anti-anxiety medications | ADHD Information

My child has ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Tenex and Zoloft have been great for helping his anxiety.  We have to be careful with the Zoloft dose, though.  If it's too high, he becomes very impulsive and has poor ADHD control.  The Tenex/Zoloft combo. seems to be the right combo. for him. 

Would it be possible to go to Indiannapolis for an evaluation and just once every few months for a follow-up appointment?  Even though my child's dr. is 15 minutes away, he went once every 3 months at first, and now it's only 2x/year.  You might even be able to arrange follow-up appointments to be during vacation or another day when school is closed.  In between appointments, I email or talk on the phone with the doctor as needed.  When we're making adjustments, we communicate at least once a week.

Also, can your child work with a psychologist?  Maybe it would help to talk about what's making him anxious and to learn some techniques to try to manage it?

Mom2ADHDboy40060.8474074074I don't know if he realizes he's doing this. it seems to become alot worse though when school starts. he used to chew his clothes but thankfully he stopped that. One dr was concerned that the anxiety was a self hurting issue. I told her its funny because his anxiety does'nt always be him picking his body, fingernails, nose, etc. he will also pick his shoes, etc. I really don't know if its soothing. or how to help him.Could the picking be a form of Tourette's?  If he's not aware that he's doing it, chances are there's something neurological going on that's causing him to do this. 

I think until you have further examinations, the best thing to do is to gently remind him to stop picking or if your in public, simply take his hands away from whatever he's picking at.  If you're calm about it, he will be calm about it too.

I know. It's soooo hard when all you want is someone/anyone to help your child and it seems like no one will! I'm sending hugs to ya! Hang in there! Keep working toward getting him help and it will get better!

Maybe if you have to go to Indy to get the initial evaluation the doc will understand your situation and let you communicate by phone for most of the times.  My son's psychiatrist only makes us come in every three or four months and we talk on the phone in between. 

I wish you the best!

I moved from IN in 2007 to Portland, OR.  Best decision I ever made!  josh is 10 and he takes adderall xr 25, he takes tenex for awhile now, he takes tenex once daily but the dr said he could do twice. he has diagnosis of pervasive delopmental disorder as well as adhd. if i lived closer to a big city like indianapolis i'm sure there are lots of drs there but that is over 3 hrs away. I just want someone to help my son.

My son takes Tenex (along with his Ritalin) to help with anxiety and moodiness.  It is not strong like a tranquilizer so it may not be strong enough but it's something to consider.  Also, you usually have to see a specialist (ie psychiatrist etc) to get Tenex.  Your average pediatrician doesn't like to prescribe it.

This may be the type of problem that you're going to have to make a trip to another town several hours away to get the right diagnosis and medication.  Once he is evaluated and stabalized he shouldn't have to go that often for apts.  Think about it...it may be worth it!

I wish you the best of luck!  Keep us posted.

Oh and btw, this is really stange because I was born and raised in Indiana until I was 15.  Of course 15 was a long time ago now!

has anyone's child ever taken an anti-anxiety medication? my son has severe anxiety especially at school, and most times he's nervous. he picks his nose, his ears, his nails, etc. and the kids at school make fun of him about it. he does take prozac but it has'nt helped the anxiety.I thought Prozac was an anti-depressant?  Why do doctors seem to think that one medication will treat all these other conditions?  That just blows me away!  Your son may need something strong like a tranquilizer but I am not a doctor.  I would suggest getting another opinion from another doctor - preferably one who specializes in ADHD and related conditions.  Good luck.

prozac is a anti-depressant but if you do a online search of anti-anxiety medicines, prozac comes up. where i live there are no places for adhd drs or even a child psychiatrist. it really sucks. no one helps my son.

Are there any universities nearby?  Sometimes they have resources to specialists.  And if there aren't any that specialize in ADHD, keep shopping for a doctor who will listen to you and your needs.  That's more important than anything.

Good luck.

the majority of places here won't have anything to do with the insurance that my son has- state insurance. its so sad. we live in indiana and its so limited, especially in the area we live in.

I lived in the Hammond area for 22 years.  Whereabouts do you live?  Indiana is ultra-conservative and so far behind the times.

I may have some resources for you.  Email me PM if you're interested.
kjl269140058.795625My son has been on Zoloft for anxiety since he was 7. He is now 11. Before the zoloft he had constant stomachaches, was afraid of everything and did poorly in school. He was just in a really bad place. Since the Zoloft he has come so far and in a good way. We have thought about tenex and the doctor is looking into it.