adderall and a teenager with add - ADD / ADHD Message Board

1826 · 05-13-2009, 06:51 PM

We just started our 14 year old son on adderall. It has taken 7 years for us to succumb to medication, but we could not wait any longer. He just started a couple of days ago and I would prefer that he take the lowest dose possible. Does anyone think that 10 mg will be enough for him?. The first day he was encouraged. The second day he said he was not sure. Any opinion will be appreciated.

janewhite1 · 05-13-2009, 07:22 PM

Generally it's best to start with a low dose and then go up if the low dose isn't working.

10 mg is enough for some people, including me.

At the "right" dose, the patient shouldn't notice much. Jane on meds is just regular Jane having a productive day. I can't lift tall buildings in a single bound, I don't see purple haze, but I don't have to sweat and stress to get daily tasks done.

Since children are sometimes less self-aware than adults, you might need feedback from teachers, or need to observe him while he is on meds.

All that being said, if the 10s are obviously doing nothing, you should probably try a higher dose.

1826 · 05-13-2009, 08:30 PM

Thank you. I appreciate what you said and would be much happier if this dose was adequate. He "thought" that his first day was good. Today being his third day he did not take it due to an out of school, school day. Is adderall one of the better medications, in your opinion, for add?

janewhite1 · 05-13-2009, 10:49 PM

Many people find Adderall works very well. Others have no effects, or intolerable side effects, but find that another drug works great.

If you get an infection, the doctor can do a culture and figure out which antibiotic is best and how much is needed. Mind drugs are a bit more complicated than that.

Psychiatrists have yet to come up with a really reliable way to predict which mental health drugs will be right for which patients, so the smart ones are prepared for a little trial and error.

mod-anon · 05-13-2009, 11:07 PM

Please note that this thread is moved to the ADD Board.