dexedrine advice - ADD / ADHD Message Board

MOMMAHEN269 · 11-12-2003, 02:14 PM

My son is 5 yrs old and is adhd. We first started him on Adderall 2.5 mgs in morning. For the first 2 weeks he got up a 5 different nights sporaticaly and vomited. Our doctor took him off and started him on Dexedrine 2.5mg 1 in the morning after breakfaast 1 at 11am. He only goes half day kindergarten. His teacher says he is the brightest kid she teaches and his behavior is terrific. I was shocked because it was afar cry from last year. Last year the teacher said he was the most impulsive kid in class. The problem though it seems it only last maybe 4-6hrs and when he comes down he is very sensitive and moody. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do. I am so excited he is doing that well in school, but at some nights it seems like he has a nuclear meltdown. mommahen

* Free ~ Spirit * · 11-12-2003, 02:33 PM

Momma -
I know you are trying to help your son. It's wonderful that his teacher thinks so highly of him.

Have you ever tried any natural treatments? If you have not I would suggest getting him off meds and trying a safer route. These medications can have major long term side effects, both physical and psychological. They should only be used when absolutely necessary and only when all other safer treatment plans have failed. New studies have proved supplementation can be just as effective in the treatment of ADHD. The trick is finding the correct supplements to use. Some of them are fairly cheap while others are a bit more expensive. If you have not tried other treatments besides medication please do so. These meds are hard core! There are much safer ways out there to help your son. A nice thing about supplements is once they start working they work all day every day. No come down, no nasty side effects. Please consider this option.

MOMMAHEN269 · 11-12-2003, 03:21 PM

I have never tried natural treatments for the adhd. I have a 3 yr old with autism and his whole diet is based on natrual organic foods and supplements. I hate to say maybe I have been a lazy parent when it comes to my 5 yr old by popping a pill down him instead of trying other methods first. We did some behavorial modification and it took me almost over a year to decide medicine. I have been so consumed with my 3yr with asd that I have not educated myself on ther options for adhd. If you or anyone reading has any advice on names of some natural products that others have tried please post. thank you

* Free ~ Spirit * · 11-12-2003, 04:02 PM

I understand you must be very busy. It can be hard raising special children. Please realise that stimulant medications are related to cocaine and meth amphetamine. Infact.. the generic adderall is sold under the name "amphetamine salt combo" These medications can have the same side effects as cocaine and meth. Of course they are very helpful for some patients who would not be able to function without it but they should definantly not be given to children who respond to other treatments or who are not truely disabled by their ADD symptoms.

First thing you need to do so I as well as others on the board can give you suggestions on alternative treatments is tell us a little bit more information about the type of ADD your son has.

Is it ADD or ADHD?

Does he have any additional conditions or symptoms that are not part of the core ADD symptoms?

What are the most troubling symptoms that he has?

Are you positive that ADD is a correct diagnosis?

A very safe supplement that seems to be very effective in treating many ADD/ADHD/anxiety/OCD/depressive symptoms is beCalmd. It is a blend so you wouldn't have to buy tons of different types of vitamins. It is only available online. I take it, it did wonders for me, I'm in the process of switching however, because beCalmd was getting a bit too expensive. I am still taking beCalmd, in a lower dose however, and have added two of my new supplements. GABA and taurine. With the taurine I notice that I have more control over my movements. What I mean is, I was always bad at sports but suddenly I'm improving without practice. There is also an online game I like to play which involved quickly clicking on tiny spots on the screen. I was getting to level 4 or 5 and usually when the game ended I would be pretty agitated. About 5 days after I added the taurine I played the game and easily made it to level 14.

Some of the cheapest most general supplements used for ADD are L-Tyrosine & DL-Phenylalanine. These are starting points. For some people they work as well as meds, for some people they dont work at all. In my case DL-Phenylalanine is helpful while L-Tyrosine makes me become somewhat aggressive. There are many other supplements that are helpful for ADD it all depends on the individual. Also, I should mention, there are a lot of products sold that claim to be "natural" that are herbal. Some of which contain dangerous herbs. You need to be careful that you are using things that are safe. A popular herb that I have seen in many products designed to help ADD/ADHD individuals is "Skullcap" This has proven negative physical side effects and should not be used in children or used in adults long term. Vitamins/Supplements are generally safe of course you should always do your research.

It will be a lot of work to find the correct treatment plan for your son but I'm sure you would agree that he is worth it!

MOMMAHEN269 · 11-12-2003, 05:00 PM

My son was diagnosed ADHD. He is somewhat like Jekyll and Hyde. He is very loud and you can be sitting quietly watching t.v and he will just blurt out something very loud. He is pretty smart there are no academic problems at all. Just behavioral. He twirls his hair all the time, he tells me it feels good. He has friends but sometimes his attitude can become very push offish. He seems just like a constant engine that doens't turn off until he runs out of gas. When he was little he was destructive. Not in a aggressive manner though. He always had in hands in to something or somewhere they shouldn't. I know all kids are like that but he was much more. He basically can't sit still. I am gonna look up what you have recommened as a start. Thanks