First psycitrist appointment | ADHD Information

Okay so after having my son evaluted , at no suprise to us he is adhd and they recommended a psychitrist, however they cant get us in all the way till march 10th! so tommorrow we are going to take him to pediatrician just to get him on something to take the edge off until we can see the psychitrist, but I am so nervous about just putting him on something we are aiming for non stimulants, but I dont know which one to ask for. guess this is just a nervous rant of sorts dh and I have decided it is the right thing to do and we are going through with it, just difficult getting used to the idea of medicating a small 8 year old boy. wish us luck, any advice is welcome, thanks :)I feel you.  My 9 year old and I had to wait a couple of month before we got in to see the child psychologist.  I was scared about the meds...  I watched my son like a hawk the first two or three days, I had bad dreams about side effects.  He is doing so much better in school and homework, it was a blessing.  Good luck.  I am praying for you.My DS is only 6yrs-old, and I was reluctant to give meds. After trying the stims, I was even more gun-shy. We are doing Straterra now, and it has really helped with school. The hyper part is still present, but the impulsiveness, defiance, poor concentration, etc. are much better. We may add in something else to help with the hyperactivity, but for now am just happy he is doing so much better in school. Some people said it took up to three weeks to notice a difference with straterra, but I noticed improvement within three days. You could consider it as an option, at least until you can get in to see the psych.

Does your son have liver problems already or is the pediatrician just being extra cautious?  If he can't take stimulants then Strattera is a great alternative! You may also look into Tenex (guanfacine is the generic) or Intuniv (long acting Tenex).  These are also non-stimulant medications and can help tremendously! 

I TOTALLY understand how frustrating it is to watch your child's bad behavior and know that not only can he not control it, but NOTHING you try will stop it either!  I'm embarrassed to say it, but there were times before we got the meds right that I just stopped trying!  It wasn't working anyway! But then we found medication and everything changed!  Knowing that help is on the way will hopefully make it barable for you.  Hang in there.  It WILL get better! As long as you have a good doctor and stick with it until you get it right.  Good luck and please keep us posted!

I'm in the same boat. 12 yo son with ADD. Psychiatrist appt in 2 weeks. Nervous about starting meds. Not only for the side effects but for the whole trial and error process. Tried herbal remedies with no luck. Wish there was a simple answer! We were lucky in that first meds and doseage worked like a charm. Granted it has only been two weeks on the meds, but I could not be more pleased with the outcome.  His attention to his school work and home work is amazing.  I wish you and your child the best of luck.  I will pray for you.  I would say relax, but I was in your boat and I understand.I've heard many good things about Strattera, however sons pediatrician wouldnt let us try it because of the recent FDA warnings bout liver damage.  Perhaps the psychitrist will try something else I have no idea, I just grow more impatient everyday, its hard feeling like your hands are tied, and also is difficult watching my son make these "mistakes" and having his poor behavior, and knowing I cant really do much about it cause he cant help it, there is no stop and think button for these kids.  We are using the marble behavior method that I found on this message board, we are on day 2 so far so good, but I am being very easy on him because its a new thing, I told him next week there will not be as many reminders and you will began losing marbles for bad behavior.   Seems like alot of us really are in the same boat, lets keep each other posted!  Its so pointless talking to parents of normal children about these things, and I defintily could use the support encoragment or I might wind up on the short bus!!!!! LOL engiishmuffin40214.3439699074We are on Vyvanse, the lowest dose.  It was the only one we tried and are quite pleased.  I mix the meds into his milk in the morning and it lasts until around 6-8pm.  He does not get up early on the weekends, so I don't give it to him.  I hope our luck with the meds continue.  Its is hard to stand back and feel useless to help your child.  I never imagined it would get better, but it did.  I am not saying everything is perfect, but improved.  Baby steps!Is Vyvanse a stimulant? Ds cannot have stimmulants he has extra heartbeats, also he cant have stimulants because of abnormal eegs, he doesnt have seizures but the conditions for them are there so stimmulant could bring that out we have to steer clear of those.  I suppose thats part of the searching process for us, we can rule out any stimulants :)  I know you are right about the baby steps, just a hard pill for me to swalllow, no pun intended ;)Yes, Vyvanse is a stimulant.  I am sure that it will work out for you.  Thats strange coming from me, because I did not think we would be at this point.  There is no magic fix and results take time.  You have taken the steps to help you child, so you are baby stepping in the right direction.  I wish you the best.  This is a test for us, but as moms were are ready, willing and able to handle it.  Patience and prayers to you:-)