Hi

I am recently dealing with an anxiety issue with my son who is 6 in 1st grade dx with ADHD.  He can't seem to make it through the week without a huge meltdown.  At first I thought is was rebound from his Focalin but have ruled that out. Now I am researching anxiety meds.  I wanted to start out very conservatively.  I got a prescription for Atarx today and will start tonight.  My DR. recommended Buspar instead.  Any one have any opinion on either one of these drugs.  I understand that Buspar is first line drug for seizures but also helps anxiety.  Atarax acts on the histamine levels and also is helpful with anxiety.   Thanks for your help in advance.

Sherri

What about Zoloft? This has helped my son tremeandously for years. It is for anxiety and is an anti-depressant. I have no experiance with the other two.

Hi babygonz

Atarax is a histamine blocker sort of like benedryl it is suppose to work immediatly.  I didn't notice any change last night and gave him his focalin this morning and also gave him some magnesium before he went to school and he had a wonderful day.  The best day in weeks.  I am shocked.  I hope this is working and it is just not a fluke. I will try the same tonight and tomorrow morning and see what happens. 

Would you clarify what you think made him have a wonderful day?  Was it the magnesium?  Is this his first time taking magnesium?  Or was it the Atarax from the night before?  I'm just wondering because I just ordered some magnesium (Gillham's Natural Calm) and my dd has not tried it yet.  My pediatrician also mentioned Atarax to me for my dd's anxiety.  I was scared to try it because she had opposite reactions to benadryl when she was a toddler.  It made her wired.  She is currently taking Stattera, too.  Thanks.

I am in disbelief!!!! He has hugged 5 times today, kissed me twice and has said he loves about 10 times and not doing it in a weppy sad way, just happy.  This is coming from my usually mad, angry, defiant and scared of everthing little boy.  I gave him his second dose at 5:00pm.  Bedtime usually is a nightmare but not tonight it was perfectly fine. 

 OK to answer your questions: 

To dsys101 This is not the first time he has taken magnesium and I am using the same kind that you ordered.  This has worked quite well in the past but never had a long lasting effect, maybe a couple of hours.  My son has many allergies and we have used benadryl for years and he has never had an opposite reaction to it. I do know that atarax is used by people with allergies also.  I think you would probably know if she is going to have an opposite reaction with the first dose but you better ask your pediatrician and ask the pharmacist I get great information from our pharmacist. 

To babygonz Magnesium is suppose to have a calming effect and I have seen it work just not for long periods of time.  We use Peter Gillhams natural calm, you can get it at Whole Foods or most health food stores.  I also use epson salt in his bath, that is another way to get magnesium.  I don't know anything about Zoloft or Daytrana we have never used either one.  I don't see how an epson salt bath could hurt but I am not a doctor.  Maybe your dr.  could give some advice over the phone until your appointment.  I am sorry to hear your son is having a hard time. I know with my son this last anxiety issue just kept escalating.  I will keep this post going everyday to see if this med choice is actually going to work. 

spamula did you start with 50mg of zoloft and stay there or did you have to start lower and work up to 50mg.  My son is irritable, easily frustrated and defiant are these the type of symptoms you see zoloft helping?

Sherri, My ds started at 30 mg for 6 months or so then was bumped up due to his growing anxiety. Zoloft helped him even out his personality and be more happy and less worried about the little things in life. His frustration level went way down.  He has been much more friendly and more at ease especially at school.

Hi

Well this medication did not work.  He is much happier on atarax but developed side effects, Hicups and kept telling me his legs were running so we have since discontinued it.  I guess my next try will be zoloft.