should i give my son ritalin

only you can make that decision. It is a decision to be made between you and your doctor. If you are uncertain, get a second opinion from another doctor. all medication has side affects anything that we take. It does not mean everyone will get it and you can watch to see if your son gets it or not. also you have to look at what produces the greater good, the medication to help your son, or not taking the medication.

Well from reading what you wrote about him I doubt he needs ritalin. He doesn't sound like he's ADD or ADHD. I would though suggest you get him assessed by someone other then just the school counselor. If you can get him into a psychiatrist who specializes in kids. It does sound like he has some problems that need to be addressed but I don't think its ADD or ADHD.

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I do have a suggestion! I do not recommend Ritalin. I recommend something all natural over Ritalin. My suggestion is to visit http://www.monavie4life.com and read up on this product. It is a very good tasting, ALL natural, fruit blend juice. And there have been many many testimonies from people who have said that it has helped supress the effects of ADD, ADHD, lack of attention, etc. Many have given this juice to their children and have been AMAZED at what it did for them within 1-2 weeks of being on the product. I totally believe that if you can feel better with something that is ALL natural, then that is the route to go. MonaVie is made from 19 fruits which all carry high antioxidant levels. Visit the site I gave you. Check it out. For the price you are going to pay on your sons prescription medication you will pay that or less for something ALL Natural. What makes more sense? I currently take MonaVie myself and love it. After looking at the site, contact me if you want more information. I honestly believe you will be amazed with this product.

My son has ADHD, and autism. He has been diagnozed and are on medication. But his medication is Concerta and I consider that being a god medication. If you asked my son, he would not be able to function without it in school. However, before giving him any med of any sort. He has to be validated, and diagnosed. The doctor should send him for a consilidation with professons in this matter, not just say he should be on med. Med do ot help him if he do not get med for the right purpose. And can hurt him more than help. A real proper investigation of him is important before giving any medication of any sort. So, If he has not ben investigated yet, I suggest you make that happen and then consider if he is in need for any med at all. If he really have a neuvroupsykic problem, then med might do the trick for him. Other wise it will not. I hope it will work out for both you and your son. I think his anger can be a side effect of not feeling OK. Godluck

Hello, There are lots of disccussions about medicin for children with ADHD. I decided for my son to get medication. And all I can say is that for my son it has helpt a lot. If you ask a child who have the experienc of medication for children with ADHD he probebly wold say - do not hesitate. My son get medication once a day. It last for 12 hours during a day. The effect is so good that hi seems normal. But of course every person is individual, you may not know. But for us it has made this a lot better both for me and for my son.

Well, my nephew was on ritalin once and he was almost a zombie. My sister had him tooken off and they tried something called Concerta which was way better for him them the ritalin and has less side effects. I would get online and research it first. Has he been tested for low magnesium? They said the side effects of low magnesium is kids acting out. So I would gather all the information I could. You have just described my little 5 year old sister also. My mom hasn't tooken her to a specialist to get anything to help her yet. because we have spoiled her rotten also. I would see if a diet change would be in order and it also states that anything with red food dye in it will cause hyperness in kids, so try to stay away from that. That includes alot of the already made drinks and coolaids. If your son has to be on something maybe Concerta would be a better choice then ritalin. I have several nieces and nephews on it of different ages and it has helped them out alot and focus better in school. Another medicine is Concerta, a once-daily extended release form of methylphenidate, which was approved in April 2000. Studies have demonstrated that long-acting methylphenidate preparations such as Concerta are just as effective, if not more effective, than IR (instant release) formulas.[1][2][3][4] Time-release medications are also harder to misuse.

While I think it's a good idea to get other's opinions on here, it's best that you talk to your family doctor about it. They will be able to give you lots of information on it. Also make sure to do your research online and lots of it. Go to the Ritalin site and check out their info. Also look for forums(parenting, mental health) and try to get some feedback from other parents that have had their child on Ritalin. There will always be two sides of the story, some will like it and some will not. Why? Because it's a medicine and every body is different. Some people will respond in a certain way to the medication while others may have a different response to it. That doesn't just go for Ritalin, it goes for any medication. So just do your research, way your options(medication, therapy, etc), and good luck!

I would get a second opinion. If both doctors agree then put him on medication. I would also ask the doctor if there are other medications beside ritalin and tell him your concerns about ritalin. If he still pushes it then do like I said before and get a second opinion.

They gave your son an EEG right? Usually that is how they can tell, along with other test. They just don't give a child Ritalin anymore these days. They can actually tell in brain activities with a head scan now a days if a child might have ADHD or even Bipolar. I would look more into it if I was you. Make sure they do all the correct testing. I know where I live, they do lots of testing, they like to be 100% sure before they give a child medication.

i dont think you should give him such medication,or try haveing second opinion about his health as i read this, i can see that your child is normal,now why give medication?

you should teach him how to discipline while he is still a child.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD and we did put him on medication. But, we also had him see a psychologist for testing and had and EEG done to confirm that it was truly ADHD. He was on Ritalin for quite a few years and I did see a big difference in his attitude, his school work, his ability to handle friendships, and his ability to handle his hostility. But, he had quite a few problems that indicated ADHD before we had all the testing done. Even his teachers at school had problems with him staying still, staying seated, understanding directions, listening, and participating in class. I would also do some research on my own and maybe make an appointment to speak to a specialist dealing with ADHD before I tried the medication. We even tried some relaxation techniques and massage therapy before we tried medication. He is 12 now, and they have changed his medication, but this one has kept him from eating all day. I took him off of it and I think with age he is better able to help himself, and he has been medication free for 6 months and still kept his grades up. So, I will continue to keep him off the medication until I have to put him back on it, if the need arises. I am told that sometimes they outgrow ADHD. tdbrower1969

i am no physician lady but i definitely am against the advice of medication.first things first your child is 8.only 8.you need to try and control his anger first.have you ever heard the saying "spare the rod and spoil the child".if you are against punishment be it.but i would advise you to raise your volume little bit.give him a sound hearing and warn him against showing of his anger.advice him things like counting until 15 with slow breath before taking any action.keep on reminding this idea whenhe gets angry.as far as reading is concerned you have to make him develop his intrest in reading.you cannot force the habbit of reading into a child.try tellin him some really good stories.it wuold change into reading.you can find many such techniques

Before anything else I'd do some research on the Internet and take some notes, Arm yourself with as much info as you can find on the subject of ritalin and anything else when you enter your son's symptoms. Try also finding a support group perhaps in Yahoo Groups where you can discuss things. Have a chat with your GP or district nurse. Maybe obtain a second opinion or go back and chat to the special;ist. All the best.