It is a really difficult thing to decide to use medication with your child. Unfortunately that's what it takes in order for them to do well in our school system. With the Adderall it is definitely something where you'll know pretty much right away what effects it will have on your son's personality. I think you'll still see the happy, outgoing son but just more controlled. But if you don't like how it effects him, you can take him off, try something else or nothing at all.
If it helps with the school work then that's definitely a good thing since if the work is difficult now, it only gets more difficult for them later. But also remember in the whole scheme of things, grades are important but a lot of people go on to do really well in life even without being on the honor roll. Maybe all that extra energy your son has will make him a top sales person some day. Just don't let the struggle with school get in the way of your relationship. Keep it all in perspective.
The natural remedies I've chosen so far are a focus formula that comes in a liquid form that I put in his drink, magnesium, omega-3 fish oil, and L-treanine. However, my son is almost 15 and just has ADD but is not hyper. He seems to be doing pretty well so far but then again he is a teenager so sometimes it hard to tell!
Your son is going to be just fine because he has a mom who cares enough to ask questions and find out information. Just continue to educate yourself on any medication or treatment that might be suggested for your son. As they say, "knowledge is power."
Hi my 5yr old was diagnosed with ahdh 3weeks ago and his doctor wants to put him on adderall. I was wanting to know does it work and is it safe? I hate to think that my son is going to have to take meds everyday and scared that he will become a zombe. I would like to hear from anyone that has kids on adderall. Thanks so much
I totally understand your concern over having to put your child on medication and you are doing the right thing by asking questions about it.
Adderall has definitely helped a lot of kids be able to sit through their classes at school and focus more so they are able to make better grades. It also can help them socially since it helps with the hyperactivity. It's a shame that we have a school system that doesn't accommodate children who, by their very nature don't respond well to a lecture type class instruction. I would love to see the schools have classes set up for all these children (and I know there are a lot of them) where they have more interactive learning and aren't required to sit still for so long. They can have special learning styles for the gifted, why not the children like ours. Sorry, I'm getting on my soap box here.
Anyway, as far as your son being a zombie, if he's taking the right dose it should not affect him like that.
I'm sure you were told about the most common side effects of sleep problems and losing their appetites. These definitely can be a problem and of course with them not eating as well can affect their growth so make sure you're monitoring that. I've read about melantonin being used for the sleep problem. It's a natural supplement so you don't have to worry as much about giving it to them.
With all that said, I wanted to also make sure you read and study about all the less common side effects of Adderall. These side effect do not happen very often but the fact is, they do happen and some can be much more dangerous than the others. We were never told of any of the less common side effects and our doctor that prescribed my son's adderall never had a follow-up appointment to monitor how my son was doing on it. I trusted that my doctor knew what he was doing and didn't really question if this was alright. However, my son who is naturally more of a homebody, began pulling away from every social activity, then began showing signs of depression which quickly lead to a full blown psychotic episode. Something in my gut told me to research the possibility of Adderall causing psychotic behavior because the Adderall was the only thing that was different with my son. And I was able to find several case studies of exactly what my son was experiencing. We took him off the Adderall and within 3 days my son was back to "normal." It's been two weeks now and still no sign of the psychosis returning.
We also had tried Strattera which is a non-narcotic ADHD medication but my son experienced suicidal thoughts on that which is a side effect.
Needless to say, since we experienced bad side effects with both of the medications we tried for my son, we have decided to try some homeopathic/natural remedies instead. So far so good with them.
I am not trying to scare you about the Adderall because I have seen it work really well for a lot of people. I just feel it is irresponsible of the professionals not to stress the less common side effects more since they can be really serious. Just keep educated on anything you give your child and use your motherly instincts to know if they are working well. Good luck. I know it's not easy. It definitely would be easier if our children were born with user manuals so we knew exactly the right things to do all the time.
Thank you so much for you reply. we had his parent teacher conference last night and hes not doing so well in school. Im just so worried about him and i want him to start focuseing in class. I just hope that we find something that will help him. He starts on the meds next week. We told his teacher that he was starting it and she said that she will keep an eye on him for and side affects. Shes going to work with us to help him in school. Out son is just so bright, so happy all the time, very outgoing and im scared that this med will change him in that way. I just want something thats going to calm him down alittle so he can focus in school and at home with his homework. What are the natural remedies you tried on your son? Thanks so much for you help