focalin xr/severe agression | ADHD Information

My 7 year old is on Focalin XR 15 mg. He has been on this for about a year and a half. He started on it about a year and a half. He started on 5 mg then 10 and has been on the 15 mg for about 6 months. In the last few weeks he has started having increased fidgeting such as unraveling socks, pulling strings out of blankets and constantly having things in his mouth. For about 2 months now he has not wanted to sleep in his room and will not go to sleep without someone laying with him. He has always been a good sleeper and now worries all day about who will sleep with him. To top it all off...he is now having issues with anger and aggression. When he gets angry he says "if I had a real gun I would kill you"..he asked me a few days ago "is it illegal for me to kill my family"...he is fixated on this. I am very concerned and wonder if anyone has had problems with this. My doctor says it is not the medicine as he has been on it too long. Very well said Kathleen! look for another doc if this one dont listen to u!
I agree.   My gut would tell me to take him off the med's and see what happens.
Ditto!! I would stop ASAP! Thanks so much to all of you. I did stop the meds. He told me a few night s ago (after posting) that he hears someone but cannot see him. He says he has a name and he hears him at night and in the day. He says he will be behind him but when he turns around he is gone as he "moves too quick" for him to see. He told me that he has told him that to hurt himself. He has an appt. today and will be evaluated. I am not sure if it is still happening off the med or not. I have not brought it up as I don't want the power of suggestion to be a part. I do know that he has increased hyperactivity now but not unmanageable. His mood however is different and he is not aggressive and irritable.

We had trouble like that with adderall xr - he became aggitated, got in kids faces, his eyes were dilated like he was stoned and he wa 6!

He freaked in the ped. office. Doctor took him off and referred us to a psychopharm. who had experience with all these different meds. Best thing we have ever done.

There are so many meds to choose from and can mixed with this one and that one, to find the right one/ones for you. Every person is different and handles meds differently from the next.

Tell everything to the doctor. Who prescribes?

YES it is the meds!!! My son was on his for about the same amount of time and he slowly got more angry and violent!!!! They switched him to normal Folican and now 2 years later the same thing is happening all over again! I dont know why but it happens! Insist on a med change!!
I don't think that these types of reactions are specific to Focalin, but I do know I have heard of radical changes in behavior after a while sometimes with all different types of meds. I seriously think you need to take action if he is showing such dangerous signs of violent thoughts. Does he see a regular pediatrician, or someone who is more experienced with ADHD medication? If I were you, I would not be satisfied with what your doctor has told you and would be searching right away for another medical professional!