New to Board - Need Help

How long has he been on the new medication? I don't know anything about Tenex, but I know the Zoloft takes about 6 weeks before you will see the full effects.

Also, you said he does good at school, but poorly when he gets home. I'm wondering if he is rebounding....meds wearing off at the wrong time? Could his first dose be wearing off before the 2nd dose has a chance to kick in? Could the second dose be too low now, and is not working any longer?

I personally would give his new meds the recommended time to see how the full effect works, and would call the doctor if you don't see improvements at that time. Unless of course things get to out of hand, then call immediately. 

Just my opinion :) 

Good luck!

Welcome!  Jfla is right -- bipolar disorder is hereditary, and most kids with BP receive a dx of ADHD first.  Both stimulants like Ritalin and antidepressants like Zoloft can make kids with BP much worse (my own 13-year-old son had a manic reaction to Zoloft that led us down the bipolar path).  How long has your son been on Zoloft?  Have his anger and defiance gotten worse since he started Zoloft?

A couple other questions:  Why do you doubt your dx of bipolar disorder?  What meds are you taking? 

If your son is not already seeing a child psychiatrist, I would strongly recommend a re-evaluation with one.  You really need to know what you're dealing with in the event your son's meds are actually making him worse.  Good luck.

Here is some information on the Tenex:

http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/detail/drug/hw164961/ detail.htm

I have an 11 year old with ADHD and you should see the fits of temper and defiance.  At times he is the most considerate and compassionate kids and then it is the like another person has taken over.  Alot of this seem to be when he is coming down from his meds.  I always try to keep the meds even escpecially if we are going out or he is playing sports.  He is o 20 mg of strattera in the morning 20 mg and 10mg of ritalin in the morning 10 mg ritalin at lunch and 20 mg and strattera and 10 mg of ritalin around 4.  We are lucky it does not affect his sleep.  I don't find the Strattera to work for his ADHD but has done wonders for his Anxiety and Panic Attacks.

Hi Isu.   I agree with Smallmom that it would be a good idea to have a board certified child/adolescent psychiatrist do an evaluation....especially with a family history of BP. 

Another thing that may be going on is heightened anxiety from starting Jr High.  I know the transistion to middle school for my now 13 yr old was a nightmare.  His anxiety was in FULL force and it was showing up at home in the form of anger, agitation, defiance, etc.  My son has a dual dx of ADHD Primary Inattentive/Anxiety and is on a combo of Concerta/Tenex/Zoloft.  He started the Zoloft back when he was 9 when his anxiety seriously began impacting school/home and for him, Zoloft was a miracle drug.  Not all kids respond that way however. Even with the Zoloft, however, the anxiety of starting middle school showed up and it took cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to get him through that rough patch.  Once he adjusted to middle school....all was well.

Okiemom

Thanks to all for your responses.  Sorry I have not been able to come back sooner but my internet was down for three days.

I agree with most who say I need to give the zoloft a chance.  I also to have wondered if he is bipolar.  I have read up on child bipolar and he definitely has some of the signs.

He started Jr. High yesterday and I worry about him, because he is very immature and has very little self esteem.  Yesterday when he came home he threw a fit because he has to shower with other kids after P.E. and swore he would never go to school again.  I strugged with him this morning, but the school day went okay today.  When I asked him how it was, he said "fine".

I will keep you all posted on his progress and thanks again for all your information.