Kids chugging Zoloft for ADHD? Are you ribbing me?
In my previous psychotherapy practice, we used to give Zoloft for adults with fairly grave emotional difficulties. But now we're giving this dangerous stuff to young children & teens.
When you're thru with reading this article, you'll understand why Zoloft may not be the superior option for helping with ADHD.
Ok, I'll admit, though it is not a normally approved treatment for ADHD, Zoloft has been known to assist in the reduction of symptoms of ADHD in some people. Zoloft for ADHD is often prescribed in addition to stimulants including Ritalin and Adderall.
The reason why Zoloft and stimulants are employed in combination is because many people who suffer from ADHD also have problems with other disturbances such as depression, OCD, anxiousness and others. Zoloft may also be helpful in treating the hyper-focused case of ADHD versus the inattentive type.
The central problem with using Zoloft for ADHD therapy is its grievous side effects when consumed alone and in interaction with other drugs.
Potential side effects of Zoloft include anxiety, panic, irritability, aggression, difficulties sleeping, impulse problems, and mania.
In addition to psychological side effects, Zoloft can also lead to tangible symptoms such as muscle shakes, flu-like symptoms, problems with speech, severe skin rash, jaundice, heart palpitations, and blurry vision.
Consuming Zoloft for ADHD therapy poses the most dangers when taken in adjunct with other drugs. For example, using Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOs) even two weeks before using Zoloft can be life-threatening.
Grave side effects can also occur if a patient changes from Zoloft to another serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug.
One of the more problematic aspects of children and adolescents Zoloft and ADHD treatments is the aggression, homicidal potential and suicidal thoughts that may result. This has resulted in many lawsuits against Pfizer, the company that makes Zoloft.
There have been many stories in the news programs about adults and children who have committed or attempted to commit homicide after using SSRI drugs like Zoloft.
In fact, the two teens who shot down their fellow students and then themselves during the Columbine massacre were using SSRI drugs.
Finally, like most very strong prescription medication, research studies which help determine future hazard are all short-term. There are no studies on the effects of Zoloft on ADHD when used for a 10 years or more. Understandably, such studies are too impractical and expensive.
And, yet, knowing what we now understand about how the seeds of many adult disorders are planted in childhood, do you gainsay that consuming very strong ADHD prescription drugs can very possibly lead to grievous disturbances in adulthood? I do not.
So don't go throwing the stimulants & Zoloft out of the window. Using herbal alternatives for ADHD requires planning and qualified medical professional help.
But do look into alternate, safer treatments to very powerful prescription medications.
Salvator Giustra is a Health Researcher who has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what natural ADHD alternatives are available.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!