Born2BuildsWife
02-28-2002, 01:37 PM
Is Concerta a really good med for a child that suffers from ADD and not ADHD? He is not aggresive at all and is very loving, but his attention, he can't hold it for a minute. He is 6 years old, and he just started Concerta 18mg a day.
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empathy218
03-14-2002, 09:53 PM
I have ADD and i take concerta, the only problem i am having with it is feeling a bit depressed when it wears off, other than that its a pretty good med. My grades increased so much, and it has made me more talkitive and relaxed.
mlgable
03-15-2002, 09:43 AM
Concerta is merely a long acting form of Ritalin so yes it is fine for children with ADD. Be sure he has had proper testing for ADD/ADHD though before starting on any medication as I think to many of these diagnosis are handed out without the proper testing needed to verify the diagnosis.
ssmfeen
03-16-2002, 10:28 AM
My son takes Concerta 36 which is a one pill a day slow release form of Ritalin. He is ADHD and the "h" is fairly severe and the Concerta helps him. You can see the difference when he doesn't take it.
Becky Fetterman
03-20-2002, 11:07 PM
Our son takes Concerta as well. He is 6 years old and is taking 36mg a day. We have tried Adderall and some others. We have noticed that he develops almost an immunity after 2-6 weeks of everything we have given him. So far, the Concerta seems to be working okay with the exception of last week. he has been on Concerta for about 2 months now and we have had our best results from this. Good luck to you. I hope everything works out for you!
Lil_Bit
05-06-2002, 01:49 PM
Ive read all the posts on Concerta and all the other meds, including Dans posts which i truly like, for children and ADD. This is my dilema:
My older boy, now 12, was having behavior and concentration issues at the age of 6, his dr referred him to psychiatrist :-(. Upon meeting with this psychiatrist for 10 min max, she had us leaving her office with a script for Ritalin. She informed us that in fact he did have ADD or ADHD, the first ritalin tab would 'mellow' him out. If in fact ,he did not have ADD/ADHD, this ritalin would affect him totally opposite, she explained these actions to resemble speed. BOY OH BOY,, within one hour after taking his first pill, he was crawling on the floors, gnawing his tongue, saying it was thick, his speech very slurred, said his heart was going to explode, and literally BEGGED for more. His jaws were grinding like a beaver at wood,, I paniced, called his primary dr, and was told never to give to him again.
He is now 12, difficulties in school,,,, overbearing, not keeping his hands to himself,, not wanting to learn, nor applying what he does know. He hates to read, and reads at 3rd gr level,, gets easily discouraged, and absolutely pitches fits to do any homework, or spelling studies. I took him to a new pediatrician last week. He did a complete physical, bloodwork, which was normal (cholesterol up by 3pts). They did drug work up, negative. He spoke with my son for about 5 min, without my presence,, and upon entering the room again, i was given a script for concerta, and HAWTHORNE questionarre for myself to fill out on him, as well as his school. I didnt realize until I read up on Concerta, that it is a form of slower released Ritalin. I call this dr, upon my findings, and was told that he knew for 110% fact that my son was ADD, and said that atleast trying the Concerta wouldnt hurt,,, and he recommended this after I explained his previous episode with Ritalin. I am not a person who likes to medicate problems, this only masks the problem, yet I want to nip this in the bud from the ROOT OF THE MATTER. I am going to wait until the Hawthorne test results come back, and Im not fond of the readings about losing weight. It is one of my utmost concerns with my children, NUTRITION.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My older boy, now 12, was having behavior and concentration issues at the age of 6, his dr referred him to psychiatrist :-(. Upon meeting with this psychiatrist for 10 min max, she had us leaving her office with a script for Ritalin. She informed us that in fact he did have ADD or ADHD, the first ritalin tab would 'mellow' him out. If in fact ,he did not have ADD/ADHD, this ritalin would affect him totally opposite, she explained these actions to resemble speed. BOY OH BOY,, within one hour after taking his first pill, he was crawling on the floors, gnawing his tongue, saying it was thick, his speech very slurred, said his heart was going to explode, and literally BEGGED for more. His jaws were grinding like a beaver at wood,, I paniced, called his primary dr, and was told never to give to him again.
He is now 12, difficulties in school,,,, overbearing, not keeping his hands to himself,, not wanting to learn, nor applying what he does know. He hates to read, and reads at 3rd gr level,, gets easily discouraged, and absolutely pitches fits to do any homework, or spelling studies. I took him to a new pediatrician last week. He did a complete physical, bloodwork, which was normal (cholesterol up by 3pts). They did drug work up, negative. He spoke with my son for about 5 min, without my presence,, and upon entering the room again, i was given a script for concerta, and HAWTHORNE questionarre for myself to fill out on him, as well as his school. I didnt realize until I read up on Concerta, that it is a form of slower released Ritalin. I call this dr, upon my findings, and was told that he knew for 110% fact that my son was ADD, and said that atleast trying the Concerta wouldnt hurt,,, and he recommended this after I explained his previous episode with Ritalin. I am not a person who likes to medicate problems, this only masks the problem, yet I want to nip this in the bud from the ROOT OF THE MATTER. I am going to wait until the Hawthorne test results come back, and Im not fond of the readings about losing weight. It is one of my utmost concerns with my children, NUTRITION.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
help
05-07-2002, 02:14 AM
.
[This message has been edited by help (edited 08-05-2003).]
[This message has been edited by help (edited 08-05-2003).]
Wilderness Bub
05-08-2002, 02:38 AM
I can only tell you my experiences with Concerta. I was diagnosed by a general practioner a month ago, and was prescribed Concerta at that time. I had suspected I'd had it for years, and am frankly a "poster child" for A.D.D.. I'd read several books on A.D.D. took a number of on-line tests(always scored as having a very high probability of having it), and read the DSM four criteria for A.D.D., and had all of the subtype symptoms, and the combined HD/Inattentive symptoms.
My general impressions of it are that it has helped me, my symptoms are less severe, however, I still have a good deal of anxiety, anger, and some depression(I may need anti-depressents as well). As is the ADD way, I'm taking the long way around to tell you that I have some days better on it than others. I've read this phenomenon is known as "good brain" days, and "bad brain" days(not too scientific ;^). The brain's an awfully complicated organ to expect it to react the same way to anything every single day IMO.
Based on the your child's ritalin experience I'd agree that it might be worth getting yet another opinion. However, it may simply have been that the Ritalin dosage was too light for him(they generally start you at the lowest dosage), or he simply was having a "bad brain" day. The effects of concerta were pretty dramatic almost immediately after I first had it. But, have since trailed off, that may be as result of a number of factors. I do feel calmer on it, than off it, that alone makes it worth having for me.
As the poster above recommended there are some supplements that may be worth checking out. I have found Omega-3, and Omega-6 rich supplements like Fish oil, and flaxseed oils, do help my overall attitude to a degree. Some supplements you have to be careful not to mix with prescription pills.
I assume, you've read. "Driven to Distraction", by Ratey, and Hollowell, that's the closest thing to a bible for A.D.D., and their follow up book, "Answers to Distraction". If you haven't yet, do. Supplements IMO, help, but will take you only so far, meaning prescription drugs may take your child farther, but none of it's a cure all. Of course I'm a "newbie" in all of this so take my comments with a grain of salt.
Good luck with your child. You're actively involved in helping him, and that's a great sign that he'll get help, and has a concerned parent/s. I wasn't diagnosed with ADD until a month ago(37 years old), and let me assure you I wish I'd been diagnosed when I was 6, or 18 or 28...Don't let your child have the same regrets many of us ADD adults have, wondering "what if?". Good luck, to you, and your child.
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-25-2002).]
My general impressions of it are that it has helped me, my symptoms are less severe, however, I still have a good deal of anxiety, anger, and some depression(I may need anti-depressents as well). As is the ADD way, I'm taking the long way around to tell you that I have some days better on it than others. I've read this phenomenon is known as "good brain" days, and "bad brain" days(not too scientific ;^). The brain's an awfully complicated organ to expect it to react the same way to anything every single day IMO.
Based on the your child's ritalin experience I'd agree that it might be worth getting yet another opinion. However, it may simply have been that the Ritalin dosage was too light for him(they generally start you at the lowest dosage), or he simply was having a "bad brain" day. The effects of concerta were pretty dramatic almost immediately after I first had it. But, have since trailed off, that may be as result of a number of factors. I do feel calmer on it, than off it, that alone makes it worth having for me.
As the poster above recommended there are some supplements that may be worth checking out. I have found Omega-3, and Omega-6 rich supplements like Fish oil, and flaxseed oils, do help my overall attitude to a degree. Some supplements you have to be careful not to mix with prescription pills.
I assume, you've read. "Driven to Distraction", by Ratey, and Hollowell, that's the closest thing to a bible for A.D.D., and their follow up book, "Answers to Distraction". If you haven't yet, do. Supplements IMO, help, but will take you only so far, meaning prescription drugs may take your child farther, but none of it's a cure all. Of course I'm a "newbie" in all of this so take my comments with a grain of salt.
Good luck with your child. You're actively involved in helping him, and that's a great sign that he'll get help, and has a concerned parent/s. I wasn't diagnosed with ADD until a month ago(37 years old), and let me assure you I wish I'd been diagnosed when I was 6, or 18 or 28...Don't let your child have the same regrets many of us ADD adults have, wondering "what if?". Good luck, to you, and your child.
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-25-2002).]
mgd2962
05-16-2002, 02:34 AM
My daughter now 13 has add,ocd and copd. When first diagnosed age 7. I was against any meds. I put it off as long as possible. She has been on concerta for 2 years now, 56mg in the morning for 1 year. It is a blessing in disquise. She has little to no side effects. She is also extremly well behaved, she has never had any of the typical behavior problems. But her concentration and focus was very up and down. As she got older it caused her great difficulty in school. Now on the concerta, she is much more focused and able to concentrate. She is an A/B student. And is able to feel more comfortable and confident with herself. Remember that therapy is just as important as medication. A structured environment along with the above works well.
emily237
05-24-2002, 08:22 PM
My son had been taking ritalin for 9 months and he's lost a little over 2 lbs. since Feb. and the Dr. didn't like that. My son is 6 and is 45 lbs. the Dr. changed him to Concerta, he's been on it for 3 days and his teacher said its like hes not on any meds. His daycare said he was real quiet. I think since he's been on this he's eating even less. I called the Dr. and told hime what his teacher said and he wants me to give him 2 pills ( they're 18 mg each) and see how he does. He told me to watch out for side effects. Does it take a few days to get this in your system for it to show results? Has anyone else seen problems with weightloss?
SteveFeffer
05-31-2002, 12:49 AM
Iv had ADHD ever since i was a kid, iv tried it all (im 18) and the one that works best for me by far is adderall. concerta was a waist of my time, i got straight C's for one whole semester just trying it out, on adderall, i get all A's with a few B's. My attention is 100% focused, i am not lazy, its great...only problem with it is that if i take it too late in the day, I cant go to sleep all night long. Hope that helps
-Steve
-Steve
Cindy_Holden
06-24-2002, 02:54 AM
.::::Hello, my name is cindy holden.. have you heard of the reingold diet..no artificial colors or preservatives..no dye. esp. red40..
lactose free diets and gluten free diets are on the rise..
bi-polar kids react BADLY to ritalin. Good Luck!
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-25-2002).]
lactose free diets and gluten free diets are on the rise..
bi-polar kids react BADLY to ritalin. Good Luck!
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-25-2002).]
ADDvictim
07-16-2002, 05:49 PM
I have been on Concerta for about 7-8 months, I'm 15 and I have noticed that when it wears off at the end of the day I feel a little down and depressed, and experience some anxiety, but during the day when the while I'm on it, I mostly feel fine and am able to concentrate and gets things done except for a few bad days everyonce in awhile. Sometimes its hard to even think when I'm on it. I guess having those side-effects is just part of living with ADD... it hasn't been easy living with it... but that is just life... you have to except the things wrong with you and move on and live life to the fullest even if things aren't always the best. I used to let the side-effects get to me, but then I realized that you can't let something like that control you all the time, you have to go on with life. Someday I hope to finally get over ADD, but until I do, it will be a constant struggle to live and deal with ADD and the side-effects of all the meds, but I'm happy to do that because taking Concerta has been a blessing in some ways because my grades are awesome... I'm ranked at the top of my class and I can actually get things done. Thanks for taking the time to read this... I hope in some way by writing this little message, I am able to help someone.
mini1
07-31-2002, 05:56 PM
my son has just started on 18mg of concerta today apart from a couple of side effects he was a lot calmer
cameron82
07-31-2002, 10:22 PM
Have you guys (with psychostimulant side-effects/people with ADD) ever thought of trying fish oil (omega 3's)?? I got diagnosed with ADD when I was 15. I have been prescibed zoloft, buspar, concerta, adderall, ritalin, concerta, clonipin, neurontin and now metadate CD. I probably invented ADD for god's sake. When I got home from college for this summer I was feeling hopeless. I had tried pretty much everything the doctor could prescribe me and I was still feeling anxious, depressed and worried about my life. I knew that something wasn't right upstairs. I have had a near perfect upbringing and all the support possible and I still felt like I hadn't lived up to my own expectations. I had tried every method to reduce my anxiety. FISH OIL is the only thing that has really ever worked for me. I went to my ADD specialist and asked if I should take it. He said it wouldn't do much but that it was up to me. He was completely wrong. Fish oil has made the changes I was always hoping for.
I've been through hell and half way back with all these medications. Most of them have side effects that never end. With psychostimulants I became edgy, anti-depressants too tired, blah blah. Before I was taking fish oil I wondered why the hell ADD meds weren't working great for me like everyone else. I heard all these stories about people who's lives have been impacted. Why did I have to question what was wrong with me everyday? Why couldn't I move on with life? I don't know about you, but its a terrible way to live. Not only can you not focus on lifes odds and ends, but you begin to self destruct and might seek temporary ways to make you happy alcohol, drugs etc like I did.. Anyway, if any of you guys have side effects with your drugs and are concerned, try fish oil. From everything I've heard fish oil is safe unless you take way too much which thins your blood. But overall fish oil is a safe and effective supplement. I take two with my morning dose of metadate and two in the afternoon. When I started fish oil I was pessimistic. I thought it was complete joke, but its proven itself to be effective. Anyway, I just thought I'd give you guys some tips since this has worked well for me. i hope it can bring you guys the benefits it brought me. Good Luck, and be patient for the fish oil to work, it has both a cumulative effect and temporary one. One last thing. Fish oil won't make all your problems go away, but it may help you deal with side-effects.
I've been through hell and half way back with all these medications. Most of them have side effects that never end. With psychostimulants I became edgy, anti-depressants too tired, blah blah. Before I was taking fish oil I wondered why the hell ADD meds weren't working great for me like everyone else. I heard all these stories about people who's lives have been impacted. Why did I have to question what was wrong with me everyday? Why couldn't I move on with life? I don't know about you, but its a terrible way to live. Not only can you not focus on lifes odds and ends, but you begin to self destruct and might seek temporary ways to make you happy alcohol, drugs etc like I did.. Anyway, if any of you guys have side effects with your drugs and are concerned, try fish oil. From everything I've heard fish oil is safe unless you take way too much which thins your blood. But overall fish oil is a safe and effective supplement. I take two with my morning dose of metadate and two in the afternoon. When I started fish oil I was pessimistic. I thought it was complete joke, but its proven itself to be effective. Anyway, I just thought I'd give you guys some tips since this has worked well for me. i hope it can bring you guys the benefits it brought me. Good Luck, and be patient for the fish oil to work, it has both a cumulative effect and temporary one. One last thing. Fish oil won't make all your problems go away, but it may help you deal with side-effects.
mini1
08-01-2002, 05:08 PM
2nd day and hes a lot better