cesmiles - I've been reminded by some on the group (strongly LOL) that acting out as a child like that could be just that - acting out! Kids do that when frustrated and incapable of communicating what they feel. It's hard to convey how it feels to have ADHD at a young age - I was never able to do it then.
Oh snangel? Have a quick story of my past for you - might help you see what is normal for us.
I was 8 years old - visiting my cousin's horse ranch. We kids were told to wander the yard - and I was (as always) bored stiff. Nuttin' to do and too much time to do it.
Then I saw the well. A big well. A tempting well. Hmmmm.... Can cats swim? I am sure they can! How can I tell? Well, here's a cat now! What luck!
Dropped the cat into the well. Yes cats CAN swim. Kid sisters can fink on older brother's cat antics. Hmmm didn't figure THAT one in. Mom comes out - very shaken and freaked out at me. Could not see the logic in it - never could.
Mom took me and tied a rope around my waist. She lowered me the 5 feet to the water's surface (don't worry I am told later it was like 2 feet deep), and instructed to take the little soggy furball in tow - fangs claws and all - and bring her up! I did, and other than some minor scratches all was ok - albeit wet.
So - it's not all unnatural for us with natural curiosity and no brain for figuring out what cause-effect is to do stupid, childish things to occupy time.
We do grow out of it - though I still look at the back of my apartment roof and get into theories of whether I jumped onto an old mattress in the back - would I make it? How high would I bounce? LOL - stop it!! Agh!
Melatonin and Benadryl are both used to counteract the initial insomnia from stimulants. Often sleep improves after the first week or two... insomnia tends to be a transient side effect. There are medications (Risperdal, Seroquel) that are used to ease aggression and will also improve sleep, but of course that depends on the severity of the symptoms. They are very powerful medications. They can be miracle drugs for those who need them, but I would never recommend adding more medication than is absolutely necessary.
I am glad that you are having him screened for early onset bipolar, but it could easily be ADHD and/ or ODD. As GlenW said, sometimes acting out is just a normal part of being a child. Only you kow how dramatically these symptoms are affecting the quality of his life. In the end, there are treatments available to help him should he need them.
Some people experience insomnia as a side effect to stimulant medications. Because of this, some people deem themselves better off without taking meds b/c when a person loses sleep, they function even "worse" than what they typically do.
Other people find that different formulations of the stimulants allow them to sleep, while other formulations keep them up all night. Perhaps trying a different med would help
Still others take a medication to help them sleep.
There are many options to choose from, one just has to assess their current situation and deem what's best for them. Have you tried talking with the doctor about your concerns? If not, I would highly suggest doing so.
Good luck!
My son is 5 and was just DX with ADHD also. He was put on 18mg of Concerta also and we have had no side effects, except better reports from school which is wonderful!!! How much does your son weigh, maybe it is too much for him. Also how earlyin the morning are you giving it to him? My son Jon has been taking the med since last Thursday.
Amanda Wimbley
My son is 4yrs old, and has been DX ADHD/ODD. He was put on concerta 18mg, which we started yesterday. He has finally just fell asleep. (he fell asleep at 300am) Last night he broke out into a cold sweat. I am wondering if he is ever going to sleep? Or is this stuff going to keep him up at night? He is young to be taking this, but his drs have no choices left for him. I love him terribly, and only want the best for him. If this is never goign to end and he isnt going to sleep, then the side effects will outway the benifits, i need some answers. I allready felt bad enough drugging my son, now i feel worse. If someone has been here before, please help us. He slept better last night, maybe he just needs some time to get used to it, he is very young. He is also going to be seeing another dr to rule out anything else ie: early onset bipolor, ect. His behavior is very irrational. He throws temper tantrums, i suppose you could call it that, he hurts himself and others, he threw my cat off a 2nd story balcony to"see what would happen" he has no concept of impulse control. He usually cannot finsh a sentance befor he starts another. He doesn't play normally with toys...ect, ect, ect. His brother has been dx with autism, so we are also ruling out asbergers with him. Seems really confusing to me sometimes. Thank you all for understanding.
I'm no Doc but its either the wrong med,wrong diagnosis, or wrong doseage. I'm on 54mg of Concerta (Weigh 155lbs) and have had no problems except for loss of appetite. Sleep is unaffected.
What time of Day is the Concerta being taken? Are there any other stimulants being consumed like Soda or Caffeinated beverages? If so to what extent and at what times of the day? How is his blood pressure prior to him taking his medication, during his middle of his day, and prior to bedtime? Is his diet well balanced? A lot of factors can come into play.
Give him some melatonin before bed 1mg. you can buy it at Walmart in the vitamin section. Doc's recommend this.What kind of symptoms does your son have? Just curious. Because adhd is often times the intial diagnosis for bipolar. A lot of kids are misdiagnosed as adhd. But, stimulants in a bipolar child can cause mania....ie hyper focusing on projects, requiring very little sleep. Does your child have severe temper tantrums? VEry silly at inappropriate times? Just some food for thought. I hope that this wouldn't be the case. Melatonin is supposed to work great for helphing with sleep.