dex side effects | ADHD Information

Our 10 year old son has been taking dexamphetamine for approx 3 weeks  He takes 1 tablet in the morning and one at lunchtime.  This was prescribed for a slow learning disorder.  He also is not attending school due to anxiety.  We are now seeing a worsening in aggressive and defiant behaviour while testing has shown an improvement in memory function.  He as now started taking 10mg lovan daily for anxiety also.  Can anyone help?What do you mean by "slow learning disorder"? Does he have a slow processing speed? My son has inattentive adhd which for him seems to slow his processing when doing written work and reading. He would get anxious/depressed due to feeling as if he was falling further and further behind and would think he would never catch up or finish his work. His meds have helped without really affecting personality. If you feel there are side affects for your son, tell the doc and ask to try something else.

I agree with glenw that if your child is just seeing an MD that is not enough.

yes he does have slow processing speed, similar to what you described for your son.  He is seeing a pediatrition and psychologist but we are 5 weeks into the school year (we are in Australia) and our son still isnt back to school due to his anxiety.  We just dont seem to be making any progress.

katdarin -

I have seen postings with adderall/dexedrine where some children have become angry and agressive while taking them.  I have heard that it may be too much (you say 1 tab - what mg?), or perhaps there is an underlying problem that has gone unnoticed.  Did you get your diagnosis from a family doc or a psychiatrist? That makes a difference - MDs typically have a minimum of experience with ADHD and can only help mainstream problems and doubtful they know slow learning disorders.

I can say as an adult with ADHD I found that dexedrine made me more passive and friendly not aggressive but as I mentioned some children taking it have seen the opposite.  I'd record all you've seen and heard from others and bring it in with you.  It's not good to allow this to go on.  You may want to phone ahead and ask that you get your child to drop taking it until you find out what is going on.

Best of luck to you.