How do you feel on stim meds? | ADHD Information

 

Having started taking stimulant meds as an adult, I've often thought what a challenging place you parents are in!  Knowing what I know now, here's my two cents on this (as of this moment!):        &nb sp;        a) definately don't be scared away by all the blather about stimulant meds--if your child's brain needs some help, and the meds are effective in moderating some of the symptoms, rest assured there is benefit to be had by taking them;         & nbsp;         & nbsp;         & nbsp;         & nbsp;       b) be careful about it though, even if the meds work superbly, they're not a panacea--they just make "working at the add" managable;  c) start with a loooowww dose and gradually work up slowly (over the course of several weeks).  I say this because it seems to me, especially with kids, you don't want to "spook them" with any of the side effects--like the "euphoric feeling" and increased pulse.   I'd also probably offer the first dose to my kid on a weekend, when we were doing something  (as opposed to sitting on the couch doing nothing but waiting to see what happens!) that wasn't demanding but was moderatly active;          ;           ;           ;           ;           ;           ;         d) and finally, remember that there likely will be some side effects but that they will likely go away...so don't get spooked.  Just keep in contact with your child and your doctor ...       &nb sp;         &nb sp;         &nb sp;         oh yeah...e) try not to dwell on this with your child (the meds) and I think that will help transition them in... missing a dose isn't the end of the world, etc.. and try not to be continually monitoring and asking a lot of questions.  Be a partner with your child and have an agreement that they will check in with you on what effect, if any, they feel over the course of the trial period.  Also remember that, even if the meds work wonderfully, it's important to remind your child that the successes achieved are because of their efforts-- not the medication.

Right.  I have made it a point to tell Chase that he always had this ability and knowledge, the med just gives him the key to unlock it.  I... I, I feel......  I feel with my fingers.My 7yo dd is on stimulants (Dexedrine spanules 10mg).  She says that when she takes her medicine it is much easier for her to sit still & to listen to her teacher.  No racy heartbeats, no zombie here...rather just a very loving easy going little girl.  Since taking the meds her confidence level has soared & she has done very well with school.  Our only issue is the loss of appetite, but we are currently giving her med breaks on the weekends to see if that helps.  Good luck to youOkay, good. I plan on taking it nice and easy.  I know that the meds aren't a cure-all. I use caffeine in much the same way. Thanks, everyone!The first time I asked my youngest how she felt after taking meds she told me she could feel it in her throat and when she had more water, she felt it go down the rest of the way. Like KIDD, my daughter can be a little literal. 

Hi, we are considering putting my 7 yo on meds, but with all of the negative reactions we are getting from people is making me second guess. Can anyone tell me how they or their child feels on the stimulant meds? Have you had a racy heart or felt like a zombie? My sister gave me this book on indigo children and it's so ridiculous. But I still have to ask.  Thanks.

 

Chase is 10, and has the inattentive form of ADHD.  He is also gifted, but before meds, he could not get his work at school done, so he got C's at best.

He says that the stimulant meds make him calm, focused, and able to get his work done. This in turn has boosted his self esteem, and made him feel like he can do anything he sets his mind to.

I specifically asked him this morning when I read your post if he has ever had a racy heart, or felt like a zombie, and he said "No, I just feel normal.  But now I can get things done and before I couldn't."

 Oh good! Keep em coming!

My youngest says she does not feel any different. My oldest says she feels more in control, can focus on her classwork and can "hear" what the teacher says much better. It can be weird in at the start of meds to see your bouncing-off-the-wall child doing things like reading, playing quietly with friends, completing homework without any help and other things they did not do before. If you child acts like a zombie, that can be either the wrong med or too high of a dose. Look at what your treatment goals are (school, homework, social, etc) and work with the doctor for sufficient improvement in all the areas that ADHD is affecting.

You might look into the marble system by ogram at the top of the parents board. This is a positive reinforcement behavior plan that works with many kids with ADHD. And remember that they are about 30% behind thier peers in maturity and need more coaching as they grow than thier peers. These are part of a good treatment plan, to go with meds.

Most of the bad press on the meds is overblown or even outright false (either by anti-psychiatry groups or some one with something to sell). You might need to not discuss this area of your child's medical information with people, at least until you have gotten positive results from treatment and have gathered sufficient reliable information on ADHD and treatments to properly educate those who are around you that need the education. Here is a start for information:

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/science

http://www.ldonline.org/adhdbasics

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm

I hope this helps.

vickie39124.4153703704

Before meds, my daughter would not participate in class. She just sat and tried not to be noticed. When the class was doing work, she would pretend to look for her pencil. The principal (who was once a GATE teacher) used to go in and observe my daughter in the classroom during the IEP assessment period. On meds, she became an active participant in the classroom, she shows interest and is excited (in a good way) about most subjects.

My ds takes 20mg of RitalinSR. It helps him to focus and get his work done. Also it helps him sit still. I don't think ritalin makes his heart race. I know he's not a zombie since I have visited the school.

I take meds (adderall IR) and it gives me the ability to finish what I start, listen completely and block out extraneous stimuli and keep calm when situations get stressful. 

My son takes Concerta (ADD inattentive) and he seems to just be able to focus better and get his work done.  It helps him calm his mind.  No side effects at all!  He's just my son, but BETTER!