Does anyone know of a good medication for ADHD for a 9 yr. old?

Question

My daughter has ADHD and we have tried different medications, but can't seem to find the right one or combination for her. She has been on Adderall (5 months), then Foculin(next 3 months), Strattera and Ritalin(next yr. and a half), and presently on Concerta(these past few months). Her attitude is very bossy, she backtalks constantly and yells. She's also very emotional! This all seems as a typical 9 yr. old, but a lot of times it is taken to the extremes of behavior. Please help! I need to see what other options there are to consider to discuss with her doctor at her next appt. Thanks!

Answer 1

Drugs can help, but reading your description some hardcore positive behavior management hardcore parenting may be needed beyond the drugs. There is no "magic bullet" or "magic pill" to deal with these behaviors. There are many resources on the web to help with this. A starting point is consistency, once the standards are set they must be held, and positive reinforcement. Kid with behavioral disabilities such as ADHD constantly here negatives, Stop! Slow Down!, Why don't you listen! - positive feedback for good behavior is needed. I strongly recommend cutting back or eliminating TV time, but this is my personal opinion.

Also, it should be considered if there a history of trauma? If there is a trauma history, untreated PTSD which can present like or complicate ADHD. A child psychiatrist can assist you with both of these thoughts.

Answer 2

I beleive all of the drugs you listed are stimulants which are commonly used for treatment of adhd. However there areother classes of drugs that have been used with some success for some children. I have seen some kids use antidepressants for ADHD and it worked. I would ask a pediatrician about trying different drug types. Also you might want to re-try the other drugs at different dosages. Many parents make the mistake of trying a new drug for a week, it doesnt work they stop, go to a doctor and say it didnt work. The doctor should have a chance to evaluate the drug's effectiveness and to adjust the dosage before you make a decision to change (unless you see dangerous side effects like tics). Also one thing to consider is that children with ADHD, regardless of medication, do better when they are on a structured behavior plan. Talk to a special education teacher or school counselor/psychologist at your daughter's school about implementing a plan both in school and at home. You may find that meds are unnecessary. Good luck.

Answer 3

Concerta can be a very bad idea. It has been known to cause suicidal tendancies. My sister in law was on it and she got that way. She switched to adderall and had the doctor monitor her dosage...she found that lowering it a bit made everything much better for her. I was diagnosed with ADD a few years ago and trust Adderall 100%. My dosage is 30 mg but I'm also 25 years old. I would really discuss the possibility of going back to Adderall with her doctor. It is the best thing that I can recommend. And please, for your daughter, get her off of the Concerta. It can do much more damage than good. Please!!

Answer 4

One thing to try if there is a well qualified one available. Take your daughter and talk to a naturopathic doctor. They shoudl have professional credentials and may not be covered by insurance but they often are more knowledgable about medications and their effects than many doctors. As well, they may have some suggestions for diet and other things that may help your daughter as much or more than the ADHD medications. Not to say no to medication for the ADHD, but ther emay be a need for a more wholistic approach than most doctors offer.

Answer 5

Maybe medication isn't the only answer. Have you tried changing her routine to one that is less hectic, or give her less stimulation i.e. less tv time, calmer music, time out. Also, you probably know this but having adhd doesn't stop them from learning self-control and respect. 2 of my kids have ADD and both of them are very respectful. When she backtalks, don't respond just walk her to a 'quiet place' and when she is ready to apologize let her know that she cannot speak to people like that. The same as when she yells or demonstrates any behavior you wish to change. I truly believe that changing the medicine again will be less effective than teaching her some self-control.

Answer 6

well it's ur decision to put your child on medication, but from what I've noticed, they all seem to have pretty terrible side effects. My sister has ADHD, and my mother did not want to put her on Ritalin because it causes the children to become slower than other students when learning. Our doctor told her that as she went through puberty, she would grow out of it as most children do... and she did. So, my advice is that if you can handle him, just let him go through it. It'll be rough, but in the long run, I think it's better for their mental health.

Answer 7

i would get a second opinion from a different doctor rather than an opinion here, it would be guaranteed professional. also, a lot of children with add/adhd fair well in counseling, so that is always an option. family counceling would be great because it could help you to come up with some ways to deal with her atitude changes better.
good luck

Answer 8

sounds like she needs her *** busted a lot to me. my brother is ADD and he used his disability as an excuse even til this day he does. everything that goes wrong in his life he uses his ADD as a crutch. the only problem he had growing up was he didnt get disciplined enough when he was little. i got my *** busted all the time and i turned out to be the good child. my step son is ADHD also and he uses that as an excuse also, i know he knows how to clean his room but yet he acts like he doesnt. i started busting his *** a lot and now he magically knows how to do everything. i think a lot of discipline is necessary. kids need it more these days than hey have in the past.

Answer 9

Get into all kinds of sports and after school projects!!!
Forget about the medication, just an excuse to take a drug..Use your energy in a positive way.!!! IF she talks back, send her to an all girl prison, reform school, or the military..
I agree with what Merwin had to say..

Answer 10

LOTS OF DUCT TAPE & A GOOD STURDY CHAIR