ADHD meds makes him sleepy | ADHD Information

If possible you should have a sleep study done to see if there is any sleep problems like sleep apnea. 

Thanks for your comments

   Yes, good idea about the sleep study.  We already had one done and they say there is no problem.  But he complains about not being able to sleep at all during the night.  However, everytime I look in on him, he's asleep.  I tried the Melatonin years ago and just refused to take it.  I think I'll try it agoin though.  Thanks for reminding me.  chsmom

 

Could be he's exhausted during the day because he isn't getting enough
sleep at night. Have you tried melatonin to help him sleep at night? Also -
how's his diet? If he's not eating well he might not have the energy to stay
awake.

Good luck!

  Thanks for your comments,

 The sleepiness has always been there and he is definately ADD (non-hyperactive).  I have ADD and his sister has ADD.  I use Dexedrine and his sister uses Adderall. When he takes the medication he can concentrated and focus a whole lot  better (when he isn't falling asleep).  Without it, he can't remember to bring his homework home, do the right assignments, turn it back in, study for a test  etc.. you know the drill.  Our physician is a psychiatrist who is suppose to be specialized in ADD, but so far I'm not impressed. I'd love to try another doctor but there isn't anyone else even close in our area.  I'm willing to travel so if anyone knows anyone in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana area please let me know.  Thanks again   chsmom

 

 

 

Hi, my son is 14 and will be entering High School next fall. We have tried Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Adderall XR, Daytrana, Vyvanse, and Strattera and they all make him so sleepy he falls asleep in school. However, he says he has a hard time getting to sleep at night. He has been taking medication since 4th grade and we definately give it enough time for his body to adjust to the side effects. Anyone have any suggestions?  What about Provigil?

Thanks for your comments, chsmom 

 

chsmom39996.5890972222When did the sleepiness start?  When he was in 4th grade or more recently?  If more recent, it may just be attributed to the changes going on in a 14 year old.  Adolescence is a time when kids tend to sleep more, have a harder time awakening in the mornings, become night owls, eat more, hormones go nuts.  I would think that Strattera, being a non-stimulant would not cause sleepiness.  I haven't heard of Provigil.  Maybe his dosages are too high?  I would also raise a red flag being that you've tried all these things and nothing seems to work.  Could it be that he is NOT ADD??  Are you still seeing the same doctor?  Maybe get another opinion?  Any time I hear stories of people "experimenting" with this many different meds, it makes me wonder what the doctor is doing.  We aren't guinea pigs. 

Just my thoughts.
melatonin works wonders for one of my sons and me also- try a low dose- I only take 1/2 of a 3 mg pill and my son takes 1 mgs.  it works for us--!!both of my guys (ADD and Autistic) take clonidine at
nighttime to help them sleep.

Older DS is also trialing Imipram along with the clonidine
to see if it will help him sleep throughout the entire
night and not wake up so much and so early.

Younger son also takes melatonin with the clonidine. This
works wonders, but one med without the other doesn't help
any. He sleeps like a champ!Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start with the melaton and then go to clonidine if that doesn't work.  Do they have any hang over effects?   thanks [QUOTE=chsmom] Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start with
the melaton and then go to clonidine if that doesn't work. 
Do they have any hang over effects?   thanks[/QUOTE]

Not with my kids .... But I WILL say that when *I* take it,
if I am not planning to sleep for a good 7-8hrs, I do wake
up feeling kinda groggy, but it goes away quickly.
If he is having a hard time sleeping you should try Melatonin. It's an over the counter herbal sleeping aid. My daughter's therapist suggested it for her (she's bipolar and has a very hard time sleeping at night). It works wonderfully for her and she can tell if she misses a dose. So I would suggest something like that to try.