When to start meds? | ADHD Information

My six year old has ADHD.  Right now, with the help of an aid in the classroom and behavior modifications, I have been able to manage.  I know he eventually will need meds but I trying to balance the side effects vs the effect on his overall esteem.  I am seeing two seperate neurobehavioralists, both who are said to be the best in the area and they both seem to be leaving it up to us to decide which makes me very uncomforatable. Any advise on when the best age is to begin the meds.  nancyd39632.1258680556

I think our doctor put it best: Kids can be very forgiving of non-conforming social behaviors at a young age, but parents and often teachers are not. We didn't want our son (almost 6) to be labeled as the difficult child that parents didn't want their kids around and we were tired of the daily notes from the teacher complaining about our son's behavior at school. We were worried that this would do more damage to his little self esteem than trying medication. The meds have helped tons and we're glad we tried them. Now we're at a the stage where we're debating whether he just needs them for school or if we should use them all the time. Good luck to you!

For us it was 5 and it was because of aggression as well.  There really is no set age on when to start medicine, I guess it's when you feel that it is really needed.  If he is doing fine in school, socially, and isn't causing major problems at home I would hold off but if you start seeing problems then you might want to consider it.  It's a hard decision.  I've seen kids started on meds as early as 3.  It just depends on the child and family decision.

Good luck and welcome!!

Grade 3 is kinda the year they have to listen more and be more focused in their work, thus is a time when parents kinda make their decisions.

we do not take med breaks at this time because of the social aspect as well. he is doing better socially on the meds but still needs help in that area. besides he is ADHHHHD so I think it would drive all his friends away and me and Dad as well. My DS is better off with his meds.

everyone is so different, there's no way to give an exact age. Just keep doing what you're doing and if you feel hes doing ok without the meds....fine....you'll know when it's not working out.

For us it was age 9, 3rd grade was very difficult for dd

For us, it was when my then 5 yr old dd tried to choke a kid who wouldn't
let her play with the group. Her impulsivity was becoming a real problem
and we realized she needed meds. (For her sake as well as others.) I think it
just depends on how much can be handled behaviorally...if it's not working,
you might consider meds. You will know when the time is right.   For us it was 3rd grade as well, he had a horrific teacher and that year was his worst. with medication and an understanding teacher in 4th really changed things around.My dd is 8, just entering grade 3.  She was dually diagnosed with ADHD (combined) and Gifted a few months ago.  Because of the giftedness, she has not been suffering at all academically, but she has been starting to have some social difficulties because she is too inattentive to read social cues.  We had our big meds appointment just yesterday, and the specialist also mostly left it up to us- but he did say that in his opinion she'd eventually need to be on it anyway, and also that in the meanwhile she could continue to struggle with the social stuff.  He gave us a script for 18 mg Concerta.  We are going to start it on the weekend, when our schedule will significantly slow down and dh will be at home as well.

It's a tough call, I know, and it really is all about weighing your specific benefits vs. risks.  (I am noticing though that grade 3 seems to be a bit of a watershed year?)

Good luck!
Thanks everyone.  We are going to give it to August 1st.  This way we can work out the kinks before school starts in September.    Any advise for the transition?

Nancy,

My son started in 1st grade and it was a lifesaver for him.

Start him during the summer and you should be able to iron out any side effects.  My son was very lucky because he tolerates meds very well. The only side effects that we have had to deal with has been appetite suppression and sleeping problems. Another reason to start during the summer is so you can develop the habit of taking meds.

I often don't understand the reluctant to go on meds. If your child needed glasses, would you not get them for them? They can live without them. Now you should ask yourself--"What quality of life will they have with glasses and without glasses?"

Meds are not just for school, they help our children with social interaction with others. And, they help maintain some peace at home. My son off meds is loud and obnoxious in the evening. He has this thing about poking, which drives me crazy.