Treating ADD without Medication

[scrapgal123]

DD is 17 yrs old and was diagnosed with ADD when she was in 5th grade. She has been on Vyvanse for the past 2 years, taking breaks during the summer and weekends. This time when she started the medication, it began to cause her chest pains and palpitations. She needs to see a cardiologist before taking it again.

I am trying to find information on homeopathic solutions instead of medication. She is not hyper, just has a very difficult time focusing and has major anxiety during exams.

 

[Kat77]

I have heard fish oil is promoted as an alternate treatment but never tried it.
I just wanted to mention that it is a good idea for any child taking ADHD meds or any meds that can effect the heart (such as clonidine) to have an EKG yearly. We have not had an issue with insurance covering it so far (knock wood!).

 

[MomofSixinSC]

I know many people who have been helped using The Feingold Program: http://www.feingold.org/

 

[Hasil72]

Your poor DD! Our DS is on meds but I have to say we do notice a big difference in both his mood and ability to focus with Omega-3 supplements. Can't say it helps with the anxiety though. Sorry. I know Vyvanse is a stimulant, hence the heart issues, but what about Strattera if you have to go back to meds? It's a non-stimulant and they say it helps control some of the anxiety. DS was on it for a few years and it was wonderful.

Good luck!

 

[scrapgal123]

We tried Stratera initially but we didn't see much of a difference. I did a little research last night and bought some vitamins at Whole Foods. My friend recommended a liquid vitamin-Brain Spark-I think? Anyone heard of this one?

 

[bookwormde]

Outside of the physiological areas, since it likely an executive function issue is to discover how she processes and have the school teach EF skills that are useful and accommodate for this differential in the interim.

bookwormde

 

[Hasil72]

We tried Stratera initially but we didn't see much of a difference. I did a little research last night and bought some vitamins at Whole Foods. My friend recommended a liquid vitamin-Brain Spark-I think? Anyone heard of this one?

Sorry, haven't heard of that one. DS prefers liquid gel capsules. No nasty taste. I hope it works for you as well as it's worked for us. Even I take it now!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I am going to second the suggestion on Feingold or Failsafe.

Dietary changes can help with attention and hyperactivity greatly.