Natural Alternatives: Melatonin for Treating ADHD Sleep Problems - Natural Alternatives: for ADHD Sleep Problems

Written by Sarah-Jayne Bass

We wrote to ask Kaley if we could post this here and she wrote back with the following:

"Dear Simon, I've just received your email and yes of course by all means use my email. I just hope it helps prevent someone else going through what my husband and I did when we tried it. My husband and I have noticed to that there's a very short supply of help and advice for parents of A.D.H.D children and almost none for O.D.D. We tried approaching social services for help with our son but couldn't get any. So if anyone has any tips on behaviour management or info on O.D.D., please could you have them email me at my email address. You can also print this on your page if you think it would help us gain advice. Thank you for your help your web site has been very helpful to us.

Sincerly Kaley

Serious and Deadly Side-Effects From Herbal Products

This comes from University of Michigan

"There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. In addition, some so-called natural remedies were found to contain standard prescription medication. Of specific concern are studies suggesting that up to 30% of herbal patent remedies imported from China having been laced with potent pharmaceuticals such as phenacetin and steroids. Most problems reported occur in herbal remedies imported from Asia, with one study reporting a significant percentage of such remedies containing toxic metals. The following warnings are of particular importance for people with attention-deficit disorders.

• Melatonin. High doses of melatonin have been associated with an increased risk for seizures in children with existing neurologic disorders.
• Gingko. The risk for side effects from gingko appear to be low, but there is an increased risk for bleeding and interaction with anti-clotting medications at high doses.
• Ginseng. There have been contaminated forms of imported ginseng.

It also has been associated with a hypoglycemia and a higher risk for bleeding. In addition, a great number of ginseng products have been found to contain little or no ginseng."

If you live in the UK, Melatonin is only available on prescription. See our News article on Concerta by clicking here for more details on how to get hold of Melatonin.

Ed. Note: Please remember, we do not endorse any treatments and strongly advise you to check with your doctor before using, stopping or changing any treatment

next: Mini CV for Dr. Billy Levin
~ adhd library articles
~ all add/adhd articles