ssmfeen

Six weeks ago we enrolled our six year old son in a study at Mass General in Boston for a study on a medication called Aricept for children with ADD or ADHD that have been taking Ritalin, Adderal or Concerta. The study started at 2.5 mg and increased by 2.5 every week until the current 10mg level he is now taking. The study is capping at 10 for the next 6 weeks. Aricept is an FDA approved drug being used to prevent decline in Alzheimers patients and it has been successful so they are looking to see if it is a good add on med for ADD and ADHD.

So far we have seen encouraging results. This is a non stimulant based medication. Until we hit the 10mg we only saw mildly encouraging results. He is finishing his seat work in school and his spelling tests in the last four weeks have all been 100%. The worksheets that are coming home are better in terms of how much of the worksheet is correct and not having to be redone. He is more focused on things. He is actually playing baseball for an hour or more in the backyard with his Dad which is an amazing accomplishment.

Now the downside to the meds. He has to take it after he eats because it causes him mild stomach discomfort which doesn't happen as long as he eats first. He is oppositional by nature and the meds allow him to be more focused on his opposition and it is a little harder to redirect him. We are also starting to see signs of him being quick to tears when things don't go his way as if he can't manage his level of frustration and so he cries about it. The tears go as quickly as they come. It is something that we are watching after all he is only six years old and that could also be part of growing up. He was an only child until he was six and admittedly has been very spoiled.

So far his father and I are encouraged by the results and have been incredibly supported by the staff at MGH. The study, including meds and parking, is free. If the results continue to improve we will keep him on Aricept as an add on to the Concerta he is taking. We could always handle his hyperactivity issues but our biggest concern was his inability to complete work in school and be successful there. So far in the last four weeks Aricept has been the one factor that has changed things.

Sorry for the length and will provide another update as we get toward the end of the study.

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homemom

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Marie