Is there an alternative to Addoral?

Question

My son is considered a special needs child. We don't think he's Autisic based on the opinion of a pediatric Neurologist. However, he is extremely Hyper. Hyper to a point where we cannot calm him dawm. He screams and yeals and runs in place when he sees his favorite TV show or when he is excited. His mother and I have tried Addoral but that makes him a emotional mess, he first falls asleep then wakes up to wanting to cuddle, then for now reason begins to cry uncontrollably. Addoral and Clonidine has been what the doctor recommends but we haven't seen the results we wanted. My has been recieving cranial sacral therapy wich has been a big helpl but we cannot get him to calm down. Does anyone have any recommendations.

Answer 1

One thing that I've seen over and over is that the dose my be too high. Children with neurological differences very often need a much smaller dose, 1/4th of what most people would need, due to biochemical differences. Ask the doctor to cut it back to a miniscule amount, and then every few weeks add a little more until you have a good dose.

and get a second opinion on the neurology. Many neurologists do not have the experience with autism, because it is considered a primarily invisible illness, contact a psychologist trained in autism. Even if it's not autism they have the experience to fine tune a diagnosis so that he's receiving the appropriate assistance.

alternatively, look into occupational therapy with a therapist who works in sensory issues. With my son and daughter both, heavy work was important to keeping them calm and more able to learn. Look also into listening therapy, with sonatis, you'll need a training OT to do this as well, but it is far worth the price, and probably cheaper than a weeks' worth of adderol.

The excitement with watching TV is behavioral, and drugs will not fix that. Behavioral therapy is important to engage in, regardless of drug uses. Because you use CST, I would also suggest a DAN dr, defeat autism now. Even if he doesn't have autism, often the similar biochemical differences will be seen, and that evaluation would also be helpful.

Answer 2

My son is PDD (in the autism spectrum ) and his symptoms mirror ADHD. He's very hyper and has trouble in school focusing and and screams yells and runs when guests arrive at the house. We tried everything possible before deciding on meds(special diets, herbal supplements, etc). We finally put him on a low dosage of Ritalin and had amazing results. A friend of ours has her son who is ADHD on Concerta and she says he is like a different child now. Not zombie like just calmer and able to get through everyday tasks. Many people will advise against meds but I have found those people don't have kids or don't have kids with ADHD issues and have no idea what it's like for the children as well as the parents. Go with your gut on what's right. Maybe you just need to adjust the dosage level of the drugs you are trying. Talk with the doctor and get all your facts together to state your case to him. Your son may be getting too high a dose and it's affecting him in other ways.

Answer 3

http://addforums.com

yes. there are numerous alternatives to adderall. even though he may not be autistic, he may have asperger's syndrome and a drug called concerta works for many children with the combination of aspergers and adhd. however, this needs to be discussed with a psychiatrist who specializes in the disorders. all body types are so different that medications react in various ways. good luck, this situation takes a lot of patience and requires much action on the part of the caregiver. the above website is a wonderful resource for anything related, as well as resources for doctors.

Answer 4

Don't let him watch tv

Get him involved in a lot of physical activity - with a therapist if you like - to see if you can naturally curb some of his energy.