Intuniv Anyone?

Nonnie - posted on 04/25/2013

Very true Terri. We are all not Dr's. I am full of questions as well. we all need some help sometimes

Deirdre - posted on 04/22/2013

Try removing dyes with numbers after them to address in aggression and anger issues. If it works, then your child is hyper-sensitive to dyes and they should be avoided. Won't cure the ADHD though.

Amber - posted on 04/22/2013

My son just started on 1 mg of intuniv, then upped his dosage to 2mg for almost 3 weeks. I can tell that he is a little better at home, but seems to get irritated and angry very easily. So far, his teacher has noted his angry behavior, but his focus issues are a tiny bit better. Just wondering if anyone has had the same issues, we see his doctor tomorrow for more guidance.

Kim - posted on 04/08/2013

I found out my bby girl has adhd the dr started her on intuniv so any feedback about this med would be greatly appreciated

Karolyn - posted on 04/08/2013

My 9 year old son just started Intuniv (2mg) yesterday, I was reading that they should avoid dehydration and getting "overheated". My son plays baseball (and the season just started). Was wondering if anyone else on Intuniv is into sports and has there been any cause for alarm?

Karolyn

Jose - posted on 04/04/2013

thank you! Im sure I will have more questions cause I don't know how to get most of the things you have mentioned. That is for another day. Again thank you so much for the information

Nicole - posted on 04/04/2013

I would love to...
I cut out all dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives, processed sugars...basically ALL processed junk. The best way I can describe it is we went back to real, whole foods. Of course we did this in stages. First, with the Feingold diet. Then cutting out glutens, dairy, and anything with MSG. Now we only eat FOOD. I found by giving my son fermented cod liver oil, it has GREATLY improved symptoms as well. This provides necessary and essential omega-3s for brain function, but also tons of other vitamins/minerals that we just don't get anymore (A, D, K...etc). We thrive on grass-fed meat, free-range poultry (especially egg yolks), full-fat grass-fed butter and coconut oil, organic veggies and fruits. There are SO many pesticides, toxins, and JUNK in our food nowadays that our babies are not nourished. How do we expect them to thrive and "get better" if their brain isn't even getting the proper fats it needs to flourish? This is my passion, and I have greatly turned things around for my son (whom had dyslexia symptoms as well). Check out my blog if you'd like. Good luck!

Jose - posted on 04/04/2013

Thank you for your response. I did read the lierature. It sounded alot better than Vyvanse. My son also has dyselixa and Nystagmus and great fear of everything. We are going to seek therapy for him. But please explain how feeding my child better food will help?

Nicole - posted on 04/04/2013

I'm sorry the physician told you this...unfortunately it is not the only drawback. I suggest you download this full safety information sheet straight from the Intuniv website http://pi.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/Intun... . This medication was originally formed for blood pressure regulation, so I assure you sleepiness is not the only drawback. We have almost weaned our son off all medications, including Intuniv a long time ago. I've found with a special nourishing diet and the right coaching/mentoring/counseling/therapies, our child has never thrived so well. All parents here need to look into what we are feeding our children...and change that first and foremost. Many times ADHD symptoms are their little bodies reacting to the toxins we are stuffing them with. If you're interested in natural healing, I write about our journey and many other things at naturalemama dot com. But, the least you can do is check out that safety guide.

Jose - posted on 04/04/2013

My son just started intuniv today 1 mg. He had being on Vyvanse 40 for two years. the last couple of weeks were a complete disASTER. The only draw back our doctor said was he might be sleepy. Is that really the only drawback? If that is the only drawback I would welcome it!!!!!!!

Thanks

Julie - posted on 04/03/2013

My son is 14, he has been on many different things for his moderate ADHD. He has had side effects with everything. This year he is full fledged into puberty and has developed depression and anxiety. He has had suicidal thoughts. We took him of all ADHD meds as they an cause or heightened anxiety. He did ok for a while, self regulating but recently the impulsive behaviors have increased and we are just starting intuniv, only because the behaviors at this age may effect his self-esteem. He has been taking an antidepressant for about a month and is in counseling. I believe his mind and body are in conflict and that is causing the anxiety and depression, as he is not maturing as quickly as his body is developing. We are providing all the love & support we can give to help him through this tough time. I think when his mind & body catch up with each other, he will be fine. I hope this helps.

Crystal - posted on 03/24/2013

They tried my daughter on a medication called colonidine. It caused her high blood pressure. She seems to be doing well on the intuniv. I have only noticed one side effect. She goes to sleep earlier than normal

Crystal - posted on 03/24/2013

In Texas they diagnose some children as young as three, I remember this because when my daughter was in day care there. A lot of the children there they said were ADD and a lot of them were on a patch that they put on their arm and it released their medications. They suggested my daughter was also ADD, but at the time I didn't get her tested. I thought she was too young to tell.

Crystal - posted on 03/24/2013

My daughter has been on Intuniv for about a month now. It seems to calm her down to where she is able to concentrate at school. Her eating habits have stayed the same. Although, I have noticed one side effect. She goes to sleep a bit earlier than usual. I tried switching to a different time of giving her her medication, but then she just got sleepy at school. But I guess you can't have it all. For the most part it is doing it's job to help her concentrate. She just goes to bed earlier than I am used to.

Terri - posted on 03/17/2013

My 9 year old son is on 2mg of intunive. It has done wonders for his impulsiveness and he is doing much better academically. It is the first medicine we have ever tried since up until now we have been trying everything else. My question I have is he had a stomach bug for 4 days so he hasn't had intuniv in his system for all those days. Was just wondering if I can just automatically start giving it to him or should I start at a lower dose first. It is a Sunday so I can't get hold of dr. I know I will probably end up waiting to talk to dr but hate sending him to school without it because they definitely notice when he is not on it.

Terri - posted on 03/17/2013

@L. It must me nice to sit in your world where u can judge people you don't even know about the amount of research they do for medicine. That is not a helpful response when people are here looking for answers, not judgment. When I come out here I am looking for help not to be chastised.

Meredeth - posted on 03/07/2013

Karen,
Perhaps your grandson was not MISDIAGNOSED, perhaps he has outgrown his diagnosis because he is more mature. Having to medicate sucks but alot of adults takes meds for ADHD as well as a whole host of other conditions. I take thyroid medication daily and without it I feel tired and sluggish. As long as your decision is in his best interests without being contaminated by your own bias, then it is the right decision.

Meredeth - posted on 03/07/2013

ACCUPUNCTURE
Tried it had about 5 sessions didn't notice any difference and my son HATED it. The whole experience was very stressful. Cross that one off my list.

Meredeth - posted on 03/07/2013

Hi Lisa,
Wanted to respond to poor handwriting. Both my kids have ADHD 9 yo daughter in attentive and 6 yo son hyper impulsive, both they and my husband have dysgraphia which makes writing difficult. They both get OT at school. Perhaps there is something more going on than your son not liking to write. Good luck.

Anna Di - posted on 03/04/2013

My son is 13 and autistic he was on intuniv for a few months it was working but then around Martin Luther King he started hitting his head really hard and the physciatrist doesn't even know why I took him off and he stopped doing it but he definitely needs something can someone suggest something and why he would have done that???

Lisa - posted on 02/27/2013

Hi All,
I know a lot of posts have been written many years ago. Our history is: from 3 years old (57 lb and almost 4 ft tall), we were told there was something wrong with our child. One preschool professional told us she thought he needed to be hospitalized due to the fact that he threw scissors at another child after the child hit him. We immediately took him to an occupational therapist and had him evaluated. He was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder with a specific area of tactile defensiveness. Our son never "starts" things, but he was extremely impulsive and will "finish" any unjust thing that happens (as he sees unjust). Flash forward to a now 9 year old boy (95 lbs and 5'1 tall) we are on our fourth year with a behavioral psychologist (it took us 2 years to find one we liked...she is our sixth one), we have a tutor (whose specialty is ADHD Kids, after being diagnosed in kindergarten with ADHD), he has been on Adderall, Focalin, Intunive and now we are trying Stratterra. We see glimpses of hope on all meds. However, as fast as he grows, he grows out of them too quickly and increasing dosage causes other issues. We go to see a neurologist next month. Our biggest issues, are is complete a total disregard for doing homework and the inevitable meltdown that occurs. He HATES writing. His fine motor skills have never been the best. And, now there just does not seem to be any reward or consequence that works. We are going to the removal of all items except the bed, pillow, one stuffed animal and clothes in his room. So, we will see if that is his currency. Any other ideas would be greatly helpful!

Lisa - posted on 02/27/2013

Hi there,
In response to your post, did it take a long period of time to adjust (like over two months). We started on Intunive alone at 2 mg. It did nothing and it did not help with inattention AT ALL. We increased to 3 mg, and that helped a little, but now my son has gained 22 pounds in less than two month and in class behaviors are still hard. We added in 5 mg of Addarall and that has helped the in class/attention issues. However, his mood swings have never gone away, they have only increased and he has become more physical with us (the parents). I feel like he maintains at school and that is all he can do, then he comes home and let's out every frustration he has ever felt. We have been on the combo for two weeks now. I am wondering how much longer I can give it? Our doctor said we should see differences within a week. My son is 9 years old, is 52 inches and weighs 95 lbs.
Thanks,
LKinsman

Karen - posted on 02/07/2013

thinking about my grandson......who has matured. has more wisdom....we want to wean all meds now.....since 5 yrs old he has had some form of med.....we would like to see who he really is finally.......Especially when he says .....I dont like how they make me feel..HE IS 10 yrs 0LD now.......HE DESERVES TO SEE IF HE MAY BE MISDIAGONSED........we will need to help him with the withdrawl symptoms.........

Karen - posted on 02/07/2013

intuniv....makes my grandson sleep to much...reducing the dose....also seem to make him confused while awake and unfocused

Brig - posted on 02/06/2013

My son is 10 going on 11 and since Christmas break he has been a mess. He lost his papa suddenly. He has been on intuniv for 5 years - 5 mg. I thought it was our wonder drug for a long time. I am just wondering if it is bumping into hormonal changes or something else to be causing the depression and anger I am seeing. Anyone experienced this?

A - posted on 02/04/2013

Intuniv had very disturbing affects with my 10 year old daughter. Concerta worked well in terms of helping her to focus and she was on it for about a year and a half and she finally was able to really focus enough to learn to read well. But, she lost excessive amounts of weight and her personality was not coming through. So, we tried focalin and she had a reaction to it that caused her tongue to feel thick and her throat to feel tingly and thick, so we stopped that after day one. We took a 4 month break and due to concentration issues we were back to needing to do something. We tried Intuniv and it had really bad anxiety side affects. My daughter was only on 1 mg and was asking me every other sentence if something was okay. She was saying "do you forgive me for saying....." and this was over and over and certainly nothing anyone would need forgiveness for. She was needing to ask if everything she would say to someone was okay to say. It was really strange and out of the ordinary for her. She was also seeing things and obsessed with talking about bathroom behaviors. It was all together horrible and we took her off of it after 2 weeks. Oh, she also had very strange dreams and had never before had disturbing dreams. I was a wreck and couldn't take it anymore or wait it out. This was not the drug for her. Thankfully, 90% of the side affects went away quickly and the other 10% have almost completely gone. It was really scary. I realize from talking to people and reading blogs such as this that everyone has a different response to meds, but I was amazed at the affects on my daughter. Thank goodness that her teacher is amazing and is working with us as we figure out an approach. I am not sure what that approach will be yet, but in the meantime, having a great teacher sure makes all the difference. Best wishes to everyone as they strive to help their children.
--A

Meredeth - posted on 02/03/2013

Wow I did not realize how many different intuniv blogs there are on circle of moms. Wanted to mention side effects I noticed in my son who is going to be 6 next week. Has been on intuniv 1 mg at night for 1 month. He usually runs hot, gets overheated a lot but now gets cold easily. He was always a great eater seems less interested now but still eats. He has woken up 2 times in middle of night upset with nightmares. He has done this once or twice in past, 2 times in a month seems like an increase to me. And of course is more tired, we were on vacation last week and he was very active and actually took a nap 2 of the days. One of the days I forgot his medication and the old self was back, that was the day we were flying, luckily gave the meds and late flight so he slept most of way. Also If gets less sleep some of old behaviors break through.

Nicole - posted on 02/02/2013

I just wanted to add after reading some of your responses about 1 mg may not be enough, if you're choosing to medicate PLEASE make sure your child's doctor is dosing per their weight allows. My son was on 4mg of Intuniv because we were also told we'd need to gradually add more until the "proper dose" was found. Unfortunately, 4mg was four times the amount his body weight allowed. This is a recipe for a disaster. Thankfully, his specialist quickly figured the prescribing doctor's mistake before he was weaned. Just make sure you pay careful attention, and research your child's medication. And remember there is always an alternative to stimulants. You can find me at www.naturalemama.com.

Crystal - posted on 02/02/2013

my daughter is on intutiv as well she tried the staterra before and that didnt phase her then they tried her on colodin and that made her blood pressure high so I told them i wasnt going to give it to her and it didnt seem to help her eitheir. the intutiv seems to be doing better.

Meredeth - posted on 02/02/2013

Megan,

Just wanted to say that the 1 mg may not be a high enough dose for your daughter. Some
Kids take up to 4 mg. so far I have been lucky my son 6 next week started 1 mg on Christmas Eve, it is feb and he is doing well at that dose. The MD said in future may need to increase dose but for now he is doing well. The MD also wanted to start Ritalin, but I have not complied since he is doing well, he also has tourettes so I am afraid the stimulant will increase tics. But it seems many kids are put on intuniv and a stimulant. Intuniv helps make them calm and decrease impulsivity, aggressiveness but has less of an effect on focusing. If you do research you will find that that there is no quick easy solution, medication is a lot of trail and error. I was opposed to medicating but glad I did, it is the only thing that has helped.
My son as well was horrible with discipline. The behavioral pediatrician recommended some books, the explosive child, defiant child ect., basically positive reinforcement constantly for anything good they do, also recommended shorter time outs. Basically 30 seconds in room as oppossed to minutes. It is just a quick break from everything, an adhd can't stay in timeouts too long. Those things made a HUGE difference at home. And 1.5 yrs ago changed whole demeanor of our house. I realized I was constantly yelling at him and it escalated his behavior. My husband was very resistant thought should punish more and harsher, but since has come around. Now my son is GREAT at home, as has been for a long time. Started kindergarten this year and stress all over. He was failing and miserable.
We also had a strained marriage, due to the issues at school, but because on meds my son is better at school a lot of the stress has died down and not fighting as much. Every so often we still have a row over the way my husband acts towards him, he gets mad because feels I should back him up. But I feel he is handling it poorly. My husband I should mention has adhd, tics and OCD, but is extremely successful in life, never formally diagnosed, back then boys were just boys. He is a ginger head which increases likely hood of tourettes in our genetic legacy. But true to a red head he is hot tempered. It took a long time for him to admit my son had a problem, because then he would have to admit he has those same issues. Didn't mean to rant, but I am sure we have all been there. My point is medication can help a child to be successful. It is amazing to me that it has turned my son around so dramatically. I have tried so many different things, therapy, diet exercise, ect. This is only thing helping, but perhaps the low dose is because we are doing everything else. Also just started acupuncture will let everyone know how it goes.

And finally do not despair, most of these kids grow up to be successful people. I meet people all the time who share their journey with me when I tell them. Some adults like my husband learned coping skills and do not need meds others take meds. They are all happily married with kids, MDs, lawyers, engineers, artists, ect

Amy - posted on 01/31/2013

My daughter is 8 now and was diagnosed at age 5. She should've been at 4 though. She has serious impulsivity in pre-k. She was on stimulants but they started to really started to get to her this year. We just did Strattera for 13 days and had to stop because it was effecting her liver. We are starting intuniv Saturday and I am hoping she does well.

But, no one should be judging other mothers. You don't know what they are going through with their children. I've learned to follow my instincts no matter who talks down to me about it.

Crystal - posted on 01/30/2013

This make the third medicine they have tried with my daughter...she started Intuniv today..I hope it does better than the others...I want her on something that helps her concentrate but doesn't make her a zombie...I think each child is different, so eventually something will stick...Although, I have found her psychologist and consistency at home has been helpful...the psychologist helps her to find ways to channel all the energy to focus on certain tasks

Ana - posted on 01/28/2013

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the community; I recently read about a mom inquiring about the Intuniv medication. I am doing some research of my own before deciding if this is right for my own child and am extremely thankful for all the reviews found. My son had been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5 yrs and a half, and was prescribed adderall, which had very negative side effects. My husband and I decided to removed him from it at the age of 6 yrs (about 6 months)with the idea that healthier die,t exercise and monitoring would do the trick. For a while it helped but it took a toll on my own health and emotional well being. At seven he developed facial ticks and no doctor could explain it one recommended glasses, (he did need them) but they did not remove facial ticks and more ticks arouse. My son is 11yrs old and finally his new PCP recommended he should see a neurologist. Who ran test and asked him question finally coming to the conclusion that my son did infact have ADHD, along with Tourette Syndrome (The ticks) and OCD. He was prescribes Intuniv 1mg to help with the attention issues and minimize the different ticks. I was suggested by the Neuro doctor that I could increase the dosage as needed with a maximum of no more than 4mg / per day. We were blessed to have found such an experienced neurologist. She made my child feel at easy and at home and comfortable to share his most difficult moments. I was truly impressed. I will continue reading more posts and get back to you all soon.

Thank you, Ana

Stephanie - posted on 01/26/2013

This thread helped me when decided to place my son on Intuniv. I have recently started a blog that touches on ADHD & anxiety in kids, including our medication decision, as well as healthy simple living. If you're interested, it is at http://burbstoboonies.blogspot.com

Megan - posted on 01/22/2013

Hello all,

I, like many others from here, am writing about my first experience with my only child recently being diagnosed with combination ADHD on Friday, January 18 2013. My daughter just made 6 years old in December and I have noticed she had lots of energy (hyperactive, inattentive signs) around the age of 4. I have mentioned my concerns of possible adhd to her pediatrician at that time and was told that it is was too early at that age to do an evaluation. So, over that time I have just monitored her behavior. I've had the teacher completely fill out the packet and looking over the two of ours, her doctor said he believes her main areas are her inability to control her hyper tendencies along with her attentiveness. Her grades in school are great and her teacher even feels that she is above average in some groups. She just seems to get very bored with her work or doesn't complete it as she should. She is easily distracted and has trouble keeping quite. She was actually called the "social butterfly" in her class. She has a great, loving personality and makes friends easily, but has been known to have a little "bullying" issue or doing things she is well aware she isn't supposed to do at both home and school. After discussing all of the major concerns I had with her doctor about researching adhd symptoms, treatmeats, etc., he asked me what was the approach I wanted to go. Not really knowing what was best for my child, I told him I felt as if I tried everything I could do like punishing her for bad conduct in school, behavior at home, meaning taking away activities she enjoyed very much. I then added in disciplining her because it seemed that punishments weren't working. I myself was "spanked" as a child and thought to try this approach. Well, she would literally laugh at me at times so I added that in to the doctor. Mind you, this has severely drained me and I have been an emotional wreck with tendencies of crying at least once a day from trying to cope with her different behaviors. Her doctor told me he thinks I have taken the necessary steps to correct her behavior to the best I could and says years ago, most people or doctors just labeled kids with adhd/add symptoms as being "bad" and didn't really try to correct the issue. I mentioned how I've done a little research on some stimulants including Vyvanse and Focalin which I have heard of these being the top adhd stimulant meds and was very concerned about the side effects that come along with it (weight loss, headaches, mood swings, loss of appetite, etc). He then mentioned Intuniv being a non stimulant adhd med and told me that every medicine does tend to have some minor side effects and that this particular one has mainly shown effects of drowsiness, so he recommended me giving it in the evening. He asked me to research it and that he would call in Intuniv 1mg for my daughter to start off and see how well this works. I did look it up and noticed the side effects and had concerns of the drowsiness along with low heart rate and low blood pressure. I ended up picking up her prescription the next day and gave her the first dose of Intuniv after talking to the nurse about my concerns. I was told to give this at least one week to notice any changes and to track any different signs she would show. So far, this is day 4 with her taking Intuniv. I haven't really seen much of a difference just yet, but I am not giving up. I have had parent teacher conference the day of her evaluation and mentioned my concerns to her teacher (which is an excellent, sweet, loving teacher) and I wrote a long letter about her starting Intuniv and to help me track any progress in school. I am hoping that this does control her ability to focus and lower her hyperactivity level without any stimulants. The next step would be just to increase the dosage and see if that would be of any help if the 1mg is not enough. Here's to luck with Intuniv and I'm sorry for writing so much. I am just a very concerned parent as all of you as well. I wish the best of luck to each and every one of you going through this journey!

Nicole - posted on 01/18/2013

Hi Everyone! I posted about my son about 6 months ago to give a little insight on how he did on Intuniv for his original ADHD diagnosis. Just to recap over my last post, my son's original prescribing doctor had him on 4mg of Intuniv (4 times the amount his little body was supposed to be on.) After his specialist and I decided to completely wean him off, then re-introduce 1mg...the cons outweighed any benefits of this drug. Over the years (and due to my lack of education) he was dragged through the mud with stimulants, which made him absolutely intolerable, angry, and miserable. They caused heartbreaking symptoms in my child. Not to mention, we were seeing other characteristics besides those of ADHD, and signs of learning disabilities. We began a whole food journey...healing his gut with nourishing food, fermented cod liver oil, probiotics, and absolutely no grains. As well as continuing other types of therapies like behavioral, educational, etc. We transformed to all-natural living and it has made the BIGGEST difference in my child's life. He has completely weaned off all stimulants and the Intuniv. Even though we still have a road to go, my boy is 100% different. If you'd like to read more about our story and how we got there, please check out my blog site at naturalemama.com. Good luck everyone and I'm here for support!

Jennifer - posted on 01/18/2013

@Amiee- I have noticed a huge difference in my son since I've switched him to a high protein breakfast, mainly eggs due to the high choline content. Choline has been shown to have a small effect on reducing inattention. He's not 100% by any means, but I do see quite a big difference. I also notice that he literally bounces off walls with a high carb meal. He eats eggs in the morning with a flax oil pill (he just bites it and sucks the oil out since its so big-not that that is normal for a child-he doesn't mind. lol) and a FOCUS supplement we found at our local health food store. He still has major attention issues, but it DOES, without a doubt, make a difference. I am going to try adding the Intuniv to see if that will be the final piece to the puzzle. My fingers are crossed. We tried a couple of stimulants, i.e. Vyvannse and Focalin, and the side effects were horrendous when he would come down at night-rages and very, very sad.

Meredeth - posted on 01/16/2013

ASAP Amen, just wanted to mention that of all the therapy alternative stuff I have done the biggest help is intuniv, in old days gave clonidine bc that also is no stimulant and helps with tics a and adhd. Some of my sons tics have returned as his body adjusted to meds but behavior still good at night 5 or 6pm as meds wearing off I notice an increase in his disruptive behavior. The md wanted to add Ritalin but I haven't done it yet, his school work is fine and how much do kindergarteners learn anyways? He also mentioned may want to increase dose at some point, which I will say no to at this point, unless it wears off completely. He does not have any side effects that I can tell except a little more tired. I always noticed at end of day or when he was tired before meds that his body seemed calmer. I feel like the meds are simulating this.

Meredeth - posted on 01/16/2013

My son dx when turned 4 with TS. Dx 4 weeks ago ADHD. I never considered ADHD i thought the tourettes was causing it. They are intertwined. I suggest you take your child to ENT for a sleep study referral and record him having apnea episode for MD. ADHD can be caused by sleep problems, studies online. I took my son to ENT yesterday, just to rule out snoring causing ADHD. Md scoped him said his adenoids were huge and infected, he was asymptomatic could have had infection for weeks/ months. Can't get sleep study till infection cured, always a possibility the infection won't clear up. I pray that he gets surgery and is cured of adhd. Has been on intuniv since dec24, he has totally turned around 1 mg at night, he is doing great. Never had focusing issues, just the impulsive aggressive hyperactivity. Our school gave him a one on one aid, because he was so bad. She started working with him 1 week after starting med. she says he is doing great has no idea way he was. We have asked for iep meeting. Hopefully gets to keep aid. Both ADHD and TS are considered covered under American disabilities act as other health impaired, even if your child is on medication and functions well. its like being a diabetic in insulin you still have diabetes even if its controlled. Legally your public school has to give your child an appropriate education. Contact your schools special education board for help navigating and get your child an IEP or 504. Online they have IEP sample letter requests. Also I joined the Local Tourette's syndrome association, dues are cheap the national website is very good. The head of my local chapter gave my school an educational in service, to educate them on tourettes. It's free. This lady has given invaluable counsel. They also have regular monthly meeting and big buddy program. Most people with tourettes live normal lives, I meet people all the time with tourettes who are successful and have great families, only you and I who are familiar with tics would ever know they have it. Most adults tics are mild. Adhd too can improve with maturity and learned coping skills. But sleep apnea in a child is VERY serious, and may be the key to his ADHD. Get his tonsils and adenoids removed. Goto an ENT, if they won't give a referral tell pediatrician you are afraid he is going to die in his sleep, which is true he could die. Good luck! And trust me tourettes isn't so bad.

Wendy - posted on 01/16/2013

My daughter is on Daytrana patches and Intuniv in the morning. She'll be 7 years old in March but has begun wetting her pants again. Sometimes its as if shes not aware shes doing it, and has even wet her pants standing beside the toilet. Shes quite embarressed when i bring it to her attention, or tries to hide it from me or her grandmother - not others. Anyone else encounter this problem? She also seems to have developed an aversion to washing her hands. Help?
Wemdy Davis

Asap - posted on 01/14/2013

Meredith, thank you for being so honest about what you and your son has been dealing with. My son is 6 and was dx in Nov with ADHD and TS. I am still mentally drained with the thought of his dx. I still cry like everyday...He was being verbally abused by his teacher on a daily basis, and my sons behavior was getting worse. So I took him to see the dr (wednesday)., who sent us to the neurologist the next day (Thursday). That's when he was diagnosed, the very next day I informed his teacher on his dx and the teacher left class and never returned. Friday he did not come to work at all and on Monday he resigned. The new sub-teacher tore up my sons work because he did not do it right. And finally I got so overwhelmed with the lack of support from the school from the asst. to the superintendant, principal, dean/ vice principal and so on, so I decided to withdraw my son from the school. Now, I have re-enrolled him in another school, which so far (week 2) has been much better. He is still very angry, and calls himself "stupid" and saying that he hates his life. The neuro wants to try him in a new environment to see if it helps him any before we medicate. He also has insomnia, sleep apnea sometimes when he does fall asleep and she wants me to put him on 1mg of meletonin. I also have twins that are 4 years old, and now that I am getting educated about my sons condition, I am seeing similar signs in them and that is so worrisome.

Kelli - posted on 01/14/2013

Hi, my sons been on it for a year. Has been great on slowing him down and focusing. It comes with tiredness, and headages for a weak or two. It's worth it though. My son's on 2mg. Hang in there. It's been the best. Kelli

Jamie - posted on 01/10/2013

Hi Meredeth - My dr prescribed the same way....1mg at bedtime for the first few weeks and then he told me I could decide when to switch to mornings...once my son got over the initial "tired all the time" phase....which was about 2-3 weeks. Then I switched to mornings and it's been really well ever since! I think this med really has to get into your system and be taken at the SAME TIME every day for it to work properly.

Meredeth - posted on 01/10/2013

I am giving my son intuniv 1 mg at 7 pm, bedtime is 7:30. he sleeps well, but he has always been a good sleeper. MD originally said give it pm to start then give it in am after few weeks. Has been on it 3 weeks and hasn't said to change to am yet. I heard the half life is 12 to 14 hrs so most sedation would be in am? My son seems tired since starting it, most severe the first week. Wondering what time of day others take it and what works best.

Jamie - posted on 01/10/2013

P.S. VERY minimal side effects - the very first week he was more tired than usual but he has since gotten over that! Now I don't notice any side effects.

Jamie - posted on 01/10/2013

My 8 year old has been on Intuniv now for about 45 days. Before Intuniv, my child was an emotional wreck. He had meltdowns at home and at school, showing aggression and anxiety. He never finished his work in school, he was having trouble making/keeping friends, he was fighting with us all the time, inattentive, defiant...the works. Now, he's a whole new child. He stops to think about things to understand, he is LOVING (an emotion we have been missing!!), he finishes his work in class, the aggression has stopped, I can just tell that he is feeling SO much better. He used to go from angry to crying hysterically to angry and back again in a short amount of time, but now it seems like he can take the time to think about WHY he is upset and talk about it and figure stuff out, rather than flip out and throw things. I am very grateful that the Intuniv is helping my child feel more like himself! ♥ ♥ ♥

Meredeth - posted on 01/09/2013

Wanted to add that my 6 yo with tourettes/adhd was very emotional easy to anger, and he has been a lot less emotional since starting intuniv. Used to say he wanted to die to kill himself, kill you, that he was stupid. This has lessened hardly hear it now, and doesn't get upset easily. I really hope this all continues.

Val - posted on 01/09/2013

We have had our daughter on Intuniv almost a year, and it has been a good experience. I have not seen any problems with it. Good luck!

Meredeth - posted on 01/09/2013

My son is almost 6 h/ o tourettes and Adhd. Just began medication route doing poorly in kindergarten. His Adhd/ tourettes presents as hyperactive, impulsive, impulsive aggressive, distracted in group settings, when too much stimuli, tics are usually mild and not noticeable to most(shoulder shrugs, sniffing, throat clearing eye roll, although sometimes get bad, head jerk. I do not see any attention issues myself, he is just the opposite in my opinion, hyper focused, does homework well, Legos, kumon, arts and crafts, games, skiing, soccer, multistep tasks, listens well. My daughter is 9 adhd grew out of hyperactivity, has dyslexia which is remediated through educational therapists, and in attentive, cannot follow multistep directions, looses everything, forgets to hand in homework. Doing well in school though.
We decided to medicate my son after he bashed a kids head into table unprovoked. About once a year he does something that bad. Usually mild aggression, but can't sit still, impulsive, distracted could not function in classroom spent alot of time out of classroom, visiting principals office psychologist, for breaks. Believe it or not pretty good at home, but of course I do not mind if he jumps on furniture. Started intuniv 1 mg he is 50 lbs. 3 weeks ago, I give it at night. He has always slept great and sometimes would ask to go to bed, he sleeps even better if that is possible. It has made his body calmer, he used to constantly move, less tics, no more constant shoulder shrugs and throat clearing, but his tics had been waning anyways, no more jumping on furniture, able to sit and eat, school gave him a 1:1 aide, we are going through IEP process just started. Teacher said he is definitely better. Psychiatrist wants to add Ritalin but I am going to hold off for now, want to make sure they give him the IEP, and I am afraid to have on more than one med. But open to try in future after I have wrapped my head around medicating. At first he was tired on intuniv, would fall asleep in car, or early, now a little less tired. Personality which he has plenty on coming back a little. But I will take zombie kid if it allows him to function at school and hopefully learn coping skills. Also doing a social skills class again, last one all the kids dropped out, and the psychiatrist offers CBT through his office going to try that. I work full time and run my own business, my husband works late hours and my daughter has afterschool stuff too. Having a hard time going to all these MD apt. Also considering acupuncture heard it can help, have an apt coming up, looking into alternative such as interactive metronome, the other thing I made an apt is with an ENT, my som used to snore from time he was an infant, don't hear it as much now but going to get a sleep study to rule out sleep disordered breathing. Wouldn't it be nice to get adenoids and tonsils removed and cure his adhd. He is on feingold diet, made a HUGE difference with my daughter,pretty muched cured her hyperactivity. Have them on 600mg EFA, and good multivitamin, active form of vit B6, probiotics, enzymes, and magnesium.
I gave a lot of detail, because it is helpful. Not everyone's adhd is alike. Please gave details when posting.

Cipriana32 - posted on 01/07/2013

This is day 2 my son taken Intuniv 1mg he 5 it's effective, but the teacher said he appeared tired. Now we did wake up @ 5 this morning. Yesterday, he did very well wasn't tired. He was to calm for me I gave him several cups of Kool-Aid today. Yes I will admit I miss my son hyperactivity sometimes I cry giving him medication @ this young age but people say its best for him which I hate hearing that because I'm so hurt.

Lisa - posted on 05/25/2011

From the WebMD Intuniv reviews, I decided we would not try it. As I read along and see all the postings, especially from frustration, I have to ask, who has tried adapting thier childs diet? You have to completely eliminate artificial food colorings, eat as much organic fruit as you can, especially if you eat the skin or it does not have a protective skin. ($ this helps with cost of organic). All organic is probably best, like those veggies without a protective peel as well. Anyway, before or while you are intruducing medicines, please work on diet. Look into a great resource I have used...3 Steps to Conquering ADD/ADHD. website is www.3stepsadd.com, I believe. Kids with ADd/ADHD need to watch thier diet, and get good vitamins. I am just a mom, who has had great results for my son, with a variety of diet changes. Look up the Brain Balance Center, or the book by Dr. Robert Melillo, Disconnected Kids. I continue to find ways to help my son, without the medicine. Though I understand it is needed, and a must sometimes, but youshould try to do all the other things too. You might find you dont need meds as often, or as much. I have read about Intuniv side effects including "accidents". Many kids wet themselves and do not even know it. Blood pressure, all of those listed are important to watch for. Can be so stressful, good luck, and report your experience.

L - posted on 05/06/2011

Why in the world would you agree to giving your child a medication without thoroughly researching it?



Intuniv side effects are MAJOR and can be easily found on the manufacturer's website or by simply reading the prescribing information that comes with this medication.



I am truly amazed when a parent doesn't do due diligence BEFORE any medication change.



Really????

Lori - posted on 03/30/2011

I just found this fine, fine print Intuniv review on the internet. I guess I have my answer:

"Intuniv Side effects



Different studies show different side effect profiles for Intuniv. Some say that it has about the same rate of issues as placebo, while others show that around 10-15% stop using it because of some side effect. As far as psychoactive drugs, a 10-15% discontinuation rate due to side effects is on the lower/medium range.



The side effects of Intuniv also depend on its particular use. When used in combination therapy with stimulants, for instance, it has much less rates of sedation and sleepiness, and users seem to report less problems. This is probably because its sedative effects that lower blood pressure are counteracted by the stimulants effect of raising it.



Some of its side effects take time to start showing up, with sedation in particular starting after 3 weeks of treatment.

Most common:



30-40% report sleepiness



25% report headache



17% in one study reported upper respiratory tract infection



10% report sedation



Other common side effects include dizziness, nausea, irritability and reduced salivary flow.

Concerns



In one study, 5 participants out of 262 who took Intuniv experienced syncope, or “temporary loss of consciousness.” In layman’s terms, they fainted or blacked out.



The clinical trials dedicated to exploring safety did not have such incidences, and it’s possible that the syncope events were environmentally based. One of the sufferers, after all, had a history of such issues. And guanfacine has a long history of use. So while those numbers are alarming, they are explainable.



Other possible side effects that may be an issue: head injury, suicidal ideation.



Like with all psychoactive medications, people using Intuniv should be monitored for anything abnormal like increased feelings of depression."

Lori - posted on 03/30/2011

My 9 year old son started taking Intuniv 1 year ago after becoming increasingly impulsive. He had an evaluation & EEG & was diagnosed with (their words) a sub-catagory of ADHD with an emphasis on impulse disorder. At first it really helped him but slowly lost effectiveness over time. It was the 1st medication we tried after 1 1/2 years of trying everything else. We slowly increased his dose until we reached 4mg. About a month ago he threatened suicide (was on 3mg at the time) & his emotions were all over the place. His pediatrician did not think at the time that it was a side effect of the medicine so we increased his dose to 4mg. For 2 weeks he did awesome then his emotions tanked again. He was never depressed before. He is being picked on & we have been dealing with that. This past Friday he wrote out a plan for suicide so we ended up in the ER for a psychiatric evaluation (5 hours). They determined that he was not a threat to himself & discharged him saying that they believed it was an Intuniv side effect. In some rare cases it does cause depression & mania. We were advised to stop taking the Intuniv. Tomorrow we are going for another full scale psychiatric evaluation. You just never know how a medication is going to affect your child. I did not ever dream that it would cause this depression. Good luck to everyone. It really is a journey.

Teather - posted on 03/21/2011

My daughter is almost 9 she was on Vyvanse and that was a HORRIBLE experience. So the doc. put her on Intuniv, it was going well for the first 2 or 3 months but now, it is hard to get her of the couch and play she is gaining wait, she is just to tired, falling asleep in class. She is constently complaining about stomach pain and headaches, She's not eating as much either. We dont give candy, extra sugars, our pop. We have a very well rounded diet. We are going in to change meds due to Intuniv side effects.

Renee - posted on 03/19/2011

My 9 year old has ADHD and I am sure he is ODD as well, I believe they go hand in hand. He has been on Adderoll, and Concerta since he was 7. I tried all of the behavior Mods out there. We went to UB and went through their ADHD program to avoid meds, but in the end, he ended up on Adderoll. We did not like this med, so many side effects. It controlled his hyperactivity and focus, but his mood swings were horrid and he tantrummed constantly. Then we went to Concerta, which is what he is on now, and it has worked better than the first. But I hate the fact that he is on a stimulant, he's still so scrawny and his focus is beginning to fall apart again. he still has major melt downs and it is so frustrating for us. His teacher tells us he is one of her brightest kids but he can't focus long enough to take the tests, he rushes through and makes careless mistakes. When she verbally asks him the questions, he knows the answers but cannot sit long enough to put the correct answers down. We are frustrated with his behavior, his lack of caring, his nastiness and aggression. I am always looking for non-stimulant meds, someone told me about Strattera and then the doc said they didn't like it. So I am wondering about Intuniv because I just saw a commercial for it. I just don't want to put him in unnecessary risk of heart problems. So far, all sounds great with the Intuniv.

My son's behaviors started early too, actually by 2 or 3. I had him in the ADHD UB study at age 4, and we went through all of the behavior and indepth positive behavior reinforcements and by age 7, it was clear that he had to be medicated because he could not control it. In the beginning, the behavior issues and hyperactivity issues were controlled by the positive reinforcements and IT was a LOT of work, constant reinforcing the behaviors we wanted to see and giving kudos and prizes when we saw them and then consistently blocking the ones we did not want. I believe you may not be able to diagnose a child early, but with two boys three years apart, you can definitely tell at age 2 or 3 that there is a problem. They go beyond normal terrible two and terrible 3 behavior and hyperactivity. They do everything to the extreme and their tantrums are unbearable. We chose not to medicate because he was too little and when we did medicate him at age 7, it was the most difficult decision I ever had to make. I am a teacher of 2nd grade children and I know and see the side effects first hand and I vowed to never medicate my child, until I had one with ADHD. Let's not judge people, we all know how devastating, demanding and taxing it is to have a child with ADHD. We should just help one another deal with what God gave us. So I am going to talk to my doctor about Intuniv reviews and try it before the summer, because I do not medicate him in the summer. I just let him be a boy.

Kristi - posted on 02/10/2010

update...we went to the dr yesterday and the intunive is causing my sons blood pressure to drop and his pulse. We left him on it as its not too alarming to remove but we were not able to increase it. This is something you must monitor when your taking it.