I wish Intuniv would keep working! | ADHD Information

My 6 and 1/2 yr old son, 52 lbs was diagnosed  last yr with ADHD with severe impulse control issues.    Not abe to tolerate stims was the conclusion after being on Ridalin LA and Focalin both at different times.  Became extremely emotially aggitated and anxious and crying and manic like.  He also is a very bright little guy.
We started Intuniv 1 mg before Christmas and saw results almost immediately...he bacame a calm, happy, pleasant, fun little boy who was able to particpate at school without the constant singing, humming, grabbing, jumping, pushing that was really starting to effect him socially amongst peers.  His ability to get ready in the morining, complete his work, neatly completely, all greatly improved.   Actually got emails from several teachers noting his marked improvement. 
Then - it all 'went away' about 8 days later and we were back to ground zero.  So we increased to 2 mg and though we did have some sedative effects in the afternoon (fall asleep on the bus, etc) not unmanageable and went back to our happy therapeutic results.
But, as was my biggest fear, about 10 days later, sedative effect lessended and we are back to LOTS of problems with impulsivity and hyperactivity here at home and it school.

My question is this:  Has anyone else been on Intuniv long enough  to prove that it can continue its initial therapeutic result.  Anyone else experience this drug's effect just diminish over time??   I just wish this drug would continue to work as it initially!!!   He is only 52 lbs so I am hesitant to increase to the 3  mg  and even if I did - I fear that that would "wear off" over time as well.

It is easier to not have something at all, than to have it and then have it taken away from you.    Our family was finally so much better all around when this drug worked...........and now, its not.  

I used guanfacine(tenex) for my daughter for a while.  I had unusual effects but if intuniv is working, I wouldn't worry about the weight issue, as my daughter gained weight on it, which is listed as a side effect..  If the long lasting version of intuniv isn't working right, perhaps he needs to use the original version.

I had to work with larger doses in the am and a smaller dose in the pm to avoid the sleepiness issue.

I would work with the doctor since the benefits were so positive. 

Good Luck. 

I agree!!! If you are getting results, see if you can up dosage. I've had my DS on Straterra for almost three months now. I noticed after a month that they were wearing off at the end of the school day. We tried splitting the dose evenly and that worked for awhile, but then he would have a big gap after lunch before getting home, when the meds weren't working. So, the ped phone-conferred with the psych and was told we could actually go up to 40mg, so we are doing 25mg in the AM, then 10mg more after school. Only three days on this combo, but the effects seem to be lasting through the evening! I'm willing to add something else (like tenex) in the pm if this doesn't work, since we can't go much higher with Straterra. But, for now I'm pleased that the ped is so willing to work with us.     My 9 years old son (75 pounds) was on Focalin XR 10mg and after noticing
he was having problems focusing and having outbursts his doctor
prescribed intuniv. he started on 1mg and then increased to 2 pills (2mg)
after a week. The first week there was a huge difference in his behavior but
then he went back to his old ways. Even worse. His doc now changed his
med to adderall 10mg and no intuniv.
Now I am wondering if she should have up'ed his dose of Intuniv...,
my son recently went of Foc xr because of outbursts of anger, and it wasn't
really helping the ADHD sufficiently anyway. Chances are upping the intuniv
wouldn't have helped so don't doubt yourself. It was likely the XR because I
have read on this board, and personally know, of very similar experiences on
the Foc Xr. We switched back to short acting Foc because we get the best
results and no issues of angry outbursts. GL!Thank you Mommatrying for your kind message. Knowing that others walk
in my shoes is very reassuring!
We are now on 4mg Intuniv after 2mg and 3mg each wore off in a few months.... it works very well and I fear what will happens if/when it "wears off" too.

Audrey

We had what we thought was DS's tenex wearing off..such that we were considering stopping it all together.  We then (quite by accident) discovered that he was palming the pills and storing them around the house.  Don't know if this might be an issue for you...but now that we are watching DS take the pills..we are back on a somewhat even keel.

FYI ..he takes only tenex no stimulants. 

My almost 8 year old is around 58 lbs. and takes 3mg so I think it is worth a try to go up. Try it on a weekend so you can watch his sleepiness and hopefully he'll adjust in a few days. He has been taking 3mg for 2 months now and is doing well. I hope it lasts!