When my daughter was 10 we were having a lot of issues. Her doctor recmmended adding another med, at the time and I had the same reaction. I didnt want her to think she could fix things with a pill. He looked at me and said sometimes you can. He was right. We did what he recommended. Although our regimen has changed since, she is still on meds and truly couldnt get by without them at this point. At that age she was so thin, my mother told me she looked like a refugee and she did. She is now catching up VERY quickly. She has grown about 5 inches and gained about 15 pound this past year. At 14 she is 5'5" and about 95 pounds. Still thin for sure, but not unhealthy, she just looks like a thin teenage girl. she still takes meds, but this combination has not suppressed her appetite as much as other stimulants we've used in the past.
3rd grade is hard. This is the year they go from learning to read to reading to learn. I had many poeple tell me we'd know our concerns best in 3rd grade. This is the year to sort this out.
Thanks for your input Diane. We did only try the one medication and maybe we just need to see if something else will work better.Whatever you decide to do you will find help and support here.
Your DH is correct in that the 3rd grade is where the kids are expected to sit and listen for longer periods and this is when ADHD is identified for many kids or gets worse.
What type of doc is managing the meds. I ask because a psychiatrist is generally more experienced and med management than a pediatrician. This is a way to get the most out of the treatment. Also use a positive reinforcement behavior plan to work with behaviors you want to change and to make things like completing school and homework a positive/rewarding experience. Is your son under an IEP or 504 plan to help at school? This is another part of treatment for ADHD and learning disabilities. All parts of the treatment plan are important for success.
http://www.help4adhd.org/en/treatment
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd/complete-pu blication.shtml
The methylphenidate meds have been around a long time and have a very good safety profile. Much of the negative stuff on the web comes from sources that wish to sell you someing or are anti-med or anti-psychiatry. The beauty of the scrutany is that these meds have been studies more than most meds out there. Read some of the studies on treatment vs untreated vs kids without ADHD.
Weight loss issues can be a struggle for some kids. We have tried a few things for my youngest becasue she is so skinny. We watch her but do not worry because she is growing fine and has even started menses so we know she is doing ok, even if she is thin.
Thank you Diane and Vickie. He does have an IEP at school and his teachers are wonderful. They are not fighting me at all, instead they are just very concerned about Tuck so we're very lucky that way.