I put my 6 year old son on Concerta 18mg in Mid November (against my husbands wishes). In January I increased it to 27mg. We never told the teacher & have since a big improvement. Now the concern about HeartAttacks, etc has come out & I panicked & took him off on a Friday Morning. By Monday Morning his teacher called wanting to know if something was going on at home because he was having a horrible day. I explained about the meds & she was very understanding. The week got progressively worse, so I put him back on last Friday. We are going to his Ped this afternoon to get his input on the drug, but was wondering if anybody recommends anything else for him to take. My husband is so against this but I don't see anything else working. We tried rewards, punishing (major & minor) - nothing worked; it's like he just can't help it & he feels so bad about himself when he has bad days. I've caught him in his room a couple of times hitting himself, calling himself "bad". It breaks my heart. I think my husband is in denial but then I heard that plenty of the Dad's are like this, is this true? Thanks for listening & looking forward to replies.
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Check out the alternatives board. I have read there that Omega's help a great deal. There are also some other suggestions that are posted. I take Omega's but I also take Ritalin LA so can't give you a "real" assesment. I hope you find something that works!
Please review the warnings carefully. The warnings mainly apply to congenital heart defects. Your doctor should be monitoring your son while on meds. Many many many people medicate for ADHD with fantastic results. Only you can decide tho, but educate yourself on meds and then you will feel more confident in your decision.
your kid is at a much higher risk of being killed by lightning. Asprin, Ibuprofin, and acetaminafin kill thousands every year. I'm 30 yrs old and have been on stimulants since the 4th grade without problems. Its all relative
sm0811 - heed what is being said here to you!! The risks to children (and adults) are well known and are limited to pre-existing problems. If you are truly worried - ask your MD for a checkup for heart troubles, etc. That way you can rule them out ahead of any risks. Any other troubles are from abuse (taking WAY too much of the med over time) and hopefully you'll guard the med and meter it out properly. Don't up the med without MD's permission if you wish to remain responsible in this.
Also - get child into therapy!! At least for a year the ADHD has been overriding the normal habits/behaviors and retraining at his age may bring about great improvements. Meds with therapy give the anchor in reality and stability and guide to normal life.
Best wishes - and don't disregard the hype - just take it for what it is worth.