ADHD and anger? | ADHD Information

Puberty changes things, including the meds that have been working successful.

My son couldn't handle adderall, it made him angry, but if your son has been successful for 2 years with no anger issues then I guess puberty.

I would call the doctor who prescribes his meds and tell him/her of this and discuss the puberty "thing"

I have been told that once puberty starts, we have to start over with the med search. It took us about 6 months to find the med and the just right dosage. I am dreading puberty.

that is my opinion!

My 13 year old son was finally diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago and has been an Adderall for 2 years now, with great success.  He's never been a behavior problem, except for the annoying behaviors related to ADHD (contantly moving, humming, whistling, etc).

Over the past few months we've noticed a change in his behavior, especially first thing in the morning and when we've occasionally forgotten to give him his medication.  He is EXTREMELY angry for no reason.  He's defensive and VERY mean to his little sisters.  However, AFTER he's taken his medicine, he's great to have around.  He helps me all the time and is a joy to have.

Can anyone tell me if the anger issues might be related to the ADHD, or is this just normal teenage behavior?  I'm not sure how to handle it b/c we keep punishing him but if it's something he can't help (b/c of the ADHD), then I want to get him some REAL help.

momiss2 - He's not hard to deal with, disrespectful or mean during the rest of the day.  It's just the morning or when he hasn't had his meds.  This is something totally different then just acting like a teen.

I spoke with the dr who has scheduled an appt to get him checked out.  He has gone through a growth spurt and is still on the same dosage he was a year ago.  Also, I told he that he's having trouble sleeping at night, which could explain some of the anger in the morning.

I agree it's probably the teen years, and he needs to be put in his place and learn not to take his anger out on others. I found that they change behaviors and if they can get away with it they will, then get worse. Also because they are disconnecting from the family, sometimes taking some time with them -doing things they enjoy, helps the whole family relationship. They start wanting to please mom and dad again.My daughter is a bear in the morning too, and she takes Adderall. I think that it's because she doesn't get enough sleep at night, because the stimulants keep her awake.  Once she gets her stimulant meds, she becomes much nicer.  The anger issues could be a result of withdrawal or coming off the adderall as well. When my son was using it, we noticed this too. When the drug is not in their system, their moods/emotions will react.Thanks for telling me that.  I had no idea that puberty can change things like that.  I will have to ask about it.

Ask about guanfacine/tenex - (same med, just one is the generic name). This med helps control my son's overstimulation and relaxes him. It may help your son with his humming, constant moving, etc. I also believe it helps my son's meds last longer!

There are threads here on this board! Lots have their children adding this to the stimulant.

I am so dreading the puberty thing!!

Regards!!

BETHANN39336.4821064815Could also be anxiety or dperession, both sometimes show up as intense anger in children