS. HE'S TEACHER SUGGESTED THAT ME AND HIS FATHER GET HIM TEST 4 ADD AND ADHD. AND ALSO THINK ABOUT REPEATING HIM BK IN KINDERGARD.THE TEST SUPPOSELY CAME BK THAT HE HAD ADHD. I CHANGE SCHOOL'S BT HE'S STILL IN KINDERGARD DOING GREAT AN HONOR ROLL STUDENT, HE'S PAYING ATTENTION, SITTING STILL AND EVERYTHING. CHECK THIS OUT HE'S NEVA BEEN ON ANY MEDS AT ALL. HIS OTHER TEACHER SAID THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM. HE'S TEACHER HE HAS NOW SAID THAT HIS OTHER TEACHER DID'NT WO'NT TO TKE TIME WITH HIM AND HE MUST OF NOT LIKE THE TEACHER OR THE SCHOOL. SO HELP ME OUT HERE. THER'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CHILD AT ALL. HE'S DOING WONDERFUL AND EVEN LOVES SCHOOL BUT THE DOCTOR THINKS DIFFERENT. BUT I THINK DIFFERENT AND HE'S FATHER FEEL THE SAME AS I DO, SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO? HE'S ALSO BEEN TESTED TWICE BY THE SAME STUIPD DOCTOR AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALSO THINK HE HAS ADHD. THIS IS DRIVING ME AND MY FAMILY CRAZY. PLSE HELP!!!!!!!!

Gracie - posted on 11/19/2009

My 9 yr old son had the same issues. He only takes his meds during school days.If we forget his patch, he disrupts the class by excessive talking and can't concentrate on his class work. He is also very selective about what he eats, so we give him an Ensure or Pediasure once a day for added calories. He also takes an omega 3 twice a day. We have cut out most preservatives/additives in our foods, especially high fructose corn syrup as well as switching to organic dairy. He also has 3 month follow up visits with his child psychiatrist to weight in, measure his height and check his blood pressure. every 6 months is a blood panel to ensure the meds are not causing any kidney damage/issues.
I think for some children, low doses of meds work well as long as he is being monitored by a specialist, along with his pediatrician or family dr.

Keisha Renee - posted on 11/19/2009

I think a good alternative would be to find a behavorial therapist and a cognative therapist. They are out there and do lots of good things with children, its a matter of retraining the brain. the younger you begin the easier it will be for the child. I do know this works for adults with ADD. although the results take a longer peroid of time.

Also you can have your child evaluated free of charge thru your school district, ( a fedrally mandated program" IDEA" written for children with disabilities, ) they have tons of recourses availiable to all parents and can steer you in the right direction.

Carey - posted on 11/19/2009

stratarra (I think that is how it is spelled) is what my nephew is on. he was on another med concerta (again not sure on the spelling)but once it was removed he started to grow normally again. good luck

Jacqueline - posted on 11/19/2009

I give my son Omega 3 and I noticed some improvements in his behavior. I have also minimized food colouring and preservatives in his daily diet which initially was fr his other allergies but I thought it did help with his hyperactivity symptoms as well.

Rachel - posted on 11/19/2009

What is your son's blood type? Give him a blood type appropriate diet for starters. eliminate all sugars, white flours, carbonated drinks, food colorings, food additives, artificial sweeteners, and any food allergies. There are several nutritional supplements that can make a huge difference as well such as Gaba Plus with flax seed oil, focus attention, calcium/magnesium, and minerals to name a few.

Tina - posted on 11/19/2009

There are new medications out there I don't know what he was on, but I've have a 13 year old who had a problem with his medications. He got extremly thin. He is currently on 2 different kinds. Strettrea and Vyvanse. But also truth be told I would love to take him off all his medications but I don't want to follow the diet that was metioned before, I just don't know if I would personally have time for it. I would suggest asking about a different medication just until the end of the school year. Then try different alternietves. Tough choice Good luck.

Jennifer - posted on 11/19/2009

Hi. My friend's son has ADHD and she gives him Herbalife's Omega-3 supplement, daily nutritional shakes and a product called NRG (Nature's Raw Guarana) She's had great success and I met many other mom's who have done the same and their children are able to slow down and Focus. Since the products are all natural there's no need to worry about dye's, etc. My friend Michelle uses the products and she is Gluten intolerant and it has helped with her condition. And my friend Kathy has been free of her colitis symptoms for nine years after being on the Herbalife products.
I hope you find a new option that works for you.

Karla - posted on 11/19/2009

Gluten free, maybe in dairy free diet. Keep him away from food dyes, nitrates, msg & high fructose corn syrup which are all in process foods and meats and means you need to prepare most foods from scratch, but health food and even Walmart now carries a lot of gluten free foods. A low sugar diet really helps and you can use stevia, xyletol, agave nector or splenda for a sweetner. Native remedies.com has a product called focus which is really good and has no side effects. A good multi-vitamin and probiotics also help. When I took my son of his meds and went natural, he had a huge growth spurt and was much happier.

Deanna - posted on 11/19/2009

This is true for my boy also... He iz at a 5th grade level and he is in the 3rd grade... he is very smart but with out the meds he can't focus for 2 secs to do anything in school or at home...

Rochelle - posted on 11/19/2009

Well my son has ADHD and he was so behind in school. We tried several different meds and when he was done with 3rd grade the teaches told me he was mentally only at a 2nd grade level.... now he is on Adderol and is in 4th grade he is all the way where he needs to be for passing the 4th grade. So my opnion is to put him back on the meds. I did lots of research and some kids can stop taking meds, and others have to wait till later in life and others and a few take for ever. I would not want my child to go back to the problems and bad reports that I was getting while I was waiting to get him on meds. He use to hate school and now he is so excited to go everyday and is doing great.

Deanna - posted on 11/19/2009

my son also has ADHD he is on meds adderral xr it deffinitely works a lot but the dyes deffinitely help with behaviour problems... and being able to focus... Our doctor said to take dairy outta his diet... but that didn't work for us...just remember every child is different.. I am using a natural rememdy right now called Oceans Kids... My youngest is 5 and in Kindergarden and it works great on him... you can get them online or at a health store... google them and it will tell u where to get them... good luck

Bethany - posted on 11/18/2009

try natual meletonin (i can't spell) it calms ADHD and helps relaxation. but i would only reccomend it at night

Cassie - posted on 11/18/2009

I also read an article that stated children that don't get enough sleep tend to show signs of ADHD. Have you tried giving him a stress ball? You can make your own using a balloon and flour, or you can buy them. It might give him a way to vent that pent up energy. Good luck and I hope that he can continue with out the meds.

Michelle - posted on 11/18/2009

Quoting Melissa:

Does anyone have suggestions for alternatives to ADHD medication?

My 12 year old is extremely small for his age and his Dr. suggested taking him of his ADHD medication. He was all for it and I was too b/c he is a happier kid without it. However, he is struggling at school with being able to focus. He has had many disruptive behavior marks in the short amount of time he has been off of it. His grades have dropped too. He said he would go back on it, but I don't want to just give up. I am open to suggestions...

I think that while many parents might seek the quick fix of a mood stabalizer for their childs ADHD, these medications are not found to be as effective in children as they are when taken by adults with ADHD. 

I found an article appropriately titled "Occupational therapy improves ADHD" @ http://www.therapytimes.com/content=4801... . 

It's worth a look.  This may even be covered by your school district or the Department of Health in your area.

Good luck

Tara - posted on 11/18/2009

Try going to a homeopathic doctor. They can do amazing things. Like a lot of the other mothers comenting on your question my son is also medicated and can not cope without but that is one of the things that we also did. One thing that does work great for my son and really was the only thing that even helped a little before he was medicated was putting him on a diabetic diet... he is not diabetic but it really helped him! One more thing... may sound crazy.... breathing techniques and yoga!

Good Luck,
Tara

Kara - posted on 11/18/2009

My 9-yr-old son is on meds, but other parents I know have had luck with the Feingold diet &, as mentioned in another post, the Gluten-free diet. Just don't know if I'm disciplined enough to try diets like this though. I may give it a shot next summer though.

Also, seems like different ADHD meds affect kids differently, so may want to try a different med. Focalin has worked for us - hasn't affected my son's growth, appetite or sleep patterns. A previous med affected his mood making him depressed & withdrawn & lacking in appetite, which is why we switched meds. Good luck!

Cheyenne - posted on 11/18/2009

Most of the time, ADHD is actually a kid who isn't getting enough unstructured play time. When he gets home from school get him to do his homework, then when he is done, tell him to just go and play. not tv, no video games, just go out and play ride a bike, run around the block, skateboard, what ever he's into. If you really want to up the anty, take him to the park and play ball, or Frisbee. Anything to burn off that excess energy. Hope this helps.

Kim - posted on 11/18/2009

I've read in a few different places that a change in his diet could help him. I found this link on WebMD that can describe it better:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd...