Twins With ADHD | ADHD Information

[QUOTE=Diane V]

The only problem we had with the Zoloft was when we increased it, it increased the blood level of her stimulant, thus increasing her anxiety/restlessness, and greatly increased tics, she also developed compulsive scratching. This was not due to the Zoloft itself, as she did VERY well on the intial low dose of Zoloft. That is the only thing I'd kep an eye on if/as you increase the dose. Watch the stim side effects. I think you'll be happy, seems kids do very well on it. Our doctor said with the higher dose of Zoloft (37.5 mg) it was like Giving her 24 mg of Ritalin LA rather than 20. It was enough to send the side effects up.

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Thank you. I'll be watching for those things when he starts taking ADHD meds again.
I feel so relieved!

After leaving the psych's office today to pick up my son's script for Zoloft, I was very anxious. He began therapy when he was four, and he's taken medication for ADHD since he was 6 (Strattera, then Concerta, then Focalin...getting ready for Daytrana), but the ADHD meds and therapy haven't helped with his social anxiety and his phobias.

For those of you whose kids are on Zoloft, can you tell me about any side-effects that worried you?

Thank you so much!
jade23

We haven't experienced any side effects so far with Zoloft. Ds takes 25 mg.
per day. We can increase, but choose not to right now unless necessary. Ds
also takes 15mg Daytrana. I believe that you have to build up the Zoloft
slowly. We started with liquid Zoloft for a few weeks and then went to 12.5
mg pill and then 25 mg. pill. It takes a few weeks to see optimal results.

By all means you are not alone. I also have twins with adhd but mine are much older. They have just turned 17 both girls take meds. My son is 9 and is also adhd. It has been a long road but as they enter there senior year in high school I am so proud of them. They would not be where they are today if the med and doctors did not guide us and help with all issues that we have come up against. I have been where you are and I clearly understand how you feel. My girls have inattentive adhd but my son is adhd. And mornings are crazy! They all take concerta and ritlan. The ritlan is the boost they need before and after concerta does it's thing. I know it is tough to get through some days but believe me when I say enjoy them because 17 years ago I blinked my eyes and my beautiful twins are all grown up. Now I watch my son and he is growing up faster than they did.

Any thing I can help you with just ask being a parent of twin is hard enough but when you add in adhd and other syblings it gives it another twist.

My ds has done regular behavior therapy in the past for his anxiety and
"perfectionist" traits (he has gotten much better about this but it will always
be part of his personality). My husband and I did not want to add another
medication, but the Zoloft really has helped him. The Daytrana has worked
wonders. He is now able to play outside and participated in T-ball this year
again. He did so well with it, we were shocked how much he loved it. Last
year he played with the grass and dirt and didn't pay attention. This year he
was one of the best behaved players. We still have our daily struggles. The
first two hours in the morning before the Daytrana "kicks in" is terrible. He
is so unfocused and loud. I usually tell him to stay upstairs in his room so
he doesn't disturb everyone in the house.

Oh dear! Hugs, hugs, hugs! You bet you're not alone and you got the 2 for 1 deal, whew! I haven't been on these boardsvery long, and often just read posts for a dose of comradory and its been beyond helpful. Welcome, from one semi-newbie!

It's exaughsting on all levels. I also have a 3 year old DD that is constantly vying for attention so I understand the pain of trying to meet everyone's needs (including hubby) My son is on Adderall XR and it has been a huge change, but I'm not sure that its a perfect match yet. I know they are coming out with a generic Adderrall XR soon (I've been told its very similar to Concerta) so that may be option for you. I know schools out for the summer, and I don't know if you stay at home full time, but try to find moments of peace when you can. I've been known to lock myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes just to "escape". Exercise is a big release for me, and its "my time" I don't know what your situation is, but be kind to yourself and allow your house to look like a dump if it means you were able to pause for 1 hour chopped up threw the day. I know I'm a better mommy for it, I just can't ever seem to be able to find matching socks anymore!

Insurance companies list formulary and nonformulary medications on their websites. If the concerta is a nonformulary (not covered), then ask your doctor to obtain a "prior authorization" for concerta. Basically, they say that they tried these other meds, and they did not work out. If that does not pan out, I would be shocked if an insurance company carried short acting ritalin, but not the long acting version. It sounds like you need to spend some time on your insurance company's website.It is great to know that my son is not the only one that is having the "bug" problem. My son hasn't seen a moth recently, but I am positive that would send him through the roof, LOL. It really freaks me out, I start to think that maybe there is more than just the ADHD going on with him. But now after reading about the other children I too think that it is probably anxiety due to the stimulants. I looked up Tenex, but it seems it is for high blood pressure, so I am not sure how that helps with the ADHD, but I am going to talk to my twins' doctor about it and the Zoloft. I hate to have them on so many medications though. My main concern aside from them being able to function in society as a whole is that I do not want to over medicate. I don't want their wonderful personalities to disappear. Has anyone had that happen? If so, what drugs was your child on when it happened? Does anyone have their child in regular behavioral therapy? My doctor suggested this for my boys, I am curious as to the effectiveness of this treatment as well. NoTellin, that is a great idea about the insurance company. I am sure my doctor would be more than happy to help out with that. I am going to get on my insurance website as soon as I have some more time today.
Thank you so much to all that have responded to my post so far! I felt so depressed and alone yesterday morning and now I feel so much comfort that there are other families going through the same thing as us and that many of you have so much more knowledge than I do about the entire situation. Thank you!

Marie everyone is different. What works for one child wont necessarily work for another. You may not even be able to treat your two kids the same. Your child personality should not be affected. If they seem overmedicated they probably are. it is all about trial and error.

Tenex is a blood pressure medication. It is quite often prescribed off label for ADHD.

Hi Marie

My son is also on Zoloft for anxiety. He's been on this for 6 years - without it he becomes paranoid and yes anything bug!!!! Out side at times has been very difficult. We also have the moth thing!! I know you understand! I found that my son became very angry on dex after a little while. Maybe you may need to look at the stimulant that you are using.

Hello, my name is Marie, I am new here. I have been seeking some where I can freely vent my daily anxieties and frustrations about my children with ADHD. First of all, I adore all three of my children. They are each unique and have great characteristics that I can see daily to help me over come my other issues with them. I try to remind myself of these things that I love when life gets overwhelming. My main problem is that both of my 6 year old twin boys have ADHD. I was not a believer in this condition until after my boys were diagnosed and I agreed to give medication a try. They were put on Concerta 20 mg and I just couldn't believe the wonderful difference it made. I could still see "them" but only it was controlled. My home became peaceful and we could once again enjoy our children. (We also have a 2 year old daughter.) But then our insurance changed and instead of paying for each prescription it went up to . Times it by two and it was an additional per month. We just can't afford that so we had to switch to Ritalin Tab 20 mg twice a day.
When my boys wake up in the morning now it is complete chaos! I give them their meds right away, but I don't see a difference until 40 minutes or so later. They seem worse now than before medication when the meds are not in their system. This is every morning, afternoon, and evening as the Ritalin Tab only lasts for 5 hours at a time. I feel hopeless...like no matter what my twins will never be "normal". They have trouble learning in school, they have trouble keeping and making friends, they fight constantly, and tear my house up all the time! I have tried many disciplining approaches but none seem to work or stick. I love my boys so much, is there ever going to be affordable peace in my home???? I often wonder "Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Why does everyone else get to enjoy their children?" It depresses me SO much! My poor daughter is always fighting for attention over her brothers, and although I can tell she loves the boys to pieces, she gets frustrated too. It really puts strain on my relationship with my husband as well because we often disagree with how to handle our boys. It just doesn't seem fair! I want to be one of those families that go to the park, go on bike rides, take trips, love being together...but it just doesn't feel like it will ever be me. Does anyone else ever feel this way or do I need help too???

Under the ADHD medications board this topic gives you links for possible hlep with prescritions. Check into that. Are there other meds that your insurance will cover? You could try a different medication?

Topic: Help with Prescription Costs

Hi Maree

It is a long hard road when a child is diagnosed with ADHD. This is a great place to just vent. Every day I see others who are on the same long winding road as me and I realise that I am not alone. Sometimes in our everyday lives we encounter so much negativity. It almost like we have to be ashamed of our children having a disability let alone medication. Here you can let out exactly what you are thinking and get support. We are all in the same boat. There are days when I just feel exactly the same. With each stage in a child's development there is another set of problems when they have ADHD.

Make sure you get some time out for you... Easier said than done. Keep good observations of the kids and make sure you don;t settle for a medication routine that doesn't suit your kids. I give my son his meds before he gets up. He sits up has his meds, then goes back to sleep for about 40 minutes. When he wakes up he is human!!!!

Take care and welcome to a caring safe place -

I agree with the others, if the med they are taking is not effective, it will affect their self esteem and as you noted, the entire family.

Check the formulary list of the new insurance and see if there is another long acting form of ritalin that the insurance will cover at a better rate. Or check and see if you can get a break by ordering a 3 month supply of the concerta at once. Sometimes that method brings the med down to a smaller monthly average, though you must put the money out once every 3 months in one chunk rather than once a month. Ritalin LA, Ritalin SR (that one may have a generic, I am not sure) both last longer than the regular ritalin tabs. Hopefully, concerta will come out with a generic version soon...it has been on the market long enough...

If there is not a long acting form of ritalin that the insurance will cover then it may be time to try a different med altogether.

Is the problem hyperactivity, impulsiveness, etc? If so, you may want to look into tenex (guanfacine) It can work wonders as an augment to the ADHD stimulants in that it curbs the hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. There is a long multipage post in the medication forum detailing many things about this med. It is on the walmart list as well so is very affordable. If hyperactivity is their main problem, you may even be able to get away with just this med, if not, it works very well as an augment to the stims.
Thank you Happyrock, I think I will try the giving meds 40 minutes before they get up. I am happy to have found a place that I can vent my frustrations and it is comforting to know that I am no longer alone. I don't know anyone in my family or community that I can relate to. And you are correct, life is completely bombarded with daily negativity when you have a child (or two) with ADHD. I am not ashamed, just feel a little ripped off when it comes to enjoying family life. But, it is good to know that you have felt this way as well, at least I feel a little less "crazy". Oh, one thing I forgot to mention...one of my twins, James, has developed some kind of phobia or tic I guess about bugs. He is constantly looking for bugs, picks at his skin and clothing, and freaks out when he thinks he has found some thing. I mean seriously screaming, crying, and all out panic attacks!!! It is very upsetting because now he will not even step foot outside unless it is to run to the car. Any advice or knowledge on this to go along with the rest of it would be great. Thanks again Happyrock.

The tics are often brought out by the stimulant meds, you should talk to his doctor about it. He may need to try another med. These meds are so individual that even twins will sometimes react differently to the same medicine. I dont think this is a tic. I think it is anxiety. Anxiety can be exacerbated by stimulants also. I would call the doctor you do need a med change. My daughter with ADHD also has coexisitng anxiety and we have had problems with stims increasing this. we have also has stims causing tics. It complciates things, but there are still things you can do. Marie is right, check out the tenex thread. But probably changing from the Ritilan is needed too. There are quite a few long acting meds.Thank you MarieG. and Diane V. I had no idea about the Tenex, I will have to read up on that, anything as cheap as and if it could help would be well worth looking at. It scares me changing meds though because of all the different effects. I don't want them becoming depressed or lethargic either. I don't know if it is possible, but I would like to have a medication that would allow them to still be themselves but controlled and happy. No anxiety, no rebounds, just normal happy children. Probably too much to ask. To answer MarieG., they have problems with hyperactivity, impulsivness, lack of concentration, ect. The Differences are that James has the bug thing, and Leland is very oppositional, is gets angry ALL THE TIME. Diane...you are probably right, I am not sure of what a "tic" is exactly, but anxiety seems to describe it well. Does your daughter do well on stimulants along with the Tenex? My doctor said that he doesn't think a non-stimulant would work for my boys.

Well, the kiddos are needing my attention. I look forward to any further support and/or advice. Thank you. I will have to check in on this later today. Have a great day everyone!

The tenex does help with anxiety as well, but it will most likely make him sleepy at first as his body adjusts to it.

My son was angry a lot before as well, it has brought him out to being a mostly upbeat, happy, cooperative boy. He is only on the tenex for the summer. The tenex helps a little with focus, but not much. Shire is coming out with a long acting version soon, that one will most likely not be on the walmart list. Here is the link to that thread in the medications forum: http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24770& PN=1

No unfortunately we have had to stop taking stimulants. Tics are

A tic is a sudden, repetitive, stereotyped, nonrhythmic, involuntary movement (motor tic) or sound (phonic tic) that involves discrete groups of muscles. Tics can be invisible to the observer (e.g.; abdominal tensing or toe crunching). Movements of other movement disorders (e.g.; chorea, dystonia, myoclonus) must be distinguished from tics. Other conditions (e.g.; autism, stereotypic movement disorder) also include movements which may be confused with tics. Tics must also be distinguished from compulsions of OCD and seizure activity.

My daughter had complex tics. Blinking, jumping, compulsive scratching , smelling. We added the Tenex and they DID help, but they didnt go away. We have been doing this for years and every time she is on stimulants she gets tics. We are now using Desipramine a tricylcic antidepressant. It is working for us. It helps her adhd and her anxiety. Plus no TICs>

We would ALL love to have one med take away all the ADHD symptoms and not have any negative side effects, if it happens share it .

Keep trying, there are SO many options out there.

Marie, you are not alone. I have an almost 7 yo son with ADHD/anxiety.
He is currently on Daytrana 15 mg. We also had to add Zoloft (generic)
due to his increase in anxiety. He freaked about bugs and would not go
outside. Even when he did go outside, he was constantly distracted and
nervous about bees and wasps especially. (he has never been stung and is
not allergic). We tried everything to help him overcome this fear which
primarily was in spring and summer. Finally we added Zoloft and his
anxiety subsided. He is outside lots now and enjoying the summer. We
still have daily struggles with ADHD, but every day it gets a little better.
The key is finding the right medication for your sons and sticking with it.
I would really research prescription assistance in your area. Sometimes
you can get a free coupon from the manufacturer if you call them or from
your doctor. Stick to routines with your kids and structured activities. My
ds does so much better when things are predictable. He gets along great
with his friends one - on - one. Large groups of kids cause problems,
especially if he doesn't know them. Keep playdates small and structured
for a little bit. You will be OK. Things will get better. We are all in the
same boat. I like the quote "you can't stop the waves, but you can learn
how to surf". It helps me go with the flow more and not obsess about my
sons ADHD.