It would really interest me, if anybodys children are regularly monitored/have check-ups, blood pressure taken etc. before and while placed on stimulants or Strattera. I am really amazed that NONE of the doctors I have taken my son to has ever asked for a complete physical before putting my child on drugs nor has anybody ever monitored vital signs. Since I heard that there can be serious blood pressure issues as well as heart problems, it leaves me speechless that doctors feel that is not necessary.

:eek: My son's doctor - first did a complete check-up the every month for the first 6months of him being on meds. Now after 3yrs, we go in every 6months - along with his vitals being checked he also has the school do a review on him along with us (his parents) and goes over the answers with us so we aren't missing any signs of anything not working correctly.

Yes, my doctor also does check-ups. At first, every month, now every three months or sooner if I request it. My son has not had any problems with blood pressure and now that he has been on meds for 8 months his eating is returning to normal and he is gaining weight.

I think you need to find a better doctor!

Vanessa

It would really interest me, if anybodys children are regularly monitored/have check-ups, blood pressure taken etc. before and while placed on stimulants or Strattera. I am really amazed that NONE of the doctors I have taken my son to has ever asked for a complete physical before putting my child on drugs nor has anybody ever monitored vital signs. Since I heard that there can be serious blood pressure issues as well as heart problems, it leaves me speechless that doctors feel that is not necessary.

My son's doctor did a thorough check-up before he started on meds and sees him specifically for an ADHD check-up at least every six months.

Our peditrician requires an exam every six months with blood work but the psychiatrist does not require anything.

Thank you for this thread. I called our pediatrician after reading these posts.

She said, "Yeah, we should be doing some checking." So I took him in and she checked his blood pressure, height and weight. Everything was normal.

She is a good pediatrician but I think this is another case of the patient/parent having to be proactive to make sure everything necessary is being done.

I noticed that someone mentioned blood tests during the exam. Does anyone think that is necessary for Ritalin LA? Or is checking blood pressure sufficient.

Thanks everyone!

Ritalin can affect liver function and should be monitored.