The FDA has approved Daytrana, the first skin patch to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Daytrana is designed to be worn for nine hours at a time, and contains methylphenidate, the same stimulant found in Ritalin.
The patch, unlike pills, can be removed if it causes side effects.
Panels of outside experts have recommended that the patch bear strong warnings regarding possible side effects, including a possible "black-box" label, the strongest warning possible. For now, the label will include the standard warning for methylphenidate drugs.
You may not realize that Ritalin is more potent than cocaine; it actually has the same pharmacological profile as cocaine.
Do you really want to use a drug that in no way, shape or form treats the cause of the problem but merely numbs your child's mind with a drug even more powerful than cocaine?
Well if you do, now the FDA has made it easier for you because they have approved the dangerous Daytrana patch, chock full of the very same stimulant used in Ritalin. If you are familiar with the pill version of Ritalin you will know that it only lasts four hours. If you believe that Ritalin is a good choice for ADHD then this Daytrana will be a great option, as like fast food, it is certainly more convenient to use than the pill version.
Right now, it's only approved for use if taking a pill is too difficult. We'll see how long that lasts ...
For the time being, Daytrana will include warnings for skin sensitivity, heart problems, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Experts have also recommended that it bear other warnings, including one for hallucinations.
There have also been no long-term studies of the patch whatsoever, nor has it ever been tested directly against any other ADHD drugs. That means it's completely unknown whether or not the patch, a stimulant that can raise blood pressure, could lead to sustained hypertension or other problems.
No one wants to have a disruptive child around so what are your options if you are convinced you don't want to drug your child?
Well there are plenty of them. First step is to eliminate the huge amount of refined and processed foods that most kids get. There is simply no excuse for them to be drinking soda or juices. Let them stick to water.
They also need to ditch the dairy unless it is from raw unpasteurized (and preferably grass-fed) sources.
Then tackle grains by drastically reducing if not eliminating them and finally add some potent omega-3 oils to the mixture. The newer krill oil, which has phospholipids, seems to be absorbed better into the brain and works better for ADHD than conventional fish oils.