My 9 year old was on stimulant meds for adhd and was unable to continue taking them because of side effects-stomache upset and other side effects. He has been on strattera and clonodine for about nine months now. Strattera has helped him with his school work-he made the honor roll. But his behavior and anger problems are terrible. His counselor thinks he's bipolar.I asked his Dr. about it and she agreed to put him on abilify which he had to stop because of side effects, so now he is starting risperdal.I'm a little scared to put him on another new med. I read about the side effects-muscle tremors,stiffness and I read something about diabetes. I would like to know if this med has helped someone. It would make me feel a little better. My child gets very angry and sometimes runs away. He tries to fight you when you attempt to settle him down.He won't talk to his counselor and he went to group for a year and a half which didn't help. I know he needs help but I remember him being on stimulants for about two years and the side effects made him miserable. I don't want him to go through something like that again.
you did the right thing not putting him on the stimulants if he badly reacted. About the bipolar tho i dont think that can be properly diagnosed until adolescents.
hang in there - you a r a good mum doing your best . Peace and Love to you