I just started my son (6 1/2) on Aricept today. I had noticed that his hyperactivity had increased and it didn't seem like the Concerta 36 had been helping much. Aricept is a non-stimulant based medication that has been successful with Alzheimer patients and he is taking it at the same time as the Concerta. We see the doctors once a week at the hospital and the meds and evals are all free for the next twelve weeks. They started him on 2.5mg which isn't much to start out with. He is at a drama arts camp for this week as it is school vacation. I noticed about an hour after he took both meds that he seemed calmer and we actually had a conversation in the car and he was able to follow along with the thought process. It may just be hopeful thinking on my part, but I noticed a slight difference. The hope of the study is that if the Aricept helps his thought process it may in fact decrease his level of hyperactiviy by helping his focus. The doctor kept reminding me that this is a study and not to be too hopeful, but as a parent of an ADHD child that has tried it all I can't help but be hopeful. He has struggled so much to fit in and always seems to have a hard time socially. All of the natural supplements give him a boost but my child has definitive improvement with the medication. I am hoping that this works so I can remove the Concerta and take him off stimulant medication all together. No more monthly scripts if it works. I'll keep everyone posted. (Forget to ask about the Attend but will make a note to do so at the appointment on 2/26).

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homemom