To medicate or not?

[Dilily]

My 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and SPD in October 2018. We have been trying high quantities of Omega 3 fish oils and magnesium for a few months. Her anxiety has definitely lessened, as have her rages and SPD sensitivities. However, she is still pretty hyperactive, easily distracted and unfocussed. I'm unsure about medication due to absence of research regarding long-term side-effects and I need help to decide what to do...as parents of young kids with ADHD, what would you advise? I just want what is best for my daughter. Thanks so much, in advance.

[WarriorWorrier]

What I know so far in this journey is that Adderall and Ritalin have been around a long time. Long enough to find no harmful effects. My doc said for the heck of it to give him a ekg because a heart study came out and I don’t think it was conclusive but it’s our babies so better to play it safe. What omega 3 do you give? Is it chewable? Thanks!! Have a good day!

[Dilily in reply to WarriorWorrier]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not anti-medication at all as I've been on various anxiety / depression medications for years...the Omega 3 fish oil is Barleans Omega Pals lemonade flavour. My daughter loves it - a huge relief as she hated the other ones I've tried. We are in New Zealand so I order in from the US

[Jackieedunn]

Medication was a very hard choice for us. However, it has proven to be very helpful in school. We too use fish oil.

[CourtDS]

We medicate my daughter. She’ll be 7 next month and has been on medicine for a little over a year now. I’d like to try supplements because I’d like to give her a medicine break on the weekends and holidays, etc. The medicine works for her in school, that’s a huge improvement. At home I notice she has more control with her impulsivity but over the last few months she’s gotten mean with her words, and usually for no reason, specifically towards her 5 year old brother who adores her. She was not like that before medication. The medicine does not impact her sleep but it does her eating. She’s very thin so pretty much all day I have to constantly be asking her if she wants food and then pestering to actually eat food. It’s exhausting. I do notice that whatever outbursts she has now are likely because of a drop in her blood sugar if it’s been a few hours since she’s eaten, so offering snacks frequently helps. What are the dose amounts for omega 3 and magnesium that you give her?

[Dilily in reply to CourtDS]

I give her Omega 3 lemonade flavour by Barleans - about 600mg / day with a high EPA to DHA ratio. Magnesium is between 110mg and 220mg per day. However, I've read in Dr James Greenblatt's protocol that you can give much higher doses.

[anirush]

My 34 Your old daughter was on ritalin from 3rd grade through high school. She now has a masters and a good job. Obviously didn't affect her brain

[Janice_H]

Hello, if the ADHD is affecting her school work, you may want to consider a medication trial. Remember, it is just a trial and you can take her off the medication if you find it is not helpful.

[Hidden]

As everyone else has said the medication these days is very pure. It is fast acting and it does not stay in the system. You will actually be able to see it work and see it wear off. There are many, many studies that show that there are no long term affects. I was definitely leery of medication as well, but all of my daughters doctors encouraged me and I did a TON of research. It was honestly a lifesaver for her. Her self-esteem has improved because she is better able to focus. As Janice said, you can always stop if it's not helpful to her.