• The Alternative Perspective 
• The Medical Perspective
• The Solution?

ADD/ADHD Medicines and Safety 

The Medical Perspective

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.

The FDA has also issued a warning about a connection between antidepressants (including the non-stimulant Strattera) and an increased risk of suicide in adults aged 18-24, especially in the first one or two months of treatment.

While these risks may seem alarming, keep in mind that experts generally consider these medicines safe. Serious problems are rare. Still, you should discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.

Dexedrine Spansule

What are the possible side effects of Dexedrine Spansule (Dextroamphetamine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fast or pounding heartbeats

feeling light-headed, fainting

dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure); or

tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches)

Less serious side effects may include:

headache or dizziness

sleep problems (insomnia)

dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

diarrhea, constipation

loss of appetite, weight loss; or

loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The Alternative Perspective Your Solution

If you are currently taking prescription medication for your symptoms and are interested in building more health and perhaps getting off your medication by addressing the cause of your health concern, please call the office and let us discuss your options.  I will work with your medical doctor to restore your health and reduce or eliminate the need for medication.