Intuniv - Input

Nonnie - posted on 04/25/2013

Hello. My 7 Y/O son has been on Intuniv for almost 4 weeks now. He is at 3mg. I did not notice much sleepiness until last week when his dosage when increased to the 3mg. He has been very tired mid-day and has fallen asleep at school a few times, which is very unusual for him. Also, we have noticed that he has been very emotional in the last couple of weeks. Very clingy and expressing that he misses me at school and has cried a lot out of sadness. I am concerned with a type of depression as a side effect. I am hoping the sleepiness will decrease the longer he takes it. He was previously on Vyvanse and he was initially sleepy/drowsy, but after a week or so, that seemed to get better.

Tracey - posted on 04/24/2013

Hi, Was wondering if anyone else has noticed that their daughter is pulling out their hair after starting Intuniv. It has made her very sleepy and irritable too. Thanks.

Casey - posted on 02/05/2013

My son is 9 years old and I feel like I am putting him thru so much with changing his meds all the time. He started out when he was 6 on Adderall that worked wonderful for him except the doctor said it made his heart beat too fast so he changed him to Concerta he was on that 27mg for about a year and the aggression started in...He would get so mad at me for small things and literally beat me up..I know it doesn't seem possible that a 7 year old could take me but he was strong and he scared me...I would lock myself in the bedroom and cry and he would be outside the door saying he was going to kill me. It was pretty bad...It finally got to the point where I thought I was going to have to resort to hospitalization. The doctor took him off that and put him on Vyvanse and started out small and at the end we were at 40mg....I took him to the doctor about a week and a half ago because he developed a tic that was getting worse...and his meds seem to be wearing off earlier..so they put him on Intuniv and took him off the vyvanse...well the good thing is the tics have stopped but his behavior is almost like he has no meds in him whatsoever. He has wonderful teachers and they are very understanding but he disrupts the whole classroom and causes trouble with other children. I don't know what to do...or how to handle him or the situation at all...from the research I've done it looks to me like Intuniv works best with a another med instead of taking it alone...if anyone has any suggestions please feel free to tell me!!! I'm open to trying anything with him :)

Casey - posted on 02/05/2013

My son started Intuniv last week we started at 1mg and this week we are on 2mg and next week he starts 3mg. The first few days he was exhausted!!! He is 9 years old and in 4th grade...it made him cranky because he was so tired and he came home and napped..which is totally not like him at all. Now that we are on week 2 he is tired sometimes but not as much as last week and he goes to bed a lot better for me...unfortunately I haven't seen a change in behavior yet...hopefully that comes soon :)

Cassandra - posted on 11/28/2012

My Dr. told me to give my son who is 8 his Intuniv at about 8 pm It is given before bed so he is sleeping anyways & not causing any sleepiness during the day. So far so good & he has been on it for 2 weeks.

Jenny - posted on 09/29/2012

My 8 year old was on Intruniv for 2 years and it actually caused him to become very aggressive. I was told after starting to taking him to Behavioral Developmental Peditrician that Intruniv can actually cause aggression or make an aggressive child worse. Back in Janary he was switched to Risperidone and things are a little bit better. We just found out recently that my son has sever anxiety which his ADHD meds do not treat. As for your child falling to while doing her homework or during school it's because the dose is way to high for her. This same thing happened with my son and the doctor lowered it.

Gloria - posted on 09/27/2012

hi my son was taking intuniv a very good doctor give that after two weeks he had a suddenly heart attack now ,i regret to give the medicine to my child

Jo Ann - posted on 09/10/2012

Forever. I took my child off Intuniv, and the change is remarkable. He also was drowsy in the last part of the school day, and as soon as he got off the bus he had to nap--sometimes for 2 or 3 hours! Lethargy, gluttony, and apathy were the side effects. Giving it at night doesn't help. Hard to get up for breakfast, then ate ravenously. Gained 25 pounds in 6 weeks, and didn't care about anything but eating and sleeping.

Vickie - posted on 09/08/2012

Our six year old son has been on intuniv for three days. He just fell asleep at 2:30 in the afternoon and was very irritable this morning. We are hoping we are doing the right thing. This is our first attempt at medications for his ADHD.

Jo Ann - posted on 08/30/2012

My son is so sleepy he sleeps through the last hour of school, then he comes home irritable and tired. He doesn't have the zeal (or the energy) he used to for baseball, the one thing that bonded him with his daddy.

Jerrie - posted on 08/27/2012

My grandson, Trey, who is in the first grade takes the lowest dose of intuniv for the stuttering and slight hand shaking caused by his ADHD medication. I cannot remember the name of his ADHD medication but it works great except for the stuttering and hand tremors. I will post the name of his medication after I talk to her later on today. Trey only suffers from the hyperactivity.

Kimberly - posted on 07/28/2012

Hi Lisa, when my daughter first stared with Intuniv she was nearly passing out in school also. Would come home and sleep for hours. I give it to her at night. She is now still on 1 mg but the doctor told me to cut it in half and give her half the pill in the morning and half at night, that seems to have worked with the sleepiness. There was one day last week she took the full pill at night only and she slept till noon the next day. Maybe ask the doctor if you could do that?

Julie - posted on 07/27/2012

My Son is 6 years old and tonight is his first night on Intuniv. The Dr. just switched his current medication of Vyvance (do to him having a tic & chewing the skin off his fingers) to JUST Intuniv. Ive been looking up some information on the medication & most of the information says that it should be taken with a stimulant. However, still being very worried that he would have a horrible side effect to this medication, i gave him his 1mg suggested & all i see him do is eat, yet he seems extreamly hyper still & its 11pm. Im not scared to see how he will be feeling in the morning

Kami - posted on 07/09/2012

Hello, Im wondering if anyone uses Intuniv for focus problems, My daughter may be starting it soon. Also so hoping it helds with her ":mood swings" she is almost 8.?
Thanks for any input!!

Kristina - posted on 07/03/2012

Hi, my son is 8 and he is on intuniv 3mg and adderall xr 20mg he takes both in the morning. I am not sure if anyone knows but the intuniv is used in adults with high blood pressure, in children with adhd it is used for controlling the hyperness. Since he has been on this which is going on two years now, he has gone from an F student in conduct to 98% A's. The doctor also told me that it is supposed to be used in combination with another medication not by itself. The adderall is only for concentration. I do notice that when he is coming off his meds he is bouncing all over the house. He wasn't able to sleep very well so he said to give him melatonin which is a natural herb/vitamin which is bought over the counter. I do know that all meds work differently with everyone so I would just monitor for a couple of days and see how it goes. I did not really notice that he seemed tired though when he first started on it. I debated very heavily before I put him on meds only because I never believed in adhd until my son came along...lol....but when it came to his schooling I was very concerned as he was suspended in kindergarten. I hope this helps a little

Adrienne - posted on 06/29/2012

My son was also on intuniv got short time (it was not the right medicine for him) but it did make him EXTREMELY tired, which is very unlike him. Talk to her doctor about what time she should take it. Good luck :)

Cyndi - posted on 06/28/2012

I know this is a little late for a reply. My son also takes concerta. He has been on Intuniv for about a month now. He doesnt show the tiredness that some of the kids seem to be having. I have seen a big change in his attitude. He is less likely to have a blow up. He doesnt get as antsy or aggitated as he used to. I give it a thumbs up. All kids react differently to meds. Thats why there are so many out there. Good luck. Hope it all works out for u.

Lisa - posted on 06/25/2012

My son got too tired on it, also. We had to take him off because it was lowering his blood pressure and he passed out one night at the dinner table. I do know, however, that many doctors recommend taking it at night to help with the drowsy side effect. Maybe check her blood pressure, too. Hope it all works out. :)

Amanda - posted on 06/19/2012

my son is on intuniv and it helps give it a little more time he isnt tired on it and yes it can make your child a little tired thats something you would want to bring up with the doctor its a wonderful med im on it myself

Kimberly - posted on 06/14/2012

Hi this is my first time posting on here. My 12 year old daughter started on Intunive 1mg 2 days ago. She has said she fell asleep at school yest and again today. and right now she has been sleeping since she came home over an hour ago. I am getting very nervous. She has only taken it twice would anyone know if it would be safe to stop giving it to her. I dont like the idea of her just falling asleep especially at school and being so tired. Also I see all over about not crushing it BUT since she has trouble swallowing pills the dr. said oh you can just crush it and put it in ice cream or applesauce! I am so confused, just tried calling and she is out of the office til Mon and today is Fri! Just dont know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated !! Thank you

Susan - posted on 06/12/2012

my daughter and brother are both on intuniv and it works great the only thing bad we have noticed is my brother who is autistic and adhd he just turned 13 and now is aggressive but my daughter is doing very well since starting intuniv

Kimm - posted on 06/07/2012

Hi, my 7 yr old is starting Intuniv tomorrow, so have no input as of yet but will be inteesting to see if there are changes. He takes Concerta in the mornin, and is having bad effects as it wears off. The Intuniv is suppose to level out the afternoon. Will be crossing my fingers and checking back for other's info.

Stephanie - posted on 06/04/2012

check blood pressure. ours went waay too low. not a great med.

Rita - posted on 06/03/2012

Hi! My seven year old daughter was on intuniv for about four months in 2011. She too experienced the sleepiness, weight gain & moody. But, her grades improved drastically. The only problem she experienced from intuniv was HALLUCINATIONS! She would wake up screaming and see things we couldnt see. This is the only medication she was on. So, I discontinued intuniv. Through the Grace of God, she is doing better without no meds and is going to the second grade. Hope all is well. God Bless!

Esther - posted on 05/30/2012

Hi
My 11 year old girl has been been on intuniv for 1 1/2 years now....she tried other drugs mainly stimulants that did not work. She has had ticks in the past but no longer and the drug seems to help her concentrate at school. She still has social issues and is in therapy. I don't know if a "drug " is the only answer. I don't however believe that boys and girls are affected differently by these drugs. I was reluctant to do this and it took me 2 years but as these kids get older they will be able to tell you how they feel and if it helps them....let's hope.

There are no real answers only trial and error ..

Christina - posted on 05/28/2012

My son who is 10 has been on Intuniv for about 2 yrs now. We started off slow on the 1mg and we just increased it last week to the 4mg.We did give it at night as it is extended release and possible drowsiness may occur but with my son, he does not get sleepy from it so we are now giving it in the mornings. My son was prescribed it to help with his behavioral issues away from the home. So far, after a week of the increased amount, we are seeing some improved results. My son has not suffered any negative side effects from this medication. My son is also on Focalin XR 25mg in the morning, OTC Melatonin 6mg at night to help him sleep and another medication in the afternoons. As all children are different, consult your pediatrician if you are concerned this will last longer than expected or is bothersome for your child and also with any other questions.

Janine - posted on 05/26/2012

The active ingredient in Intuniv lowers heart rate and drowsiness is a side effect. If it continues, I would talk to your doctor about the possibility of a lower dose, or switching to something else.

JULIET - posted on 05/25/2012

whats that?

Patti - posted on 05/22/2012

HI Lisa,

We were giving it to our son at night but he was still sleepy during school the next day. We tried Intuniv for 3 months and at first I thought it was going to do miracles but honestly, as time went on, he got very moody and cranky and cried a lot. We took him off of it and he seems to be doing SO much better not taking anything at all except fish oil supplements and a dietary pill that helps him get his nutrition since he only eats "certain things".

I was sold on Intuniv because of the "non narcotic" aspect of it but the side effects for us were worse than the symptoms we were trying to target.

Hope this helps!

Katie - posted on 05/08/2012

I ail topped the intrinsic after 3 months and no difference was made, taking or not taking. So I went directly to the sorce and asked my son, do you feel better when you take your night medicine (intuniv.) He answered I feel the same, so I stopped, now he is on Concierta only 27 mg and he is fine. I wish he was a lil more social but that has more to do with his AS.

Jennifer - posted on 05/08/2012

My 7 year old was on Intuniv for about 3 months and he was always tired and moody. He would becomes so emotional and say he hated his life so we stopped it right away and at that time he was switched to Strattera and we have had no issues since then. I also have a 10 year old who is Autistic and has ADHD and he is also prescribed Strattera, . For some metabolic reason we cannot take stimulants, they cause depression, mood swings, and increased anxiety!! Good luck, the medication might need time in her system!! It is all trial and error unfortunately!!

Sarah Love - posted on 04/25/2012

I have learned a few things over the years about various meds. Naturally these are limited to my experiencs with my now 12 yo. But I will throw them out there for what its worth. Kids with mood disorders ie depressive do Nos or pediatric bipolar d/o can have bad reactions to some adhd drugs. I almost had to hospitalize my son when he was 8 due to a bad reaction to Focalin. Vyvanse made him very irritable and I only realized that side effect when we ran out and he was off for three days and suddenly much easier to negotiate and live with. Intuniv did not do much for him in any manner. It is a rebranded blood pressure Med so it has been around for awhile. Adderall gave us good results bur it was short acting. My son had always been treated for mood d/o Nos rule out bipolar, adhd and anxiety. We have found good results with a low dose of risperdal (mood stabilizer ) and zoloft (antidepressant ).. The irony is that when at 12 he had a full personality and psych evaluation paid for out of pocket with an independent clinician (I do not trust the school to test, it's in their best interest to minimize issues so as to save money and resources )and my son was dx with ODD (oppositional defiancei d/o and depressive traits. The two meds he is on keep him very stable and have for quite some time but a good solid dx is the best place to start.

Patti.mayfield@gmail.com - posted on 02/07/2012

HI everyone! We have just started our 11 year old son on Intuniv 7 days ago. He has also been taking VyVanse (20 mg) every morning on school days. He has been on the Vavyanse for a year and about I noticed he started pulling his hair out in spots. I didn't realize how Vyavnse contributed to his anxiety. We have stopped the Vayvanse and so far he has been responded well to the Intuiv. He doesn't seem to get so agitated so quickly and I've noticed he has stopped twisting his hair so much. For my son, taking Intuniv at night has been a blessing because he would stay up half the night if we let him. He is much more calm in the evenings which is nice!

It is supposed to take up to two weeks to get full affect but form my early perspective, so far so good!



@ Bridget, yes I am one of those moms who has tried my childs medication before giving it to him (and yes I know it would affect my body differently !!) but I just had to see for myself. Intuniv is only the 2nd medicine we have actually given him. I like the fact it is a NON addicting, NON Stimulant and actually helps with anxiety!

Beth - posted on 01/18/2012

I am a grandmother who is bipolar,I take my meds everyday I sure can tell you all to continue to work with these children.You have a big job but it is worth it.My grandson just went on this med,ijust keep working.grammie

Tiffany - posted on 12/24/2011

My daughter is on Concerta 27mg and Guanfacine (Intuniv) for ADHD. She's been on Concerta for over a year. Just recently (last 2 weeks) she's had tummy aches, headaches, doesn't eat. Has lost weight and now is experiencing diarrhea. I'm calling the doctors again Monday. We've been back and forth with meds for a long time. We've had a referral in to child psych for 4 months now and haven't had an appt yet! The concerta worked well for a long time, and it still does except she has lost 8 lbs and isn't eating enough to gain. I think she may have tummy issues. As far as sleeping, we have to give her melatonin supplements at night because she won't fall asleep very easy. She has anxiety, but they won't treat her until she gets in to child psych cuz she is already on 2 meds. We are also doing counseling, which seems to help alittle.

April - posted on 12/21/2011

my 8 and a half year old son is on vyanse 20mg he has been on it for alittle over a month and he is just starting to say he is hearing voices but thats not the only meds he is on he has been haveing some problems at school to where he is not keeping his hands and feet to his self and i dont know what i can do to help him can anyone give me some advice how i am supose to deal with this problem my son is haveing

Katie - posted on 12/13/2011

Well this is my first post, and I have to say Tiffany, you just scared me enough to write. My son is 6 1/2 and has been on meds now almost 2 yrs. Currently he is taking concierta 27 mg and the doc just prescribed intuniv last night. When I got home and my husband asked me what Intuniv does, i realized I had no idea, because it was 7 pm when we left the office and he gave me a cliff notes verision of what to look out for, and how to take it. So I woke up this morning to research what exactly is Intuniv. And so far not much luck except it helps improve ADHD symptoms. SO far from the comments it seems good. My son was on Vyvanse for almost a yr and something and I think it worked well except he had a stutter and tics. Now with the concierta the stutter has disappeared and he is better attention wise but not as good as he was on the Vyvanse. So the doc recommended Intuniv. The school thinks he may have aspergers and the doc says this may help his anxiety and help him. He is very bright and gets straight A's, his problem is more social and attention. Well i hope i have made some sense here, I just needed a place to vocalize my thoughts. Nice meeting you all:)

Rochelle - posted on 05/17/2011

Is your son having any side effect on the first day on Intuniv? My son is 7 years old he is a twin also.

Shannon - posted on 05/17/2011

This is my son's first day, he is 5 and had a wonderful teacher who helped me get through this, I am bi-polar, manic depressant, have degenerative disk disease and chronic pain disorder, so believe me, medication was not the way i wanted to go, I have to take 12 pills a day plus my vitamins, but I'm hoping I made the right choice by going with a non stimulant, because i know the roller coaster medication puts you on. My husband is adhd and has always refused the medication, he is an extremely intelligent man, but still at 30 cannot control the impulsive behavior so i am well aware it never goes away. Like every other mom i am trying to do the right thing for my children, ( he has a twin and 2 older sisters) I just hope i am not breeding a drug addict...... Oh yeah and beware of red dyes esp. # 40 its makes it worse.

Rochelle - posted on 05/17/2011

When my son first started the Strattra he would have big melt down's but after a few days he would adjust, but every time we would go up on the dose it would be another few days of crabby. He just took his 2nd dose and he said, but Mom it makes my stomach hurt and my head hurt. I'm not sure how many days I should give this a chance?

Jesenia - posted on 05/17/2011

Yes I agree all the meds he's tried have been a rollercoaster, he has been complaining of stomach pain and some diarrhea as well but this is his 2nd week on both 2 mg of intuniv and 15 of focalin . I also notice that he's been really irritable last few days not sure what that's about ,?

Rochelle - posted on 05/17/2011

My son just started 1mg. intuniv last night and woke up with his tummy hurting and diarrhea. I'm not sure if we should keep on giving it to him? Is this an intuniv side effect in children? We were told to give it to him at night just like we did the 18mg strattera. We took him off the strattera because it was giving him horrible heartburn even on heartburn medicine. It seemed to work really well. I'm just so confused!! This is way harder then I expected it to be, the medicines have so many side effects.

Jesenia - posted on 05/11/2011

My 8 yr son was on vyvanse also on 40mg and honestly it was good but then it was Like he wasn't even on anything still very hyper and angry . Now he's on focalin and it seems ok but who knows how well he will do on this one and the inutive combine

Kim - posted on 05/11/2011

He is hungry all the time but it's nothing new. He's always eaten way more than anyone would ever expect. I really don't think he's eating any more than his own "normal". It's always seemed strange though - he eats like a horse but is 10 years old and just made it over the 50 pound mark!

Kelli - posted on 05/11/2011

Kim quick question have you noticed him being constantly hungry?

Kim - posted on 05/11/2011

Thank you - that's good to know as our son has some major medical issues as well and there have been concerns that the weight gain is a kidney function issue. I'll look into the weight gain side effect more. Our son has gained about 7 pounds in 3 months also. He's only gained about 5 pounds the past two years!

Kelli - posted on 05/11/2011

Yes he has about 8lbs in 2 months!!!! Ever since he started this he has been constantly hunger, which I don't give in too so I'm wondering if it is a side effect of Intuniv in children.

Kim - posted on 05/11/2011

Kelli - are you saying your son has had weight gain since starting the Intuniv? Is weight gain an Intuniv side effect in children? Our son has gained more weight since starting the Intuniv than he has in nearly two years.

Kelli - posted on 05/11/2011

My 6 year old son has been on Intuniv for almost 2 months now the 1mg seemed to work for about 2 weeks and got the same result you did with extreme tiredness, I gave it to him at bedtime and he could not get up in the morning. He was also tired throughout the day. I then switched to giving it to him before school and that has seemed to help the tiredness but unfortunately I have not seen a significant difference in him at all except weight gain. Prior to trying Intuniv we had tried the Focalin XR and let me tell you what a nightmare that was. My poor 6 year old was an emotional mess aweful for a mother to witness.

Kim - posted on 05/11/2011

We've recently started using 1mg Intuniv for our 10 yr old son. We were told to give it at night as it often caused drowsiness. However, with the first dose we found it prevented him from sleeping. He takes a 20mg Vyvanse in the mornings to help with school (has been for over a year) and then the doctor suggested adding the Intuniv to help with organizational processing. After a couple of nights of nearly no sleep (literally only 2-3 hours), we skipped the morning Vyvanse dose, gave the night time Intuniv dose and all was perfect. We continued this for a while, but found that the Intuniv alone wasn't enough support. With that, we went back to the Vyvanse alone. However, after another 2 weeks, we decided to try giving the Intuniv earlier - about 5 pm - and we are thrilled. He's sleeping great and the combination seems to be working very well. The Vyvanse is great for impulse control, help with sensory issues and getting through the school day. The Intuniv is more a 24 hour help with organizational skills. He's getting much better at dressing himself, bathing, eating, following multi-step directions, etc. I'd suggest trying the night time dose or late evening and see how it works. Good Luck.

Rochelle - posted on 05/17/2011

My son just started 1mg. intuniv last night and woke up with his tummy hurting and diarrhea. I'm not sure if we should keep on giving it to him? Is this an intuniv side effect in children? We were told to give it to him at night just like we did the 18mg strattera. We took him off the strattera because it was giving him horrible heartburn even on heartburn medicine. It seemed to work really well. I'm just so confused!! This is way harder then I expected it to be, the medicines have so many side effects.

Kelli - posted on 05/11/2011

Yes he has about 8lbs in 2 months!!!! Ever since he started this he has been constantly hunger, which I don't give in too so I'm wondering if it is a side effect of Intuniv in children.

Kim - posted on 05/11/2011

Kelli - are you saying your son has had weight gain since starting the Intuniv? Is weight gain an Intuniv side effect in children? Our son has gained more weight since starting the Intuniv than he has in nearly two years.

Pamela - posted on 05/11/2011

Im surprised ur doc didnt tell u to give it to ur child sat night. My son is up to 3 mg currently and been on it a month. it will slow a childs heart beat the first week so limit running and such. yes sleeping is a totally normal Intuniv side effect in children. my son takes it at night before bed and did fall asleep after school for i think 2 days in that week. I think it helps limit his tantrums to mayne one a week but its not a cure all and all kids r different. i also have him on Synaptol http://www.synaptol.com he takes it after school and before bed. its a liquid and it has a dropper. he takes 1cc/ml. we started at 1 then 2 now we are at 3mg of intuniv. i didnt start the synaptol till we were on the 3mg.

Tiffany - posted on 05/11/2011

Be careful with intuniv. I asked my son's pediatrician about it and he told me he put 3 kids on it and all 3 went psychotic. He said another doctor in the same office had the same experience with all but one kid. The one kid is showing a benefit from the med, but those are some scary variations if you ask me. He said he no longer prescribes intuniv because of the side effects in children.