Serenoa repens (or sometimes called Sabal serrulatum ) is commonly known as saw palmetto.  An extract can be made from the berries of this palm-like plant that can be found growing in the southeastern United States. It is used in both traditional and alternative medicine to treat a number of issues. Though its most commonly used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, like the need to constantly urinate at night and a decreased urinary flow. Limited success has also been seen in using it to treat baldness when used with beta-sitosterol. While this extract from this plant is safe for most, saw palmetto side effects in men can be quite serious if not immediately tended to. Thus it is important (as with any supplement or medication) to notify your health care provider if you notice the side effects below or anything else unusual.

First, I should note that if you have decided to use saw palmetto to treat a self-diagnosed condition, make sure to consult with your medical services provider to ensure compatibility with other medications you may currently be taking. You should not begin taking this medication if you have any type of bleeding or clotting disorder, if you are allergic to saw palmetto, or if you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

Liver disease and heart disease as well as asthma or other breathing disorders, may also prevent you from using this product. This is mainly because of the effects saw palmetto could have on you when mixed with the medications that are designed to help treat these issues.

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Possible Saw Palmetto Side Effects

A list of side effects that include nausea, a change in sexual desire, loss of appetite and insomnia should be taken seriously even though they may not be considered life threatening. It can also cause digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Many of these can be avoided if the supplement or medication is taken with food.

Bad breath, headaches and some muscle pain are also side effects you’ll want to be aware of. You may also experience some form of mild depression.

More serious side effects are fainting, coughing up blood or vomit that has the appearance of coffee grounds. If you have soreness or swelling in your testicles, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat cease taking saw palmetto and consult with your health care provider immediately. Keep a close eye out for things like unusually dark urine, clay-colored stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes. This yellowing typically indicates jaundice which is tied to liver disease.

Saw palmetto may also reduce blood clotting. While not a side effect, per se, you should be careful of any cuts. It also means that you should avoid taking it with any other supplements or medications that reduce the ability of the blood to clot. This includes over-the-counter medications like asprin and ibprofin.

You should be aware that this only a partial list of possible known side effects and new side effects are being added to this list periodically.

For patients diagnosed with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, the proper prescription and medication for ADHD plays a very relevant role. These medications control the patient’s restlessness and impulsiveness for them to function and interact normally. Persons identified with this condition have inadequate chemicals in certain areas responsible for thought organization. Though the medications for this problem have been proven effective through scientific research and studies, these ADHD drugs can still pose numerous side effects which may include decreased appetite, stomach cramps or may incur difficulty sleeping. At its worse, these medications can cause heart ailments, recurring chest pains and severe depression. Medical supervision is needed to ensure that ADHD patients avoid these untoward side effects.

Here is a list of the most commonly prescribed medications as well as the side effects associated with them.

Adderall

Adderall is a psycho stimulant drug that affects the nerves and more importantly the brain to curb hyperactivity and increase control over impulses. It has been prescribed to also treat narcolepsy and severe depression aside from addressing ADHD.

Adderall xr adverse effects include restlessness or fidgeting, anxiety, nauseousness, insomnia, dryness of foul taste in the mouth, loose or constipated bowels as well as impotence.

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Concerta

Clinical studies conducted to identify the various concerta side effects show patients exhibiting head and stomach pains, reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, vomiting, high blood pressure, nervousness and psychosis or hallucinations.

Ritalin

The most documented side effects for Ritalin are anxiety and nervousness. But some patients have also exhibited symptoms of allergic reactions, anorexia, palpitations, cardiac ailments and weight loss upon prolonged usage.

With the help of your doctor, these side effects can be minimized if not prevented, here are some simple yet helpful tips that can help your ADHD patients adjust and cope with the adverse effects brought about by their medications.

Appetite – It is better to administer the drug after breakfast so that the patient can stock up on a healthy breakfast early in the day, at the same time, serve him a big dinner in the evening when the effects of the medication begins to wane.

Sleep – Engaging in relaxing and sleep inducing activities such as reading or bathing can help your patient sleep better. If the sleeplessness becomes persistent, ask your doctor for other medication options or reduce drug doses.

Heart Ailments – It is best to tell your doctor if you have a family history of cardiovascular conditions so that he may take thin into account in prescribing the type and dosage of medication for your ADHD patient.