Parents with ADHD kids on meds...some questions?

[Mermaid02]

Not implying that it’s the easy way out, but I'm suggesting that there are other alternatives. You stating that it’s the easy way out, is like saying that changing a Childs diet is difficult. Medication as I stated might be necessary, but it’s NOT your only options. Medication (IMHO) is a “if everything else fails”. Just recently I was told that I was a borderline diabetic. Medication was advised. I immediately asked what my alternative choices are. A change of my diet was advised. Now, I could just say, give me medications, or I could at least try to make changes in my life. I choose to change my diet. In my very first statement, I stated that she should discuss these options with her child’s doctor first. Please do NOT put words in my mouth. And in addition to your BTW, did you know that kids are given experimental doses at first. Sometimes the first dose is perfect and it settles a kid, but most often it’s too high a dose or too low. Most often it’s the teacher that helps in that observation. This means a kid could literally sit like a zombie or sleep all day long. I have 2 kids right now who have NEVER gotten their doses just right. One refuses to take his meds because of that.

The things you mentioned can certainly be tried by a parent, but if a parent decides they don't wish to give their child a fish oil supplement (Not regulated by the FDA btw) they shouldn't be made to feel they haven't done what's best by their child- I feel by saying "please try this first" you are implying you know what's best and it's not medication.

 

[lsyorke]

The things you mentioned can certainly be tried by a parent, but if a parent decides they don't wish to give their child a fish oil supplement (Not regulated by the FDA btw) they shouldn't be made to feel they haven't done what's best by their child- I feel by saying "please try this first" you are implying you know what's best and it's not medication.

Fish oils benefits are well documented.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1668130.htm

http://www.unisa.edu.au/researcher/issue/2006January/story4.asp

I would try this before I gave any of the ADHD drugs, which are approved by the FDA, but carry some serious risks.

 

[djm99]

The things you mentioned can certainly be tried by a parent, but if a parent decides they don't wish to give their child a fish oil supplement (Not regulated by the FDA btw) they shouldn't be made to feel they haven't done what's best by their child- I feel by saying "please try this first" you are implying you know what's best and it's not medication.

What was written first and foremost was speak to your kids doctor about other alternatives. Surely giving fish oils wasn't my only suggestion. There were others, that the FDA has approved. These drugs that ARE approved for kids BY the FDA are highly controlled substances that carry some adverse side effects. All I did was offer some alternatives. I did not make the OP feel bad, if I did, that was NOT my intention and I apologize if I did. I would suggest this to ANYONE who asked.

BTW, I forgot the elimination of high fructose syrup in their diet. That includes most juices, sodas, candies and even some frozen meats.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

My son was officially diagnosed with ADHD late last year, but we noticed the signs very early on. When he was 3 and a half he was enrolled in SDC (special day class) pre-school for speech delays, and his teachers there noticed his inability to focus, sit still or quietly for any length of time, and his difficulty at learning and retaining. The school psychologist told us he tested borderline for ADHD then, but because of his age there wasn't really anything they could do. It was frustrating for us, because we were also struggling at home with his lack of impulse control, and we felt bad because he was always in trouble and were really losing our patience with him.

Shortly after he started kindergarten, his teacher held a conference with us and we talked about the difficulties he was having in the classroom. That was what we needed to hear in order to get him officially tested and diagnosed, and we started him on meds. We tried Focalin and that didn't work for him, so we tried Adderall, 10mg once a day. It's working extremely well for him, with no side effects (though the first week he took it he had a tummy ache and was really sleepy). Since he's been on it, he's made leaps and bounds in school, and recently got the "Star Lion" award for doing such a great job! His teacher commented recently at how well he's doing and how the other kids have even noticed and have been giving him praise for doing such a good job at learning his letters and writing. Before he would just scribble on his papers, now he colors in perfectly within the lines. He's been better behaved at home too. He still has a little hyperactivity, especially when the meds wear off at around 4pm, but not nearly what it used to be. All of this has made us feel positive that we made the right decision to start him on meds.

One other thing, don't feel like you have to justify putting your child on medication. I find I still do it from time to time, but remember that you know your child best, and you know what his needs are. It's easy to feel defensive and like you're a bad parent for resorting to medication, but like depression or some other psychological issue, ADHD does exist and sometimes medication is the best way to treat it. Seeing how well our son does on meds, I know we're doing the right thing for him now and for his future.

Good luck!

 

[NikiM20]

DD7 is on Concerta and it works very well for us. DH and I tried everything before we agreed to put DD on any medication. My family was very accepting of it , my DBRO is ADD. However, DH's family is horribly hateful about it.

This is a quote from a email my husbands brothers wife sent me
" you think you're such a great mom, who "meds up" their child so they can deal with them? That's HORRIBLE! You are obviously way too immature to have a child if you can't stand the thought of being around her. I feel sorry for DD7."

My response is that I do this because I love my child. If she had diabetes I would give her medicine to fix it, why wouldnt I do it for this?

FWIW, we no longer deal with DH's family

 

[ameraumi]

DS was diagnosed 3 years ago as having ADHD/combined. We went thru the school system and had all fo the testing done, as I really thought there as a LD in math, not ADD/ADHD.

The one thing that stood out at me is just the observations that were done. Have you not had him tested fully for ADD/ADHD? That is the first thing I would do before doing anything else. The DSM-IV, Conners Rating Score, as well as an IQ test were all done to confirm the diagnosis. DS also had other tests, but those were to rule out the LD.

After we had our case study, I took the information to the dr and we discussed where to go from here. I read up on the Feingold diet and it eliminated most of the fruits and veggies DS would eat. Plus our dr was not fond of the diet, so we passed on that. We started DS out on Strattera and it worked for about a year. Once he had a growth spurt and gained a little weight we had to adjust it. He then went to using Concerta and has been on it for 1.5 yrs.

He was never a discipline problem, just had a very hard time stay focused and was very impulsive. His grades jumped dramatically, he stayed focus more in class, less injuries from being impulsive and not paying attention. The medication has done DS a world of good.

 

[Mermaid02]

DD7 is on Concerta and it works very well for us. DH and I tried everything before we agreed to put DD on any medication. My family was very accepting of it , my DBRO is ADD. However, DH's family is horribly hateful about it.

This is a quote from a email my husbands brothers wife sent me
" you think you're such a great mom, who "meds up" their child so they can deal with them? That's HORRIBLE! You are obviously way too immature to have a child if you can't stand the thought of being around her. I feel sorry for DD7."

My response is that I do this because I love my child. If she had diabetes I would give her medicine to fix it, why wouldnt I do it for this?

FWIW, we no longer deal with DH's family

Your brother's wife is an ignorant witch. Both sides or our family are very uneducated about adhd and I do believe some look down on us for using medication- life for Jack is much better though and I hope they never have to walk in our shoes and make such a decision. My child has asthma too- I have an Aunt who thinks if he was more involved in sports he wouldn't need asthma meds. HUH? The kid is a whirlwind (on adhd meds) I don't think he could get much more exercise.

 

[djm99]

if a parent decides they don't wish to give their child a fish oil supplement (Not regulated by the FDA btw) they shouldn't be made to feel they haven't done what's best by their child-

Someone brought this to my attention, "When someone questions the "safety" of fish oil, but will give their child Straterra, Ritalin, Focalin..something is out of whack!!!!!"

Disclaimer: This above statement has NOTHING to do with the OP but Mermaid02 comments about the use of Fish oils

 

[dhcoffey]

My oldest DD, now 13, was diagnosed ADD when she was in 4th grade, now she's in 8th. We had suspicions since K but tried every other thing first because "we weren't going to put our kid on medication." Halfway through
4th grade, she was failing. Nothing helped. Our household was like WWIII everyday for simple things like taking a bath or eating dinner. The arguing from her was nonstop. She was diagnosed and put on Concerta. By the end of the school year, she was honor roll. There was no arguing except for normal 9 year old girl arguing. I could actually see my DD for herself and not the ADD child.

Now in 8th grade, she's still honor roll and plays softball and is in the high school marching band. I feel she's able to do all these things with the help of her medication to keep her focused. During the summers, if she doesn't want to take it, we don't make her; but here comes the argumentative beyond normal child and she sees it and wants to be back on her medication.

I, too, wish I had had her diagnosed earlier for her because she felt like a failure for a while there, not able to pay attention, didn't have too many friends because of the way she acted. She's just a wonderful child and I think she deserves the best I can do for her and the medication helps her be herself.

Heather

 

[Mermaid02]

Someone brought this to my attention, "When someone questions the "safety" of fish oil, but will give their child Straterra, Ritalin, Focalin..something is out of whack!!!!!"

Disclaimer: This above statement has NOTHING to do with the OP but Mermaid02 comments about the use of Fish oils

My doctor's point about supplements is you really don't know WHAT is in them if they aren't FDA regulated.

I take my child to an expert on those medications (a child psychiatrist)- he is in VERY good hands. Slam me all you want- I know I am doing what is best for my child.

 

[djm99]

My doctor's point about supplements is you really don't know WHAT is in them if they aren't FDA regulated.

I take my child to an expert on those medications (a child psychiatrist)- he is in VERY good hands. Slam me all you want- I know I am doing what is best for my child.

Okay - YOUR kid - but not EVERY kid. AGAIN, I only gave alternatives to TRY before starting medications. Alternatives to discuss with her kids doctor.... NOT YOUR kids psychiatrist. If you made the best decision for YOUR child, why are you so defensive. I didn't attack you or the OP, I only gave alternatives. I don't know you or about the decision you made - chill out!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Okay - YOUR kid - but not EVERY kid. AGAIN, I only gave alternatives to TRY before starting medications. Alternatives to discuss with her kids doctor.... NOT YOUR kids psychiatrist. If you made the best decision for YOUR child, why are you so defensive. I didn't attack you or the OP, I only gave alternatives. I don't know you or about the decision you made - chill out!

I don't think any parent wants their child to have to take any kind of medication, so making the decision to put your child on meds isn't always an easy one and it's not made lightly. It takes a lot of thought and research, and often times we make the decision while feeling a lot of guilt and frustration, and dealing with the negative opinions and judgments of friends and family around us - many times from those who don't live with or know our children like we do. Most of us know there are alternatives - some of which we've tried and they didn't work. Sometimes we haven't tried the alternatives, but we are so desperate for something, anything that will help our child and our family in the shortest amount of time possible. When we find something that works, we usually won't look at other methods. That's just the way it is, really. Most of us have already been made to feel guilty, doubt our decisions and made to feel like a lousy parent because we chose medication. So when someone implies that there is a better way of treating our child's adhd, forgive us if sometimes we get a little defensive - we are already doing what we feel is the best thing for our children.

 

[djm99]

So when someone implies that there is a better way of treating our child's adhd, forgive us if sometimes we get a little defensive - we are already doing what we feel is the best thing for our children.

I don't know if you didn't read my original post, didn't care to, or what. I stated for the 7th time, Speak to your doctor about other alternatives BEFORE you give your kids meds. NO one implied that alternatives are better - only that they are alternatives. I am really trying to be PC here, for the sake of any parent forced with this decision. You yourself stated that you had to try more than one med before the 'right' one was found. I think that was you. So what's wrong with offering a person 'another' alternative? That other alternative might or might not be the BEST thing for their child. Just because the meds work for your kid -doesn't mean it will work for other kids. Some parents - not you or any other parent in particular - look for quick fixes for their kids, not thinking about the long term addiction and complications that go along with these meds. In all that research you did, I'm sure you read that.

BTW, Adderall has been in the heat lately. On August 21, the Food & Drug Administration added its strongest warning label – a “Black Box” label – to Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, Methylin, Metadate, Concerta and similar medications used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The decision was based on reports of sudden death, heart attacks, strokes and hypertension among childern and adult users of Adderall and Adderall XR.

The concern over the risks associated with ADHD stimulant drugs is so great that it prompted a temporary suspension of Adderall XR in Canada last year.



Disclaimer: Again this comment has nothing to do with the OP or any other parent who decides to put their kids on meds. This is a general comment about some parent who look for quick fixes. I’m sure this is not you!!!!

 

[elizke]

OP, yes, it is a difficult decision to make, that's for sure. There are risks associated with everything, including not treating. It is a good thing to be aware of all aspects of the discussion, but you have more information about your child than anyone else, so YOU can make the best decision for your family.

We are still struggling finding the right thing for DS10. We have tried, and still are some natural methods, including fish oil. We have and are trying medication too. We have not yet found success with anything, but it is a long process and I am still hopeful enough not to shut my mind to any possibility.

I think someday they will figure all of this out and we will have all the answers as to why and what to do, but unfortunately we are stuck in the recognition and theories stage.

I appreciate hearing people's personal success stories. It's very helpful to know what has worked for someone.

 

[djm99]

OP, yes, it is a difficult descision to make, that's for sure. There are risks associated with everything, including not treating. It is a good thing to be aware of all aspects of the dicussion, but you have more information about your child than anyone else, so YOU can make the best descision for your family.

We are still struggling finding the right thing for DS10. We have tried, and still are some natural methods, including fish oil. We have and are trying medication too. We have not yet found success with anything, but it is a long process and I am still hopeful enough not to shut my mind to any possiblity.

I think someday they will figure all of this out and we will have all the answers as to why and what to do, but unfortunately we are stuck in the recognition and theories stage.

I appreciate hearing people's personal success stories. It's very helpful to know what has worked for someone.

I respect that you are trying.... I hope you find success with whatever method works for you either 'natural' or meds.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I don't know if you didn't read my original post, didn't care to, or what. I stated for the 7th time, Speak to your doctor about other alternatives BEFORE you give your kids meds. NO one implied that alternatives are better - only that they are alternatives. I am really trying to be PC here, for the sake of any parent forced with this decision. You yourself stated that you had to try more than one med before the 'right' one was found. I think that was you. So what's wrong with offering a person 'another' alternative? That other alternative might or might not be the BEST thing for their child. Just because the meds work for your kid -doesn't mean it will work for other kids. Some parents - not you or any other parent in particular - look for quick fixes for their kids, not thinking about the long term addiction and complications that go along with these meds. In all that research you did, I'm sure you read that.

BTW, Adderall has been in the heat lately. On August 21, the Food & Drug Administration added its strongest warning label – a “Black Box” label – to Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, Methylin, Metadate, Concerta and similar medications used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The decision was based on reports of sudden death, heart attacks, strokes and hypertension among childern and adult users of Adderall and Adderall XR.

The concern over the risks associated with ADHD stimulant drugs is so great that it prompted a temporary suspension of Adderall XR in Canada last year.



Disclaimer: Again this comment has nothing to do with the OP or any other parent who decides to put their kids on meds. This is a general comment about some parent who look for quick fixes. I’m sure this is not you!!!!

First off, I wasn't slamming you in my post, so I don't see why it was necessary to be so sarcastic in yours. I was just giving a reason why some people are a little defensive of their decisions to use medication.

And yes, I know all about the warnings on adhd meds, including Adderall. I'm still confident in our decision to use it - his dosage is small and his health is closely monitored by both his primary physician and his oncologogist. Also, my son doesn't take Adderall XR, but since you pointed it out here is a good article on the subject:

Why, then, did Health Canada ban Adderall XR while the FDA explicitly did not ban it? Between 1999 and 2003, about a million children, most of them in the United States, took Adderall or Adderall XR. In those four years, 12 boys being treated died suddenly and unexpectedly. At autopsy, five of the children were found to have structural heart problems, some surely present since birth. Of the rest, one was dehydrated after severe exercise in 110-degree weather, two might have been overdosed, and one came from a family with a history of abnormal heart rhythms. The rate of sudden unexplained death in children taking Adderall or Adderall XR averaged 4 per 1 million users per year (and none of the deaths occurred in Canada). For approximately the same age range, the annual cardiac death rate was about 6.3 per 1 million children. Given how similar these two rates are, it seems to me that it would be hard to make the case that Adderall adds significantly to the general risk of heart failure for the young people taking it. Unfortunately, however, there is no way to get at the most important datum: the annual rate of sudden, unexplained death in children with ADHD who were not treated with Adderall or Adderall XR. That means we can't compare the death rate between treated and untreated, but otherwise similar, children.


There are risks with all meds, regardless of what they are.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

My son was officially diagnosed with ADHD late last year, but we noticed the signs very early on. When he was 3 and a half he was enrolled in SDC (special day class) pre-school for speech delays, and his teachers there noticed his inability to focus, sit still or quietly for any length of time, and his difficulty at learning and retaining. The school psychologist told us he tested borderline for ADHD then, but because of his age there wasn't really anything they could do. It was frustrating for us, because we were also struggling at home with his lack of impulse control, and we felt bad because he was always in trouble and were really losing our patience with him.

Shortly after he started kindergarten, his teacher held a conference with us and we talked about the difficulties he was having in the classroom. That was what we needed to hear in order to get him officially tested and diagnosed, and we started him on meds. We tried Focalin and that didn't work for him, so we tried Adderall, 10mg once a day. It's working extremely well for him, with no side effects (though the first week he took it he had a tummy ache and was really sleepy). Since he's been on it, he's made leaps and bounds in school, and recently got the "Star Lion" award for doing such a great job! His teacher commented recently at how well he's doing and how the other kids have even noticed and have been giving him praise for doing such a good job at learning his letters and writing. Before he would just scribble on his papers, now he colors in perfectly within the lines. He's been better behaved at home too. He still has a little hyperactivity, especially when the meds wear off at around 4pm, but not nearly what it used to be. All of this has made us feel positive that we made the right decision to start him on meds.

One other thing, don't feel like you have to justify putting your child on medication. I find I still do it from time to time, but remember that you know your child best, and you know what his needs are. It's easy to feel defensive and like you're a bad parent for resorting to medication, but like depression or some other psychological issue, ADHD does exist and sometimes medication is the best way to treat it. Seeing how well our son does on meds, I know we're doing the right thing for him now and for his future.

Good luck!

I have NOT read this entire thread, but I will. A friend directed me to it (thanks, Cinderella! )

I just wanted to respond to your post...I am in almost the SAME situation as you. My son is 5 and in Kindergarten. We started him with 5 mg of Adderall XR once a day. We definitely saw SOME improvement with the meds, but he was still having a hard time in school. Then his doctor suggested giving him 1 and a half doses in the morning (approx 7.5mg). So we've been doing that...and OH MY GOD, what a DIFFERENCE!!!!!!! He gets progress reports sent home every day. Well, ever since we upped his dosage, he has had EXCELLENT DAYS EVERY DAY!!!!!!!! It's been a little over 2 weeks, but I cannot be happier about the results.

I also want to add that putting my son on meds was the hardest thing I had to do. But in the end, I wanted him to be able to function in the classroom and in all social settings in general. It is REALLY helping him. He notices when he doesn't get his meds and says he feels more in control when he takes them. I just want to help my son in every way possible. I DO NOT feel guilty in ANY way, nor will I allow ANYONE to make me feel that way.

I'll go read the rest of this thread now!

 

[In Luv with Disney]

Fish oils benefits are well documented.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1668130.htm

http://www.unisa.edu.au/researcher/issue/2006January/story4.asp

I would try this before I gave any of the ADHD drugs, which are approved by the FDA, but carry some serious risks.

I tried giving my son fish oils for about 6 months...no real change in his behavior AT ALL. I REALLY wanted it to work, too. That was my last resort...then I went the medication route. And it has worked WONDERS.

My son is the sweetest, kindest, most loving boy. He is SOOOOOOO SMART and his memory is RIDICULOUS. He is OBSESSED with numbers, adding, counting well into the thousands and writing numbers each and every day. He is obsessed with telling time, weather, counting coins, etc. (he's only 5!!!) His doctor now thinks he has Aspergers Disorder...obsession with numbers is one of the signs. Anyway, back to my point...my son is STILL the SAME EXACT BOY!!!!!!! NOTHING changed in his personality AT ALL. Except for his ability to LISTEN and FOCUS, which helps him to do well in school! He is more in control of his actions, now. And he is still that same sweet, loving boy he ALWAYS was.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

First off, I wasn't slamming you in my post, so I don't see why it was necessary to be so sarcastic in yours. I was just giving a reason why some people are a little defensive of their decisions to use medication.

And yes, I know all about the warnings on adhd meds, including Adderall. I'm still confident in our decision to use it - his dosage is small and his health is closely monitored by both his primary physician and his oncologogist. Also, my son doesn't take Adderall XR, but since you pointed it out here is a good article on the subject:

Why, then, did Health Canada ban Adderall XR while the FDA explicitly did not ban it? Between 1999 and 2003, about a million children, most of them in the United States, took Adderall or Adderall XR. In those four years, 12 boys being treated died suddenly and unexpectedly. At autopsy, five of the children were found to have structural heart problems, some surely present since birth. Of the rest, one was dehydrated after severe exercise in 110-degree weather, two might have been overdosed, and one came from a family with a history of abnormal heart rhythms. The rate of sudden unexplained death in children taking Adderall or Adderall XR averaged 4 per 1 million users per year (and none of the deaths occurred in Canada). For approximately the same age range, the annual cardiac death rate was about 6.3 per 1 million children. Given how similar these two rates are, it seems to me that it would be hard to make the case that Adderall adds significantly to the general risk of heart failure for the young people taking it. Unfortunately, however, there is no way to get at the most important datum: the annual rate of sudden, unexplained death in children with ADHD who were not treated with Adderall or Adderall XR. That means we can't compare the death rate between treated and untreated, but otherwise similar, children.


There are risks with all meds, regardless of what they are.

Funny that you should quote that article. Before I put my son on meds, I took him to a pediatric cardiologist to make sure his heart was OK. His pediatrician said it was unneccessary, but I didn't want to take any chances. I spoke to the cardiologist about the fatalities linked with ADHD meds and asked him if any were safer than others. His answer??? They are all safe to take. He pointed out the results EXACTLY as you listed them above. That out of the MILLIONS of patients who take ADHD meds, only a handfull have had such negative results that actually occured as a result of the meds.

 

[slk537]

Thank you all again for your insight -
Thank you all for the support! I've been a member on the DIS for three years now and at the risk of sounding drippy, I haven't felt this grateful and happy about sharing and gaining information in all that time!