The Top 7 Most Common Prescription Drugs
For every prescription medication, there are a number of natural alternatives. Here are just 7 of the most dangerous and heavily promoted common prescription medications your doctor prescribes with the natural alternatives they aren’t likely to tell you about.
1. Ritalin, Cylert, Dexadrine, And Adderal
Prescribed For: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
These drugs are some of the most common over-prescribed drugs for kids and they are also one of the most highly abused and misused medications. According to the CDC, as of 2011, approximately 11 percent of all US children between 4 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA), however, says that only 5 percent of these children actually suffer from the disorder even though today, over 15 percent of all children are diagnosed with the condition (8). And the number is only rising.
Side Effects: While these drugs are supposedly short acting, they do cause some severe side effects like “zombie-like” behavior, and drooling.The FDA has further issued a warning about possible worsening of depression or suicidal thoughts in people who take these antidepressants.
Other side effects include (9):
- Abdominal pain
- Alopecia (loss of hair)
- Angina (chest pain)
- Appetite loss
- Anxiety/Nervousness
- Blood pressure and pulse changes (both up and down)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Depression
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
- Dizziness
- Hypersensitivity
- Psychosis and psychiatric disorders
- Stunted growth
Natural Alternatives:
- With children aged 5-10 years old, 1 OPC 165 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) per day (contains Pine bark extract, 75 mg., grape seed extract, 75 mg., and quercetin, 15mg), 500 mg of Essential Fatty Acids. 20 mg of Zinc.
- For children aged 11-15 years old, 1 OPC 165 2x daily. 1000 mg of Essential Fatty Acids. 40 mg of Zinc.
- Over 15 years old: 1 OPC 165 2x daily. 1200 mg of Essential Fatty Acids. 50-75 mg of Zinc (10).