hi mama!

first off hugs! my dd was first diagnosed at 3 yrs old for adhd and we held off till just last week before going back and getting her meds. it ws a very hard decission, but her impulsiveness is just out of control and she has become a danger to herself, so it was time. i have been litterally sick to my stomach for weeks about giving  her the meds... and even though there not working oh so well yet, i know there still needed. her pediatrician was the one that prescribed them, but im going to take her into a psychiatrist for a better eval and med tweaking. if you havent done that yet, i probably would. it may help you make a decision. i know delaying her meds hs probably caused her some unneccsary  junk in life tht maybe treating the problem could have helped, but that was the decision we made at the time.

anyways, hugs to you! i hope you come up with a decision soon!

Hi sweetie take comfort in knowing you are not the only parent that has made these decisions, i to have an ADHD child who is 5, we struggled with giv\ing her medication, but eventually caved because she gor worse and her learning was not imporving at school. We placed her on them and she bacome a better peron however we still have our challenges. She can be abusive and non conplient, but overall we must set the standard and be consistant, day in and day out. Even when we are tired. For us putting her on the pills was a good decision as there were many factors to consider, not just wheather i thought was good or not.

hugs

If she was diabetic you would give her insulin right?
do you take Tylenol for a headache?

ADHD is a medical condition, often times requires med to give these kids a fighting chance.

I shed many tears and had many sleepless nights deciding whether or not to give our 5yr DD the meds she was pescribed for ADHD.  The difference it has made is life changing.  My DD is happier, making friends, calmer, learning, funny, cooperative, etc. She still has moments, but we can manage those.  The medication has helped her to sit back for a second and think before acting.  In that short second before she reacts (or doesn't) we have been able to teach her other coping mechanisms. (other than lashing out or exploding) 

There is so much debate over medicating and I DO get it.  However...Some argue exercise and diet alone can cure the symptons.  Well diet and exercise can help with menstural cramps and PMS symtoms too but most of us just take Midol! 

Thank you all for the replies!

To RCMommy: You are absolutely right. I wouldn't deny him insulin if he were diabetic, and if he has a fever, we definitely reach for the tylenol. I suppose the medication debate does play a huge role in my hesitance. Also, his pediatrician didn't order and EKG before prescribing! I have an appointment scheduled tomorrow for another pediatric opinion (and to schedule an EKG).

Today was his Kindergarden phase in day. I have been on edge all day long just waiting for the phone to ring. I hate feeling like this! I'm sure it isn't fun for him either. I really hope things go well... I have my fingers crossed.

I hope his day went fine.

During school last year it was about once a week we got a call that my DD was either in the principals office or we needed to pick her up because no one could calm her down.  I couldn't believe my 5 yr old was sent to the office! Once we found the right medication we never had another office visit or phone call again.

*knock on wood*

We never had the EKG but I did discuss side effects with our pediatrician.  The psych pescribed the meds, had second opinion from a psychologist and also spoke with peditrician for his thoughts and advice.  I gave her the first pill on a Saturday when she would be home and I could watch her like a hawk.  By Monday I was confident things were okay but put the teachers on alret so they could keep an eye on her.

Best of luck to you!

I feel for ya hun.  It's such a hard step to take.  But believe me, once you take it (and get the meds right) you'll wonder why you waited so long! I agree with RCmommy, you should look at the medication the same way you would Insulin.  I don't really even agree with the "medicine holidays" that some people do when they take the kids off of medication. In my opinion my son needs his Ritalin as much as someone would need seizure medicine etc and it would be creul to withold it because I was afraid of it or had a mistaken belief that a medicine-free day would do him any good.  I know that may seem like an extreem opinion but I have an extreem kid!  Medication has given him a life that he can enjoy and I will do whatever it takes to keep it that way! I wish you all the best.  This is a stressful time but it will get better...I promise!