reassurance please | ADHD Information

I just gave my dd her first dose of Adderall and I'm having a bit of panic over it.  Don't get me wrong...I know that stimulant meds make all the difference for many people when used appropriately.  I've wanted my dd to try meds for years now and only recently won the battle with my dh after trying everything else--but the reality of the whole thing has me a little unsettled.  LOL, I think just seeing "amphetamine" on the prescription label (generic meds) is what did it.  I'm having flashbacks to health class and the dangers of "speed".  I've spent years teaching my kids that drugs are bad and I just gave amphetamines to my teenage daughter.

I hope I'm not unsettling anyone with my rambling.  I will continue to give them to her and hope that they help her but I really needed to vent some of this.  I can't talk to dh about this b/c I don't want him to change his mind.  Besides, I know you all can help to remind me that I'm doing the right thing If you haven't already - I suggest reading "Delivered from Distration" by Hallowell and Ratey.  THe writer talks about their own experience with ADD and with their kids.

Its not easy giving your kids anything that you think might hurt them - because I know you'd probably take a bullet for them.

My opinion is as follows - while stimulants can be dangerous in excess - they are just fine in moderation (the doses used for ADD).  I don't think you want your daughter to end up like me - who went the first 52 years of my life succeeding at life only to then turn around and screw it up for silly, ADD related reasons.  I have both ADD and OCD - and found that while the OCD is a very terrible problem to have, ADD has messed up my life much more profoundly.

So yes, I think it is safe to say you are doing the best thing possible for your daughter.  I hope she can and will thrive - and thats the best gift you can have.  Good luck.

Jon
jonquiljo38821.4721180556

Just keep reminding yourself that amphetamines are like any other med. When it is used for what it is intended, it is medicine. It is only a drug, or "speed" if it is taken for non medical reasons and/or was not prescribed for you.

Hang in there!

Meds are a hard decision for parents to make I remember back in November when the psychologist recommeded giving it a try, I was a wreck.  The psychologist also wanted a blind study to not tell the school right away and that killed me I worried what if's.  I did cheat however I told my girl it was a new special vitamin to help her and I knew she would repeat it.  The teacher after I was able to tell her laughed and said she had a feeling by what my girl said and by observation.

     The end result she was fine and is a different child, she is now finishing her work ahead of the other kids and now has 2 friends, socialization has improved as well so relax it will be okay.  I was very skeptical at first.  Just give it a try you can always work with the doctor to stop.  good luck Jill

[QUOTE=BackToReality]
Jon, thanks also for the book recommendation.  I'm going to try and get my hands on it this week :) [/QUOTE]

The same authors also wrote a sequel "Delivered from Distraction" - also excellent.  Good luck.

Thank you all for helping me to keep it all in perspective.   I know in my heart that there is much more "negative" involved in letting her go untreated.  She should be up to a therapeutic dose by the end of the week and I do have to say that her room is cleaner than it's been in ages, even on a  very low dose.   I realize this could just be coincidence but just the fact that she cleaned without any complaints  (and even let  me "invade her privacy" by helping a little) is wonderful.   LOL, who knew I would ever be so excited by a mostly clean bedroom?  This board has really been a huge help to me.  It's great hearing about all the different ADHD stories...and hearing about how people have been helped and their lives improved.  It reminds me that I'm not alone and that there is hope for my kids to grow up happy, healthy, and productive

Jon, thanks also for the book recommendation.  I'm going to try and get my hands on it this week :)