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Ty so much for the reply Geeemo it really helps to read other stories and know that we are not alone Getting the meds and doses right can be a difficult challenge but when it works...WOW what a difference!!! It took us about 6 months to find the right medications then another 6 months to get the doses and combos right. While it's frustrating at times, most of it was bearable. The only things that weren't tolerable were rebound and when the dose was too high. But we have a great doc that made changes immediately when those things happened. My son's "cocktail" is Ritalin, Strattera, and Tenex. It sounds like a lot but it works very well for him and that's all that matters! Ty Logan's Mom, I really hope we can find something fast, but I know sometimes that isn't the case, I hope this is the right one but ONLY time will tell!! So nice to have support here, I was a basket case earlier this week, didn't think it would be this HARD to see her go through this, but she is just at the point that she needs some help as she can't do it on her own anymore!!I know exactly how you feel! I think most of us here have been where you are now. Hang in there! You've taken the hardest step by starting the meds!
How is your doc? Are you able to call him/her on a regular basis? If not then you need to go to another doctor or a specialist. The fastest way to get these meds right is 1. have the right kind of doctor. Pediatricians usually don't have the expertise to handle these meds. I recommend a phychiatrist or psychopharmocologist. They do nothing but deal with meds all day! 2. Make sure your doc is available at all hours by phone. I have my son's doc's cell phone number and I've called her at all hours. She makes adjustments right away over the phone when there is a problem. This is the only way you'll get the meds/combo right as quickly as possible. Stick with it and don't get discouraged. It WILL get better! 
Anyways we have started her on Focalin xr at 5 mg, we upped her to 10 MG but omgosh it was horrible when she got home, she kept sucking in her lower lip, blinking her eyes, and couldn't stop moving, I was a bit concerned so he dr said to drop her back down to 5 mg. NIGHT and DAY she didn't have any of those things the next day. We are seeing a slight improvement at school!Anyways I look forward to meeting you all and getting all the advice we need.
Hello!
Different meds work differentyly on different children. We tried 2 meds and then up and down on the doses to get it going well. It seems like the side effects go away after a while. For example we were on the daytrana patch 10 mg, but he had rebound in the afternoon (very emotional). The ped said to go up and we got the 15 mg, but instinct was to go down, so I cut it in half. Once he seemed well adjusted we went up again as the benefits (ability to read, write and not be so impulsive) were going away. After a while on the 10mg, we went up to 15 (where he is at now) and he loves school. Wants to go all year - no vacation..
10yr boy ADHHHHHD
It was really rough before the meds and kind of tough (but better at school) working out the kinks. My other son 12 ADD, was really smart, but like yours, just didn't seemed focused. Did pretty well at school, but I felt was really not learning to his ability. We started on 15 mg focalin and boom! Fantastic. He doesn't use it on weekends, it's really only for school. He loves it..
hang in there:)
Ty Logan's mom, yes our dr is AWESOME she is a psycholigist and here for us anytime, I had to call her asap in the beginning, we are really happy with her. So far the focalin 5 mg seems to be doing the trick just not totally happy with the lack of appetitie, and the trying to get to sleep although the sleep things it comes and goes, so I pray this will get better. ty so much for your support The eating should get better over time and ask you doc about using Melatonin for the sleep issues. My son takes it about 30 min before bed and it makes him drowsy. They also have sustained release versions of Melatonin if the problem is that she won't stay asleep. Just remember not to get too discouraged by the side effect that come up. Usually they can be controlled or a med switch will do the trick. Best of luck and please keep us updated!I did ask about the melatonin, and she did say that since we are only 2 weeks into it to see how the next week or 2 pans out with the sleeping, if not we may go the melatonin route. She had a hard time getting to sleep tonight, of course a school night poor gal, usually once asleep no issues of her staying asleep so far