Are There Natural Alternatives to Intuniv?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 11 percent of children between the ages of four and 17 have ADHD. Studies have found that children diagnosed with ADHD increase each year. Common symptoms of ADHD are typical of an “average” child, just more extreme.

Children with ADHD are easily bored, easily distracted, difficult to keep on task, unable to follow directions, constantly moving or talking, impatient, have trouble regulating emotions, have trouble keeping still (even for short periods), and may show social developmental delays, such as extreme emotional outbursts past the age when most children show greater emotion control.

Many children with ADHD are treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. However, side effects and the fear of over-medicating make many parents and caregivers hesitate before allowing their children to take medication for ADHD. These parents want to know if there are alternative treatments for ADHD, particularly for common ADHD medications like Adderall and Intuniv.

It may seem like medication is the only way to go for a child with ADHD, but luckily, there are many natural treatments for ADHD that act as alternatives to common medications like Intuniv that provide effective results without side effects.

Intuniv for ADHD

Intuniv is a form of ADHD medication that is a non-stimulant medication designed to address common factors of ADHD that are outside of the realm of concentration. Medications such as Adderall help children focus during school but do nothing to address the other issues common with ADHD, such as emotional outbursts or feelings of “crawling out of your skin” that many children and adults with ADHD have. Intuniv is also used to address aggression and regulate mood in individuals with ADHD.

Intuniv Side Effects

Intuniv is not without side effects. However, its side effect rating is lower than some medications for ADHD. A study of over 580 children with ADHD found that only about 7 percent withdrew from the study due to extreme side effects. Side effects commonly affect the nervous system, stomach, heart, mood swings, and respiratory issues. Up to 60 percent of children taking Intuniv had adverse side effects.

Intuniv Effectiveness

According to case studies, Intuniv is highly effective for about 70 percent of patients. If the medication does not see the benefits of the medication within a week, it will not help. About 10 percent of patients experience extreme irritability and are advised to stop taking the medication.

Natural Alternatives to Intuniv Exist

Children and adults with ADHD do not have to take medication. There are dozens of natural alternatives to Intuniv and other ADHD medications that provide help for ADHD without any dangerous side effects. Some children will benefit from a mixture of medication and natural treatment methods. All children and adults with ADHD will benefit from behavior therapy. Whether you are looking for an alternative treatment for ADHD to supplement existing medication, to cut back on medication, or to prevent the need for medication altogether, there are plenty of options to choose from. A child or adult with ADHD can be helped with natural approaches that can provide benefits without any side effects.