I am new here but not sure where else to turn.
My 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD about 4 months ago. We tried Concerta but she was very ill and emotional and also acted somewhat like a zombie. We switched her to Adderall only for it to do the same thing and she also lost about 6 lbs in a month. We took her off the meds, she is not emotional now but we are back to the lack of focus, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. I really don't know what to do from here. Any suggestions??
I feel for you because I have been there with my son who is now 13. It's good that you recognized the emotional problems as side effects. I guess you should know that all stimulants will have that same emotional side effect, some not as bad as others. Maybe look into coaching. I just don't think the answer is in any pill but that's just my opinion. Maybe someone else will have better advise.
Were different dose amounts tried? There's no set rule for the dose amount that works. The Adderall dosing info states:
[quote]]In children with ADHD who are 6 years of age and older and are either starting treatment for the first time or switching from another medication, start with 10 mg once daily in the morning; daily dosage may be adjusted in increments of 5 mg or 10 mg at weekly intervals. When in the judgment of the clinician a lower initial dose is appropriate, patients may begin treatment with 5 mg once daily in the morning. The maximum recommended dose for children is 30 mg/day; [/quote]
A lower dose may work. Also, if your MD is not a ADHD specialist (and very, very few are), see someone who is. There's alot of specifics of ADHD medicines and dosing that general MD's are not aware of.
Best of luck to you!
If she can't take stims, she can't. Maybe Straterra? My daughter has several friends on Straterra and their parents are pleased. I didn't even know they had ADHD until the parents told me. There are other causes of impulsivity and inattention other than ADHD. If she hasn't seen a NeuroPsych maybe it's a good idea to rule everything else. He/she can diagnose ADHD and beyond. NeuroPsych's do more intensive testing than other professionals. Good luck. OlderMom38802.7080439815