Sudafed/pseudoephedrine for ADHD

SP38 · #1 Jan 5, '05, 9:07 pm

Moms with Adhd kids or adults with Adhd... have any of you tried otc Sudafed and had relief of symptoms?

Lilyofthevalley · #2 Jan 6, '05, 7:49 am

Doesn't sound very safe. I would speak with a doctor you trust.

La Chiara · #3 Jan 6, '05, 10:41 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP38

Moms with Adhd kids or adults with Adhd... have any of you tried otc Sudafed and had relief of symptoms?

I vaguely understand what you are referring to. There was an article recently (last week) that the manufacturers of Sudafed were taking that ingredient (Pseudoephedrine) out of that over the counter medication BECAUSE it was being abused and used to concoct some other illegal drug. I don't do illegal drugs so I forget what it was being used for. And I would strongly urge people not to be using any medication on their kids without the full knowledge of a qualified medical doctor.

dumspirospero · #4 Jan 6, '05, 10:51 am

I am ADHD, but I don't take medication for it...I just work extra hard and study harder than most to make the same grades....it has been a challenge, but I have learned to work past it and now it does not even hinder my learning abilities....but to answer your original question, when they diagnosed me with it, they toled me I could take either Adderal or Ritalin....but I am not taking either. I think they now have some new stimulate free medicine out to treat ADHD...but I don't know what it is called. I never heard anyone mention Pseudoephedrine (which is the active ingredient in Sudafed....but that doesn't mean it isn't possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP38

Moms with Adhd kids or adults with Adhd... have any of you tried otc Sudafed and had relief of symptoms?

Princess_Abby · #5 Jan 6, '05, 11:52 am

SP83,

Please don't mess around with sudafed on your little boy.

I remember a thread of yours from a few months ago. Did you get a thorough evaluation done? If medication is being suggested, please don't substitute with sudafed. Not safe. Behavioral modification should be done first, anyway.

I think you should get the book The ADD Answer by Dr. Frank Lawlis. It covers both ADD and ADHD treatments from a non-medication and medication standpoint.

Abby

SP38 · #6 Jan 6, '05, 1:48 pm

Thanks everyone, it was just something I came across on a google search and got me thinking about previous experiences with my kids and cold medicines.

mkw · #7 Jan 6, '05, 3:51 pm

I would be concerned with liver/kidney damage and possible hyper nervousness.

Have you tried diet/behaviour modification?..Consult professional medicals first.

My son has ADHD, all the OTC did not work nor did natural herbs and such. Prescription meds works wonders but left him unable to sleep at night.

I have taken him off all meds now, he is also at the age of puburty so his hormones are changing. That helps, Now a whole new set of problems..

kage_ar · #8 Jan 6, '05, 4:17 pm

In this part of the country, you are limited to the number of packages of medicine containing pseudoephedrine you can purchase - because it is the main ingredient in Meth (aka crank). I cannot take any cold meds containing it, it makes my skin crawl, makes me twitch and all nervous - icky icky medicine!

KCT · #9 Jan 8, '05, 10:20 am

[quote=dumspirospero] I think they now have some new stimulant free medicine out to treat ADHD...but I don't know what it is called. QUOTE]

Are you thinking of Strattera? My husband (48) and son (17) take it and find it helpful. Dh and son were diagnosed a year ago. --KCT