Tantrum on med’s?

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.

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

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!

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.