adhd

Becky - posted on 08/21/2011

I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD when I was 24. I have taken about 8 or 9 different meds over the years and am currently taking grapefruit seed extract (for ADHD) and 5 HTP (for OCD) and they do seem to help, if you're looking for something natural to try! Best of luck to you all and your kiddos... : )

Angie - posted on 08/21/2011

My son has tried Vyvance, Concerta and Adderall. Once he started middle school, Adderall was the only one that lasted throughout the day. They gave him a mild medication to help him on nights that he has trouble sleeping, but he does not have to use it often. I also do not give him the medication during the summer. He does gain some weight, but it comes off he when he starts back on his medication. He wants to try to do it on his own this year without medication, but he is taking high school classes early and I can tell after one week that he is not going to be able to do it without the medication. I use to feel like such a bad mom for medicating my son. But after years of thinking about it, I care more about him getting the best education that he can get than I do about the naysayers who think I am using it as a way to keep him in line. The hardest part is when you have people in your family whom your respect tell you that you are doing the wrong thing. But I am his mom, and it comes down to what do I think is the best for my child.

Christine - posted on 08/20/2011

My sons' doctor prescribed something called clonidine.(speeling may be alittle off) My son before being diagnosed would roam the house go in cabinets and fridge all night long at 4 yrs old. It works wonders bedtime is not a nightmare anymore. He is 9 now

Amy - posted on 08/19/2011

I had similar problems with my 7 year old son with adhd. We use melatonin and we did staggered bedtimes for my two kids. My daughter who does not have adhd goes up to bed and ussually falls asleep quickly and then we send my son up. This way he has no one to pick at. I also tuck him in and we have a little talk about what we did that day or whats happening the next day. This quiet time helps him to relax. He also takes one small toy or book to bed to occupy himself while he is going to sleep. Hope this helps.

Christy - posted on 08/14/2011

I had troubles with my son going to sleep at night also.. he said he just couldn't fall asleep, couldn't get his mind to shut off.. I talked to our doctor about it and she told me to have him start taking Melatonin a half hour each night before bedtime.. you can get it in the herbal/vitamin isle at your local store.. it is a herbal supplement that promotes sleep.. talk with your doctor and see if they approve.. it helped us out.. hope it helps you.

Ravenna - posted on 08/12/2011

Hi, my daughter has been on folcalin XR since 2007 and she started with 5mg. Now she is on 20mg. We gradually went up. The 5mg wasn't enough once in the beginning. She did the same thing with her lil sister. What I did was get a aquarium dvd that played relaxation music. I would put that on when it was bed time and with in 30 mins both of my girls were OUT!!! Her dr told me to try relaxation music and I though the aquarium would give her something to watch. She is now 11yrs old and sometimes I have to talk to her. But it got alot better. I hope this helps :)

Dawn - posted on 08/07/2011

My doctor told us to use melatonin for my adhd son. It works really well. Just give it to him an hour before bedtime.

Lynne - posted on 08/06/2011

you have to make sure he has his own bedroom so he dosent desturb others as he cant help it his mind will b working overtime needs a focus a dog or horseriding is good x

Samantha - posted on 08/05/2011

Tammy,
My son is also on Vyvanse, but takes another pill at night to help him sleep. I had the same problem and talked with his doctor. He has been on meds since he was 5 and each year we had to tweek his meds, but today at 12 he is doing great. Hang in there, I know the frustration!

Tracy - posted on 08/05/2011

The Mt Dew thing is true but I use Diet to avoid the sugar. I notice that after I fix him a glass and put him to bed he sleeps almost immediately but when I don't he is up and down for another hour.

Rhonda - posted on 08/04/2011

hmm, weird isn't it? how it would all have a reverse affect? i drink it for energy, and they would drink it to settle them down...ya sugar is terrible.....

Becky - posted on 08/04/2011

Instead of Mt. Dew...there's so much sugar in there...try coffee instead. Caffeine works in reverse for people (esp. kids) with ADHD. May only need a small amount...most sodas have about 50 mg of caffeine whereas coffee (depending on the strength) has at least 100-200 mg.

Rhonda - posted on 08/03/2011

My son is almost 9 as well.....we REALLY likes Concerta also, he was on it for about 2-3 years, only recently did his body become immuned to it, we had to take him off and change to Adderall but luckily it was at very end of school year...I take him off it each summer so that he will put weight on and he does, so right before school starts we will try going back to Concerta....as far as sleeping, we have problems with that no matter what ADHD medicine he is on....especailly if its given to late in the day, he needs to have it by 830 or 9am in order tfor him to get sleep, even then it can be tough...id try melatonin now and them, our Dr recommended it also.....a friend of mine her son has ADHD (granted he is teenager) but she claims MT Dew has a calming affect on him...weird aye? ive never tried it but she swears it does...Good Luck and i also agree with comments below on earlier bedtime routine...

Tracy - posted on 08/03/2011

My childs doctor recommended Melatonin ... it is a over the counter supplement for children to help them sleep... Ask your doctor about it. Also an earlier bathtime and after laying in the couch with a blanket and pillow watching a show of his choice worked wonders for my sons BT routine.

Laura - posted on 08/03/2011

You could ask your doctor for a med that will relax him at bed time. I had to use one for a little while with my son. He's 10 now and on Concerta. We had a lot of ticks with Vivanse too. Concerta doesn't hurt his stomach or so far there are no ticks with it. They recently came out with a generic brand. My first refill with the generic brand cost more than the brand name so be aware of that if you ask to switch. We went through several different meds before finding Concerta. He doesn't have trouble with sleeping and so far so good!! Talk to your doctor. I hate to extra medicate them but he may only need it for a short time if you choose that. Good luck!!!