ADHD...What to expect when 1st giving the meds

[donnajon]

I had some people tell me when I was having my son diagnosed, "Don't you think that ADD/ADHD is way overdiagnosed?" My response was just because it's overdiagnosed doesn't mean that some children don't really have it.

 

[janette]

missyc - My youngest is dyslexic and does receive special education services. Although she has been tested by the public school and earlier by a private school I may also get additional testing. The Scottish Rite hospital here does free testing, it takes about a year to get in but there is an age limit so it is best to start looking now.

The simple test for a Learning Difference is whether their ability in the subject corresponds to their IQ. If his IQ is testing lower it can skew the results.

I'd urge you to get him a through evaluation, you'd want a team that looks for social, Psychological & learning differences. There are so many symptoms that overlap only by looking at the whole picture will you find answers.

Vivig - You are doing what you need to for your child. If they had medications that would help with dyslexia I would in line to get them for my DD. Good luck to you and your son.

 

[missyc]

janette, did the school testing actually diagnose your daughter? Or did they just recognize that there was a problem?

And do you (or anyone else) know about the accuracy of the IQ tests used?

Thanks,
Missy

 

[janette]

My DD was diagnosed by a private school, she'd had trouble in pre-school.

She transferred into public school in 1st grade and went into special ed right away. They have tested her 2x since and still get the same results. Her IQ tests at above average but her reading IQ is way below.

I don't think the school's look beyond IQ and learning problems, there are so many other things that can cause issues for kids and a good diagnostitian would also take those things into account. If you aren't comfortable with what they are telling you I'd have testing done. They should be able to give you a good idea of why your DS is having problems in school.

 

[missyc]

Thanks for the info.
Do you know what an "average IQ" would be?
Is it the same for a child as an adult? I know the test is different.

 

[janette]

The test is different but the scores mean the same. Here are a couple of websites that might help.

IQ Scores: IQ Score Interpretation

Wrightslaw

 

[Vivig]

Hi Everyone,

First thanks again for all your wonderful posts!

Well, we gave the medication this weekend. Saturday the first day it seemed that he was not speaking very much and very drowsy, however today perhaps his system became used to it he seemed to be functionning much better. My question is , as his system gets used to it will we have to increase the dosage?

Also, has anyone asked their children what it feels like when they are on the medication? What can I compare it to, so that I know the feeling? Have any of you tried the medicine or is that useless since it goes on weight and age?

Thank You all,
Our big test will be tomorrow at school...fingers crossed
Have a gr8 week

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Vivig
Saturday the first day it seemed that he was not speaking very much and very drowsy, however today perhaps his system became used to it he seemed to be functionning much better.

When we first started the meds my pediatrician made a point of telling me that at no time should he appear zombie like or doped up. If that was the case, we would need a lower dose of meds.

My son never experienced what your son is experiencing. I would probably call the doctor.

 

[rbuzzotta]

I haven't read all the posts on this thread but just wanted to offer my support.

I, too, found myself in a very similiar situation last month. DD#2 has ADD and auditory processing learning disablity. She is lagging behind in reading. She has been taking Adderall and her teacher has noticed that she is focusing more and asking more appropriate questions. She is no longer making excuses to go to the bathroom during question and answer time. She is actively participating!!

She saws she gets a belly ache at times but I make sure she has a good breakfast and her teachers observe her during lunch to make sure she is eating and they say she is doing well without having to be told. She is not experiencing lack of appetite. She is doing well on this med!

Best of luck to you all............

 

[Christine]

My kids both act kind of *weird* when they first start the meds. They get grumpy, sleepy, etc. It lasts for no more than 2 weeks. I *do* have more side effects with Adderall. It seems that they are much moodier on that drug than the others, so you need to watch that. Also, the fact that your son seemed drowsy is a good indication he truly has ADHD. As you know, the drugs are stimulants and in non-ADHD people they act like stimulants. If you have ADHD they act the opposite.

I did take Ritalin for about a week. When I got my dose high enough I felt jittery. It made me feel much more disorganized than usual so I figured I don't have ADHD and quit taking it.

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by Vivig

Also, has anyone asked their children what it feels like when they are on the medication? What can I compare it to, so that I know the feeling?

It is easier to ask them how they feel after they have been on the meds for a long time and have them experience a day WITHOUT the meds. This is how I realized what the meds did for my son. He was too young to explain how he felt before he was put on Adderall. To him, that was a normal feeling. He is now 12 and able to explain how he feels when he is OFF meds.....afterall, that is when he notices a difference in himself. he says he feels out of control.....like his brain is screwy and everything wants to come out at once. HE talks uncontrollably; is impulsive and loud; can't sit still and is VERY cranky. When he is on meds, he feels normal like the rest of us.

I say if your kid was a motormouth like mine and after starting the meds has not talked as much, that is not a bad sign. Your child is just able to filter what he feels is necessary to say....lol. However, if the meds are making him drowsy, the dose is too much. When my son was started on Adderall, he was given 2-1/2 mg to begin with and the next week we increased to 5mg and finally stopped at 15mg.....increasing over the years as needed. Weight is an issue. He has finally started gaining weight at age 12 and takes 30mg of the 24 hour Adderall. I find the 24 hour is so much better since he does not have highs and lows....he was taking 15mg regular Adderall 2 times a day. I would ask the doctor about your sons drowsiness. This med is NOT supposed to sedate or make one *drift*.

 

[Pembo]

I say if your kid was a motormouth like mine and after starting the meds has not talked as much, that is not a bad sign.

Amen to that!

 

[tkd lisa]

Both my kids have been on meds since 1st grade or so. Mostly ritalin based. They are currently on concerta. I agree that they shouldn't be "dopey", but I know that some of the meds do put the child into a drowsy stage. Unless the side effects are very strong, I'd suggest going about a week to let the child get used to the medicine. Good luck!

 

[Vivig]

Hello,

I wanted to thank everyone once more for all the helpful information. Our son seems to have adjusted to the meds..however is very emotional. I have tried to contact the Dr. However unsuccessful to date. I am beginning to think it is me???

Every once in awhile the talk radio station here mentions what 'bad' parents we are to medicate these children, that all we have to do is spend more time with our kids. I am feeling so guilty now..especially since I am not receiving much feedback from the school. This teacher sure is a number.

I will keep you all posted in case you are interested..if not I am sorry I bumped this back up.