I need something new! | ADHD Information

Thanks for the suggestions.  I had to take my DS to the doctor today (for a dog bite!), while there we discussed other ADHD medication options.  I had read on the internet that some doctors are prescribing tricyclic antidepressants, as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).  Our doctor said he hasn't seen much success in some of his other patient's using these drugs.

Since my son did so well on the patch, the doctor is prescribing 2- 20mg patches (total 40mg) a day.  We're waiting for the insurance company's response and if they approve it, he'll try the 2 patches a day for 30 days.  If that doesn't work, I think I'll insist that we try something other than the Methylphenidate.

I asked the doc about Focalin.  He said that ADHD medicine is made up of 2 molecules, one that treats the ADHD, the other has the side effects.  He said Focalin has split the molecule and only uses the molecule that treats the symptoms, it doesn't have a side effect molecule (which he said is why you don't need a very high dose of Focalin).

The effects seem to be most obvious as the day wears on.  For the first time ever, he was on 2 doses a day (Metadate 20mg a.m.; Metadate 20mg early afternoon), but the side effects were still there.

He has gone to counseling a couple of times, and I didn't find that it really made a difference.  He only went 2x, but I had hoped to see SOMETHING different - change in behavior; addition of a coping skill, less aggression...I've thought about taking him back to counseling, but don't know how long he should continue before I begin seeing some type of improvement.  (that's probably MY ADHD - wanting those instant results!)

Any thoughts or personal experience?  Thanks!< name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> Hi!  First time on any kind of forum, but I'm desperate!  My son is 9 1/2 (3rd grade)  He's been on ADHD meds for about 3 1/2 years.  We've tried Concerta, Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera - all with negative emotional side effects (major meltdowns, irritability, crying).  We finally found Metadate.  He was on that for quite awhile until we discovered Daytrana (patch).  LOVED IT!  But now, he's outgrown it's effectiveness, so I'm back to trying new meds.  Tried Vyvanse both 30 & 40 mgs.  They work great for the school day - controls the hyperactivity - but again, he's very irritable, aggressive and difficult to deal with as the day wears on.  We tried Metadate again, 20mg in the a.m. and 10 mg about noon.  But he doesn't think it works - and he's still so crabby. 

Are there any meds out there that don't have the emotional side effects?  I read another article that said they sometimes prescribe depression meds for ADHD - anyone having success with those?

He's making us all miserable and he's not happy either...any suggestions?  Thanks for your help.

Is it possible that he has another issue along with the ADHD?  Depression or anxiety? Or something else?  The more I read from others, the more I am believing that ADHD does not exist on its own.  If he is in counseling, you may want to explore other psychological disorders as well. Are you seeing the emotional side effects all day long, or just as the day wears along?  If the latter, perhaps an afternoon booster dose would help?