Welcome to the group. my son is almost 10 and has ADHD and anxiety and adjustment disorder. He is on Vyvanse for the ADHD and Zoloft for the anxiety.
We found that the Vyvanse gives the best coverage with least side effect. he was a zombie on focalin. he even refused to take any meds for months. It seems like a long haul. I have heard of Attend but no one with success. good luck on your journey and we are always here
Welcome to the forum. Feel free to ask any question and we will try and help.
My son will be 13 in November. We did concerta 5-6years ago. It was a life saver back then. We also did Adderall XR, that had the greatest appetite supression of any meds. We started vyvanse a year ago and have been very happy. He eats more and has less sleeping difficulties. We also went on Lamictal as mood stablizer. That has helped the depression and angry outbursts.
Weight loss is common and often stabilizes after a few months. I have to remind my son to eat in the mornings. He does most of eating after the meds wear off, which means the evenings. You can try carnation instant beakfast made with whole milk and ice cream. I reduce rebound by pushing a protein snack right after school. Watch their blood sugar levels because they don't eat all day and it can really get low in the afternoon.
I almost forgot to mention that co morbidities are very common, so sometimes it isn't the meds but the comorbidity coming out. What type of doctor is your son seeing? Most of us will recommend a specialist/psychiatrist. Pediatricians are ok for very simple ADHD, but it is rarely simple. Pediatricain are very uncomfortable with many of the meds our kids need, they do not have the experience with prescribing them. Psychiatrist have a more extensive knowledge of medications.
Please read as much as you can on ADHD, the more informed you are the better you will be able to help your son. Also the doctors treat you differently when you more educated on the topic. It is a positive thing.
You`may have to advocate for your son at school. There are some good websites that help with that, like Wrightslaw.org. Unfortunately, not all educators are up to date on ADHD or willing to do what they are supposed to. Be aware of your rights to protect your son and get him the best education.
reruho39653.9025347222Welcome to the group.
Our daughter is 9 and has ADHD and Anxiety Disorder. She's been on Concerta for 3 years and is also on 54 mg but is going to upped to 72 mg this school year because the 54 just doesn't quite cut it. She is also on Zoloft for her Anxiety, and Clonodine and Melatonin for sleeping. It seems like a lot but honestly it has helped her so much.
I wouldn't worry too much about the weight loss. That happens at first but they do eventually gain it back. Make sure to get plenty of protien in his breakfast and make him eat before taking the meds. Also, if he gets hungry at night let him eat as much as he wants. It's a great way to get in those extra calories.
I noticed you said he maxed out at 54 mg. What do you mean by that? Like I said our daughter will be going up to 72 this school year. Have you talked to your dr about your concerns? Also, do you see a pediatrician or a psychiatrist? A psychiatrist can give your son the best treatment and will be able to tell you if there is something else going on. As you've noticed a lot of our wonderful kids have more than one disorder going on at once (what is called comorbids).
Good luck and know that you have come to the right place. There is a lot of good people here that will help you with any questions or problems you have or if you just need to vent!! WELCOME!!