Which meds?

Here is a med chart (it is not updated to include daytrana).

http://www.myadhd.com/treatment_tools/medicationchart.html

Different doctors have different preferences based on their experience, and based on the individual needs of thier patients. Generally, the stims (methylphenidate and amphetamines) are considered the first line of treatment, with straterra second line (for perspective - it was originally developed as an antidepressant). Next would be the antidepressants and alpha-2 agonists (blood pressure meds).

Discuss you son's needs (coverage for school, after school activities, homework, etc), what symptoms you want to cover (focus, behavior, etc), and concerns from other meds (stomache issues, weight, sleep, etc). Then you and the doctor can work on a treatment plan. The doctor will lean towards meds he feels most comfortable with and ones he has more experience managing in children.

Good luck.

That is the problem...a med that is the wonder drug for one child, may be a nightmare for another child!  I was skeptical of Adderall as well, but my ped says that all of the stims are pretty much the same as far as side effects and dangers...you just have to try them and see which one is the one that "likes" your child the best.  My older daughter used Strattera and said it gave her nightmares, but many people do very well with it....it is a roll of the dice.

My son was on Concerta 54mg as well from March of last year until (it stopped working )the end of Christmas break, when he began ritalin LA.  He much perfers the ritalin LA, he says that it works for the morning, then he is hungry for lunch (he feels it wear off), and it kicks back in for the afternoon classes.  He is hungry for a snack after school, and he gained 3 pounds in the last month on the med combo he is on.  He is doing as well as he ever has in school (all As and Bs), and he is mellower and less angry/moody/frustrated. 

Vickie....awesome chart, thank you!

Looking at some drugs such as dextrostat, dexedrine, and adderall.....it lists a common side effect of "May also elcit psychotic cymptoms"

Now that's scary!  What does that mean?

Medication can be a scary thing, especially when you are given it to your child.  My son started ADHD meds with Ritalin LA, which eventually changed to Concerta.  He’s currently on Concerta 54mg (he’s 10 years old) however I think it’s time for a med change.  It’s no longer effective in school, his appetite has decreased, and he frequently has a stomach ache.

My question is what other medications are worth a shot?  What medications should we stay away from?  I understand every child is different, however wanted some feedback.  For example, his previous doctor was against Adderall.  She stated it was related to several deaths in boys from 7-16 yo.  Even though he has no heart condition, and gets an EKG every 6 months, the doctor was still against it. His current doctor, however thinks that there’s nothing wrong with it, but we should stay away from Stratera.  

It’s so confusing, especially when you have conflicting medical opinion!  So who better ask, but parents!

Thoughts, opinions?  We have a dr.’s appointment on Monday to talk about med adjustments, so want to be prepared. Which drugs have had bad reps and should be avoided?

T.I.A!