To Medicate or NOT to Medicate?

DISCLAIMER: This Site is a resource one only!! Since I am indeed NOT a medical expert I went and did some research for this site in order to give more informed opinions... more factual information can be found through my links page!

Well, this seems to be at the very center of the whole debate. I can only give my opinions here on this whole issue.

 

DON"T KNOCK THE MEDS.

 

Now, before you all go ballistic allow me to explain.

 

I agree meds should be a last resort, as they are only a SHORT term solution...but please consider that while cognitive therapy and diet restrictions might work for some...they don't work for all! There are some cases where the meds are necessary before any other kind of treatment begins. I know, I have one!

 

In cases where others are in PHYSICAL danger ... meds can be the only way to calm things down enough to deal with the symptoms properly. I have taken alot of personal FLACK from people for having my youngest child medicated and have on many occasions blown my top at people who blindly tell me "you're an idiot" or "you're teaching your child to be a drug addict." (You don't want to know what my response was, believe me...) These people have absolutely NO idea what life was like before Ritalin for me.

 

I was hit, pushed, assaulted with toys and other impromptu weapons, scratched, bit, yelled at for hours on end (her record is 36 hours straight screaming). I was at my wit's end with this kid.

 

SO please, Before you go questioning the judgement of us parents who thank the makers for Ritalin and other meds...maybe you should consider WHY the individuals were medicated first. Heck, you could even ASK first!!

 

Better yet, sit down with your Health Care Professional and ask them to explain it to you thoroughly before making your own decision. I know I sure did...

 

Truth of the matter is that the meds do have side effects that can be very serious. It can cause a loss of appetite, insomnia, and nervous ticks just to name a few. Meds are NOT a "quick and easy" solution for "lazy" parents. It is one of the hardest choices I ever made.}