Concerta Question | ADHD Information

Hi.  I am just new here and my ds just started taking Concerta 3 days ago.  I haven't seen any changes but I don't think I will just yet.  I have had very mixed emotions about putting him on meds.  Has anyone else felt this way?  I haven't seen any side effects but what should I be looking for????

TIA for any answers...

Susan

Susan,

Here is how I see it: if your child needs an antibiotic,
it would be negligent not to give it to him. If he
doesn't need it, it is irresponsible to give it to him.

Same goes for meds like concerta: if he needs it, it
is negligent not to give it to him.

My 14-year-old son has been on meds since second
grade. Because his ADHD is severe, he still shows
symptoms even when on maximum doses, but the
improvement is enormous. (He was recently
switched from Concerta to Strattera in an effort to get
more effect, but I think he actually is doing worse on
it and I plan to ask to switch back.)

Keep in mind, that all these meds work differently in
different kids, and the first thing you try may not work,
but don't give up if he really needs the help
(meaning, behavior mod techniques by themselves
aren't enough).

For me, the bottom line is this: if my child cannot
manage in school or with friends or with us without
constantly getting into trouble, losing friends,
getting yelled at, sent to detention, etc., it is
irresponsible for me to make him go through life that
way, without doing whatever I can to help. In his
case, the meds do not solve all problems, but they
do make them manageable.I totally agree. Keep trying until you are all happy with the results. My 12year old is doing ok on Strattera and Concerta. It is two pills a day and I am not happy about that but is what is working for now. We have had some bad times with different meds but I know that he needed me to not give up. I also know that this combo will probably only work for a short term and we will be searching again. Hang in there. We will help you get through anything.

Hi Susan,

I know I really struggled with the decision to medicate or not, so I know exactly how you feel.  Some of the reasons included the fact that I didn't fully understand (and still don't) exactly what the meds are doing and effecting within my sons brain.

As it turns out, for us, it was the wrong decision.  We tried several different medicines, some which only made him very depressed, and one which worked for a little over a year and then the effectiveness began to decrease and some unacceptable side effects showed up.  (Please understand that these side effects are rare and my son is just sensitive to medication of any kind, so we have to be careful).

My son is happier and more creative without the medication, but he was never in much trouble, never violent, and never in detention.  His biggest issues are difficulty making and maintaining friends, and finishing his school and home work.  We are working with him on these and trying to find other alternatives.  When he was on the meds, it didn't help with the social issues, only with the school work, and by homework time, there was no medication left in his system, so that wasn't effective either.

However, if there were a medication he would do well on, I would reconsider.  At this point, it's not worth it to go through it again, but maybe someday.  As MAMom said - each kid is different, and you have to work with your child and your doctor to make the best determination. 

Above all, don't feel guilty for trying to help your child be more successful in life.  Watch him closely and find what works for him.