Well, Taylor has been on Metadate CD now for 2 days. So far it seems to be working. I homeschool him so tomorrow (Monday) will be the big test. I hope it is really working!!
Tara
Thank you, Thank you!! I think I am going to suggest a short acting med. I am still scared of the Adderall seeing as there are many posts on the message boards about it causing headaches, etc.
I will report back what the doctor sugggested and prescribed.
Thanks Again!!
We tried all of the above. The the lower dosage of concerta is a small pill which my son did not have trouble with. The best for us was the ritalin LA which did not have the rebound that regular ritalin had (rebound=grumpy, crabby when the med wears off). Ritalin LA is a capsule but it can be sprinkled on food such as pudding or Apple Sauce. This is longer acting than regular ritalin.
I enjoy my son again! The med is working great! Well was. He was on 20mg in the a.m. but I just noticed after taking it a few days that it started to wear off after 5 hours. He dr. upped it to 30mg. Way too much. He was a walking zombie and was miserable. Very sleepy. Tomorrow I am going back to 20mg and if need be give him half (10mg) in the pm.
Fantastic TWC!!
Keep monitoring how the meds are working. That's the key - and make sure to visit the doctor OFTEN - once weekly if you can do it. His weight, blood pressure and vital stats need to be watched while he becomes accustomed to the meds. That's where a lot of parents go wrong. If it's watched now you'll have less trouble later. Makes sense when you look at it.
After a while most likely he'll "plateau" - hit a level that his body gets used to and the benefits begin to wane. Just make sure to keep the MD appraised and watch it closely.
If he wants to raise it - for sure just give it a try - and if you get the same results then a different avenue may be the way to go.
Sounds like things are moving along- and I'm very happy for you both!
I was a kid with ADHD bad - and there was no good diagnosis back in the '70s where I lived. I would have loved to go back and give my 5 year old self a good med like we have today. Life would have been easier to navigate. He'll turn out great though - I'm 38 and never better!!
The doc perscribe Metadate for Taylor. We will start taking it in the morning so we will see.
[QUOTE=shakespeare] If those side effects are a concern, you might consider a trial of a short acting med with the goal of switching to a once daily med after his body has adjusted to the chemical. Ritalin 2-3x daily if you want to eventually go to Concerta or Ritalin LA, Adderall 1-2x daily for Adderall XR, or Focalin 2-3x daily for Focalin XR. Just an idea... sometimes that gives the body time to acclimate.[/QUOTE]
I have been told over and over that there are less side effects to concerta when the child or adult has never taken Ritalin before.
My 6 year old is taking Adderal XR, it can be sprinkled on yogert or applesause. We just recently started meds , and he has NEVER slept well his whole life, so I don't have any changes there to report.My 6yr son and I are off to the Dr. in morning to start him on ADHD meds. From what I have been here I should discourage Adderall XR b/c of the sleep issues. Is this correct. Do I want him to try the short or long acting meds first? He can not swallow pills so what is the best for him? They have recommended Adderall XR and also Concerta and gave me a brochure on Metadate (sp?).
I am very confused as to what I should say "no" or "yes" to. Can anyone help un-confuse me?
Tara
Tara,