Hi, My 10 year old son has been diagnosed with ADD and is getting ready to start Concerta. Does anyone have an input using Fish Oil to treat ADD or with allergy testing? Does anyone know of any message boards for kids so that they can communicate with their peers about ADD? We are getting ready to join a support group where we all can go. Has anyone had good experiences with Concerta? I am typically totally against medications, but my son has significant problems with reading, comprehension, math and socializing with his peers. He has ADD inattentive type without the hyperness, disruptiveness or impulsiveness. Thank you
I'm an adult female on 54mg Concerta every morning. I've also been on Ritalin. I am inattentive ADD. I also had problems with math and peer socialization. I still have the socialization problems because I have problems reading body language, being too wrapped up in getting all I want to say, out.
I like the Concerta. I don't crash as hard in the afternoon, as I did with Ritalin. But with your child being school age, talk to the dr. about trying to beat the clock getting homework done before the meds wear out. Keep an eye out for it.
I tried to take Strattera in the afternoon, so I could finish out my workday WORKING, instead of dawdling around, trying to make the time go faster, but it gave me heartburn. I can't afford another scrip right now, or I'd try something else.
Good luck to him and to you. I've got no clue about allergies or fish oil, so maybe someone else here can help you out.
Thank you for responding. Did you ever take behaviorial therapy? I am checking in to it for my child. I am hoping it will help him with coping skills. I was told by the Doctor that the Concerta should last 12 hours because I told him between 4-6 pm are homework hours. The Doctor is starting him out on 27 mg Concerta. Have you been taking Concerta for long? What dosage did you start at? My son is a very kind hearted, friendly, outgoing and loves to laugh but he has problems making friends. He feels so inferior to his peers, and it keeps him from trying new things because he feels he is going to fail. We hope the Concerta helps him with his concentrationa and focus which we hope in turn will boost his self confidence and self esteem.
You'll find a LOT of info about fish oil on the alternatives board here- it looks like a lot of people see at least a little improvement with it. There's probably somethign about allegy testing there as well.
It's hard to make the decision to start your child on meds (my 9 yr. old is on focalin xr), but when meds work well it's worth it. Just remember that it often takes several tries to find the right med/dosage for your child. Everyone is different and reacts to each med differently. Something that works wonders for one child may not work at all on another child. Check out the parents board here for more info and support from other parents.
And welcome!