His symtoms - he has complained repeatedly of being tired at school (not at home), even to the point of not wanting to go out at recess. He has been getting normal amounts of sleep every night. He has irrational emotional responses to insignificant problems. Once he starts crying, it takes quite a while to calm him down. Also, he seems irritable and unpredictable. Before, he may have been hyper, but he was happy too.
I am not a doctor, but based on the last 13 years of research on "mental health" drugs...
Being tired usually means that they are not metabolizing the drug well. It's building up in their system. His irrational emotional responses and irritability also point to not handling the drug well.
About 10% of the population have a real trouble metabolizing drugs. It's some enzyme in the body that's not working well. If you want a lot of info on it, I can ask my Beloved for some of her files on this enzyme.
Just email me at realityab@yahoo.com
I'm taking Strattera. For some reason I have not gotten the side effects. You also don't need to take a "vacation" since it is a non stimulant. You can find a drug that works that is not a tedious melodrama.
The book you mentioned probably warrents a good look at. I do "mental" excersises that my Doctor introduced me to. You are correct in the fact that there are many external things one can do to help facilitate their lives. In my case I've found a combination of both.
It's a good thing sdw that you've found what works for you. I think Strattera works mostly for a select group of ADHDers that must have a trouble with norepinephrine - since that's what it works on. Maybe theres a separate but similar disorder that is just different enough from regular ADHD - some kind of "norepinephrin reuptake disorder". As technology plods forward - guess we'll stay tuned!
Mental exercises are a great thing no matter what a person does otherwise for ADHD. My therapist said that whenever anyone talks to me - even just "hi" - I'm to visualize putting my foot on a brake pedal, slowing to a stop and repeat in my head what was said. Then, I'm to slowly bring my foot off and make a reply. It helps! When someone says "how are you today" - the brake goes on - I say "he said "how are you today?"" - and then I decide on a response! It sounds tedious but it goes quickly internally.
I believe that medication can help ADHD to concentrate, but there are so many side effects and it takes so long to figure out which one is the correct medication, and what is the right dose. Then, there are vacations from the medications, etc. It is all tiring and crazy sometimes.
I have tried exercises from a book called Stopping ADHD. They have helped me as much, if not more, than medication. I believe the authors really have an answer that most of us are overlooking.
I wish the medical profession would take a good long look into this book.
Have blood work done to see what and how much is in the system and go from there. I hope things get better and he is not overmedicated.
Glad to hear from you Jen!
Weekly - that's good! Keeps unseen things from catching up with you two.
How long has he been on adderall? It takes time to "settle in" - but after a couple weeks the side effects are generally gone if it's working. If he's become used to the present small dose - the doc typically ups it a bit and watches for improvement, and for nervousness and agitation which is the common side effect if he's not taking well to it. If your MD ups it and he perks up and gets no nervousness - then it's working! The best way to take it is every day - and some people (like me) do well taking a week off meds every 2 months to allow the meds to come back full strength another 2 months.
Just keep with the MD - you're doing all the right things. And ignore the looks - you're the mama - and mama knows best!
[QUOTE=momofzach]I'm faxing a written description of his behavior to his doctor. I just wondered if anyone knew the signs of overmedication. I can't seem to find it anywhere on the internet.[/QUOTE]
The only place that will give you a reasonably good list of things to watch for is a) the small printout the pharmacist usually staples to your bag (on my meds it's on the bill itself - on the back side), or directly from the manufacturer. There may be a poison control website - but I will check on that. Since you aren't phoning 911 now - I will still assume he's acting "odd" to you - not dangerously so or you'd be on the phone still.
Check for the insert with the meds - and if it's truly stressful to you - call your doc and get your son in. If you can't get in right away - DON'T WORRY - the allergy symptoms are the only crisis things to watch for - and they are the same for other things - breathing troubles, hives/itching, unconscious, shakes, etc. You'll know if it's an allergy on the 1st pill.
These pills are safely used by millions. The med dose is safe for most - and if you check the info with the pills - it should be fine!
Hi, all -
Does anyone know what the signs of overmedication are for a 5 year old boy on 10 mg Adderal? Frankly, half of the people are saying he's undermedicated and the rest are saying he is overmedicated. I'm so confused!
Thanks,
Jen
I'm faxing a written description of his behavior to his doctor. I just wondered if anyone knew the signs of overmedication. I can't seem to find it anywhere on the internet.I'd have to agree with Fallen - but I seem to be hearing "my son is not seeming to be overdosing - but is acting odd. Can you tell me - am I overreacting or is there a problem?" - am I right?
We all don't like to go to an MD and get that rolling of the eyes "well - this is normal - you are overreacting!" thing. I sure don't. But - this is your son and you're giving him a very powerful medicine. Be sure to check with your Doctor WEEKLY - yes WEEKLY for the first couple months - keep it up after that if there are problems. You MUST - it's required by the manufacturer and it's the only way to make sure nothing bad can happen to your son.
If you are indeed worried about overdose - call the poison control center in your phone book and tell them about the medication and how much he's taking. Also, record his weight, and other things like perhaps any cold medication he's taking (he shouldn't by the way - none except coricidin with MD permission).
I think you are just worried about his behavior. Do check with your MD - but the side effects to be worried about should have been stapled to the bag you got the adderall in. If he shows a rash, trouble breathing, pain in his chest/abdomen/head, becomes irrational or overly hyperactive don't wait - go to the hospital.
If he just seems "different" - make an appointment. Write down all the signs you see that he's not the way he should be as you see him. Write down "what he normally would do" - and "what he is doing/not doing now". This way you won't forget.
It's scary to go to a doctor when you KNOW you are right. In the case of your son - you are ALWAYS right - don't forget! Also - he's being PAID - either by your insurance or by you so you are the customer - and either way the customer is always right!!
Don't worry - as long as he appears healthy - it's probably adjustment to the new meds he's reacting to.
Probably a good thing given the amount of distorted information regarding medications and their potential risks.Jen,
I agree you need to speak to your son's doctor. But just out of curiosity, what behaviors or symptoms are you seeing that concern you?
SmallMom38652.4442361111Thank you for your concern, but I speak to the doctor at least weekly. Well, not actually the doctor - I don't know the secret password to get through the nurse/guard.
Anyway, yes, they give me the overprotective mother looks.
I was asking because I'm curious - I figured there was someone out there who has had experience with this. I wasn't asking in place of a doctor, but in addition to a doctor.
His symtoms - he has complained repeatedly of being tired at school (not at home), even to the point of not wanting to go out at recess. He has been getting normal amounts of sleep every night. He has irrational emotional responses to insignificant problems. Once he starts crying, it takes quite a while to calm him down. Also, he seems irritable and unpredictable. Before, he may have been hyper, but he was happy too.