My poor kid! More meds? Change em? what??

edbson and Diane, you're right...I know...**sigh**.  I haven't spoken to DS the way I posted, because I know that would be utter unproductive and just plain old hurt him....but don't you just want to sometimes?  Honestly he really has been trying hard this year and we've made a bid deal about it......I think my bubble just got burst, KWIM?

Enbmom, he was seeing someone, and DS was doing so well we mutually agreed to stop.  I did call the pediatrician and think I'll have to call the Psych too.

My son is 8 and 57 lbs. He started on Ritalin, then 27mg concerta. He quickly developed a tolerance and went to 36mg, same thing - still hyper, defiant, etc.. We are going to a 27 and 15 for 45mg a day. The Psych also suggested Straterra as an option to increasing the dose. My son is VERY ADHD, so it does not surprise me that he is at 45 mg. and may have to go to 56. Apparently Straterra works on another part of the brain, but your son may be too young.

My son was a monster at 5 and things have changed a LOT in the last 3 years. Aggressive behaviors have almost completely gone away. I think you may be in the hardest time. But also, they do say kids with bipolar can have increased issues/anger when on a stimulant, so that's another angle. Finally, be sure your son swallows the pill. I learned the hard way that they can sweep it on the floor, in the trash, or hide it in their mouth if they don't like it.

Is there a reason a teacher couldn't walk him outside and let him unload a little? My son would go ballistic if he was restrained.

The incidents at school - those phone calls - are the worst and they make you feel like you have this kid that will never change. But I think it is a cycle, and it WILL get better. Hang in there!!!!

I know I posted something similar to this before, but I couldn't find it (sorry for the repeat).

Since that last post, I thougth I had it all figured out and this school (K) year has been**wonderful** with only a few hiccups.  At the beginning of the year we changed from Adderall XR to Concerta 18mg, then had to up to 27mg.  Everything has been great, especially that there has been NO aggression whatsoever.  I thought we past some mile stone.  Then the school called today at 2:30.  My son what having a episode and they were LITERALLY restraining him to keep him from hitting the teachers or hurt himself .  I gunned to the school and was there is less than 5 minutes.  It all started during rest time, he couldn't sit still, started yelling and tried to hit his teacher in the face when she stopped him from running around the room.  What esclated it was them restraining him as he fought back to get out of their grasp, although I do understand why they went that route....but not the best choice for DS.  I had noticed he seemed a bit "off" the last few days and had actually written a teacher a note this morning asking if she had noticed the same.  ironically this all started when she was replying to that note.  He's looked tired the past few days, and has a touch of a cold which may play a part in all of this, but you know what??? He knows better.  I didn't lose my cool with him, and have been firm and tried to be positive my honestly I'n angry with him, sad for him, and worried that we might have to adjust meds AGAIN!! Why can't things just stay fixed??? Mostly I'm sorry that this is part of his life and I know that he's only 5 1/2 byt he's had lots of social skills training, one on one counseling, OT ...so when do you start making them accountable too? He's one smart kid, and he knows right from wrong, and yes, I know his BIGGEST ADHD challenge is impulse control but when can I look him in the eye and tell him he has to try harder than other kids and he knows it.  I know I sound harsh (I'm still a bit PO'd) but I think you know where I'm coming from....right?

unfortunately yes.

It will get better as he matures.