11yr old newly diagnosed

Hello, My daughter was just diagnosed with ADHD and ODD last month. The doctor put her on Adderall xr with 5mg for the first week, 10mg the 2nd week and 15 mg the 3rd week to see what dosage would be best for her. We are at the end of the 3rd week.

The 5mg didn't seem to do anything for her. The 10mg just seemed to knock the edge off, but she was very irritable and this week she is on the 15 mg, she's not so irritable but she is very emotional, ready to cry over little things. With both the 10mg and 15 mg, when she is coming down from it, she gets very hyper like its been penned up all day and just released all at one time.

Is anyone else experiencing any of this?? We go see the doctor tomorrow. I don't know whether to tell him that this is not the right medication for her or if she needs a higher dose.
ceceily, what you describe--irritable at 10 mg; emotional at 15 mg with rebound (getting very hyper when she is coming down) sounds familiar. Your doctor might recommend the 10 mg dose over the 15 mg....or, might keep at 15 mg and have you monitor to see of the side effects (very emotional and rebound) subside. Side effects usually do subside after a bit (weeks, possibly a month or more...).

Plus, remember that these medications won't make all the ADHD traits disappear (as much as we might hope that they would!). these meds are an aid...an aid in helping those of us taking them to adjust our thoughts and actions to fit in better with the "normals" that surround us, and the "norms" we are expected to comply with at school or at work, and at home. So, in addition to the meds, you and your daughter (and the rest of the family for that matter) should be getting counseling or coaching--it's a "package deal" this treatment for ADHD. Especially for kids--they need support and understanding as they strive to adjust and "fit in"....not perfectly fit in of course (that's not practical or desirable!) ... but fit in good enough to get along, be happy, confident and successful in things that reflect their strengths.

My son couldn't handle adderal xr. It made him horribly emotional. The doctor witnessed it and removed him from it. He started concerta and it has been better for him.

I wonder if another med might be better for your daughter?

Thanks for the great advice. I didn't realize that these side effects may wear off. I sure hope so.

We do see a therapist, which hasn't been going well since my daughter dislikes her very much. Nothing wrong with the therapist herself but my daughter just don't like her. The next step we are planning on taking with that is to ask for a new therapist.

As far as the meds go, we are seeing the doc today so we'll see what he recommends. I'll keep you guys posted and thanks again for taking the time to reply to my post.
You're right to try another therapist (and another, and another...if need be). Very important that your daughter feel comfortable with her therapist, otherwise she will not feel comfortable sharing issues that are important to reveal and work on for her happiness and success.

In my limited experience, a therapist that starts right off with standard, off-the-shelf self-help therapy for ADHDers (e.g. make a list, prioritize, keep a calendar, put post-its by your door, etc. ad nausium....) are a dime a dozen and aren't helpful beyond a visit or two, if that. The therapist who takes the time and interest to get to know the person first, who over the course of the first 3 to 5 sessions listens and asks questions before launching in on theraputic suggestions...that's a therapist who can really do some good!!

I also agree that the side effects can even out after a little while. For instance, some kids when they fisrt start Adderall have trouble going to sleep at night but that gets better over time.

But as it turned out, my son just couldn't take Adderall at all. It made him super emotional and it only got worse when the meds wore off. When he switched to Ritalin it made a HUGE difference!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Here's my update: We went to the doctor and he switched her to 27mg of Concerta. What a difference?! She is doing much better on that. No more emotional break downs and she is very alert and even nicer to people. The only problem is that she has a hard time swallowing the pills and I can't crush them or break them because it is a time released pill. She can swallow them but it takes her a while to do it. I'm thinking she'll get used to it and it will get easier and easier for her.

Thanks again for all your input.
That's SOOOO good to hear! I'm happy for you! We had a similar reaction when we switched from Adderall to Ritalin. Ritalin was much better for him. Most of the emotional stuff went away and it just got better from there. I hope it continues to get better! Good luck!

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