my son has ADD..thinking about medication...advice?

Khara - posted on 07/24/2009

As a teacher and a mother, I see both sides of this issue every day. 1.) If a teacher has discussed the issue with you, it is impacting school success and believe me, teachers try to make modifications in the classroom on their own before talking to parents. It just comes naturally. 2.) I have 1 child with adhd who graduated from high school this year. We never medicated him, but did have him classified as a 504 student and made classroom modifications each year. By 11th grade he hated school, refused to do his work, and graduated through a charter school with half day classes because he couldn't stay all day. It was too much for him. I also have a 3rd grader who has been on Adderall since kindergarten. The difference on and off the medication is like night and day. He is also classified as a 504 student and I attend ARD meetings each year and help set classroom modifications for him, but I always wonder if my oldest who have been successful to the end with the medication.

[deleted account]

I have done enough researach to know meds do work. However, I was not ready during 1st grade to put my daughter on them. We tried neurofeedback and are verrrrry pleased with her progress. It is not the quick turn around meds are, but she is learning and changing and will soon turn add from a disability to a personality trait. check out this website if you are interested. The neurofeedback software was develoiped by NASA for use with training astronauts to focus better - this is legit and a viable, more permanent option for many to consider.
http://www.smartbraintech.com/
also check out
http://newideas.net/adhd-eegbiofeedback-...

Jenny - posted on 08/04/2009

My son's 10, I knew there was something different about his behaviour from he was 2, but kept thinking he'll grow of it...Well, I was wrong!!!



Not only he didn't, but it just went out of control, at the point that he was going to be expelled of school last Christmas. Not for his work as he's a very clever wee boy, but for his attitude. I had a hell of a trouble this year, limit going into depression.



Sean is now being followed by ADHD specialist, child psychologist, family therapist; you name it, we've tried everything, even a controled diet...but nothing worked until he get onto medcation...and yes, like you I wasn't sure that it would be a good idea and I was scared that it changed him cos he's full of life, clever and very funny.



But Sean himself asked the therapist for help and for medication @ 6 mth ago, he knew he couldn't control his attitude and it was bringing him down into more trouble. He knew I wasn't well because of it so we went for it.



He first had a 2 weeks trial of Equasym 10 mg. He would take it only on school days at @ 8am and the effect would have disapeared by 4pm.



The change in Sean's attitude and behaviour was unbelievable, he was so happy!!!



The medication has now been settled to 20mg and his school report by the end of the year couldn't have been better. Sean's personality has never suffered from the medication, he's the same boy than he was before except than he can now control his attitude and be a bit more carefull.



Our life has totally changed from it and I am glad we've made this choice.

Of course, all children are different and they might not all respond to medication well, this is the best part of Equasym, the dosage and lenght of effects can be change to suit every child need as it starts as low as 10mg and can be prescribed for only 8h00 a day up to 12/24h00.

The good thing is also that you can try it for a few weeks, se hoe it works.

Elizabeth - posted on 07/29/2009

I know this is probably after the fact.....but I fought putting my son on medication too. Finally after struggling for a year I made an appt. with his doctor. After being on the med. for 24 hours, my son was sitting (that in itself is a miracle) outside with me on the swing and said " Mommy, I can feel the wind blowing my hair". Before he could never slow down enough to see, do, feel, react to ANYTHING. I know it's a very hard decision but I have never regretted it.

CRYSTAL - posted on 07/27/2009

I HAVE HAD MY SON ON RITILAN AND STRATERRA AND FOUND CONCERTA WORKED THE BEST ,HE FINALLY MADE HONNOR ROLE 2X TIMES IN HIS SCHOOL YEARS BEST THING I EVER DID FOR HIM.....

Christine - posted on 05/20/2017

Seriously? Just tell us...we are here to help each other.

Christine - posted on 05/20/2017

Is this Vayarin? The Rx strength omega-3 supplement?

Christine - posted on 05/20/2017

My son is also 11 1/2 and in the same boat. I'm SO conflicted but we've tried therapy and currently doing neurofeedback. I do not want to medicate. If you figure out how we can help our boys pls let me know!

Erin - posted on 01/05/2014

My 10&11 yr old sons are on meds and it has helped them immensely they are on different meds because every child responds differently to each drug. They have to put forth effort tho to make it fully effective

Michelle - posted on 04/29/2013

I hope this helps you. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 37! I have suffered all my life with self-loathing because I thought the forgetfulness/ attention issues etc were me being a bad person. Since being medicated, my world is a whole new experience.

Please read this - it will help you understand what's going on inside your son's head. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't medicate him - that's totally up to you - but I do think that this insight into what ADHD feels like and how medication impacts this is essential.

http://theycallmemummy.com/2012/07/02/ad...

Hope I could help!

Michelle @ theycallmemummy.com

Joyce - posted on 01/23/2012

I know people who have kids that have been helped with their ADD without medication. If you would like to talk with them let me know. I know they would be happy to talk with you.



Joyce

Amy - posted on 01/23/2012

We just saw a Dr. today. my son is 11 1/2 and is the sweetest kid out there. he is so smart and so awesome but the school thing just seems to get harder and harder each year. now he is having problems with the other kids in school and his teacher is afraid that if he doesn't get things handled he won't make it to junior high and if he does then he will be ostracized and things will continue to get worse. the dr. believes he is add but i am having a hard time with being a parent who "drugs" her child to make him behave. i am very conflicted.

Charmaine - posted on 08/21/2011

try attend https://www.vaxa.com This is a homeopathic remedy, we are getting ready to try it because my son has ADHD and my daughter has ADD(plus autism) and I need something for them and I am not doing medication. Follow my blog if you want to see how it's going for us before you buy but I've heard nothing but great things about it from fellow parents in a Autism support group I'm in. That would be the advice I would give. But remember like everything else you must everyone's advice with a grain of salt and do what's best for you and your family. Just be sure to research everything to make an informed decision.

Dawn - posted on 08/19/2011

Both of my older boys are on Methylin ER. My 10 yr old is on 30mg and my 7 yr old is on 20mg. The 10 yr old started meds when he was 6 and has been on various ones. Some worked at first, and some never worked that well. The Methylin ER has worked well for the past 2 years. My 7 year old started when he was 5, and luckily the Methylin ER has worked well for him as well. It was the best decision I've ever made for either of them. They both do well in school, and are much more pleasant to be around.

Nanci - posted on 08/07/2009

http://www.smartbraintech.com This can help.

Nanci - posted on 08/07/2009

Luane those sites are great, hope others look at them and find help. Nanci

Nanci - posted on 08/06/2009

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvIq8WISUo

Maria - posted on 08/05/2009

we tried Neuro biofeedback with my daughter and it work great. she takes no meds and we saw a dramatic improvement in her grades. This is the link of the program I used here in Michigan www.hope139.com. I swear by the program. I took about 6 month to see the full effect and if you kid is on medication now they will not take him off of it but they will wean him as he improves. The fix is permitant. Good Luck

Julie-Anne - posted on 08/05/2009

I have a daughter with ADHD she was diagnosed when she was 4 we put her on medicatin in grade 1 as her school work was beening affected she is now 11 and still on medication we have tryed quiet afew but found Ritalin the most effective she school work has inproved and is a lot more settled

Richlyn - posted on 08/04/2009

Thank you, all the information and support.

Joyce - posted on 08/04/2009

You need to learn about what helped my kids. I can put you in touch with my friend that has just about the same situation except he was on the meds and now is off and is doing great. If you have any interest in just learning of another option besides meds give me a call. I can put you in touch with other mothers to hear how this changed their children's lives. It is well worth learning about it. call me 978-857-8415 The teachers will be blown away when he goes back to school on how much this helps !! Enjoy your day !

Christa - posted on 08/03/2009

Before you put your child on any medication....exhaust all other options. Call this number and listen to what they have to say. Email me if you want further information. 1-916-233-0630 x 140.

christalammers@vitalityforlife.com

Kimberly - posted on 08/03/2009

I think this is a very personal decision. My son was diagnosed just before his 4th birthday. I did not treat him right away and I kind of regret that now. He is 7 now and is has severe ADHD along with several other mental health disorders. We tried all of the stimulants but because of his other conditions, the side effects were not good! His psychiatrist just started him on Strattera which is working well so far!!! I would just recommend talking to a child psychologist or psychiatrist or someone who really specializes in ADHD, not just a pediatrician!!! I did ALOT of research before I decided on this!!!

Richlyn - posted on 07/31/2009

My son Chris has ADHD. I have had a hard time for the past 6 years getting a diagnoses. Meanwhile our home life has been very difficult and painful. He is intelligent but his behavior, impulses and extreme high energy level is beyound words. We fight every, single day. I have researched his behaviors, left my job and my marriage to try to help him. I must try meds now, knowing in my heart that I have done all I could to help him. I also have less guilt and have stopped listening to the people who are against meds. My family has suffered enough and I have been blamed enough.

Sandy - posted on 07/30/2009

I went through the same thing you're going through right now. I just DID NOT want to medicate my son....however; finally the Doctor talked us into trying it for a month. The improvement was astounding. A bout a week after we had started the meds, my son told me that he was so glad to be taking “that energy pill cause now I can hear without all the noise going on in my brain”. He has been on the 10 ml of Concerta once a day for about a year and I can’t begin to tell you how much the improvement in his attitude and personality has been. He’s back to being the sweet and happy little boy he used to be. Good luck.

Holly - posted on 07/29/2009

My son was diagnosed in kindergarden. We went the meds route, but after 6 mos and 8 medications, I decided to try other avenues. We went with a low sugar, dye free diet and were amazed at the results. Today, he knows to stop and think before his emotions get out of hand, and he even reads the labels himself when he is given food or drink and if it has too much sugar, he will let you know!! Schedule...Schedule...Schedule...also helps immensely so they always know what is coming next and do not have blocks of time with no structure. Some school issues have arisen, but most of the time it is because he is bored...finishes before everyone else and just needs some extra work to occupy him. Summertime is always a challenge, because every minute here is not structured.

Linda - posted on 07/29/2009

Listen Stop listening to all the negative advice . You know your son and Im sure you trust you sons doctor .1 question if he had diabeties would you give him medication ? add and adhd is a illness that needs treament . My son is now 13 and I have been fighting this battle since his second year in school ( And beleave me its a battle ) Mothers of children with add or adhd feel the need to alwas protect . But take my advice I went through the same things Your child will be the one to suffer in school , falling behind , not getting along with others , If his physican says he needs meds then you should listen ( You would if it was any other illness so why is this any different )
Also start at school ( they have programs to help your son . They can modifer their teaching around your son but they dont just give it to him you will have to go through some red tape but its well worth it and it will follow your son untill he graduates . As far as medication advice Each child if different what may work for my son may not work as well for yours God know we went through so many meds trying to find the one that works best . The one with the least side affects . or one that doesnt make his a zombie .Unfortunently its trial and error untill one day it Thank God this will work . ( But dont think that it will work forever as your son grow the medication may need to be increased dose or a complete change.) My son has been on the daytrana patch for 2 years now and it really works well for him ( he cant swallow a pill without choking )
I wish you all the luck in the world but dont think your alone .Ive walked in your shoes for a long time now . One thing NEVER GIVE UP !!!! YOUR SON DEPENDS ON YOU!!!

Jessica - posted on 07/28/2009

Hi Amy,
My child has ADHD and my other has ADD. I put my youngest who was in the first grade last year on some medicine for it. But he was only on it for about 6 months. The reason why is because when we first put him on it he was doing great. You know paying attention and all. But after a few months passed he just totally stopped eating and I saw him go to wanting to eat all the time to not at all. He was pretty healthy looking before I put him on it. After he started taking it he looked like he was sick like one of those poor children you see on TV. You know the one where all you can see is his bones. Well that is what my child looked like. When he got to the point where I could see nothing but ribs I said ok no more. We took him off the meds and just cut back his sugar intake. Such as cookies, candy, sodas, etc. That actually worked no high sugars he was able to control himself with no meds. My other child who had it just made him worse behavior wise plus he didn't want to eat either and always said he had a headache.

Kathleen - posted on 07/28/2009

My 8 yr was just diagnosed with ADHD and our pediatrician recommended Strattera which is a non-stimulant. Was leary of the stimulant meds and felt more comfortable with Strattera. They do come with side effects, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches but we are watching her closely and so far none seem bad enough to stop the meds. Waiting to see how she does in school but we can definately see a difference now. Of course we would prefer to not medicate but knowing that leaving her struggle in school and how that can cause permanent damage to her self-esteem, I just couldn't do that to her.

Anne - posted on 07/28/2009

I have two children and a husband with ADD and the meds have saved my life!!!! I was reluctant to try them. My husband was the one who said he didn't want the kids to struggle in school like he did. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 40! My daughter started them when in 3rd grade and my son in 6th. HUGE difference in classroom focus and getting homework done after school. If you give them a try, remember that you can always stop. You may have to try several to find the right fit for your child. Our family practice doc and our pediatrician are so awesome! they have been very supportive duriong this whole process. Both kids are off meds in the summer and usually school breaks. All depends on the child. My son is a senior with 3.5 gpa and my daughter is a freshmen with a 3.75 gps.....this is all AMAZING!!!! the meds give your child a chance to blossom into themselves and use their brains to the fullest with out the distractions that keep them from performing at their best!!!!

Beth - posted on 07/28/2009

I felt the same way you do. I was reluctant to turn to medication because I felt like I had failed as a parent by giving in and not dealing with the problem. We took our son, who is entering the 3rd grade, to a child psychologist. She diagnosed him in about 5 minutes. I told her my reluctance to try medications and she explained it to me like this......."our son has a disease that prevents him from controling his behavior. It is imposible for him to act like other kids because his brain reacts to stimuli differently than other kids. If your child had diabetes, you would be a bad mom for not putting him on medication that will help him. Why is keeping him from being helped by ADD medication any different?" You do have to start with a very low dose and it doesn't always work right away. You need to find the right dose. My world is completely different. My son is a happy child who does not get frustrated when he cannot complete a task. He can deal with situations that he could not handle in the past. His grades are A's and he is being moved from the emotional support classroom to the regular classroom this fall. This has been my experience. Others may have experienced differnet situations and may not approve of the meds. I do and my son appreciates the fact that I took a chance and we won. Good luck in your decision.

Marjie - posted on 07/28/2009

My daughter just repeated the 4th grade, this time on medication. What a difference! Her grades rocketed up, but so much more important to us was the improvement in her social relationships. The educational psychologist told us that she had reported hating herself and school and being completely without friends. It broke my heart. She also used to get sent to the office for misbehaving about once every two weeks. This year she was invited to birthday parties and has close friends and is even welcome in their houses. Plus, not one trip to the office. Even my distant relatives comment on how much happier and more confident she is. We don't do medication except for school and resident camp. She did try one week without medication at school (we told her teacher) and she asked to go back on. They had a sub one day and she found out that she hates written work without it. For us, it has been a breakthrough.

Christine - posted on 07/28/2009

We did the medicine and it was the only thing that saved our sanity and his. He was driving himself nuts. He has ADHD and couldn't slow down. I have found that adderall xr works for him after trial and error. He only has to take it once in morning. Lasts untill roughly 6pm. Through homework! YES

Diane - posted on 07/28/2009

I have an 18 year old son who is ADHD and I fought medicating him for 2 years (since 1st grade) but his grades suffered as he could not concentrate or sit still. He was prescribed Ritilan and forget it - he was a zombie. We then put him on Aderral which he is still on to this day and it makes a HUGE difference. He only takes it when he is in the school environment and goes off of it for the summer. Hope this helps with your decision. By the way - my son is a heart kid (had 2 open heart surgeries) and both his cardiologist and a neurologist told me to put him on the meds.

Christine - posted on 07/28/2009

My son has been on Concerta for 2 years now and his grades in school changed drastically. He went from a B C student to an A B student almost immediatly! I can say that I too was reluctant to use medication but, after seeing the results I think that maybe you should give it a try.

Jennifer - posted on 07/28/2009

My son is turning 11 tomorrow (7/29) and we've been doing the medication dance since he was diagnosed in 1st grade. It's been and up hill battle. We went through several meds before we landed on Focalin. Then we changed insurance companies and had to do the medication dance all over again, only to return to Focalin. Because Focalin is not on kaisers formulary, we now have to see a Psychiatrist to get the meds. We return to see her every 3 months for a new script. The medication makes him lose his appetite so for 1 full year he did not gain a pound. Over the summer I let him be medication free and he gained 10 pounds and did not fit in his baseball uniform LOL He does so much better on this medication then on any other. It really helps him focus in school. He takes 10 mg in the morning and if need be another 5 mg in the afternoon if he needs help getting through the end of the school day. He even admits that he does better on meds then off. I would say, definately try the medication. I am not a mom that enjoys giving my children medicine for anything but sometimes you just have to. I know that my son would not do well in school AT ALL without the medication. When we first started Focalin ( remember after trying numerous others) his teacher actually called me and asked where her Lucas was because the Lucas I sent to class was WAY different and doing MUCH better. We laughed. I knew then we finally found the right meds. When we were on Stratera, we were up to 30 mg a day with no results. I like that he is only on 10 mg with this med and has been on it over a year now. Hope that helps!

Pietra - posted on 07/27/2009

Amy, I had my concerns about my son as early as preschool and the mom in me kept telling me he would grow out of it he is just being a boy but then the teacher in me finally sat in his classroon one afternoon and it was then that I knew I had to do something to help him. I immediately went to his pediatrician and he said he needed to be evaluated by the school district but because he goes to private school that would be a battle that I was notwilling to undertake so I had him evaluated by a private psychcologist who specializes in ADD/HD. He was diagnosed and she recommended Concerta. I went back to his doctor and he was familiar with Concerta and prescribed a low dose. After some trial and error he has been on Concerta since 2007 he takes two 18mg pills everyday with the exception of the weekends. Every once in awhile I give hom one pill on the weekends but only if absolutely necessary. I don't regret my decison one bit he is succeeding in school and sports. I hope this helps....good luck!!

Charleen - posted on 07/27/2009

I have two daughters that have been on meds for 6/7 yrs each. It was the best choice I could have made for them. They are now old enough that they can tell you when they don't have it that they need their meds and can tell you that they can tell the difference when they do take it.

[deleted account]

I just found a natural remedie it's cod liver oil.... 1 tsp a day either taken by the spoon or mixed in a smoothie... the DHA and EPA that is in it is what the body needs to stimulute the part of the brain that is effected. Liquid does better because it is absurbed into the body faster.

Laurie - posted on 07/27/2009

First I want to say that I have a 10 year old who had ADHD and has had it since preschool. The meds were a lifesaver for him and me. I looked at your profile and notice you live in PA. All schools have different ruled in different states but PA is good for education and the children who need help. My son has a wonderful pediatrician and he also has a psychiatrist that specializes in children. The pediatrician oversees everything but the psychiatrist prescribes his ADHD meds. He also goes to a counseling program in school. You will have to fight for your child throughout school forever. Don't give up though because our children are always worth it. Some of the brightest children are ADHD and the meds help them to focus. Depending on his severity you can try the newer meds that are non stimulant. They didn't work for my son. And in case no one has mentioned it. Not all meds work for all children. My child went through 3 before we finally got one that worked. He started on Adderal and that made him go crazy with tics. It is a side effect of the meds but he was really bad with that one. For some it works great. Good Luck.

Traci - posted on 07/27/2009

Hi Amy! My 9 year old son Dylan has ADHD, & I made the decision to put him on medication 2 years ago. It was a tough decision for me, & I did alot of research first as well as talking to my pediatrician, & seeing a psychologist with him a few times. We finally all decided it was in his best interests to begin medication. He has always been an extremely bright child, but has always been very "figity", & could barely sit still in class. His 1st grade teacher had to pull his desk over out of the circle with the other kids, & put him by himself because he was just too distracting to the other children. He would constantly sing songs, blurt out answers, & just plain couldn't sit still. It was heartbreaking! He is such a sweet boy, & none of his behavior was ever mean-spirited, but the kids had already started not wanting to be friends with him because he was just too "crazy". He has been on Focalin now for 2 years, & the results have been amazing. He is a straight-A student, & has good behavior in class, & interacts well with his peers. The biggest thing that I have had to watch is his eating habits. He is a little under-weight, & while on the meds, he tends to eat a very light lunch. So, I make sure that he gets a hearty breakfast, & eats a good dinner. I try my best to get him to eat as much as possible for lunch, & have his teachers reinforce that with him. I do not generally give him his meds on the weekend because I like for him to have a break from it, & be free to be himself. I hope this helps with your decision. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck in your journey!

[deleted account]

First, every medication works differently for each person. My daughter was started on Vyvanse first, and it was AWFUL for her. Then we changed to Adderall XR, which is a time released medication that I give her once a day. It last here all through school til about 4:30pm! It's perfect for her. You may have to try a few medications before you find the right one, but once you find the right one you'll feel good about your decision. My daughter was so unhappy with school and always "getting in trouble" for things she really couldn't control. After starting her meds, she was so pleased with herself. If you have the right med, you won't have a zombie version of your son...you'll have your son, geared down and focused so that he has a better school experience. The right medication won't make them seem like another person. :) I hope that helps!

Lisa - posted on 07/27/2009

Don't feel like having to put your child on meds makes you a bad mother! I currently work as a Case Manager through a contract with Child Protective Services, and parenting is something I do everyday with my clients. The ironic thing is that I have a daughter who is undiagnosed at 4yrs old, with what her Psychiatrist and Therapist are saying are signs of ADHD and being bipolar. I always knew she was a lil different. High energy, tantrums, distracted easily, aggressive, always annoying her siblings. About a year ago, after she was kicked out of her third preschools, I finally realized that I had tried everything I could. She is currently taking a med to help her sleep (sleep plays a huge role in behavior) and one to help her with controlling her impulses and focusing better. She also attended a Special Ed program for children with emotional and behavioral issues, in which they focus a lot of attention on behavior modification. She is doing sooooooooooo much better. She is becoming more self confident, and wants to do better because she now knows what it feels like to achieve. Meds are a continual process that you have to monitor. A few months ago the dose was increased due to the extreme behaviors returning. It was a good reminder to me that she didn't just magically wake up one morning and didn't have ADHD. On the other hand, I myself was diagnosed with ADHD and was pretty much a terror until I hit puberty. I was never medicated longer than a week in about 1st grade. I don't know how my mother did it, but we both survived a lot of trips to the principles office for fighting and I had to do a lot of catching up when I was in junior high learning things that I did not learn in elementary school. Just make sure your son is being challenged and you are using some type of behavior modification to reward and provide structure in the home and at school. Watch his diet and make sure he is getting a lot physical activity. Being active is part of being a kid, but if it is excessive and causing significant problems then you need to have him evaluated. Ask yourself if his behaviors are manageable at home but not at school, and why that might be. ADHD is something you learn to manage, it doesn't go away. I'm proof, I'm 32 its after midnight and I'm still wide awake with no caffeine. LOL! Also remember that any type of medication does have side effects, but the doctors will tell you if the benefit outweighs the risk than you take the medicine.

Mary - posted on 07/26/2009

either try vyvanse or concerta they r both time release so medications try the concerta first

Mary Ann - posted on 07/26/2009

I have a 14 year old son, that has ADHD with ODD and has dyslexia. I was told when he was in 1st grade that he needed to be tested. I did that, my mother did not want my hsband and I to put him on medication. So we did a none drug treatment that worked for a year. We decided to stop listening to everyone else and do what we felt was best for our son. It has been the best choose that we have made. He is now a sophemore in high school. He does a lot better in school then what he did in the elementary grades. His dyslexia has gotten closer to grade level. My best advise to you is to do what you think and believe is the best for your child. No one knows him better than you.

[deleted account]

I have a 21 year old son that was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade, we tryed the ritlan and it made him like a zombiee and he lost the personality that was a gift inside him so we took him off the meds and we started homeschooling him until we got him on a route that worked for everyone and then when he went back to public school we kept that routen in place and this worked. Our son graduated from high school and has graduated from college working in the computer field. The biggest thing you can do for your on is to ft what type of learning style he has like my son learns hands on, and we made accomidation for him to learn this way in both public school and in college you just need to ask and work with the school

Cecelia - posted on 07/26/2009

My son was diagnosed with adhd when he was six.I was so fearful about giving him meds especially at such a young age.But the more i talked to my friends and co-workers about it I felt alittle better. So I started him on Stratera(not sure of spelling)It was one of the happiest days in my life. I was not yelling/crying anymore. We actually got a long. It was better for him because now he was able to focus on everything,school work ,homework (which was always a chore) and chores.Also the impulses have decreased.
He is now 12 and is still on meds(concerta).He is a g ood kid. He just needed a littel help.
So even though every child is different my child did very well on meds.It did take me a while to adjust,and not to feel like a bad mom.I realize it is better for him.

Sonya - posted on 07/26/2009

My son is 13 and just started medication this summer. I like you was afraid to put him on the medication, but it got to t point that Ihad no other choice. I now wish I would have done it along time ago.It has made a world of difference. My son also sees a difference. Best of luck to you. if you go to the concerta hompage there is a checklist and info for yu.

[deleted account]

My grandson was diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, and others. My daughter had him on a lot of different meds. He ended up gaining a lot of weight.
She decided to try to change his diet, on advice a doctor, who had knowledge of his problems. She put him on a certified organic diet,eliminating food coloring, sugar, cow's milk. They can have allergies to the pesticides, herbicides, fungicides used on our produce. She had him on the diet for two weeks, the change in him was amazing. I couldn't believe the difference.She was then to start putting those things back in his diet one at a time, to see what he was sensitive to, but unfortunately her circumstances changed for the worse. So, her and the kids are in a shelter and she lost her job, cause he was too much trouble for the camp he was in. He also starts losing weight to his normal weight.
I'm not saying this will work for children with ADHD/ADD and other conditions. Omega 3 is also reccomended for proper brain function. I am a witness to what happened to my grandson to when he was on meds, which once given to him, knocked him out. And so many of them for such a small boy and what a change when she tried the diet. And now when she can't have him on the diet, he has gone back to the way he was.

Anne - posted on 07/25/2009

hi l'm from uk and my son has adhd l was also reluctant to give my son medication but after discussing it with his doctor we decided to give him a 6 months trial l'm glad l did he is so much happier at school and l haven't had to see his teachers so much either about his disruptive behaviour

Rebecca - posted on 07/25/2009

Looks like you are getting some great advice... I can only add that you shouldn't wait to put your son on medication. There are some really safe ones now and my son is taking Vyvanse which is an extended release. It has really given him the ability to function almost normally. You need a pediatrician who is willing to do monthly follow-ups (more if necessary) and who can help you do the behavior modification you will need to do in addition to the medication. Being the parent of a child with ADHD and the spectrum of issues that goes with it is a lot of work. Consistency is key and constant re-teaching is essential even though it can get overwhelming. Does your son have an IEP for school? I regret not pushing harder to get one for my son, but by helping him now...you will make it easier for him in the future. Good Luck!

Tina - posted on 07/25/2009

I noticed problems with my daughter in K. She wasn't learning to put sounds with letters and didn't want to learn @ home when I tried to help. Playing outside was all she did and what a great imagination but that didn't help us in school. In the middle of first grade after teacher conf. I set up because she was not reading @ all, I learned she didn't stay in her seat, she talked out of turn and to herself and she played in the sink when in the restroom. I realized if I have trouble with her one on one imagine how her teacher feels trying to teach her w/25 other kids and that just wasn't fair to either of them. We had her tested on our own and she has ADD. My husband and I went around because his bro was on Ridillin and was always out of it but I babysat kids who were on it and fine. I told our concerns to our Dr. and we went with Adderall XR 5mg on school days only, no weekends or vacations. It worked great at first but after a few weeks by the end of the school day it wore off so we uped it to 10 mg. Alot of meds go by weight so when she entered 2nd gr she had to be put on the 15mg. In 3rd grade we went to 15mg twice a day because her metabolism was so fast she absorbed all the med by lunch and goofed off in the afternoon. Teacher let me know and we went to one in the morning and the nurse giving her one pill @ lunch. When on meds they don't want to eat so making them is important. Near the end of 3rd gr @ one of her check ups( We have these every 3 mo for perscription refill, weight check and discussion), I expressed concern w/ her not eating and found she lost 6 lbs in the 3 mo. so we decided to go with a different med that is supposed to have less of an appetite suppressant in it. We are now on the same schedule w/ 30mg of Vyvanse. Her teachers said she did great in the last 2 mo of school and had gained 5 lbs back. Of course she will gain more over the summer and when we start 4th gr we will have enough meds to monitor her for the first mo and then have a check-up. Also when she was diagnosed she was given an IEP(tutoring and less homework also tests were read to her)@ school in math and reading, she left 1st gr @ a Kindergarten 3rd mo. level and she is starting 4th gr @ a 4th gr level in everything but math. She still goes to IEP for that. She is so proud of herself bringing home B's and Accelerated Reading prizes and we couldn't be happier. They say some can learn to focus on their own in time and not need the meds anymore. One of the kids I babysat only had the meds during testing thru grad school but the other has been able to do without in high school so far so we have hope! Good Luck!

Carole - posted on 07/25/2009

I see lots of good advice here -- I'm a cancer patient raising an autistic, ADHD and OCD grandson. We've had him in Special Ed for 2 years, where he has done beautifully. We have a great pediatrician, therapist AND psychiatrist for him, even at the age of only 7. At the suggestion of his teacher, we discussed thoroughly with the pediatrician, therapist and psychiatrist the use of medication at this point because his behaviors were so impulsive they were interferring in his ability with academics. (I think we all know these kids are extremely bright). Just yesterday, we started him on a medication and immediately saw a change after the very first dose ! The medication is called VyVance and is relatively new, supposedly with fewer side effects than alot of the more recognized medications. He is so much calmer and able to converse without the radical ups and downs in mood. We will monitor carefully for the next two weeks when he will be rechecked by his psychiatrist. I have learned through this process not to ever get too enthusiastic about something because just when I think I "get" it, things change like a lightning bolt strike! I resisted the idea of medication for 2 years just so we could get him settled and see what was going on with him. His teacher has been marvelous -- and it is important to only trust evaluations of your child to true professionals, in education, in any sort of developmental disorder, and in administering medication. These disorders (autism, ADD, ADHD, Asperger's, OCD) do not miraculously "go away" -- they are lifelong difficulties for our children and we as their parents and guardians must explore every avenue of assistance for them very carefully.

Victoria - posted on 07/25/2009

The only advice I would give to someone who is considering medication is document before and after so you can see if the medication is working. Ask his teacher to do the same. This has helped us find the right medication and dosage for my son. Also, don't be disappointed if the first med he takes doesn't work. Don't be scared to tell the doctor "this isn't working". I was ANTI-medication for a very long time. Like others on here, I woke up one day and said "what am I doing". Because I was scared of the medicine I was denying my child a chance at being productive. He is 6 years old and has ADHD and PDD-NOS, an autism spectrum disorder, so it has been a little difficult finding something that works well. He is currently on Vyvanse and Fluoxetine and it has been working well. He has such a sense of accomplishment and pride now. I only wish I would have done it sooner.

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Does anyone deal with a child who has ADHD/ADD and an undiagnosised husband? My personal therapist told me for years that my husband has ADHD and self medicates and has for years and I never really saw it until my son was diagnosised and I saw the difference meds made in his life!