My daughter just started taking Adderall XR 10mg on Saturday. This is the first medication that we have tried for her ADHD. I expected to see some change, either for the better or worse, but I can't tell that it is doing anything for her. Do I need to give this medication a few days or weeks to start taking effect? There have been no adverse reactions or negative effects at all, but also no positive ones either. It's like we never gave her the medication at all. This is only her third day on the medication, so should I wait awhile longer before I jump to conclusions and call the doc?
It took us some time before we saw a difference in my DD. Normally they would try the Ritalin products firts before Adderrall. I am wodnering why they started with Adderrall? I would go back to the doctor after about 5 days if you see no improvement.
I think she started my daughter on the Adderall first because we tried Vyvanse with my son and HATED it. But I know that just because it didn't work for him, doesn't mean that it won't work for my daughter. She suggested first off that we try Daytrana (which is what my son is on and doing well with), but since it is so hard to find in stock in my area & my daughter has sensitive skin, I asked her for something in a pill, and she started her on the Adderall. We are just using our regular pediatrician, because my children are on CHIPS and have to have a special referral to see a psycologist, and I absolutely cannot afford to pay for anything out of pocket. But I'm starting to wonder if I should save up some money and take her to a psych? It seems like the doctor will pretty much prescribe whatever we ask for, but she does claim to have extensive knowledge in treating ADHD, and knows a lot about the medications when I ask.My daughter tried Adderall fairly quickly when we first went on meds. It's been around a while and can be sprinkled so I think a lot of doctors use it first. Some claim it to be "stronger", but obviously your daughter is not seeing any negatives so don't panic. 10 mg is still fairly low of a dose. IMO you'd see some results that day. Why not give it the week and call the doctor if nothing changes. You've already started the Adderall so give it a fair shot, it's a good med. I also think using a psychiatrist is a GOOD idea. We also pay out of pocket, but for us, we've had MANY issues with traditioanl stims and really needed some one with GOOD experience. We only have to see him now every three months for a 30 minute med check. If you are in the Dallas area...go to Cooks children network. They are honestly a greta bunch of doctors who know kids.
I talked with my daughter after school today to see how she felt it was working. Today was her first day at school medicated. She said that it helps her a little up until lunch time, but after that she can't think anymore again (that's her exact words). So I think we WILL give it some time before doing anything. I think I will still look into finding a good psychiatrist for ADHD (that is also affordable), I'm just not sure where to start. WebMD maybe? I think they have a "find a doctor" tool or something like that.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions...every little bit helps!
ask your pediatrician for a referral also. OR go through inurance for a list.Sounds like her dosage is too low.. but you should up it in increments, dont just jump from 10mgs to 40mgs.. Usually I give a dosage two weeks, then call the dr (I only use a pedictrician) and ask to double it up, so I can use the remaining pills. But, I will say that two 10mg pills didnt work quite as good as one 20mg pill. But at least I'm not wasting medication. At 10mg on Adderall my son was miserable, cranky, and it did nothing for his focus and hyperness. We uped it to 20mg and he's doign so much better. Not crabby anymore and his hyperness has simmered down, but still not focusing great. I can see we'll have to go up a little more.I think we will definately need to increase her dose. I popped in on her at school this AM (she forgot her library book), and she seemed semi-"in control", but when she got home she was off the wall and couldn't seem to get anything done again. She has been complaining of headaches and trouble sleeping (due to the headaches), and has been very tired in the afternoons, but I have heard that the headaches could be caused by too weak of a dose. Anyone else had this issue? The headaches aren't anything that a little Motrin can't fix, so I'm not too worried just yet.Hello -
This is my first time on this site - happy to be here. I just started Adderall XR for my son, 4 years old about 1 1/2 weeks ago. The first day he did great! But the rest of the week - 5 days, no change AT home. The teacher from his Early Childhood program reported a difference which was encouraging but we weren't seeing it happen at home. Then, finally, on Sunday -- A GREAT DAY! and another, and another... day and evenings... until today :( He was very weepy today and I am not sure why. I am fearful the drug won't work and I am so drained...
BTW: I have found that the drug interacts with certain foods. In an effort to get my son to take the medicine in yogart I offered him some M&M's -- not a good idea. He was wired - jumping off the walls. I went to the website and found that I shouldn't be giving juice or chocolate to him after taking the meds. Good to know. I wish his neurologist would have said something to me about drug interaction with food. I now make sure he takes his meds at the same time, with yogart, not chew it (if I can help it) for the maximum effect.
In regard to some of you whom reported aggression with Adderall XR... Is this common? My son was VERY aggressive before the meds and seems less aggressive and angry this week than I have seen in a long time. I can't take the aggression, temper, anger -- so I am really hoping that this behavior does not get worse.
Q: When did you all report a change in your child behavior after administering the meds - 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.?
Q: Are there any food interactions I should stay clear of with this drug?
The teacher showed me my sons homework before meds - 2 circles and after meds - he actually drew an "animal" of some sort -- it was amazing to see :)
We haven't seen ANY change yet, but I have noticed that milk tastes sour to her and tends to upset her stomach since she started the meds...and we never had that problem before. I have also read that juices, chocolates and sodas should be avoided or limited because the acids in the foods can affect the release of the medication. I think caffeine should also be limited.
I spoke with her dr this afternoon, and she said that we need to give the meds at least another week before we decide to increase the dose. So I'm crossing my fingers that it's just taking a while for this stuff to work. Still no negative effects though, so I have no problem continuing with this med until her next appt. I just wish it was helping her more.
TXMomof339507.5761342593It might be rebound. I don't know about the tired part of it. But I know when my daughter's meds wear off, she gets very moody. She's only 7 so she has a hard time telling me what the problem is but she is definitely off when it starts to wear off. Other people have told me that once it leaves there system it's like stepping off a cliff. Insomnia is a problem on this side too. Her psychiatrists put her on Statterra, which is an anti depressant that they use to treat ADHD. It's a non-stimulant, so it doesn't help with the physical part of ADHD...movement and sitting still etc. But it seems to be helping her with her rebound. We just started it Monday so we have to give it two weeks to fully kick in and possibly increase the dosage. But I can tell you that it does help her get to sleep and stay asleep. She takes it at night before bed. Just kepe this info in mind when you talk to the doctor. If you incrase it the head aches may get worse and the insomnia may get worse. But honestley...you're going to have to give it a try to see! Maybe it's just not enough for her?