My son was on Concerta (36mg) for a couple years and it did wonders for him in school as well. I wasn't aware until the past 6 months or so how difficult it was for him to sleep (he would sneak lights under his blanket to read, get up after we were in bed, etc). He just couldn't settle down. How are your mornings? Mine started to be so horrible because he was so tired. We put him on Clonidine (.1mg) about 2 weeks ago and he takes it about an hour before bedtime. The first night he was snoring by 9:30. All the trepidation I felt about trying the Clonidine (another med) eased just knowing he was getting SLEEP for once. His mornings have really eased up. The doctor prescribed this back in May and I really resisted putting him on another med, but after what we've been going through, I asked to finally try it. Maybe this will help your son. I think ds actually doesn't mind this med because his mind can finally relax and stop running 100 miles per hour.
His rebound after the concerta wore off in the evening was a nightmare. I didn't know much about the effects of wearing off and such until reading this board, the doctor never mentioned it and wanted to up his meds. We changed him to Daytrana (20mg) a week ago and so far it's been less stress, less tantrums. I had parent teachers conferences yesterday and they say he's been happy and better behavior (a week is not enough of a test on this child, trust me, but it's a start and gives me that second wind I need to keep going). I don't see near as much of a "letdown" when the meds wear off and he told me he doesn't feel so "weird" anymore. He seems a bit more hyper and than on concerta but I see more of his true personality (many comments from friends that the "old self" is back) and that makes me happy. I can deal with a little more of his excitement than the constant arguing, threats, "I hate you's" and nights of tears.
Try Melatonin. Over the counter in the vitamines section.
It works wonders for both of my kids 4 & 6 yrs old. Pediatritian and Psychitrist said it was perfectly safe to use.
THey take about 2mgs, I buy the 3mgs pills and cut it. then I crush it since they can not swallow.
How old is your son??
My daughter takes guanfacine (like clonidine) to augment her concerta. She does not have rebound but before meds did not fall asleep well. On the guanfacine alone, concerta alone and the combo (for various reasons we have done all these) she now goes to sleep around 10. Before meds it was at least midnight (since she was born) because her mind would not calm for sleep. Some parents have tried melantonin (natural remedy) or benadryl with success (talk to his doctor). It may be that with time, you can stop the sleep aid as he gets used to the stim med and developes better sleep habits. I know how wearing it is to not get proper "down time" and rest as a parent, and I really feel for you.[QUOTE=Country]Have you tried a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath with lavender, reading a non stimulating book for at least a 1/2 hour, and starting bedtime sooner? Some of the supplements might help calming DS down before bed. Check the alternative board for threads about focus, magnesium, and fish oil (omega 3)[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=zjmom]My son was on Concerta (36mg) for a couple years and it did wonders for him in school as well. I wasn't aware until the past 6 months or so how difficult it was for him to sleep (he would sneak lights under his blanket to read, get up after we were in bed, etc). He just couldn't settle down. How are your mornings? Mine started to be so horrible because he was so tired. We put him on Clonidine (.1mg) about 2 weeks ago and he takes it about an hour before bedtime. The first night he was snoring by 9:30. All the trepidation I felt about trying the Clonidine (another med) eased just knowing he was getting SLEEP for once. His mornings have really eased up. The doctor prescribed this back in May and I really resisted putting him on another med, but after what we've been going through, I asked to finally try it. Maybe this will help your son. I think ds actually doesn't mind this med because his mind can finally relax and stop running 100 miles per hour.
His rebound after the concerta wore off in the evening was a nightmare. I didn't know much about the effects of wearing off and such until reading this board, the doctor never mentioned it and wanted to up his meds. We changed him to Daytrana (20mg) a week ago and so far it's been less stress, less tantrums. I had parent teachers conferences yesterday and they say he's been happy and better behavior (a week is not enough of a test on this child, trust me, but it's a start and gives me that second wind I need to keep going). I don't see near as much of a "letdown" when the meds wear off and he told me he doesn't feel so "weird" anymore. He seems a bit more hyper and than on concerta but I see more of his true personality (many comments from friends that the "old self" is back) and that makes me happy. I can deal with a little more of his excitement than the constant arguing, threats, "I hate you's" and nights of tears.
[/QUOTE] Thank you for the replies. I will try some of the alternatives and talk to his pediatrician once again. It helps so much just to know I am not the only mom out there feeling this way or going through this. Thanks!Hi, I wish I could help you but at the same time it's good to know that we are not the only ones going through this...My son is being the same way as yours but he is on Adderall. He is doing very good in school, but the "crash" of coming off the meds in the evenings is terrible. I don't give him the evening dose because it's already so hard to get him to go to sleep. Although, an evening dose could be taken early but the bedtime routine is going to be really tough with any adhd meds. We actually had established a bedtime routine before my son started any meds, despite all the chaos we had with him, but once we started the meds the bedtime routine seems to be out the window. I truly pray for your family to get the answers you deserve.....
Susan