Zoloft and Vyvance or any stim | ADHD Information

My 10 year old is on Vyvance 30 mg and Zoloft 50mg. I have heard a few times now that the Zoloft can make the impulsivity worse when paired with a stim. Does anyone know it this is true? He had his best year on 25mg Zoloft and 30mg Vyvanse. We just took him down from 50 mg Vyvanse for too many side effects. Now I am wondering if I should cut his Zoloft in 1/2 as well???? Any thoughts? He is having big problems with impusivity.

Well I tried to lower his Zoloft yesterday and he came home from school a TOTAL mess! I guess I won't be doing that again. I just wish the Vyvanse worked like it did last year.

I think the teacher has alot to do with it this year. she is not kind and nurtuting and does not follow the 504 at all. We have a meeting next week. She sends home notes to be signed when he gets a 3 instead of 4 on his papers. That is proficient and I don't get it. if it was below grade level , a 2 I would understand more. He did miss 11 assignments in Math this year so far I have found 5 in his book bag. She also majes it clear in front of the class that he is the "bad" one and always calls his name to get in trouble. This is too much, another teacher who doesn't know what she is doing.

This is not a good development

You also need to explain to the school [send a doctor's letter if you must] that your son is in the process of medication changes and that he's already struggling and may have serious difficulties until this is worked out.

If the teacher is 's not following his 504--then you have grounds to complain to the school and DO IT!

Keep us posted.
My child's highly-regarded developmental pediatrician said that Zoloft can increase impulsivity in an ADHD child.  We've witnessed this to be true.  We've increased his guanfacine to counteract this.  It's not a perfect answer, but it's helping.

I just read this whole thread.  It sounds like you're hitting roadblocks everywhere -- an overly conservative dr. and a teacher who won't implement the 504.  I know 504s don't have the same requirements as an IEP, but I agree that you should involve administration that the 504 isn't being implemented. 

Maybe it's time to switch to an IEP so you have more legal ground for its enforcement?

Also, is a new dr. an option?  It sounds like your philosophy isn't a great match for this dr.'s approach. 

spamula:

Although strattera is rough to get on--I was getting benefit on it within two weeks as we were ramping up.

If that's a better choice, I'd say give it a whirl because I really thought [until I couldn't get the correct dose, long sad story] it rocked. I slept like a brick and put on 20 much needed pounds] and was happy on it.

Two to four weeks isn't that bad to wait. Better than months/years of misery.


I totally agree Metis. His doctor is rather consevative and isn't willing to go there yet. I don't care how long it takes to see results I just want to see some that doesn't make him worse.. I think this years with his teacher it hasn't been a great match. Our teacher taught him better OFF medication last year for 8 months and he still passed well. This year they expect them to be organized and do it all himself (despite the 504). He just isn't there yet. Thanks for all your input......

We have not been happy with the meds for a while Diane, he is better off without the vyvanse and a with a caring teacher. I just don't know what to do at this point the doc seemed to be against Strattera due to the legnth of time it would take to see results and he had no sugestions of what to do next.

I am so frustrated I could scream! And now he is getting ticks  to go along with everything else

This is going downhill fast. Hheellpp!!!!

so what if the Strattera takes a few weeks? He's not doing well on his current regimen? If that is a route you want to try, I'd push harder for it. We are doing really well on the Strattera/methylin ER combo. I probably just jinxed myself, but..........

My daughter is also in a different school environment which, for her, has made all the difference in the world. So I completely understand that point it is VERY valid.

That is what I told the Doc, so what if it takes a few weeks at least we would be farther ahead than now. He is pushing for Daytrana but my son at 10 would never have it. Plus his class is going on a trip and he could not do this himself the teacher would have to and he refuses. Now that he takes pills it leaves a broader playing field for meds he is just so sensitive to the meds.Pdoc Appt next week after the teachers meeting.

Ask the principal to join you at your meeting next week.

It seems you've not been happy with your med combo for a while spamula.....is it time to make a change??? Will he go for it?