Parents of kids with ADHD? Any advice on medicine?

Question

My 6 almost 7 year old first grader was resently tested for adhd. He is going back for his second test tomarrow. The plan is to give him one pill of ridalin 90min before to see if he does better, if so they will prescribe him some medicine. Well my worry is that I've heard some scarry stuff about this kind of meds. Are there any parents who have an adhd child, that have any dos or don'ts with this type of medicine?

Answer 1

I am not a parent, but my cousin who was 6 at the time was referred to a specialist because the school felt he had adhd, and i forgot to mention I did live with him so its not like i didn't see him everyday but anyways, so the school felt that he had adhd, and it really did appear that way. So we took him to a specialist and they said no he does not. The whole point to my short story is we discovered that in fact he was actually "bored" because he wasn't being challenged enough in school and so when he became bored he'd basically appear as though he had adhd. So the school began giving him harder lessons and he simply became "normal". Maybe this is the case for your child and you should check on it just in case because a lot of kids are mis diagnosed with adhd and its never really thought of that maybe the child is simply just not being challenged enough. But if this is not the case with your child and he really does have adhd than I do recommend that you do some research on numerous different medications to see what else is out there.

Answer 2

I have a child who is ten years old. He is ADHD and has Asperger's Syndrome. We did the medicine thing for about five years. We tried everything. Nothing worked. He is now medicine free and it's been the best thing for him. Just because a doctor says he should be on it doesn't mean anything. They are people like us. Medicine isn't always the answer. Can you change his diet? Does he need more vitamins? We were "conned" into thinking he needed medicine because that's what docs said, but they also misdiagnosed my child as epileptic before ADHD and put him on a medicine that was NOT approved for children under the age of 16. My son was FIVE. He became lethargic and began stuttering and lost interest in reading and learning. We are still struggling with that. Be cautious and follow your gut. Try the medicine if you feel it could help, but make sure he is observed every month on the medicine and even have his blood checked every six months to make sure things like his liver are functioning properly. If you don't like the so called improvements he's had than try a different medicine or try a "natural" remedy liek changing his diet.

Answer 3

My son has been on Concerta, Adderall, Strattera and a few other ones that didn't work. He is on Dexedrine now and he does fine on it. The other meds made him lose a LOT of weight and he looked like he was on his death bed. I personally would not put him on Ritalin. I have heard too many scary things about it. Good luck. Listen to yourself when it comes to the meds. If something seems wrong, express yourself very strongly to the doctor. Sometimes they overlook what you say because they are supposed to be the "expert". Pay close attention to anything that seems "off" with your son. Don't be afraid to try different medications because that is the only way you are going to find one that works well for him. Good luck, I know it is hard. My son has ADHD, ODD, Asperger's Syndrome, and is Bipolar. It's an uphill battle sometimes, but just stay on top of it.

Answer 4

Well not my kids but I personally have ADHD (I'm 20) and I read some of the other peopels answers. Honestly hun you can't go by what anyone else says about one medicine and if they say this one works better because each child/person is different and we all react differently to the medicines. Stick with what your doctor suggests give it awhile and see if that is helpful for your child. If it isn't talk to your doctor ask your doctor about a different type of medicine because your child wasn't reacting right with it they will keep trying until they find a medicine that works for your child. Once you are on the right medicine it makes a world of difference for the better!!!! Not all cases are "bad" with one kind of medicine over another.

Answer 5

Taken from a website

"Child drugs linked to heart attack

Clara Pirani / The Australian | March 28 2006

CHILDREN as young as five have suffered strokes, heart attacks, hallucinations and convulsions after taking drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Documents obtained by The Australian reveal that almost 400 serious adverse reactions have been reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, some involving children as young as three.

Cases include the sudden death of a seven-year-old, and a five-year-old who suffered a stroke after taking Ritalin. Children also experienced heart palpitations and shortness of breath after taking Dexamphetamine.

Others taking Ritalin or Dexamphetamine - the two most commonly used ADHD drugs - experienced hair loss, muscle spasms, severe abdominal pain, tremors, insomnia, severe weight loss, depression and paranoia.

Almost 60 of the adverse-reaction reports dating back to 1980, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, involved children under the age of 10. "

Look at this instead www.fedup.com.au
It's all about how additives, preservatives and natural food chemicals can effect learning and behaviour. Good luck.

Answer 6

Please use this dangerous medication only as a last resort. Try much, much, exercise and many activities to try and "wear" the child out. This may work. Go get a second opinion. I have ADHD and the medication made me very sleepy and drowsy-like. The withdrawls are worse then a bad hang-over. Children do not need to be drugged unless it is necessary and the last thing to do. Try everything even a new diet plan. Your baby is still a little guy - let him be himself not a medicated mess.

Answer 7

Firstly, it depends upon what type of tests you are talking about. The only way to get a definite, proper diagnosis is to have a brain scan and full chemical analysis of the child done, by specialists. I would not ever put a child on ritalin, it is "speed" by another name. There are a lot of options out there, once a proper diagnosis is made. Check out a book - sorry I forgot its name, by a Dr. Lawless (sorry, unsure of spelling). Can probably get info through Dr. Phil's website.

Answer 8

Yes , there is medicide because the child will either grow out of it or have to continue taking meds unless u want it to get worse so just check with the doctor to see which is the best med. to use because you never kno the child may have an allergic reaction to the medicine so just check .

Answer 9

Do not buy in to that old mess that your child has ADHD and needs to be put on meds. Let me guess, the school advised you that there was a problem and he needed to be seen? Did the school also tell you that they receive more government funds per each "special needs" child, including those with ADHD? Ritalin is very bad. It can actually retard growth. It messes with the hypothalamus in the brain, which controls anger, temp., thyroid. If you yourself believe that your child may have this problem, then take him to a doctor who was not recommended by the school, or by anyone affiliated with it. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 10

My son has was diagnosed w/ADHD about 2 yrs ago, hes 8 now. I was terrified of Ritalin because Ive heard so many horror stories. Most doctors will try non-stimulant medications first (Concerta,Straterra)before they try the stimulants. Unfortunantly the non-stimulants didnt work for my son and I tried diet modification, psychologists etc.. Hes on Adderal now which works wonders. I would talk to your docter about the non-stimulent meds first. Talk to the docter about your concerns if he acts like your stupid go to another docter!!