Med Change for teenager... suggestions | ADHD Information

It's been a LOOOOOONG time since I've been here!

Things have been going so well over the past few years.

 

We've come to a point where we need to make a change in meds.

He is 13 and Adderall XR has not been effective any longer (he is on the highest dose).

I'll admit, it's been so many years since I've had to deal with medications.

Are there new meds on the market that you trust.

Do you have a medication to recommend?

THANK YOU and these boards were a lifesaver for me early on.  THANK YOU!

My first son who is 12 1/2 is on focalin xl  15 mg.  He just started about5 mos ago, never a problem..  He is just "inattetive type" ADHD

My husband also take focalin 20 mg. 

My other son who si 10 takes the Daytrana Patch 15 mg.  It took us a while to get to that one. First we tried Vyvance he had lots of rebound, but I wonder if that was because it was his first med and his body was just not used to the stimulants...He is inattentive, hyperactive, has ODD and impulsive.  We really like it.  It says it is done after 9 hours, but I had a Dr. say that he has patients that when they study all night etc. it can last a lot longer.  We take it off about 1-3 in the afternoon, so he can regain his appetite by dinner.

Good luck!

Welcome back!

Since Adderall XR has worked well for him, I would think that a doctor would prefer to stay with the same type of medication.  Vyvanse also is an amphetamine, like Adderall, so it seems to me like the best one to try.

Good luck with the medication change and with the teen years!  My son is 11, and already I'm starting to see some attitude changes.  It isn't easy!

I bet that it is puberty getting in the way of the meds.

I was told that once puberty arrived, that the current meds may not work and you may have to start the med journey all over again. Our son has been fine but needed an increase, however others went from one family to another, meaning that if adderall used to work and ritalin didn't it was now the reverse.

My son has done great with concera AND guanfacine (for overstimulation and impulse control) He never changed meds just doses.

Best wishes!!

Thank you guys....

I think it is puberty also.

Mom2AD... that's exactly the info I was looking for.  I was wondering what other meds are in that family.

Then again... like bethann said.... we may need to make a complete switch.

He is unmotivated, unprepared for everything, can't concentrate and can't sleep.

The only "good" side to meds not working is he becomes very creative... drawing, designing, making things out of supplies, ect.  Last weekend he made a skateboard ramp from scrap wood he found... he's great at using tools and his mind.    Other "good" thing is he eats... and eats... and eats!

ADHD + Puberty + age 13  = big headache for families!

 

THANK YOU

My son is 13 will turn 14 in June. I looked at him just the other day and thought where has my little boy gone. He is almost ready to shave a mustache, I just can't believe it!

I know Beth.. sometimes I want to cry b/c I think... where has the time gone!

We joke a lot in our home so puberty... armpit hair.... shaving with an electric razor and "zits" have been being knocked around  a lot in our home recently.  It's really nothing to be embarrased about, I just want him to be comfortable in his own skin. 

I enjoy seeing him grow into a young adult.. but it's still a little sad.

yeah it makes my heart skip a beat. I so enjoyed my little guy, he is so awesome.

we are now having his eye brows waxed and the salon tells me there are more and more guys doing it. DS would have a unibrow if we didn't and is a dark brunette.

WOW!!

That's funny... you definatly don't want a unibrow at any time during your life!

 

 and they were teasing him at school. I felt horrible, he said he had told me about a year ago but I didn't pay attention to him. I can't tell you how I feel, poor guy!

Lol to the waxing comment.  I'm just getting started with my 12 1/2 yo. Sigh....I am always surprised as they get older, that they are still childlike in ways I didn't think they would be. 

My son is in boyscouts and I see all the different teenager boys - and getting to know them has taught me they are still such cute boys!  Not what I thought it would be with a bunch of crazy delinquits (sp??)

Keep us up to date,if you could, about how it goes with the meds and your teenage boy. 

thanks!

Oh Beth... the good thing is you're helping him take care of that for him now.

We went to the Dr. today, who is very very conservative and cautious, but still proative.

 

She would like him to try Ritalin.  I know there is no way to tell if it will work or not, and I am not looking forward to playing the "medicine game"  but that's all we can do.  Fingers crossed everyone.

Yes, I am aware we are switching into an entirely different family of medications.

She's says it's the oldest and trustworthy..... so let's start there.

Thanks for the support gals!