Hi All,
My 7 1/2 yr old son was just diagnosed with ADHD. He was having great trouble in schools focusing and getting his work done. Needed many many reminders to stay on task, always fidgiting, talking, doing anything but his work. Academically he is doing very well, but his teacher is very concerned that in the years to come when the work gets harder and harder, if he does not pay attention he is going to lag behind. We tried to start him on Strattera but he was unable to swallow the pills (never had to do this before) no matter how hard he tried, and he did try for me. So we just started him yesterday on 20mg of Adderall XR because we can sprinkle that in some yogert and he can get it down. It was a really tough decision for us to put him on the meds, but if they will help him I am willing to give it a try. Other than his ability to focus, he is a tad bit hyper but I'm not sure that it is any more than any other active 7 yr old boy but maybe that is just his Mom talking.
Here are my concerns and observations and if anyone can give me their personal experiences and input I would really appreciate it.
After taking the meds yesterday, he had a baseball game, both is Dad and I were amazed at the difference in him. He actually focused on the game, participated, and didn't just screw around, pick daiseys, talk, and throw his glove up in the air. Hopefully Monday in school will be great also.
I could definately tell when the meds were wearing off in the evening though. He got quite emotional (crying) when he didn't get his own way, this is not normal for him. He will definately debate you to get what he wants but has never cried like this.
Didn't go to sleep until 2:30 this morning and then when he did, slept till 10:30this morning! This is not such a problem on the weekends, but will be tough on school nights. Now today he didn't get his pill till 10:30 this morning...how will this affect tonight?
When he got up this morning he was a little monster! Definately a personality change. Was very aggitated and angry...Talked quite nasty to me (not like him at all) he has never spoken to me like he did this morning! Said he didn't want to take his pill today because it made him angery....Even he noticed!
Will these changes even out as he gets used to the meds or is this what I have to look forward to everyday....I think what was accomplished while he was on them yesterday was wonderful, but I'm not sure it is worth the personality changes I saw this morning. I know that I have to give it some time for his body to adapt and I am willing to do this, I just want to know if it will get better?
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Today was an awful day.....his personality had definately changed for the worse today. Very grouchy, short, angry, don't know if it is from the lack of sleep last night..... made it through a tough day, had him take a nice long relaxing bath and read him a story.....hopefully he will sleep tonight and tomorrow will be better.First day of school tomorrow with the meds........I hate how my childs personality was changed today with this med.....but I know I have to give it a chance and let his body get used to it. Please pray for us that this will work out.
I have cried alot of tears today....I need your support and help! Please! Is this really worth it!!.....Please someone give me something positive.... I need you guys!
Thanks......Kelly
I dont know what to say about the adderalll since my kids never used that one. But I do know that it took a bit of trial and error until we found a med that worked for my kids. So keep your chin up and keep track of the days (maybe write a journal) and keep track of mood and time meds given, time went to bed, ect so you are ready for the doctor. If things dont get better for you in a few days just call Dr and tell him whats going on. Every kid is different and so it may take a while for you to find the right meds for yours. My kids take Strattera. My son takes 25 mg, he is 5 and has taken for almost 1 1/2 years. And my daughter takes 18 mg she is 6 and been taking for 9 months.
Keep your chin up, you are doing the right thing for your family.
I am new to this site but would like to add my findings of my 6 year old who has been diagnosted with ADHD and Asperger's which is a mild form of Autism. My son started having problems when he was 2 and it has definately been a learning experience since. He has been seen by many doctors and specialist who have only tried all the different gammet of drugs out there on the market. Some worked and some made things worse. Unfortunately, it is a frustrating learning time for both of us, we have good days with him and horrible days. The secret is to be pursistant with the doctors and you know your child the best, but to seek out good doctors is the best thing to do. We have found that Stattera so far is working best for our son, and he sleeps at night now which is a blessing. Also, we give him Melatonin at night before bed to help calm him down to be able to sleep. I hope this helps you. Have you looked up the website Chadd.org? It is a great site.