hi all, new with a question | ADHD Information

Hi, I'm Amy and finally found this website tonight.  I think this is going to be so great to have a place to talk.  My middle child, Olivia was dx. with ADHD about 6 months ago.  She is 6 and going into 1st.  We are also starting the work up for sensory issues as well.  This is all still very new to us and I have so many things I want to ask you guys but the most pressing issue right now is our sleep problems.  I did read the post about Melatonin but have you all had success and are there any other drugs prescribed to help with sleep?  She is currently on 15mg of Focalin and it is working really well.  The poor thing just can't fall asleep much before 11. Welcome. I tried melatonin with my son. It didn't put him to sleep much earlier than he normally fell asleep (maybe about an hour). It did help him sleep more soundly though. He stopped waking up during the night. The psychiatrist prescribed tenex to help with some of his symptoms. It is supposed to help with falling asleep too. My son still doesn't usually fall asleep before midnight.

Did your daughter always have sleep issues or is this just since she started the medicine? If it is because of the medicine, maybe you can give her the last dose of the day a little earlier. You might want to check with the doctor about that.  The doc can sometimes adjust the timing or the type of medicine to help that. For instance, some kids don't fall asleep easy when they are on the "extended release" version of a medicine but do fine on the "fast acting" type.  

My son takes Melatonin about 1/2 hour before bed and it makes him drowsy (he's never been drowsy before!)  He falls asleep MUCH easier. It's also a non-prescription supplement so you can just buy it at the drug store.  You may want to give it a try.

Good luck and welcome!

Occassionally my son, who will be 11 in two weeks,  will have melatonin 3mg.  However what really worked for us was taking the medicine earlier.  I would check with your doctor.  Maybe just changing the time will work or maybe even trying a new med that may not have that side effect for your child.

Good luck,

Marcie

They'll prescribe guanfacine.Jessica N40034.6314351852