Hope I am doing the right thing... | ADHD Information

Oh, yes the finances are fun.  I am working full time at the hospital, running the kids to sports, taking care of my husband all at the same time.  I am worn out and broke.  Already filed bankruptcy for the medical bills and 3 credit cards.  Had to keep the house and two cars out of it and I am not any further ahead.  It could be worse though I guess.  I just keep praying. 

[QUOTE=nurse4wounds]My son is 13 yrs. old and has been on either Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin since he was 8 yrs. old. It has always helped except for the weight loss issues.  We are at the point now where it seems it doesn't matter either way if he has it or not.  I am thinking puberty is what is the problem now, and the fact that my 39 yr. old husband had a massive stroke last year due to MRSA (staph) from a mosquito bite.  Our life has taken a big turn.  I stopped giving my son his Concerta today and told him we will try it.  He is very thin and wants to gain weight and stop being on meds.  I told him we will give it a shot.  He is very mouthy, angry, and mean to his brother.  He seems more depressed than anything.  Does anyone have any advice for me?  I am so confused on what to do.  Thank you.  [/QUOTE]

If he just stopped taking a stimulant after being on it for many years he is likely experiencing some withdrawal symptoms.  If he's still this way in 2-4 weeks then you might want to look at some other reasons for the behavioural change.

You all are under a LOT of stress right now. You can't make a teen take medication--and its not worth the fight.

And if you're in the USA I just can't imagine the financial and medical stress you all must be feeling right now.

Good luck with it all and welcome aboard!
Is he in any kind of therapy? Anxiety and depression will make his ADHD worse, and IMO should be addressed first. There are a few non stimulant med treatment choices. Examples bieng Strattera, the tricyclic antidepressants like Norapramin or Desipramine, and some antidepressants like Wellbutrin.Thank you Diane for your reply.  Robbie did take Strattera also at one time and it was not for him.  I am thinking EXACTLY what you are about Wellbutrin because I am ADHD.  Well, put it this way, I would be diagnosed with it when I was a kid.  I take Wellbutrin XL and it has been a life saver for me.  Robbie is anxious, depressed, and has low self esteem.  I will take him to the pediatrician soon and ask for this I think.  I am so glad you replied back, and was thinking the same.  I worry so much about the kids with everything that has happened last year.  They both are in counseling and it is just so crazy sometimes.  One day at a time.  

you have all been through so much. My heart goes out to you all.

If the Wellbutrin isnt a fit, ask about Desipramine, my daughter did very well on it, but she is extremely inattentive and it didnt quite cut it for school. It's been my favorite med for her so far, she is also 13 and been an many different meds due to side effects. She had NO side effects from the Desiprmaine except some well needed weight gain and we split the dose throughout the day so she wouldnt be tired. We are just trying Strattera now for the second time, so far so good, it's only been a little over a week though.

My son is 13 yrs. old and has been on either Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin since he was 8 yrs. old. It has always helped except for the weight loss issues.  We are at the point now where it seems it doesn't matter either way if he has it or not.  I am thinking puberty is what is the problem now, and the fact that my 39 yr. old husband had a massive stroke last year due to MRSA (staph) from a mosquito bite.  Our life has taken a big turn.  I stopped giving my son his Concerta today and told him we will try it.  He is very thin and wants to gain weight and stop being on meds.  I told him we will give it a shot.  He is very mouthy, angry, and mean to his brother.  He seems more depressed than anything.  Does anyone have any advice for me?  I am so confused on what to do.  Thank you.