My 6yo ADHDer is on Concerta now (36mg) and it is the medication that has worked the best. 3ish years ago when we started this ADHD exploration my Ped suggested Chlonidine. We did not go that route. Now, I've read lots about Tenex, and from the info I've found Tenex is not as "potent" (for lack of a better word). I think DS could benefit from the its ability to calm impulsiveness/hyperactivity. Its not AS sedative as Chlonidine but could potentially help with sleep issues. SOOO when I asked about Tenex (remember she has always been ready to write script for Chlon) she told me no one in this practice (9 peds) would write a script for it because they are not familiar with it. If I wanted that script I'd have to bring him to a Psyciatrist. HUH? Although she mentioned that kids that see her are on it through a Psych and do very well. She did, however call in a script for Chlon that day......We've had the script for 3 weeks and last night was the first time I tried it (1/4 tab). DS has never had aproblem falling asleep, its staying asleep and waking VERY early that affects him. So he fell asleep great, but otherwise it didn't do anything different than Melatonin. I've made an appointment at a new Ped's office, but I was wondering if you all thought I was over reacting or not.
It is understandable for the ped to not want to use a med she does not know how to manage. Guanfacine (Tenex) has a 18 hour half life but is only effective for ADHD for about 6-8 hours so may need to be given up to 3 times a day depending on when your son needs the effects of the med (calming during school, after school/evening, or bedtime).
It might be helpful to see the psych to try the med and if it is a good fit for your son's needs, ask the ped if she will continue the scripts with an anual psych review. My youngest has never slept as long as other kids. Even on her meds and sleeping her best, it is only 7-8 hours (not 9-10 like her sister). We had to set a list of things she could do when awake (stay in her room and read, play quietly, etc) so we could keep our sanity.