sure we've had issues with both "families" of meds.
A lot of people seem to have success with Focalin XR, it can be sprinkled and is extended release and is supposedly "smoother".
Another option is Strattera, it is non-stimulant and from what I understand best for inattentive type. You just have to be very careful about dosing small and ramping up to avoid side effects.
Hi,
I can only relate my experience. I have both children on a stimulant (oh joy). My son tried Concerta and Adderall and had bad rebound experiences. He does great with Ritalin LA 30mg (he is ten). Although I think the dose may need to be increased. We sometimes have anger issues but I am sure he has a co-morbid condition we have not teased out. My daughter more of the ADHD inattentive type tried Adderall and it was horrible. She actually hit me and kicked me and she would get very angry. We switched to Ritalin LA 20mg and she is doing great. Every once in a while she gets a little angry and cranky but not often.
These meds are very frustrating because getting the correct drug at the correct dose is hair pulling crazy. I have read that some children need a few weeks to get adjusted to the meds, however, when do you give up and start a different one?? Good luck and just know it may take several different attempts to find the right one. Because we know how frustrating this process is we started my daughter this summer so we could monitor the side effects without it affecting her school work and school social life.
I am new to this forum and have been reading a lot of great information about ADHD and the issues we as parents face. What a great resource for struggling parents.
Recently my 7 year old daughter was diagnosis with ADHD. She has always been a happy go lucky little girl but over the course of the last year we witnessed episodes of anger, defiance, and frustration and inattention at school with very little improvement in writing and drawing and comprehension through the year.
After her diagnosis this spring we tried her on Adderal XR - at no avail. She had difficulty swallowing so we started by crushing the pill in frosting (not suppose to)- then progressed to two small pieces. We immedately saw results in her ability to focus and eagerness to draw color write. But we still had issues with swallowing in the AM and noticed increased anger/agitation.
After discussion with the Dr., we tried Vyvance - capsule form that can be opened and put in drink/food. We saw glimmers of what this drug can do - she was extremely focused and sat at the table for hours drawing coloring and writing! But the down side was her extreme moods - and only after 3 - 4 hours on the drug. It was like she could not even label what she was feeling to me. I would look in the eyes of this little girl and see anger, saddness and confusion. She would seemingly be mad at me or anyone for no reason. I couldn't hug her or seem to make her feel better - not a good feeling!
While on the drug she had severe boughts with anger at daycare - DAILY. Finally, after 3 weeks we took her off completely. The last 3 weeks have been the most calm we have experienced all summer. My daughter is happy and content and rarely have we seen elements of anger. School started and she seemed to be doing okay at home - reading with my husband and I, playing games (reading the cards). School seemed to be going OK and that she seems to be reading a little better- but then her teach pulled me aside to tell me she is a sweet little girl but just can't seem to stay focus - pay attention...etc.
We need to treat her for success in school. So we decided to try the Datrana Patch (10) this past weekend - put it on for 4 hours (then fell off during bath) - began to see those same moods and anger that we saw before. Although we didn't see much in term of her "productive side". We will probably try again this weekend just to give it a chance. But at this point, I cannot see conpromising her personality and happiness for these mood issues. The cost seems to outweigh the benefit at this point. Has anyone else out there had this same type of history with the two classes of stimulants?
In terms of helping her with social issues - the severe anger and moods will ultimately push her further away.
We were really hoping this patch would be our solution. Not so sure at this point.
Thanks in advance for any posts to this!
I understand only wanting to try them on the weekends...but I was recently told that the pills need to be taken every day and giving a break can actually do more harm than good.....my pediatrician had told us that we didn't HAVE to give him them on the weekends and what not.....but I saw a medication management Dr and he said that it is important to be consistent.....at least with the issues that my son, I guess........it's something to think about.....she might be moody and what not for the first couple of days and then get better......but it would take a few consistent days in her system before you would see the results......know what I mean? good luck in the journey......hope all gets better for you!
Thanks for your comments - This "testing' of meds is very grueling. We started this process after school was out this summer. We thought we would be in a better place right now. Now that school is back - we have to wait for the weekends to "try" out the meds. I don't want to take the risk that she will have an episode of anger at school or an adverse reaction.
It is almost like when she was on the meds - she was a walking time bomb - We couldn't predict what her next mood would be or what would set her off (it could be the smallest of issues). It is almost like she walked around with a scowl on her face. At least when she is not on the meds - I have a better handle on managing and predicting her behavior. But she kind of goes in her own world then too....will play for hours in her room with her dolls - she could play with a rock and twig if you let her.
We will keep trying - thanks again!
Unfortunately, the stimulants can increase anxiety in some people. My youngest has anxiety, but it is caused by the frustration of school and not the meds (this is easier to deal with). It may be that you need to give focalin a try or go to a non stimulant as suggested by Diane. If these fail to work, there are still options such as tenex and clonidine, and other meds that can help in low doses. It is a tough journey, and I wish you luck with it. You will find help and support here through this journey.I wanted to provide an update - we are currently trying our daughter on the Datrana Patch - started Sunday and this is day 5. It appears to be working. I noticed a new sense of control with my daugher and her teacher said she had a really good morning yesterday. You are suppose to take the patch off after 9 hours but we have left it on for 10 or even 12 hours (fogot to take it off last night so remembered at 7 pm- she was still able to fall asleep by 9:00.) She is wanting to read before bed (to me) and study her spelling words. Needless to say there seems to be a new sense of calm in our house.
Her rebound doesn't seem too bad - between 4 and 5 pm she seems a little tired and weepy and sensitive. But seems to be out of that after about an hour. Incidentally, we have also been concentrating on changing her diet...eliminating sugars, giving her 2/3 soy milk with 1/3 regular milk - concentrating on providing foods rich in omega 3 for snacks...etc. She still has other snacks (cookies etc.). Finally, we put her in marital arts class - Disciplined but a lot of positive reinforcement and opportunities for success - she absolutely loves it. She is having to EARN her robe so we have an incentive chart at home. Finally we see our psyscologist every other week who assists her with relaxation techniques and coping issues.
We take each day at a time - I think all of the above are key elements in the success of her treatment and well being. So far so good - it has been a long road.
Boomer, glad to hear you have found something that works for you. It is a long hard road for some, finding the right meds but when you do it is great! Good Luck with the patch hope it continues to be helpful