Tantrum on med’s? | ADHD Information
Hi and thanks for the replies. Yes, since my son started the med's he is going to sleep alot later and still waking early. He definatetly is a person who needs his sleep and previously could fall asleep at 7pm no problems. Is it possible to get use to the med's so quickly, he's only been on them just over 3 weeks? The meltdown did occur when they would be wearing off...........we give the tablet to him between 6 - 7am and I notice him getting louder etc........around 2pm. The script was for 1 1/2 tablets but we only give 1 tablet so Im going to speak to the Dr re: increasing dose. I really dont know much about any of the ADHD med's........dexamphetamines are a stimulant as are Ritalin, yes or no? I read the leaflet in with the med's and there was nothing to say when med's wear off it can cause irratability. Is this the case though, it does? If so, at least I'll know why. Also what does the term regarding med's "rebound" mean?
Thanks to all
Candycane
are you seeing a behavior therapist? there could be something more going on deeper than the medications. I had temper tantrums well into late childhood that had nothing to do with medication. keep an open mind.rebound is what happens when an individual stops taking the medication and the original symptoms return (sometimes stronger than before).
My son tried adderall xr and became "aggitated". I was told the second day by his teacher that everything was irritating him and he got in the other kids faces.
He had a final melt down at the pediatrician's office and that was the end of adderall xr. We started concerta the next day.
I would call the doctor and discuss the med.
The other thing, rebound occurs when the meds are wearing off. It happens at the end of the time period that your child is covered. Not sure when the tantrums are happening but it could be either a rebound occurrence OR the med itself.
That is my opinion/experience
I agree that the most likely reason is "rebound". And yes, three weeks is enough for his body to get used to the medication. My son used to rebound really badly when the meds wore off too early or if the dose wasn't high enough. Many times it only took his body days to adjust! Usually (at least with my son) the higher the dose the longer it lasts. I don't think this is something that's advertised but it is true of my son. If your son's dose is raised a little then the rebound may stop.
Just keep in mind that if it is truly "rebound" then there will be no reasoning with him until it's over. If he's anything like my son he really isn't in control of himself at that time so trying to get him to listen or calm down isn't going to work. My son is TOTALLY irrational and usually doesn't even make sense! I remember times with my son that I just had to wrap my arms around him and hold him down until he calmed down. Thankfully it would only last about 10-15 min or so. And then it was like a light switch was turned on. He would just act like everything was ok again!
Definitely call the doctor. You shouldn't have to live with rebound. If adjusting the dose or timing doesn't help then a switch in meds may be in order. My son rebounded horribly on Adderall but does well on Ritalin.
And yes Ritalin is an amphetamine. I'm not familiar with Dexamphetamine but I would assume it's the same family as Ritalin, Adderall etc...
Good luck and hang in there! 
It can also help to keep in mind that the meds only bring their behaviors into the range of normal, so they still will have tantrums from time to time, like any other kid. I have to remind myself of that when my son does it. I think the problem is that after dealing with insane tantrums for years, when the occasional one pops up my mind immediately goes "not this again!" and anticipates hours aggravation, even if that's not what it gets.
My son had a big problem with rebound at first too. His doc prescribed a shorting pill at 1/2 his regular dosage to give him the afternoons- it just makes the process of the meds wearing off a little smoother and more gradual for the brain. That side effect eventually went away, but it took quite a while.
Meds allow the child the opportunity to make a choice rather than act on impulse but if your child is having total meltdowns thats a real cause for concern.
Candycane...response to medication is very individual and maximum effectiveness is based on individual response, not how high or low the dose is. It can be very frustrating at first as patients must go through a trial of medication to find out what specific medication and dose is best. There is no specific time frame in terms of finding the right med and dose but the goal is maximum benefit, minimal side effects at the lowest dose possible. More doesnt mean more effective.
If the medication is not right for the child or the dose is too high or too low, the child can get very irritated or emotional but everyone response differently. Rebound is an unacceptable side effect as med's should go in quietly and leave quietly. Rebound can be remedied by either a med change, dose change, a short acting dose or depending on individual needs, the doctor may prescribe tenex in conjunction with stimulant med's.
Sometimes meltdowns occur when the child also has an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder in which case, stimulant med's could exacerbate the anxiety the child is feeling.
Because pediatricians are not qualified to make such assessments and have no expertise in terms of med management for ADHD, parents are left feeling confused and the physcian not following proper protocols with regard to the med's can be very frustrating for all concerned and it delays effective treatment. Speak with your pharmacist because along with the medication you should be getting a pamphlet explaining side effects. Sometimes a few meds or different doses must be tried before finding the right one. Please keep us posted and hang in there
Below is a chart of ADHD stimulant medications:
Trade Name Generic Name Approved Age Adderall® Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine 3 and older Adderall XR® Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release 6 and older Concerta® Methylphenidate extended release 6 and older Daytrana® Methylphenidate patch 6 and older Desoxyn® Methamphetamine 6 and older Dexedrine® Dextroamphetamine 3 and older Dextrostat® Dextroamphetamine 3 and older Focalin® Dexmethylphenidate 6 and older Focalin XR® Dexmethylphenidate extended release 6 and older Metadate ER® Methylphenidate extended release 6 and older Metadate CD® Methylphenidate extended release 6 and older Methylin® Methylphenidate chewable tablets and oral solution 6 and older Ritalin® Methylphenidate 6 and older Ritalin SR® Methylphenidate extended release 6 and older Ritalin LA® Methylphenidate extended release 6 and older Vyvanse™ Lisdexamfetamine 6 and older
Hi all, my 8 yr old son started his med's approx 3 weeks ago (Dexamphetamines) and it seem's to have notched his behaviour down a level or so. He is alot calmer and more "regular" so to speak. As we live in Aust he is due to go back to school next week on Monday. Since med's we have had no tantrums or meltdowns however, we have had 2 in the last 2 days and not sure why. Both were over the most simplest of things but he had a huge tantrum and was asked to go to his room to calm down, he refused and was getting more upset. Finally got him in his room and explained to calm down etc but didnt and more screaming, he wouldnt listen, started calling my husband names "your'e an idiot" etc........... Is it normal for adhd kids to still have these meltdowns whilst on meds? My son is on a low dose but as I said, in 3 weeks the last 2 days saw 2 seperate meltdowns. My son is actually ok about going back to school next week after what would be a 7 week holiday break but I wonder if he is feeling anxious without realising and that may have triggered his meltdown to some degree. Im going to contact the Dr as I feel the med's could be upped a bit. Cheers..
Candycane
My son (7) started on Vyvanse and when the meds would wear off he would have major tantrums/meltdowns much like you have described. Is it happening when the meds wear off? If so, it could be a rebound effect.
We ended up switching to Ritalin 3x a day and he has been doing well with that.
Unfortunatley, meds are a lot of trial and error. You'll get there. Just hang in there and remember you aren't alone.