Adderral and ADHD

Christine - posted on 08/17/2011

I agree. My almost 5 year old son was just officially diagnosed with ADHD and I'm a nurse. He has been this way since he was born and I must admit the terrible 2's and trying 3's were beyond what most people will have to deal with. However, me and my husband have decided not to put him on Aderrall or any other stimulant. Our Developmental Pediatrician told us that it is our choice, to be informed prior to making the decision. She gave us places to get more information and did not push us. and I think she only suggested the medication because our son went into his usual adhd tantrums right there in the office and she could see how hard it was. She said she saw that it is fairly severe behaviour prior to schoolage and hence suggesting the meds. But I do agree that 2 years old is WAY to young to be giving any stimulant. The rare side effect of it is death. Is it worth the constant worry that your child might die or even having that reality come true?? There are other ways to deal with it. I don't know them yet but I can guarantee I will find them. You can message me here or on Facebook anytime. I know how hard it is. Sometimes just having the support you need really helps! :-) Good luck!

Joy - posted on 08/15/2011

Where in the heck did you find a doctor to prescribe meds fir a two year old?? By definition, AD/HD cannot be determined before age 6/7. Your child is 2. Leave him alone and fire the doctor.

Trustina - posted on 08/15/2011

My son now 15 was 7 when I finally agreed to use medication to help with his ADHD. I agree that being 2 years old is too young - there are many down falls to using medication that young. Anyhow, we have used every medication available as they all have their downfalls - especially mood swings, withdrawl symptoms, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, headaches. I urge you to carefully research each medication. Adderall has had deaths possibly linked to it but undetermined. Good luck and always pay attention to the reactions your child has. And always always ask questions, get second opinions - Moms know their kids better than any doctor.

Dawn - posted on 08/10/2011

That is really young, but I hope it works for him.

Rebecca - posted on 08/10/2011

A 2 year old on adderall. I am sorry but thst is insane. A stimulant, he hasnt even started elementary school. May I ask why your doctor put him on anything yet?

Amber - posted on 08/10/2011

Like the others, I'm extremely shocked as well... And would urge you to get a second opinion as soon as possible. 2 or 3 is far too young to properly diagnose a child and there are countless articles to back that thinking.
I know where you're coming from because I suspected my child had ADD at about this age but my doctor said they couldn't properly test until he was school age. Especially since much of the issues can be worked on outside of medicine. I sympathize for your situation and hope that it works out well. Like others have said, your child should only calm down but not lose their "personality"... But I would still, very strongly, suggest getting another opinion.

Valerie - posted on 08/10/2011

I agree, 2 yrs 9 months is too young I think.. but I am not a doctor... I don't think they can even do an accurate test on a child that young... how did they test your child for ADHD? My girls had to go through a whole bunch of tests and questionnaires from the doctor, teachers, me, school psychologist... I don't know how they could do "real" tests for ADHD for a child that young.. maybe other disorders but ADHD? These meds can work very well, but they are very potent drugs and prohibit growth and have amphetamine/methamphetamine in them.. good luck!!

Brenda - posted on 08/10/2011

My 10 year old started taking it when she was about 6. She developed chest pains and head aches with it and had to stop taking it. She can't take Adderal or Ritalin or any ADHD med that has similar ingredients. I am shocked that a Dr. would prescribe meds for a 2 1/2 yr old also.

Michelle - posted on 08/08/2011

I am really shocked that your dr. has decided to medicate at such a young age. We were not allowed to medicate my son until he was 4, and we noticed a difference in a little over a week he just calmed right down. At 2 yr it is hard to determine what behaviors are ADHD and which are normal toddler I wish you luck with your decision just watch and make sure you don't see a loss of personality my sons adderall calms him so he can focus but his personality is still the same.