sawbuck44
10-12-2004, 10:48 AM
Tomorrow I am going to the doctor to finally put my son on meds. If you've seen any of my previous posts, you would know that he was on them for about 4 months during kindergarten. He was on Ritalin and Dexedrine. I plan on having the doctor give him Adderall. The ones he tried caused tics and other side effects that were worse than the condition itself. That would be WAY past because he is now 12. I have been worried the past few days since we made this decision, me, my husband, and my son. I think today I figured out why. I worry that I have stolen some years from my son to develop healthy relationships and to do his school work in a more comfortable, happier feeling about it. At first I was scared about the whole idea. But I've done my research, believe me I have. I've chosen ADD to be the subject of my college papers. It does exist and there is help. If this help happens to be in a pill, we should and other people who have not lived with a child like this or have not done any research, OR have done research on the biased side (of not medicating), we have to realize that we have to recognize, diagnose, and monitor our child's development to the best of our ability.
Please do not respond to my post negatively. Right now I need support and believe me, I am aware of the negative aspects of medicating a child for ADD. Those that question the very existence of ADD need not respond. I have waited and tried for over seven years to deal with this without meds. Now I'm ready to give my son a fighting chance. His school work is suffering the last few years. He was always an A and B student and just had social issues in earlier grades. As time went on, it bleed over into his academics. If he does better and is more confident and focused, he will see his full potential. I will let you know our progress as we enter into the med zone...
Please do not respond to my post negatively. Right now I need support and believe me, I am aware of the negative aspects of medicating a child for ADD. Those that question the very existence of ADD need not respond. I have waited and tried for over seven years to deal with this without meds. Now I'm ready to give my son a fighting chance. His school work is suffering the last few years. He was always an A and B student and just had social issues in earlier grades. As time went on, it bleed over into his academics. If he does better and is more confident and focused, he will see his full potential. I will let you know our progress as we enter into the med zone...
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index.html
10-12-2004, 11:39 AM
Good Luck and God Bless, Sawtooth!
I can totally relate to almost everything you said. My severely ADHD son was 13 before I could bring myself to medicate him. I still worry about giving him meds and I worry about how he has suffered all these years without meds. How different might he feel about himself if he had been medicated younger and didn't come to think of himself as "retarded" (which he is NOT)? What if I had medicated him sooner and he wasn't such a social outcast in elementary school? Would he like himself better now?
Like you, I don't know the answers. I just know my son got to the point that he HAD to have more help. All the years of counseling, dietary changes, behavior mod, etc, etc, etc didn't give him the help he needed. Fortunately, he is doing alot better on the medication.
I feel for you! It's a heart-wrenching decision.
I can totally relate to almost everything you said. My severely ADHD son was 13 before I could bring myself to medicate him. I still worry about giving him meds and I worry about how he has suffered all these years without meds. How different might he feel about himself if he had been medicated younger and didn't come to think of himself as "retarded" (which he is NOT)? What if I had medicated him sooner and he wasn't such a social outcast in elementary school? Would he like himself better now?
Like you, I don't know the answers. I just know my son got to the point that he HAD to have more help. All the years of counseling, dietary changes, behavior mod, etc, etc, etc didn't give him the help he needed. Fortunately, he is doing alot better on the medication.
I feel for you! It's a heart-wrenching decision.
sawbuck44
10-12-2004, 12:09 PM
Thank you for your post index. I've been crying for two days now. Wondering if I'm doing the right thing and then crying because I didn't do this sooner. I haven't looked at your posts here, but I think I saw that your son is taking Adderall? Any tips on what to watch for? I know I'll be watching for any tics. He had them in the past (when he was 6) when he was taking Ritalin and then Dexedrine. He would roll up the bottom of his shirt and sometimes had a throat tic. I'll be talking to the doctor about that too. I am leaning towards Adderall although I'm not sure what the doctor will suggest. The other possibilities are Strattera and Concerta.
Z'sMom
10-12-2004, 01:22 PM
We've only just recently put our teen on Adderall for his ADD. He was diagnosed as ADHD-hyper/inattentive combo in the past and we've spent 7 YEARS working with him, therapists & diet to get a 'working' solution. When he was tested recently, the hyper was deemed as "not an issue" because he's learned to control it to a reasonable extent.
As our son hit puberty, though, we had to look at other options. You're not alone. It's a hard, frustrating time but you are NOT alone. We've cried all those tears (guilt, relief, concern, anger & frustration) too.
Yes, in some ways it might have been "easier" for them if they had access to meds earlier ... both academically & socially. What we are seeing a few months into the Adderall, though, is that this is not the "wonder cure". It does allow our son to be himself more often, with less difficulty which is the whole point (for us). Studying, taking notes and focusing all come easier...however he's still distracted unless he makes the CHOICE to control himself. He tends into hyper behaviors when he's tired, been eating "off" his normal diet, or is growing.
Socially, we see him better able to interact with his friends, take less offense, have greater self-esteem when things are good. He still tends to 'drop' emotionally though and is still more sensitive than most of his peers. His grades are still A's & B's...but generally higher numbers, and less difficult for him to achieve.
The biggest side effects we've had with Adderall are the weight loss (he lost 4 pounds in the 1st month and is down 2 pounds this month) and the dry, hacking cough thing. The latter was taken care of with a humidifier/air purifier in his room, although he was prescribed a different med to help (takes maybe one tablet a week, if that). Once he started sleeping better (caused primarily by waking with the hacking cough), he's doing even better. He's also a little more emotional by the end of the day but it's not too bad.
We've only seen a few ticks...kind of shaky at times, a twitchy eye when he's tired.
Overall, for our son, this is the right decision at the right time. We didn't want to hand our son a "crutch" and are happy with the self-control and behavior modification he's learned over the past 7 years. Together, those skills AND the meds are helping him to reach as high as he wants to. There's still a lot of CHOICE but we hope to see even better decision making on his part as he gets more & more used to the 'benefits' of his meds.
As our son hit puberty, though, we had to look at other options. You're not alone. It's a hard, frustrating time but you are NOT alone. We've cried all those tears (guilt, relief, concern, anger & frustration) too.
Yes, in some ways it might have been "easier" for them if they had access to meds earlier ... both academically & socially. What we are seeing a few months into the Adderall, though, is that this is not the "wonder cure". It does allow our son to be himself more often, with less difficulty which is the whole point (for us). Studying, taking notes and focusing all come easier...however he's still distracted unless he makes the CHOICE to control himself. He tends into hyper behaviors when he's tired, been eating "off" his normal diet, or is growing.
Socially, we see him better able to interact with his friends, take less offense, have greater self-esteem when things are good. He still tends to 'drop' emotionally though and is still more sensitive than most of his peers. His grades are still A's & B's...but generally higher numbers, and less difficult for him to achieve.
The biggest side effects we've had with Adderall are the weight loss (he lost 4 pounds in the 1st month and is down 2 pounds this month) and the dry, hacking cough thing. The latter was taken care of with a humidifier/air purifier in his room, although he was prescribed a different med to help (takes maybe one tablet a week, if that). Once he started sleeping better (caused primarily by waking with the hacking cough), he's doing even better. He's also a little more emotional by the end of the day but it's not too bad.
We've only seen a few ticks...kind of shaky at times, a twitchy eye when he's tired.
Overall, for our son, this is the right decision at the right time. We didn't want to hand our son a "crutch" and are happy with the self-control and behavior modification he's learned over the past 7 years. Together, those skills AND the meds are helping him to reach as high as he wants to. There's still a lot of CHOICE but we hope to see even better decision making on his part as he gets more & more used to the 'benefits' of his meds.
sawbuck44
10-12-2004, 03:16 PM
Thank you Z's mom. Your son sounds so much like my son and what I hope to gain from meds. Would you mind sharing how much Adderall your son takes and is it the XR which is taken once a day? The other issue I struggle with using meds is the stigmas that come with it. Did you have to let the school know he was taking the meds - I'm kind of assuming that it's a given that you do have to tell the school. I just hate to start a record showing he needed this. Afraid it will hinder certain things as he grows older. I don't know, like if he ever wanted to join the military, become a doctor...
index.html
10-12-2004, 03:28 PM
Sawbuck, my son, too, had a lot of tics when he was younger to the extent that he was diagnosed as having Tourettes Syndrome. However, Thank You God, he hasn't ticced in a couple of years now. He's currently on Strattera and Metadate and hasn't ticced at all since beginning medication. So, yes, watch for tics but don't be excessively concerned unless/until they show up again.
Lack of appetite was an issue for us when he began Strattera. Someone suggested to me to try to get the calories in through liquids (they do, after all, still get thirsty). So, he drank alot of milkshakes and Yoplait smoothies. After some initial weight loss, he maintained his weight okay and continued to get taller. Interestingly, when we added the stimulant to Strattera, his appetite picked up. We've been happy with the combination.
Keep us posted as to which med the doc suggests and how it's going, okay?
Lack of appetite was an issue for us when he began Strattera. Someone suggested to me to try to get the calories in through liquids (they do, after all, still get thirsty). So, he drank alot of milkshakes and Yoplait smoothies. After some initial weight loss, he maintained his weight okay and continued to get taller. Interestingly, when we added the stimulant to Strattera, his appetite picked up. We've been happy with the combination.
Keep us posted as to which med the doc suggests and how it's going, okay?
sawbuck44
10-12-2004, 03:40 PM
Yes, I'll keep you posted on our progress. I too did the behavioral mod, counseling, group social sessions. My whole family has always been affected by the actions of my son. I am looking to heal there as well. He and his father have several conflicts. I, at one time, believed it was my husband more (he does tend to be verbal at times). Now I'm realizing that the reason I relate differently to my son is that I have more patience than my husband. It's not really about different disciplining or 'favoring,' it's a matter of patience. And, because of my patience I have been able to bring our son to the good point he is at now socially. Now it's the academic side that sliding. Looking to balance out his life and our family life.
Z'sMom
10-13-2004, 12:26 AM
Right now Z is on Adderall XR and only 15 mg a day. His Dr. said we could easily increase the dosage to get more "effect" but we declined because as he gets older/bigger he'll need a higher dosage AND we are getting the results hoped for (although not perfect). There's a balance to be achieved between results & self-control IMHO and we continue to work with him on all the things he learned thru therapy & counseling.
We did NOT notify the school, nor would I really advise you to do so unless there is some compelling reason. The Dr. said there is no reason for this to be in his record as he takes NO meds at school and is in no danger from this information being kept private. We did let a few teachers (his core GT block teachers) know that he was ADD, had never been med'd and that they might be seeing a few changes in him. They "got it" (both have ADD/ADHD sons too) but haven't brought it up to anyone administratively, which is the way things are handled here.
Z has opted to tell just a few friends, most of whom are also ADHD or ADD and on meds. They don't really talk about it and the kids know who NOT to tell (would bully or tease). There's no real "stigma" in the GT cluster...not at this age...not with so many of them ADHD/ADD (amazingly high percentage).
Let me know if there's anything else I can share...I don't mind. And about the healing - it's easier to heal when "your" kid is back around pretty much on a daily basis. BUT don't get your hopes up too high, too fast. This is, for us at least, another TOOL but not the sole solution and it's still up to us to help guide our child into self-control.
We did NOT notify the school, nor would I really advise you to do so unless there is some compelling reason. The Dr. said there is no reason for this to be in his record as he takes NO meds at school and is in no danger from this information being kept private. We did let a few teachers (his core GT block teachers) know that he was ADD, had never been med'd and that they might be seeing a few changes in him. They "got it" (both have ADD/ADHD sons too) but haven't brought it up to anyone administratively, which is the way things are handled here.
Z has opted to tell just a few friends, most of whom are also ADHD or ADD and on meds. They don't really talk about it and the kids know who NOT to tell (would bully or tease). There's no real "stigma" in the GT cluster...not at this age...not with so many of them ADHD/ADD (amazingly high percentage).
Let me know if there's anything else I can share...I don't mind. And about the healing - it's easier to heal when "your" kid is back around pretty much on a daily basis. BUT don't get your hopes up too high, too fast. This is, for us at least, another TOOL but not the sole solution and it's still up to us to help guide our child into self-control.
kisa
10-13-2004, 12:56 AM
you are educated in this field, think as the meds as a blessing, would you rather not have this avenue to adventure?, you seemed to have prepared yourself for the worst, that only means that things can get better, good luck to your son & your kin, my thoughts are with you.... to sawbuck44, please talk to his Dr. about notification in the school records, I would be concerned if there was a accident & the medical staff @ the hospital would need to be made aware of all medications, & medical records are to be confidential anyway, so maybe look into the laws reguarding that, peace to all
keke1971
10-13-2004, 03:20 PM
I felt that way to and had a hard time deciding to put my son on meds but now the joy I feel and how well he is doing in school has made me tell those who say don't put your child on meds is to go to where the devil lives:)
He takes a medication called Concerta.
He is 9 yrs old and in the fourth grade and is passing his classes with flying colors! :D
We live in NYC and he recently took the state test for third graders last year and he was in the range of above average which is the top percental. Yes there are days when he is still hyper at home and he is so what delayed socially because he is very emotional but that is okay because all those days seem like nothing compared to before.
He is in a inclusion class but he does regular 4th grade work and recently passed his test with 100% on all 4 of them.
I too was scared and medicaion is not the answer that ends all the problems but for me it gave my son a great peace of mind and a feeling of being normal that no one can take away and that is more important to me than anything in the world!
So good luck and I hope it works for you and your baby. And God BlessYou!
He takes a medication called Concerta.
He is 9 yrs old and in the fourth grade and is passing his classes with flying colors! :D
We live in NYC and he recently took the state test for third graders last year and he was in the range of above average which is the top percental. Yes there are days when he is still hyper at home and he is so what delayed socially because he is very emotional but that is okay because all those days seem like nothing compared to before.
He is in a inclusion class but he does regular 4th grade work and recently passed his test with 100% on all 4 of them.
I too was scared and medicaion is not the answer that ends all the problems but for me it gave my son a great peace of mind and a feeling of being normal that no one can take away and that is more important to me than anything in the world!
So good luck and I hope it works for you and your baby. And God BlessYou!
sawbuck44
10-13-2004, 03:57 PM
thanks for your support keke. I have an hour before the appointment with the doctor and my son. Feeling a bit anxious but confident in my decision. I would like to use either Adderall or Concerta. I'm hearing that Adderall can cause tics whereas Concerta will not. Maybe this time around he won't develop any tics. One day at a time...
keke1971
10-13-2004, 04:03 PM
God be with you and Good Luck! :angel:
My son started at 18mg but I brought it up to 36mg a year ago. Like I said it not theend all because he still has issues but in school it has done wonders for my baby! And that is all I care about. Oh and it is one pill a day it last 12 hrs.
My son started at 18mg but I brought it up to 36mg a year ago. Like I said it not theend all because he still has issues but in school it has done wonders for my baby! And that is all I care about. Oh and it is one pill a day it last 12 hrs.
sawbuck44
10-13-2004, 04:12 PM
Has your son had any weight loss issues with Concerta or any other side effects? Does he use it during the summer and on weekends?
keke1971
10-14-2004, 09:47 AM
As far as his appeite it has not changed for him he eats alot but he is also hyperactive so he burns up alot of food. But when he first started with the meds he had some problems sleeping but that was because the meds were just getting in his system. Also the 18 mg did not last all day and it seem to wear of while he still was in school. So I raised it to 36mg and it last the full 12 hrs. As far as other side effects the only thing that I have notice is if he doesn't take the medication regularly (like this summer I did not give it on a regular babsis) when he does go back to it he gets headache and some sleep problems. But once his body does adjust he is fine again. The deal with the weekends is if he can control hisself and maintain his calm without acting out he doesnot have to take it but if he feels he is out of control then he must take it.
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
sawbuck44
10-14-2004, 09:49 AM
the doctor appointment went well and my son was given Concerta at 18mg beginning dose. Mind you, my son is 5' 7" and weighs 177 lbs! The doctor said when we come back in a month we can adjust the dosage if necessary.
this morning was the first time taking the pill. Or should I say NOT taking the pill. He cannot swallow it! We tried putting it in a spoon of applesauce, drinking with a straw, chewing food and when ready to swallow put the pill in his mouth, and nothing. We gave up today we were both late to work and school. any tips?
this morning was the first time taking the pill. Or should I say NOT taking the pill. He cannot swallow it! We tried putting it in a spoon of applesauce, drinking with a straw, chewing food and when ready to swallow put the pill in his mouth, and nothing. We gave up today we were both late to work and school. any tips?
keke1971
10-14-2004, 10:02 AM
My son is smaller and the 18mg did not last for him all day but see how it does fo you and monitor it and see how it goes.
sawbuck44
10-18-2004, 11:20 AM
Well, looks like I'm not going to be able to see how my son would do on Concerta. There is no way he is swallowing anything! I have tried it all. I am now waiting for the doctor to call me regarding Adderall XR which is time released and can be sprinkled in applesauce. The nurse called me first and we went through the ' isn't there any way at all you can get him to swallow it? The doctor said to cut it in half.' I told her it doesn't matter what size it is he can't swallow anything. We tried mini M&M's, tic tacs (which after a while got pretty small and he still couldn't swallow).
Now I'm looking at side effects of Adderall XR vs. Concerta. It seems that some people experience angry outbursts at the end of the day for about an hour. One person said that she gives her son 15mg of Adderall XR in the am and a regular Adderall 5 mg after school. I see that some people experience anger while taking Concerta and also hallucinate! Everyone is different and I'll only know when my son takes the med. I'll let you know what the doctor says.
Now I'm looking at side effects of Adderall XR vs. Concerta. It seems that some people experience angry outbursts at the end of the day for about an hour. One person said that she gives her son 15mg of Adderall XR in the am and a regular Adderall 5 mg after school. I see that some people experience anger while taking Concerta and also hallucinate! Everyone is different and I'll only know when my son takes the med. I'll let you know what the doctor says.
keke1971
10-18-2004, 03:49 PM
I hope it works out and it helps you and your baby!
index.html
10-19-2004, 04:42 AM
Sawbuck, good luck with the Adderall. Remember that just because some people experience this side effect or the other doesn't mean that your child will.
Let us know how it goes!
Let us know how it goes!
sawbuck44
10-19-2004, 09:28 AM
Day 1 on regular (not XR) Adderall 10 mg to start. I crushed it into applesauce and he ate it right away. I am to add 5 mg each week until he reaches 20mg a day. The pharmacist said that if I notice any 'rebound' that I could probably give him the additional 5mg after school instead of adding it to the morning dose. I'll be watching closely and let you know how we are doing. Thanks for your support (is your shoulder dry yet ?!).
index.html
10-19-2004, 12:29 PM
Thanks for your support (is your shoulder dry yet ?!).
Ha! It's dry and ready for more any time!
Ha! It's dry and ready for more any time!
sawbuck44
10-20-2004, 11:08 AM
Here is how my son was on his first day:
Said he didn't eat lunch - wasn't hungry he just drank a Hawaiian punch. I told him he had to at least try to eat. He came home from school - I called him = he ate his regular after school snack and a couple pretzels, told him not to eat any more until dinner. When I got home we started to work on a brochure that he has to do for Italian. When I asked him questions or took too long to answer him - he got agitated - that really isn't much different than his usual though. At dinner, he was more animated than usual - in a funny way although I did have to remind him to sit and eat so he didn't get out of hand. He was just doing his usual dancing with his hands and head but it seemed a bit more. After dinner, we finished his brochure and he seemed less agitated and was his normal self by placing his head on my shoulder and smiling up at me. Bedtime was fine. He was tired and was asleep by 9:30. I'll keep monitoring him and let you know if I hear anything from his teachers. They do not know he is on meds and I do not have to tell the school. I've been that route before and it only caused more trouble for him because they didn't give him a break and seemed to focus more on every little thing he did or didn't do. No, he's old enough now to tell me how he's doing and he does not keep anything from me because he's learned over time that I will find out anyway.
Said he didn't eat lunch - wasn't hungry he just drank a Hawaiian punch. I told him he had to at least try to eat. He came home from school - I called him = he ate his regular after school snack and a couple pretzels, told him not to eat any more until dinner. When I got home we started to work on a brochure that he has to do for Italian. When I asked him questions or took too long to answer him - he got agitated - that really isn't much different than his usual though. At dinner, he was more animated than usual - in a funny way although I did have to remind him to sit and eat so he didn't get out of hand. He was just doing his usual dancing with his hands and head but it seemed a bit more. After dinner, we finished his brochure and he seemed less agitated and was his normal self by placing his head on my shoulder and smiling up at me. Bedtime was fine. He was tired and was asleep by 9:30. I'll keep monitoring him and let you know if I hear anything from his teachers. They do not know he is on meds and I do not have to tell the school. I've been that route before and it only caused more trouble for him because they didn't give him a break and seemed to focus more on every little thing he did or didn't do. No, he's old enough now to tell me how he's doing and he does not keep anything from me because he's learned over time that I will find out anyway.
index.html
10-20-2004, 11:49 AM
Sounds like a good first day!
sawbuck44
10-20-2004, 02:53 PM
Ha! It's dry and ready for more any time!
LOL index!
I think I looked for the anger aspect of the side effects and what I saw yesterday was more of the exciteability. I see a lot of posts of people who 'want their fun loving son' back and if I see any hint of him 'disappearing' I'll be looking for something else.
LOL index!
I think I looked for the anger aspect of the side effects and what I saw yesterday was more of the exciteability. I see a lot of posts of people who 'want their fun loving son' back and if I see any hint of him 'disappearing' I'll be looking for something else.
Z'sMom
10-20-2004, 04:13 PM
It's good to keep an eye on his responses BUT he won't level out until at least a week (& up to 30 days) on Adderall. His weight loss is one thing to look at -- Z's weight has now stabalized and he's back to eating normally.
Hope it works for you! Z's Mom
Hope it works for you! Z's Mom
sawbuck44
10-22-2004, 10:08 AM
Z's mom, do you give your son meds on the weekend and holidays? My doctor told me to stick to school days. Hope that doesn't mess him up too much. Yesterday he got sick to his stomach and had diareah when he got home from school. He thinks it was the school's turkey blt sandwich - said the bacon didn't looked cooked all the way - still looked a bit white. He is fine today and was actually up before I was this morning. He ate, took his meds, got dressed and out to the bus. He still seems a bit snippy for about an hour (between 4:30 and 5:30) but nothing too major. I'll be watching that when we increase next week. thanks for your support!
Z'sMom
10-22-2004, 03:29 PM
Our pediatrician said we COULD try to give Z meds only on school or specified days but that it doesn't work for all kids. Our SPECIALIST said that the more 'level' the chemicals in his body & brain are, the less side effects he will have AND that the chances are better that he will not build up resistance as quickly as if he were on/off. Apparantly there are studies that show it either way.
On the days where Z missed a dose, he CLEARLY struggled emotionally when he took the next dose. It doesn't work for him, be interested in knowing if it really works that way for your child.
On the days where Z missed a dose, he CLEARLY struggled emotionally when he took the next dose. It doesn't work for him, be interested in knowing if it really works that way for your child.
ADDsubtract
10-27-2004, 07:57 PM
Sawbuck,
I read your initial post, but skipped past all the following posts cuz I'm a little short on time.
Deciding whether or not to medicate your kid is a decision that only you can make.
For me, personally, I'll be eternally grateful to my mother for never giving up on the "potential" she felt I posessed. All through my life she believed in me and researched a whole bunch of possible reasons that would explain why I was a chronic underachiever. Finally, after my sophomore year of HS -- when I had a CUMULATIVE 3.8 GPA -- I was diagnosed with ADD.
I was immediately medicated with methylphenidate HCL (ritalin), and saw insant results. The very next semester, I responded with a 3.8 GPA. After that, I maintained a 3.0+ GPA and was named as the runner-up for "Most Improved Student" in my class of 450 (a girl who returned to school after pregnancy won that scholarship).
With my improved grades and 23 ACT, I was able to get into a "solid" school. I spent two years there and transferred into a US News Top 50 University and really blossomed there. With the meds, my focus and concentration went through the roof -- I could actually commit my mind to a single task without standing on my head or running like a headless chicken around the house as my parents begged me to do my homework.
I graduated from that university with a very average GPA, but I did what I had to do while becoming extremely active in extracurricular activities, and now I have a really cool job in a really great city.
For me, it all worked out in the 11th hour. Thank god my Mom never gave up on me, otherwise I'd be a community college drop-out with limited hope for the future.
My cousin has also been diagnosed with ADD, and my Aunt doesn't wanna put him on meds. After seeing my story unfold in front of her eyes, I don't see why she wouldn't medicate him. I'm not saying meds are like magic -- I definitely lost a lot of "personality" when I first became medicated, and I laughed maybe 3% as often as I used to, couldn't really "connect" with people, blah, blah, blah... but I've worked out those kinks pretty well and now I can communicate really well and apply my mind to important tasks. It's still a struggle to maintain a desired level of motivation, but I have the ability to perform when I really want to.
Hope that helps.
Oh yeah, I'm on Adderall now.
I read your initial post, but skipped past all the following posts cuz I'm a little short on time.
Deciding whether or not to medicate your kid is a decision that only you can make.
For me, personally, I'll be eternally grateful to my mother for never giving up on the "potential" she felt I posessed. All through my life she believed in me and researched a whole bunch of possible reasons that would explain why I was a chronic underachiever. Finally, after my sophomore year of HS -- when I had a CUMULATIVE 3.8 GPA -- I was diagnosed with ADD.
I was immediately medicated with methylphenidate HCL (ritalin), and saw insant results. The very next semester, I responded with a 3.8 GPA. After that, I maintained a 3.0+ GPA and was named as the runner-up for "Most Improved Student" in my class of 450 (a girl who returned to school after pregnancy won that scholarship).
With my improved grades and 23 ACT, I was able to get into a "solid" school. I spent two years there and transferred into a US News Top 50 University and really blossomed there. With the meds, my focus and concentration went through the roof -- I could actually commit my mind to a single task without standing on my head or running like a headless chicken around the house as my parents begged me to do my homework.
I graduated from that university with a very average GPA, but I did what I had to do while becoming extremely active in extracurricular activities, and now I have a really cool job in a really great city.
For me, it all worked out in the 11th hour. Thank god my Mom never gave up on me, otherwise I'd be a community college drop-out with limited hope for the future.
My cousin has also been diagnosed with ADD, and my Aunt doesn't wanna put him on meds. After seeing my story unfold in front of her eyes, I don't see why she wouldn't medicate him. I'm not saying meds are like magic -- I definitely lost a lot of "personality" when I first became medicated, and I laughed maybe 3% as often as I used to, couldn't really "connect" with people, blah, blah, blah... but I've worked out those kinks pretty well and now I can communicate really well and apply my mind to important tasks. It's still a struggle to maintain a desired level of motivation, but I have the ability to perform when I really want to.
Hope that helps.
Oh yeah, I'm on Adderall now.
sawbuck44
10-27-2004, 09:52 PM
ADDsubtract, I really appreciate you sharing your story. I searched for information, brought him to be evaluated, had counseling, all after I had initially had him on meds. He was on meds for about 4 or 5 months - Ritalin then Dexedrine, then we took him off completely. We are into the second week of Adderall up to 15 mg daily at 7am only. Next week it's up to 20mg. I felt the same way your mom did. You want to be absolutely sure that meds will help and you also do not want to miss an opportunity to help your child develop his best potential. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind answering. Do you believe you will be on meds for the rest of your life? Do you take med vacations? I heard that because Adderall is a stimulant you don't have to build up to have it work. How long have you been on Adderall? Did you develop any tics?
You should be so proud of yourself and your mom for making one of the hardest decisions she's had to make.
You should be so proud of yourself and your mom for making one of the hardest decisions she's had to make.
sawbuck44
10-28-2004, 09:43 AM
Wanted to give an update on our progress. My son is focusing better and not experiencing any significant side effects yet. If I find that he has more side effects at 20mg, then I will tell the doctor and keep him at 15mg. His appetite has decreased. He does not eat a lot at lunch time. Breakfast and dinner I can see what he's eating. Usually has scrambled egg with cheese or cereal. Last night we had pizza and he only ate two pieces. Usually it's three and sometimes a 'small' fourth. He sleeps fine at night. The only thing he has complained about is a stomach ache. He has been in the bathroom with that and is usually fine afterwards.
MafiaKiddo
11-04-2004, 12:34 AM
I can understand parents concerns about putting there kids on meds. So I thought I'd add my story and maybe you would feel a bit more comfortable with the decision. I posted this someplace else but my story hasn't changed so here it is.
I'm a 27 year old woman with severe adhd. As a child my parents (actually my mother, dad was out of the picture pretty early) didn't put me on meds and pretty much knew nothing about the disorder. I was constantly in trouble at home, in school and my grades were horrible. I also suffered from terrible headaches, stomach aches and nausia both at home and at school. In fact I devolped an ulcer at age 9 and again at 13 from all the stress I had put on myself. Looking back now I'm sure my symptoms were mostly stress related. I wasn't physically sick, just overwhelmed most of the time. I'd worry constantly about getting in trouble because that would mean the teacher would yell at me and then my mother would yell and punish me when I got home. I remember knowing I was really smart, but after awhile I started believing that I was just a bad, lazy kid. I struggled and suffered with this until I got to college and had enough. All growing up people (teachers, family friends, etc..) had said that I was probably hyperactive but nobody went any further than just mentioning it in conversation. Anyway in college I was miserable, I had gotten by on raw intelligence and a bit of luck in grade school and high school so even though my grades weren't good I was able to graduate. In college I was finding life impossible, I couldn't sit through the lectures or complete all the heavy reading that was assigned. I had an idea what was wrong with me so I went to a Psychiatrist that specialized in ADHD. I got tested, diagnosed and put on medication for the first time at age 24. It was truly like a miracle for me. This sounds dumb to people who aren't hyper but I felt so comfortable inside. Finally after all those years I could sit on the couch, relax and watch an entire 30 minute show without feeling like I was going to explode. Not only that but I read my first real book. I actually read an entire book without getting frustrated, skipping pages or rereading the same page several times. It may sound like no big deal but to have to wait until your 24 to be able to enjoy a book was a major breakthrough for me. In fact I called several memebers of my family just to tell them. I've been on Adderall XR for almost 4 years now. I have never had a side effect and it works great. I am also planning on going back to college to get my degree. This time I will pick a difficult degree I know I will enjoy instead of just looking for the easiest program and hoping I can handle it. I know I can handle it and that I am smart, I'm not the lazy, bad kid from my youth. I am upset about all the time I've lost but finally excited about my future because I know I will have a future now. If I could go back in time I would make my mother put me on medication. Yes some medications have side effects, it is good to be informed about that possibility and to know what to watch for. It's all about finding the right one for you. Besides the effects of stress can be just as dangerous if left untreated. Not to mention the self esteem problems and depression that usually follows someone that is constantly failing. I'm not thrilled that I will most likely be on medication for the rest of my life, but I would not go back to the way I was before for all the money in the world.
I'm a 27 year old woman with severe adhd. As a child my parents (actually my mother, dad was out of the picture pretty early) didn't put me on meds and pretty much knew nothing about the disorder. I was constantly in trouble at home, in school and my grades were horrible. I also suffered from terrible headaches, stomach aches and nausia both at home and at school. In fact I devolped an ulcer at age 9 and again at 13 from all the stress I had put on myself. Looking back now I'm sure my symptoms were mostly stress related. I wasn't physically sick, just overwhelmed most of the time. I'd worry constantly about getting in trouble because that would mean the teacher would yell at me and then my mother would yell and punish me when I got home. I remember knowing I was really smart, but after awhile I started believing that I was just a bad, lazy kid. I struggled and suffered with this until I got to college and had enough. All growing up people (teachers, family friends, etc..) had said that I was probably hyperactive but nobody went any further than just mentioning it in conversation. Anyway in college I was miserable, I had gotten by on raw intelligence and a bit of luck in grade school and high school so even though my grades weren't good I was able to graduate. In college I was finding life impossible, I couldn't sit through the lectures or complete all the heavy reading that was assigned. I had an idea what was wrong with me so I went to a Psychiatrist that specialized in ADHD. I got tested, diagnosed and put on medication for the first time at age 24. It was truly like a miracle for me. This sounds dumb to people who aren't hyper but I felt so comfortable inside. Finally after all those years I could sit on the couch, relax and watch an entire 30 minute show without feeling like I was going to explode. Not only that but I read my first real book. I actually read an entire book without getting frustrated, skipping pages or rereading the same page several times. It may sound like no big deal but to have to wait until your 24 to be able to enjoy a book was a major breakthrough for me. In fact I called several memebers of my family just to tell them. I've been on Adderall XR for almost 4 years now. I have never had a side effect and it works great. I am also planning on going back to college to get my degree. This time I will pick a difficult degree I know I will enjoy instead of just looking for the easiest program and hoping I can handle it. I know I can handle it and that I am smart, I'm not the lazy, bad kid from my youth. I am upset about all the time I've lost but finally excited about my future because I know I will have a future now. If I could go back in time I would make my mother put me on medication. Yes some medications have side effects, it is good to be informed about that possibility and to know what to watch for. It's all about finding the right one for you. Besides the effects of stress can be just as dangerous if left untreated. Not to mention the self esteem problems and depression that usually follows someone that is constantly failing. I'm not thrilled that I will most likely be on medication for the rest of my life, but I would not go back to the way I was before for all the money in the world.
sawbuck44
11-04-2004, 11:50 AM
hi mafiakiddo, glad you are strong enough to straighten yourself out. that was one of the biggest deciding factors in putting my son on meds. I have accepted the fact that he had add at age 6 - just not the fact that he needed to be treated with meds. we go back to the doctor the end of the month. he is using 20 mg daily at 7am. Not really sure how long it is lasting for him or if xr would be better. i'm hesitant to change too much too soon. It wouldn't be possible for him to take another pill in school cuz it has to be crushed in applesauce (we tried pudding but he said it tasted nasty!). so xr would be the thing to talk about when we go to the doctor. though i've read on these boards that some people prefer regular but since he can't take it when he would need another, we'll probably have to try xr. i asked you on my other thread about the rebound. my niece had her son on xr and she had to take him off due to him being moody, angry, and out of control when it wore off. she lives in another state so i don't know everything. i won't let that stop me from trying it on my son though. he is adult size at age 12! weighs 170 and stands 5'8"! so he could probably handle the xr more than my nephew who is only 6.
so glad you are doing well and thank you for making me feel better about giving meds to my son.
so glad you are doing well and thank you for making me feel better about giving meds to my son.
index.html
11-04-2004, 03:27 PM
It wouldn't be possible for him to take another pill in school cuz it has to be crushed in applesauce
Actually, Sawbuck, I bet if you'll provide the applesauce, the school nurse wouldn't have a problem giving it to him that way.
Just a thought in case you aren't happy with the XR...
Actually, Sawbuck, I bet if you'll provide the applesauce, the school nurse wouldn't have a problem giving it to him that way.
Just a thought in case you aren't happy with the XR...
MafiaKiddo
11-05-2004, 04:15 AM
I like that XR better then the regular but it is so true that it works differently for everyone. I've heard some say the reg Adderall makes the moody and angry and others say XR does it so it really is a trial and error thing unfortunately. In my case the XR works for about 7-8 hours so I take an additional regular Adderall after that (which lasts about 3-4 hours) to make it through the day.
I am a bit cranky and angry at night when it wears off but don't think this is an effect from the pill. If I don't take a pill one day (usually because I forget to refill the prescription) I am cranky and angry all day long. I think people see the difference because while on the pill your body finally relaxes and you can focus, of course when it wears off your back to your out of control adhd self.
Anyway good luck, hope all goes well with your son.
I am a bit cranky and angry at night when it wears off but don't think this is an effect from the pill. If I don't take a pill one day (usually because I forget to refill the prescription) I am cranky and angry all day long. I think people see the difference because while on the pill your body finally relaxes and you can focus, of course when it wears off your back to your out of control adhd self.
Anyway good luck, hope all goes well with your son.