Ritalin and Prozac, as well as various combinations of similar stimulants and antidepressants, are being prescribed together for an increasing number of children. According to a new study, 30% of children taking Prozac or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are also taking Ritalin or related drugs, presumably for ADD/ADHD.
Additionally, 8% of children taking Ritalin or similar drugs were also taking an SSRI. Most SSRIs are prescribed for disorders such as depression, school phobias, bed wetting and eating disorders.
These findings are in addition to the overall trends showing a steep increase in the number of children taking either drug type from 1990 through 1998. As of 1998, 10% of children aged 6 to 14 years were on Ritalin or stimulants and 2% were on SSRIs. Among children aged 1 to 5 years 1% were on Ritalin or stimulants and 0.1% were on SSRIs.. Combined annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies and the American Academy of Pediatrics
It is a sad tragedy that these children are placed not only on Ritalin, but also on the antidepressants. Wellbutrin has been used for some time and now they are using the whole variety of SSRIs. When you only have a hammer, I guess everything looks like a nail.
These medicines do seem to provide some benefit, but in no way, shape, or form do they even being to treat the foundational cause of this problem, which is related to an excess of grains, sugars, underground vegetables, and any fluid other than water. This is particularly distressing as the diet changes I recommend works so well. There is not a week that goes by where I don't seem some child with ADHD or autism have a near miraculous improvement from the diet changes.
If you are not yet convinced of the dangers of Ritalin I would strongly recommend that you read Dr. Mary Ann Block's book No More Ritalin. Dr. Block is a personal friend and I believe the book is an excellent resource to convince wavering parents.
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