New Meds | ADHD Information

I know it is hard to be patient, but starting low and working up slowly can reduce or elimiate side effects and help get to the effective dose more easily in the long run.

What is the schedule for the meds (times and doses) and what is the ramp up schedule. It is a bit harder when starting multiple meds at once because they all have their effects and ajustustment can be a little more of a problem, but you will get there.

Well the day I have been waiting for finally arrived. We went back to see my daughter's Psychiatrist today and we will begin new meds tomorrow.  I was disappointed that we started  with such a low dose on the Concerta 18mg. Her Dr. even stated that she would probably need a higher dose, but she would feel better sticking to protocol. She will also start Tenex tomorrow as well as 1/2 of a Lexapro. This seems like so much, but I do believe she has GAD (general anxiety disorder) That is something that she inherited from me unfortunately. Her Dr. told me once before to try the Lexapro, but I didn't see any change with 1/4 a tablet, so I stopped giving it to her. Well the Dr. reprimanded me today. Said even if I did not see an immediate change not to stop. Okay that's my bad. I just hope we can get somewhere. I am worn out and I haven't been able to really go anywhere or do anything outside the home for about a week now. This week has been horrible to say the least. I am exhausted and worn out. I so wish tomorrow was Sat. Anyway, just thought I would give ya'll an update. Please keep me and my little love bug in your thoughts and prayers. I hope the new meds work.  The Lexapro will take a while to see effects. Concerta needs to be started low, to get an accurate idea of dosage needed.

Hi.  My son also has GAD and he is on a combo of Concerta/Zoloft/Tenex.

I think you'll start seeing an improvement because I agree that it is likely the anxiety fueling these extreme tantrums.  But don't give up too soon.....it will likely take a few med adjustments to get to the right level.  Plus the Lexapro is not like a stimulant where you see immediate results.....it may take a few weeks to build up.

Good job mom for not giving up and helping your little love bug through this very rough time.  The medication adjustments will be frustrating, but stick to the protocol like the doctor suggests. Prayers your way!

Okiemom

Basically I will have two months worth of the Lexapro. It had to do something with the insurance. Anyway I hope it does work. I have tried calling the school to she how her day was going. They never called me back to let me know.  I will call the afterschool care. They will tell me. Now that I think about it I never really noticed the Lexapro affecting me until I missed it for a couple of days. Won't do that again!!!!!!

Hi, I do pill-splitting also. It seems you pay by the pill, not the dosage, so getting half the pills at a higher dosage and splitting them in two is much cheaper than half the dosage and twice as many pills.
p.s. I bought a pill-splitter at the pharmacy, so it's not that hard of a chore.cr12345mr39171.5958333333My son is also on the Lexapro (in addition to the Adderal XR and Clonidine) and it does take awhile to see the effect.  Why didn't he just prescribe 5mg pills?  (Instead of cutting those little things?)  Not that that really matters.  My son has been only on 5mg for a long time.  I sometimes wonder if does anything so they tried to wean him off, and it didn't take long to realize it was making a difference.  On the concerta, keep in mind there is a 27mg dose between the 18 and 36mg. There is a slick trick to splitting pills, especially if they don't split well in a pill splitter. You can lay a credit card on the counter top. Then lay the pill on the edge of the card so that 1/2 is on the card and 1/2 if off the card. Place your index fingers, one on each 1/2 of the pill and push down.

I'll have to give that a try Vickie!  My DD's Guanfacine doesn't do to well in the pill splitter.

Thanks!

MamaBear39171.9203935185thought I'd mention the warning which you all probably know of not splitting or tampering with Concerta.  The Concerta (18mg) is once in the morning. The Tenex (1mg) is a half a pill  twice a day, and the Lexapro (10mg) is a half a pill a day. The Dr said to try the Tenex at half a pill twice a day for about a week. If my daughter tolerates it well then she said to go ahead and give her the whole pill after about a week. The Dr. did not specify if the Concerta would ramp up to 36mg if the 18mg was not enough. I guess we will have to see. The med change has put her testing off until she is stable on her meds. I was anxious to start the testing but she will have to be stable on the meds for us to get the best results. Make sure to praise heavily for any appropriate behavior. Positive reinforcement works very well. Hopefully, you have found effective treatment.Oh no...I am not splitting the Concerta OK I am not sure if I am just getting my hopes up here, but yesterday went a lot smoother than normal. My dd still had a couple of fits but they were not half as bad as normal. She just started her new meds yesterday. I am wondering if we just had a better day or was it the new meds helping. To early to tell I guess. I am just happy the she didn't rage at the grocery store. I really needed a break from that. Just an update...my daughter seems to be doing good on her new meds. She does seem to be tired at times, but her handle on her outbursts have improved. I started the increase of Concerta today. The Dr. told me to give her two 18mg until next visit on the 10th to see if it helps with her focus. She did seem a little more irritable today. I think she would do better with the in-between dose instead of 36mg. Sorry if I seem scattered. I have a migraine. AGHHHH Anyway, she actually wanted to complete her homework tonight...I thought I would faint. We never have finished homework EVER!!!! Major first. I hope things continue on the upward path. I know that medicine is only part of the solution. I have made sure I continue to give her plenty of praise for her great efforts. I feel almost like I have a new child at times. This must be a little slice of what heaven feels like!!!! Congratulations. I am glad you have seen a glimpse of what will be. It will give you the strength to continue to full effectivity.

This is just so great to hear Wonderwoman!  Congrats for you and your little girl to have some major quality time together without meltdowns!  As you know there will be ups and downs and adjustments for sure, however, you may very well be on the right path.  Again....congrats!!!   Okiemom

I am so proud of my baby girl. I have told her all day what a wonderful girl she is. We went to my son's baseball game and I actually got to watch it. My dd seems to be doing great on her new meds. I hope and pray that we have stumbled on the right treatment for her. It was sooooooooo nice to ENJOY spending time with her and we both cheered her brother on. I just kept looking in her eyes all day thinking to myself it is so good to have some quality time with her and to really experience her personality without all the anxiety and impulsiveness. What a change. Don't get me wrong she still tried me at times but instead of screaming at me when I got on to her she actually heard me out and compiled with my wishes. I know every day wont be perfect and I know the journey is still long, but it is so nice when you can enjoy the good times when they do come along. Whew I can breathe today.  Today I noticed a difference. The past 2 days have been bliss and today was ...okay. There were some moments, but I know everyday isn't going to be perfect. I am still so thrilled that I really learned so much about my daughter this weekend. We really got to talk and enjoy each other. Even if I were to never get that opportunity again ( let's hope I get many more) I will always cherish the past couple of days. It's been a long time since we have had a day where we both weren't exhausted, sad , hurt, etc. We truly experienced happiness this weekend.  So far so good. Like I said before I know we still have miles and miles to go before we sleep....so to say but maybe we are on the right path. FANTASTIC!!!!

Your daughter just started the tenex, right?

I saw some improvements within the first few days that I also wondered if it was wishful thinking on my part....but after a few weeks on the tenex, I definitely saw improvement in Chase's moods and his ability to control his temper.  He also started putting into practice the things I had been preaching for so long....for instance, he had a peer at school get very angry, and he told me when he got home, that he told the boy to "count to 10, think of something to make you calm...." and these are direct quotes from things I have suggested to him for years!

So, my point is, hjopefully it will only get better from here for you and your dd as it has for me and Chase.

Congrats on your great weekend, and here's to many more to come!