Posted by gracey on September 26, 2001, at 10:32:55
Elizabeth,
We cannot always assume that stimulants or any other drugs are safe. The largest percentage of psychotropic drugs have never been tested on children, including Ritalin. Studies, maybe, but that is hardly the same thing, nor is it used as a method of approval for children under FDA guidelines. When it comes to these types of meds, children are simply "guinea pigs". I only began to seek out these facts AFTER the final breakdown of my daughter.
Each individual reacts differently to meds, so there probably are some who benefit. But, too often, instead of diagnosing an adverse reaction, such as the OCD or aggression, and removing the offending drug in replace of something more suitable, Drs./psychs simply diagnose it as evidence of further mental deterioration, requiring more medication. The parents follow along in blind faith, never knowing of the abundance of negative information on such drugs and the behaviours they can induce. The info is out there, but it is not something you will find on your prescription insert.
As I stated previously, as a consenting adult, if you feel this route has improved your life, I think thats great. I am speaking up for the children. My child could have died from what she went thru, and I owe that to her, to speak out.
poster:gracey
thread:79542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010917/msgs/79630.html