Any Parents of ADD kids??

[Harlie]

My DD8 had an appointment with the ADD Dr. Yesterday and he gave us the name of two drugs that he thinks she would benefit from (not taking both but taking one or the other) they are stratera and concerta. I thought it was strange that he would tell us those drugs would benefit her but not perscrib her any. He ordered blood tests because he wanted to check her Thyroid functions , he felt that she was short for her age(she is short she is only 48" and she is 8 1/2) and then told us to come back in four months! I don't want to wait another four months to get her help! I have already been waiting six months to get her in to see this Dr.! We are already losing our minds with her and her sconstante forgetting things and losing her things and being a disorganized mess! I am seriously so frustratighted with her right now that I am considering quiting my job just to take her to and from school so she remembers to bring home her homework and get her to get it done. I can not depend on anyone else to help anymore, they all just give up!

Is it normal for a DR to say yes your kid has a big problem these are the drugs that would help her and not prescribe one?

 

[donna6819]

My daughter was also diagnosed with ADD last year. The doctor also gave us a choice between those same two drugs. The doctor is giving you the option of researching the drugs for yourself and deciding which one you think is best and which one is covered by your drug plan. My husband and I choose strattera for our daugther for these reasons:
- it was covered by our drug plan
- it has no history of addiction
- it had no history of causing problems with sleep
- it had no history of causing problems with appeatite.
- it was a non stimulant (ridalin)
I am very happy with how my daughter is doing with strattera. I know of people whose kids are on concerta and are pleased with the results too. It is up to you to decide with drug you want your child to take.

The main reason we did not pick concerta was because it is listed as a stage 2 drug (like cocaine and meth) Do a search on both drugs, read the info on both. Thats what we did. We went for a second oppion too.

Hope this helps.
PM me if you want.
Donna

 

[Harlie]

Is it normal to give us 4 months to think about it and research it? I just think that she is already very behind her peers at school, and sicne they rufuse to hold her back ( I would have to fight the school board to have it done and by the time I was done fighting it would be too late) I need some sort of intervention NOW. Four months just seems so long away when she is struggling so much now.

 

[stacy6552]

These drugs have actually been discussed here on these boards, so do a search. My understanding is that Straterra is actually an anti-depressent and usually used only if the traditial ADD drugs are ineffective. I read on these board people have very bad reactions to straterra. I think your Dr. is absolutely right to do blood tests before perscribing anything.

Our son was diagnosed, last summer and we have been working with his diet, before trying medication and it has been very effective. I recommend that you look into that avenue while you wait.

 

[Disney1976]

I used to have a stepson with ADHD (worse than ADD, in my opinion) with ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). What you describe in your daughter (forgetfulness, trouble in school, etc.) was also obvious in my stepson, even though he was slightly younger, he was 5-6 when I was married. It is a very good idea to research these drugs because they can have side effects. My stepson changed medications several times due to side effects like loss of appetite and tics, and they never fully went away, regardless of what he was on (I believe he was on Strattera right before my ex and I divorced). I can tell you the tics were so bad with my stepson that he actually had to take other medication at night to relax him and reduce anxiety. Those pills had additional side effects. Some people choose to medicate their child only on school days, others 7 days a week. Sometimes one drug will work, then suddenly stop working and a higher dose or a different drug may be needed. Most of these drugs also take a couple of months to get going in the system too.

Also, please realize that these drugs are not a "cure" by any means. Yes, they can help, but even WITH the drugs, other treatments, like behavior modification or different learning methods need to often be used, because the drugs alone will NOT suddenly make your child be this remarkable student who pays attention in class, remembers all their homework, doesn't fight you for hours on doing one simple page of homework, etc.! I can tell you that with my stepson we did get assistance through the school and they were teaching him and us different ways to make everyday tasks less of a struggle. It was a long process and we weren't close to being there when I got divorced.

You may also want to take time to 1) get a second opinion (ADD/ADHD are thrown about a little too easily by the medical community these days) and 2) do some reading on the subject. Whether ADD/ADHD even exist is still hotly debated. Assuming it is real, however, there are people who swear that there are many other things you can do besides/instead of medication -things like diet and nutrition. Since my ex and I never looked into that, I won't speak to it.

I'm sure the OP knows the drugs aren't a cure all, but is looking simply to get her child some help before she falls too far behind in school. A second opinion may not be a bad idea if you are anxious to get started. Look into the drugs and do the research and learn as much as you can about it. Kids with ADD/ADHD are some of the smartest, most creative, artistic people out there, their minds are just wired a little differently, and knowing how to tap into them is key.

 

[tmonferdini]

Our DD9 was diagnosed in November and put on Concerta. She started the meds on a Thurs morn & Fri, her teacher noticed a HUGE change. She talked to her (away from anyone else) and asked her if she was taking vitamins or anything & Shelby told her, "just the medicine that the Dr. gave me to help me do better in school."

We are a little concerned because she lost 5 pounds the first month. When we took her back for a re-check, the Dr. told us to keep her off it of it she didnt' have any planned activities, school, etc. to try to get her weight back up. She goes back today for a weight check & fingers crossed, she'll be within the range she is supposed to (not have lost near 5 pounds again) and they will keep her on this medication.

She is a completely different child. Her grades have improved drastically & that is why she's on this. No child should have to struggle at school like she was. She is bringing home A papers now, instead of D's & F's.

If your doctor says to wait 3 or 4 months, CHANGE DOCTORS!!! Each medication affects each child a little differently (from what my dr. says). If one is not right, we'll try something else. My only request was that it be something that she can take in the morning and not have to re-medicate later in the day, especially at school. I think a lot of times, kids get "labelled" if they are on meds & people just treat them differently. I didn't want that for her.

For my daughter, it was hard getting her in within 2 weeks to even be diagnosed, after the "testing papers/questions" that the teachers had to fill out. I had mine done immediately. Once we got in to the doctor, she started her right away and it's been great since. I can't imagine having to wait 3 months or so to even get in and then having the dr. tell me to wait another 3 or 4 months before they start any meds. There's just too much at risk, imo.

 

[thefigueroas]

My son is 10 and was diagnosed last year but we have had an idea of it for several years. We tried several medications and really felt that we "lost" our son when he was on the medication so we took him off and have worked with his diet, behavioral therapy, and vitamin supplements with great results. We look at ADHD as just a challenge. My son has organizational issues as well so I have his school schedule on my computer calendar. I make sure he is reminded about his recorder for music, his library book on library day, etc. He also is set on a strict written schedule that goes in a certain order and when his "work" is done the rest of the time is his. It has worked beautifully and he has had A's and B's this year from C's last year. We still have issues, especially social, but we work through them on a case by case basis.

I do know some children that medication has worked beautifully for and yours might but also try to remember that it is a process and the medication is only part of that process. She will just need a little extra help along the way. ADHD children think differently than we do. Once we addressed his issues and started to work through them we realized how imaginative, bright, and funny our son's thinking really is. I wouldn't trade his ADHD for all the world. I am sure your daughter will do just as great.

 

[Harlie]

Well there is more background to the story here. We have been having problems with DD8 since she was 4. We have had tons of add/adhd tests done and they all came up with the same answers she has ADD (she is NOT hyper infact opposite, she just can not focus and stay on task with out someone standing behing her back. She is already on a modified program at school, which my DR was not happy about because they did not have our permission to do so. We already have limited our childrens sugar and perservatives intake. Everything we make is from scrap even soups. Our family's diet is very veggie loaded and I think we have done everything under the sun in the nutritional catagory for all of our kids including gluten free. It has not worked.

The fact is I have been dealing with specailists and Dr.s for four years now and I am losing my mind. The reason she has not been medicated in the past is because we were willing to try all the other avenues first and her Biological father was not on board and was fighting us about it. Now though we still have joint custody I have full medical say on what happens because he is never there and very uninvolved, and since we have tried everything under the sun and just end up hitting our heads against brick walls because we don't know what else to do I am saying yes to the drugs hoping if anything they will help her. I dont expect her to become a rocket scientist, I will be happy right now if she can actually read a book that is meant for her reading level instead of a reading level of a 5 year old! I will be happy and just over the roof is she just tries, instead of mummbling and then pout that "It's too hard" I will be happy if she brings home any of her homework! Right now she is not bringing any and I have to get my younger child to be responsible for her and bring it home for her! YES My Younger child is bring home my older childs home work!

The teachers a not overly helpful and they were the ones that wanted her to go for the testing.

I feel so helpless right now it's like watching my child fall from a cliff and I am trying to hang on to her but hand keeps slipping and slipping. I fear that waiting more and we will lose her!

As for getting a second opinion, I would be put on another 6 month wait list to get her in to see a Different Dr! So my options are wait four months or wait another 6 months. It is not fun and very stressful.

 

[Harlie]

We tried several medications and really felt that we "lost" our son when he was on the medication so we took him off and have worked with his diet, behavioral therapy, and vitamin supplements with great results. We look at ADHD as just a challenge. My son has organizational issues as well so I have his school schedule on my computer calendar. I make sure he is reminded about his recorder for music, his library book on library day, etc. He also is set on a strict written schedule that goes in a certain order and when his "work" is done the rest of the time is his. It has worked beautifully and he has had A's and B's this year from C's last year. We still have issues, especially social, but we work through them on a case by case basis.


We have done all this and it has not helped. it started out to help but things have gotten worse in the last year.

I am glad it works for your son, but while doing it with my DD we have her report card filled with incompletes or fails to meet expectations with a nice comment on how she is a really sweet girl.

DD is a sweet kid she would give you the shirt off her back to make anyone happy but we need to get her educated, and sweet will not help her with that.

 

[disney[xo]sweetie]

my dd13 takes concerta for her ADD and has never really had a problem with it. It did make her feel a little insecure at first because she saw herself as a "medicated" kid. But then she talked it out with one of her best friends and realized that they both have ADD and are both taking concerta for it! Now they call themselves the ADD buddies and are inseperable! So maybe finding a friend will help any insecurities that may come along with the diagnosis of a learning disability. Our doctor chose concerta for us, and we did experience a little weight loss in the beginning, but nothing too major. Probably just a pound, maybe two. It has helped her in school tremendously.

 

[Wit]

A six month wait list? That is outrageous. Are you waiting to see a specialist? If so it may be a good idea to talk to your regular pediatrician. My dd10 is on Concerta and the family as a whole are happier and less stressed. We stried for 3 years different holistic and natural therapies and nothing helped. My DD's confidence has SOARED after being on the meds. She gets good grades, can focus more and gets in less trouble.

 

[crazykids]

My son has a pretty severe case of ADHD and we have had him to doctors since age 2 & began medicating last year when he was turned 4 & entered preschool. Medication has made a huge difference in his life. By no means is medication a cure all. Medication, along with proper behavior modification, can dramatically improve the quality of the child's life. I think it is wise for the doctor to to test your child before putting them on medication, but it seems odd to me that your doctor would make you wait an additional 4 months to make your decision. Another thing you should be made aware of is that each drug effects each child differently. Unfortunately, it's pretty much trial & errror with these meds & what it does to your child. We went through 4 different meds & presently we are using Concerta. We are lucky in the fact that my son has absolutely no side effects from this medication. If you ever feel uneasy about a doctor, it might be wise to move on & look elsewhere. We see a developmental pediatrician and a behavioral psychologist.

Good luck to you and your daughter!

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

If your Dr is going to make your daughter suffer for another 3-4 months, CHANGE DOCTORS RIGHT NOW!

Our Story:
After four miserable years in school and activities, my DS8 was finally diagnosed ADD. We fought it. How could a boy, whom teachers still described as "sweet and loving" be so difficult in school? We didn't want to medicate our son. But he hated himself for always being in trouble. We hated it.

My DH and I cried at every failing report, every parent teacher conference and at every horrible extra-curricular activity. We thought that love and incentives, vitamins and diet would ultimately "change" his behaviour. How wrong we were. ADD is like diabetes - no amount of love will make it go away.

The diagnoses was a BLESSING. Now he takes 18mg Concerta Monday - Friday, and nothing on the weekends. HE LOVES IT. We love that he loves it.

• He finally feels successful and it is re-building his sense of pride and self-esteem.
• He no longer has frustrated outbursts or teary meltdowns.
• He no longer fights with the teachers.
• He now has the patience and concentration to get his words on paper. (In fact, during daily Free-Writing time, he can easily complete 4-6 notebook pages in his daily journal.)
• He has become more forgiving of himself and no longer rips up work that he considers "imperfect".
• He is finally working and meeting his potential in school. (Previously, he tested as gifted but was failing at classwork.)
• On Concerta - my son has the vocabulary and reading level of a 10th grader, and does math at the 7th grade level. He's in 3rd grade.
  
• He has not lost any weight, though I admit he isn't very hungry. I make sure what he does eat is very nutritious and full of "good calories".

Don't let your DR. delay any longer. If you as a parent recognize that there is a problem, and your child is unhappy and it is affecting her self-worth, you need to intervene NOW. Don't delay.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Harlie, are you in Canada? Is that why it's so hard to get in to see another doctor? I'm so sorry for your stress.

I also want to echo the other people:
Strattera has a limited success rate -- about 40%. When it works, it's great. But you don't know whether you're one of the lucky ones for whom it will work. It's technically in the anti-depressant category and it's usually used if other prescriptions have failed.

Concerta is ritalin in a three-phase dosage system. My son takes the 18mg capsule, which delivers 1/3 dosage upon ingestion, the second third around mid-morning, and the last third in early afternoon. My son weighs about 55 lbs, and we find the dosage to be just right.

 

[JESW]

What type of dr did your dd see? I have a ds13 who is an asperger's kid and he was first tested and diagnosed by the school psychologist at 9 and then at 12 by an outside neuropsychologist. He has other issues including auditory processing problems.

I ask about the dr. to see if your dd has had testing to determine if there is more going on than just the ADD. And some kids are diagnosed with ADHD when they could actually be asperger kids - and that changes the meds.

My ds is on abilify and that has made a HUGE difference in him. But he is also now out of the public school system and in a program for kids like him (small classes) so it is very different for us.

It is never easy when you have things going on with your children and trying to get them an education when everything else is so hard.

Jill

 

[Harlie]

Yes, I am in Canada. This is one our biggest problems!

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Yes, I am in Canada. This is one our biggest problems!

I'm so sorry. I dread the day that universal health care comes to the US. It'll be a disaster.

Question: now that they've diagnosed, can you call the doctor's office and "agree to a prescription based on that diagnoses" without an additional visit? Will he forward a prescription to the pharmacy for you? I have done that in the States.

 

[_queenie_]

My DS has pretty severe ADD, almost mild Asperberger's, but I've never put him on medication. All of his doctors have suggested it, but I've always thought that if he could deal with it on his own I didn't want to put him on meds. He's now 17, is an A (sometimes B) student in CP classes, and he seems to be getting better. He's still very sensitive to sounds (on the day of the school pep rally he had me pick him up because the noise was bothering him so much), is still disorganized, and still has trouble paying attention, always either very engrossed in something or completely zoned out, but he has a sharp memory and is always the first to catch a mistake.

My nephew on the other hand is 8 and has very bad ADHD. If he skips his pill he is screaming, bouncing off the walls and a complete mess, it mixes him all up and takes him a while to get back on track. He's in second grade and is doing pretty well, he's right where he should be. He's one of those kids who is intelligent, but you have to look for it (if you know what I mean), and in his case, meds have helped him tremendously.

Maybe what your docter meant was that he wanted you to try to work with your DD a little more before trying the meds (I'm not saying that you haven't in any way, but that's just a quote from my DS's doctor). A lot of people aren't comfortable with giving their child medication unless they can't due witout it (like me), as well as some doctors. Since you're intrested in the meds the most I can say is that when you next talk to your DD's doctor you need to directly say "I think I would like to try those meds.", if you haven't already. I know my nephew's was very stubborn on it, maybe he meant that the drugs would help, but he didn't want to prescribe them after your first visit.

There may just be some miscommunication.

 

[blackforest]

Hi. You have just described my DD13 to a T! I am a teacher, and how frustrationg to not be able to help your own child! We went the testing route with the same results. ADD. DD would sit on her bed in the morning and had to be reminded to finish getting dressed!

The problem we had with the 2 drugs mentioned were the losses of appetite, plus no huge "a hah" moments for us We have been dealing with this for about 7 years. DD's issue was, around March or April she would "get it!" Not great when the school year ends in May or June! DD is also a Type 1 diabetic and has been since she was 3. She is SO responsible for her own care, that we let some things slide.

She is on a 504 plan at school that allows her more time for testing and such. She has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 2 and I will move H*%^ and high water so that she keeps her dream alive!!!

The reason for all this, I heard an interview with Stephen Cannell, he is a television/movie writer as well as an author. He is dyslexic, but didn't discover it until 35 when he and his wife were getting his daughter tested. So even though he is successful, there were still major issues. Even as an educator, I always thought that dyslexia was primarily a reading problem. It is so much more. And since meds didn't seem to help, maybe this is our direction. When you read the signs of ADD vs. Dyslexia they are very similar.

Talk about being a guilty mom! How could I have missed this? We are now getting additional testing done and hopefully we can get DD on the right track. We have done school testing, as well as professional testing with a psychiatrist.

We all want the best for our kiddos. Hang in there! I remember the frustration and just wanting to get through the homework some nights. And yet DD can recite any dialog from just about any movie she has seen! Good luck!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My DS12 has ADD. I WANTED him to take Strattera because it is not stimulant based and does not interfere with growth. DS is tiny and he needs all the growth he can find! The Strattera did nothing. No side effects, no good effects, nothing. So we stopped that and went to Concerta. Nothing. Upped the dosage after awhile (per the Dr's instructions) and still nothing. Finally we tried Focalin XR and THAT worked! The teachers noticed an immediate improvement in his focus and his ability to complete his assignments in class.

This year we have had to go from 10 mg to 15 mg, and he has 5 mg of Ritalin to take after school on days when he has tons of homework. For average homework nights he doesn't take any additional meds. He does not take meds on weekends or over the summer. He isn't hyper, he is just flighty.