the med cycle begins . . . . | ADHD Information

I posted this weekend about DD (6 yo), who is ADHD (impulsive) and who has been taking Focalin.  I got some comforting advice here, and it was nice to go in to see her prescribing doc (pediatrician, we are on a waitlist to see the child psychiatrist, currently have an appointment in OCTOBER) feeling like I had some idea of what I wanted to try. 

I left with two prescriptions--Daytrana and Tenex.  I am supposed to try the Daytrana over the next two weeks and use the Tenex if DD can't sleep.  After the 2 weeks, he wants me to use the Tenex regularly at night. 

I'm nervous and excited.  When DH and I decided to try meds for DD, the cycle of figuring out which med would be right for her was my big fear.  I take meds myself for depression and anxiety, and it took a year to get my meds regulated.  I'm now so happy with how the meds help, and have no side effects from my various medications (typing that makes me feel CRAZY), but it was such a saga.  I really fear embarking on this cycle with a 6-yo patient who can't describe her own feelings in a way I can understand. 

Anyway, I'm very appreciative of the support you all gave me over the weekend.  I'm excited to try the Daytrana tomorrow and so hopeful that it will last longer and be a little smoother than the Focalin.

Good luck. Hopefully it wont take year, it shouldn't. She may not be able to describe her feelings, but sounds like she has a Mom with good instincts, use them, they're usually right.

My son is going to be starting the patch in the next several weeks. He is currently on concerta AND guanfacine/tenex. The concerta isn't lasting as long as he needs.

So he will be on exactly what you are starting. I will let you know when we start. I am sure I will have lots of questions!

Is it true that daytrana ISN'T covered by insurance?????

If that is the case, how much is it??????

I was told insruance would cover Daytrana if the patient had tried several other meds that did not work and you just need a letter from physician. Check into it. Not sure if that varies by insurance.

Our insurance covered it, no questions. 

I put the patch on a minute ago.  I followed all the directions the people gave on the meds board to get the backing off with no trouble, and it came off okay.  The edges were curling up until I put my hand on it to warm it up.  DD was nervous that she would be able to feel it, but she doesn't.    I probably should have waited until the weekend to try it, but I'm gunshy on the Focalin after our 2 am escapades on Sunday night, so I went ahead and started the patch today.  My fingers are crossed.

My insurance covered Daytrana with no problems. It has been owrking well for DD for over a year.

You also know that Tenex is not something you can start and stop, once started it needs to be continued until the Dr says to stop.

Just a clarification on edbson's caution about the Tenex. If you are only using up to 1/2mg at bedtime, it can be used as needed. When the dose goes up past 1/2mg, it cannot be stopped suddenly to avoid the posibility of rebound hypertention.