To Medicate or not Medicate, I'm so confused and at my wits end

Tammy - posted on 03/13/2012

If the doctor doesn't change her meds I will be asking for another doctor and I was actually thinking of taking her to see a behavior therapist so I'll see if the doctor will refer her. as far as her tics they have gotten so much better, it's a coughing tic and she's only been coughing no more than 3 or 4 times every 2 or 3 weeks sometimes not even that much so they hardly happen so I'm not too worried about them right now but I do worry they could get worse if her medication is changed or the dosage is increased but that's something I will just have to watch out for.

Michele - posted on 03/12/2012

I feel for you. I have a few suggestions. First get a new doctor. Try to find a doctor who is a developmental pediatrician. Second, try the Feingold Website. They have special diets that helped my son with his disruptive behavior. We started this when he was six and he is still on it and he is 11. We did not have to put him on any medication until he was in 4th grade. His is on a low dose of Focalin and it works wonderfully. Both the medication and diet work very well together. Does your daughter have a therapist? That has also worked well with my son. Lastly, there is an all natural remedy, Tic Tamer, that helped when my son with his tics which were partially due to anxiety. He takes it only as needed. He hasn't had to take it in almost 9 months. Also, does your daughter have any special accommodations in school? You should contact your school and request a meeting to have somethings put in place to help your daughter to succeed. It sounds like your daughter may be frustrated and may be acting out because she can't help it. Good luck and don't stop looking for what works best for your daughter. You know your daughter and don't let anyone, even a doctor, push you to do something you do not what to do by making you feel guiltily about your decision.

Chantal - posted on 03/10/2012

well just know most doctors do not think supplements help! so don't expect a lot of help on that one..Teachers don't always pay attention to everything your child does..they can't ! you know your child best. I've already been yelled at on this circle of moms I don't believ drugging children is the answer. But schools do! they are trying to meet a quota for $. Sorry ! I wish you the best for your daughter and best wishes truly!!

Tammy - posted on 03/09/2012

Thanks, my husband is on antidepressants and he has been fine and no more suicide attempts. As for my daughter I had just talked with her teacher yesterday and she had informed me that my daughter has been so much worse for the last 3 weeks and that was about the time I stopped her meds so they must have been working at least a little but it didn't seem so since I received her report card. I was told she noticed a big difference since she was off the meds so today I started her meds again and I will be informed if her teacher doesn't think they are working. I was also told she is thinking of holding my daughter back a year and she has never failed a child. As for the tics her teacher wasn't aware that she even had a tic until I told her and said she doesn't do this at school so that makes me feel better knowing that as I wasn't sure if she was doing this at school, as for at home the tic is barely present as she goes most days without tics so I'm not so concerned about these tics anymore as they seem to be getting better. I think I'm going to talk with the doctor first about the fish oil and I would really like to try it.

Chantal - posted on 03/08/2012

Oh Tammy I'am so sorry about your husband! I hope he is o.k.sounds like he has depression along with his ADHD and yes depression can make a person want to kill themselves. My ex has ADHD/Depression and he is a alcoholic. Its sad he chose a path that ended our marriage. But I did get alot of help without drugs for my son..I did therapeutic horseback riding. Maybe there is a place you can take your daughter too! Horses are wonderful for theraphy. I also had outpatient theraphy for 2 months and that helped him as well. I also had in home theraphy for a year and that was a great support. I want to encourage you in this journey its tough no doubt about it! Yes you can buy the suplements on line here are the names of what I use . They are not cheap but worth it and have helped alot.

for fish oil I use ...Nordic naturals Artic Cod Liver oil..

Thorne double strength Zinc Picolinate...Super Daily D by Carlson.....Integrative Magnesium Malate, which is also another important vitamin. I also give him Buffered vitamin C ..by allergy research group my son is picky too with food which is typical for these kids. But once I explained that changing his diet would help him he did do it and he told me the other day he feels better. It takes a good 3 weeks of being glutein wheat free to feel change and it takes 6 months to get it out of your system. Theres been studies that wheat can give you schizophrenia..I sent u a link....

www.psychologytoday.com/.../201103/wheat-and-schizophrenia-0



www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=YE-1001..this a link for the cod liver oil...I know its a lot of work but so worth..I just want you to know I will keep you in my prayers and no judgement here. You know best whats right for your daughter...

Tammy - posted on 03/08/2012

It was a doctor who had told me that unmedicated adhd kids will grow up to be depressed. My husband also as adhd and about 2 years ago he became so depressed I caught him trying to harm himself and when he was taken to the hospital where he stayed for a month it was there that we were told adhd kids who were unmedicated will end up depressed and suicidal. My husband was never on any medication for his adhd. I'm going to try changing her diet, she does eat a lot of junk but she is so picky, also I think I'm going to try the fish oil but I'm having trouble finding it, it all says it's for adults, I haven't been able to find any for kids and I really want to try this, any suggestions on where I can purchase this? Thanks

Angie - posted on 03/06/2012

I have a 9 year old daughter who has never been medicated, and is doing really well. We use diet, discipline, and responsiblity to help her. Some days are better than others, but in general she is doing well. When she was younger I talked to the teacher daily, now it is about once a month, although she knows if she has bad days the teacher will phone me. We worked out a discipline plan that worked well at home as well as at school. Knowing she would be in trouble at home also, stopped alot of bad behaviour. We also gave her a kitten, as silly as that sounds, and made her responsible for everything except buying food and litter. That helped her to focus on one thing which helped her concentration. As far as diet, she doesn't get food coloring much, and I make from scratch as much as I can. We don't eat out much, so she doesn't get that kind of food either. I was also told by my doctor unmedicated adhd kids will never make friends, and be lonely all through school. She always has friends over, or is going to the park to play. I am not saying that is hasn't been easy, but for us it was worth the extra work my husband and I put in to stick with the discipline and not give in to her tantrums. Is she perfect, not by far, but she is a sweet angel who will always try us, and we except that and love her for who is.

Chantal - posted on 03/06/2012

I was wondering who told you this?

"I was told that children with ADHD who were not on meds as a child will grow up to be depressed and suicidal which scares the crap out of me."

Thats not always true..I know many successful people with AdHd and even autism ...My brother in law has adhd and he is married and a physcologist who works with kids.He is not medicated. My other son has adhd and he is entering high school he has no medication he is on. and is on the honor roll..Try to change your daughters food gluten free is so helpful. there are a couple of books to read one is



nourishing hope, nutrition intervention for Autism spectrum disorders by Donna GAtes and Linda Schatz



children with starving brains by Jaquelyn McCandlessMD



Changing the course of autism by Brian Jepson MD



I know this is hard and not sure what is offered in Canada but look up a biomedical doctors..Do you give your daughter supplements, vitamins? also make sure what she eats doesn't have food dyes and preservatives. I hope this helps its not easy. I became a master gardner to grow healthy foods for my family and teach about health too! I 'am very passionate about this...I hope this helps. I was able to get these books from my library. wishing you wisdom and wellness......my son suffered so much on medication..he gets sick now only if he eats the foods that are intolarent.we are very careful but slip ups happen was tough but he is doing better....

Tammy - posted on 03/06/2012

Yes she is on an IEP at school. The Biphentin is the only medication she has been on besides the concerta which she was only on for 3 days then couldn't swallow the pills. Her teachers all noticed a difference when she was first put on it but now this school year it didn't seem to be working which is why I stopped giving it to her. She won't be seeing the doctor until next month and I doubt he will put her on anything else. I would really like to avoid medicating because she developed a tic from the medication but she can't behave the way she does in school either and needs medication so I really don't know what to do. The Biphentin is the only medication here in Canada that doesn't require swallowing a pill but it didn't seem to be working so I don't think she will be able to be on any meds. I just don't know how she will get through school and life without the meds. I was told that children with ADHD who were not on meds as a child will grow up to be depressed and suicidal which scares the crap out of me. She is a happy child now but I worry about her future.

Chantal - posted on 03/05/2012

Dear Tammy.

I can very much relate to your delema of medication. I was there about 8 months ago. I have a son who has ADHD,and sensory tacktile disorder. after trying various meds like concerta which gave him a ticking cough all day long,intuniv brought his blood pressure low and he was sick on it. He was on another which I took him off. I couldn't handle seeing him look like a zombie one time when I visited him at school. He wasn't eating he was spaced out!!!He wasn't my sweet boy so my friend who took her Autistic son to a biomedical doctor and his life improved! I decided to take my son there, it was wonderful. It changed our lives. This was a docotr who got tired of kids being drugged and left the conventional field. He did blood work tests and we found out my son had 12 major food intolanrences. Also he was on Vyvanse at the time and his thyroid was way high..his stomach killing him were he would be doubled over..so off all medications he went. I also found out his measle vaccine was over the limit in his blood..which is another factor thats hurting so many of our children I've read about autism. Today my son takes probobiotics , vit D3, Vit B12,VitC. He also has fish oil and organic foods only. I have him on a glutenfree, milk free diet..no food dyes, no junk foods ...His cortisol levels were not functioning at proper levels and his stomach wasn't producing enough acid. His eczema went away and the rashes on his face too! drugs are not our friend! there is a reason we are having a epedemic of children with these problems..Autism is fastest growing children's epedemic ove cancers, diabetes etc...with all the crap in vaccines, pesticides in our food and Junk people feed their children , well childrens brains are starving with nutrients! I can recommend books if you like if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. My son is now 10 yrs and doing much better. He is DRUG free and I'am so happy and he is too! He is still a work in progress and each day brings more hope. Is your daughter on a IEP at school? it would help , they put my son on a classplan, like a 504 plan. It has taken lots of stress off him. If the drugs made her that bad in school why put her on them? I hope that I have helpedyou. so many children are on drugs and it scares me. I pray you will find the answer and wisdom what to do for your daughter. Best regards