I have had ADD for about 10-11 years now.
I was first diagnosed with ADHD when I was in 2nd grade (so i was probably maybe 7 or 8) and started off taking ritalin, then kept building up a tolerance to the higher doses so i started taking concerta. Over the past 5 or 6 years ive been upped to 54mg, because i kept bulding up a tolerance. Although concerta is great and I am able to concentrate and focus much more, when im not on it I feel like crap.
When I am not on concerta: On weekends for example if i sleep in, it takes so much more energy to get out of bed and go take my medication, i literally go through withdrawls, I cannot function normally without it. I have disorganized thoughts and when I talk I speak in a disorganized manner. I eat like there is no tommorow (before i took medication, my appetite was normal). I am lazy, and exhausted all I want to do is sleep. I get really dizzy and my heart beats really fast when i stand up. I get really anxious and sometimes depressed, i am very irritable--basically an emotional mess. I get a little paranoid, i feel like when i am talking to people they don't take me seriously and look right past me. Before medication, I was pretty normal (although it was a while back), just a little bit hyper, but hey, isn't that how all little kids are supposed to be? Hyper? All I know is that I am addicted, this summer I tried to use alternative forms of trating ADD by weaning myself off of the Concerta, but I really couldn't, because i coulndn't function. I know im not the only person with these side effects (iv'e talked to friends who are on it and they report similar symptoms), and i know im not crazy, but sometimes i feel as if im stuck inside my own skin, i want to be able to function without medication.
My mom is a pre-school teacher and sees alot of ADD and ADHD in her students (while my highly opinionated self strongly does not like the idea of medication) they take medication. My mom noticed some differencs in children with and wiythout ADD and ADHD, children with: did not eat very nutritiously (while their parents thought they were because the wrapper on the packaging of the pre-frozen smuchers PB&J, its not healthy-its PROCESSED) those kids were also a little bit more overweight-not enough exercise, they also led a highly stimulating life (participating in a number of cometitive sports and activities-come on they are in kindergarten! What ever happened to playing "kick-the-can"), and also they watched ALOT of television at home. Kids that had a somewhat better attention span ate well, had a well structured day with minimal television and more playing outside...etc.
Research Holistic approaches to treating ADD and ADHD. Some small lifestyle changes such as diet may drastically help. My mom also found a cassete pack by a woman doctor in colorado (im so sorry I dont have it with me, so i dont know her name) but it was called "Behavior through Nutrition."
This is also interesting: http://www.all-natural.com/add.html
and http://add.about.com/od/alternativetreatments/a/overviewalt. htm
Medication has different effects on everyone but I wish I could at least function somewhat when not on it, whe i have a break from school i intend to go off and try alternative medicine again, just need to will me up some will power!
The best of luck to you, research can go a long way!
[QUOTE=Diane V]
quite often children do ok on a lower dose when not in school. Less stree, pressure responsibility, add that stuff and icnerase symptoms. 4 months is MORE than enough time to now it is not the right med. My doctors criteria for dosing is 1 full school week.
If he could not tolerate the 27mg, ask that they let him try something different. there are SO many choices.
BTW these stimulants are not based on weight. All stimulants should be started low and slowly increased until you see symptom relief with little/no side effects. Good Luck!
[/QUOTE]
I agree there are so many meds this might not be the right one for him.
and yes stimulants anre NOT based on weight but on symptom relief without side effects.
Check with your doc again. Or get a new one. Is it a Psychiatrist or pediatrician?
The dr we initially saw was a pediatrician. . since then I have moved to another province and cannot find a regular dr where I live. It's very frustrating! The walk in clinic makes me feel very uneasy as we don;t see the same dr each time! I want a dr who can follow and track my sons progress. I am definately going to get him in and try to consult with the dr we originally saw to see if he has any suggestions. God I feel helpless!!! Hey Guys! Just wanted to let you know my good news! My son now has a pediatrician! It's been tough finding a dr seeing as though I have been trying since July! So we're headed in the right direction. I think we're gonna go with the 27mg and see if it helps. . if not we'll try something else! Thanks for your support![QUOTE=lyndsey27]My 7 yr old son was diagnosed in July of this year with ADHD. He was put on 18mg Concerta. Since then I have noticed minor changes ( more in the beginning) but now that school is back in it seems as though his behavioural issues haven't changed. Is it worth taking him to a dr to see if maybe these meds aren't right for him or should I hang in there a little longer and give it some more time as it has only been 4 months? Initially we also tried him on the 27mg dosage as his weight feel him in between the 18-27mg doses. On the 27mg he was a hyper mess. . it was like he hadn't taken any meds and was worse. I will accept any advice! I am feeling very helpless right now! Thanks alot![/QUOTE]
Concerta is NOT dosed based on weight, but by symptoms. If he isn't showing some good results within a week, then a new med or higher dose is needed. If he was hyper on 27mg, maybe he needs 36?
quite often children do ok on a lower dose when not in school. Less stree, pressure responsibility, add that stuff and icnerase symptoms. 4 months is MORE than enough time to now it is not the right med. My doctors criteria for dosing is 1 full school week.
If he could not tolerate the 27mg, ask that they let him try something different. there are SO many choices.
BTW these stimulants are not based on weight. All stimulants should be started low and slowly increased until you see symptom relief with little/no side effects. Good Luck!
Hi Lyndsey,
Yikes! 4 months? You should definitely talk to your doctor. Stimulant meds work right away and don't require time to build up in the bloodstream like other psychiatric medications. If 18mg Concerta doesn't help enough and 27mg is too strong there are many, many other options. Everyone responds differently to each medication.
Good luck!
My 7 yr old son was diagnosed in July of this year with ADHD. He was put on 18mg Concerta. Since then I have noticed minor changes ( more in the beginning) but now that school is back in it seems as though his behavioural issues haven't changed. Is it worth taking him to a dr to see if maybe these meds aren't right for him or should I hang in there a little longer and give it some more time as it has only been 4 months? Initially we also tried him on the 27mg dosage as his weight feel him in between the 18-27mg doses. On the 27mg he was a hyper mess. . it was like he hadn't taken any meds and was worse. I will accept any advice! I am feeling very helpless right now! Thanks alot!