We are getting ready to start the meds on my six year old and deciding between atteral, ritalyn and concerta. Which are you using successfully (and what dosage) and which did not work.
thanks for the advice
First off, remember, what works for one doesn't always work for another. It is by trial and error.
My son tried adderall and had horrible reactions, almost psychotic. Stratterra gave him suicidal thoughts, he said he wanted to kill himself. Both stopped immediately, no weaing, and all went away and has never happened again.
He has been successful on both concerta and guanfacine for the past 5 years. We just monitor the dose to maintain his success.
Remember what the meds are there to do is allow our children and adults to think before doing. It isn't supposed to change their personality. It should actually bring out their true personality.
Without meds all the impulsiveness got in my son's behavior. Now his meds help him think before he does. What a difference he still is on and off the meds.
What really stinks for us, especially him, is during the summer there are a lot of night time activities. He has trouble because meds have worn off and he wants to eat. Sometimes it can be a dual sword, so to speak. We can add a short acting dose but sometimes things just come up unexpectadly. I could start a new post on this topic. But that is our story with meds.
It also took us almost 6 months to find the right med AND dosage. We waited for school to start to be really accurate. He moved up real quick with the dose once we found the med. And it is NOT age based, it is metabolism based, how quickly they metabolise it out of their system.
Best wishes!
Nancy
The dose is based on symptom control for most ADHD meds. The non-stimulant Stattera is based on weight and age, and you have to titrate up to the proper dose. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and judge how well it works. Sometimes it takes a few adjustments to find the right dose.
In the stimulant category there are two major groups:
1) Methylphenidate drugs (like Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, or Metadate CD) . In addition to pills, methylphenidate is also available in a patch, called Daytrana, that can be placed directly on the skin allowing medicine to be absorbed.
2) Amphetamines (such as Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dextrostat, and Dexedrine).
There are other meds used, too
We have been on Concerta, Adderall XR, Provigil and now Vyvanse over the last 6 years. We maxed out of concerta in about 8-10 months. Adderall supressed his appetite the most and gave him insomina. Provigil created an eating monster and he gained 35 pounds in 6 months. We have been on vyvanse for 11 months. I really like the vyvanse. It seems quite smooth and is long lasting. He still eats and sleeping is better. Rebound is not bad. Rebound ins that time when the meds wear off, it can be very difficult for many children.
The meds don't make my son into a zombie (a common fear). He is a very funny child and it allows him to stop and consider his actions. He can be very loud when he is off him meds. He is more fun and is able to interact with others easier when he is on meds.
we ended up with Vyvance about 6-8 months ago and what a difference. the other meds made him zombie like and then he refused to take any. when the doc told him he could have his Vyvanse opened up (capsule) and mixed with soda he decided to try again. he is also on Zoloft for anxiety. Every med works different for every kid.hi Nancy
The first med my daughter took was Concerta and it suppressed her appetite and gave her insomnia, over the years we tried most of the meds reruho mentions. She is now taking Strattera and Methylin ER successfully. We had some similar and some different reactions the others had, but was you can see everyone is so different. Strattera was horrible for Bethanns's son and wonderful for us. You just can't know ahead.
Good luck and be patient.