Our son is 3 3/4 years, 39 pounds. I realize that ADHD meds are NOT based on weight and/or age, but I feel-no, I KNOW-that the dosages my developmental ped has prescribed are too much for our little guy. We are getting the worst of the side effects and crazy hyper focus and excessive talking and horrible rebounds rather than an even, good day.
We have tried:
5mg Adderal-totally insane, this family of meds does not jive with his system
5mg Focalin XR-good in the morning and then talking excessively, crying with horible rebound
10mg Daytrana-same as focalin xr
Anyone out there with little ones that are on meds? What dosage did you start at? We are now splitting the Focalin XR into 5 and trying out 1/5 of a 5mg today, 2/5 tomorrow, etc.
I've read studies that say preschool age children can benefit from seemingly small doses, but our ped just seems to prescribe the lightest dose for a 6 year old. Any thoughts?
how about regular Ritalin? It comes in a 5 mg and it comes in tablet form so you could split it with a pill splitter. It's not long acting so you'd have to dose two or three times a day, but that sure beats yucky side effects!
What about Concerta? I am not sure if it is in the same family as something you already tried, so excuse me if I speak out of turn here. I just know it has worked really well for my son. If it isn't in the same family as something else you tried, it might be worth a shot.
I thought he was starting Strat today> it takes a while to work, but give it a good try.We think we may have given up on the stims too quickly because of the side effects. So, we decided to try very low doses of Focalin XR before quitting altogether. Today was fantastic, but it may just be luck...
We are having an impossible time getting Strattera into him-so that is why we are rethinking the plan. We tried everything yesterday, and read up all over the internet on ways to make it work. Unfortunately, Strattera is not supposed to be opened, and if you do, it tastes awful. I called a compounding pharmacy and they said that they heard Strattera was in the works with something new and easier to administer, but that they could not touch it until then.
So, back to square one.
Call a different pharmacy, it can and is compounded. I do it everyday. It DOES taste awful however.
I would try putting it on applesauce or pudding, without opening it( can cause serious issues if inhaled).
I'll try again. We are going to try the Focalin again tomorrow and weigh the pros and cons. Today-normal appetite, normal sleep...we shall see.I wouldn't put a 3 yr old on adhd medications.... it just seems way to early in the developmental process. it also stunts growth...