ADHD and meds?

Question

Would like to hear from parents and others who have had experience with children with ADHD and meds especially Aterol. Any experience information would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

The response varies from patient to patient. I have had parents tell me that they noted a remarkable improvement after the first dose. In other patients the response is nil. In such cases one wonders if the original diagnosis was correct. A lot of the diagnosis revolves around what the doctor is told by patient, parents and teachers. The same goes for the response.

My contention is that medication like Adderal may help many children sustain a focus of attention, hence their school performance improves; but I still think these children need extra assistance at home and at school. Such medication should not be used just to quiet a kid in class so the teacher can proceed with the lessons. That does the child a real injustice.

Many children would benefit from a more extensive evaluation from school psychologists and special ed experts. School psychologists working for various school districts are usually too overwhelmed with other work to do this, and a formal evaluation performed privately is expensive. Then, after spending all this money, you hope the school is willing to put the recommendations into effect. That doesn't always happen.

Answer 2

My son has ADD not ADHD and he was on Ritalin for a while. I could definately tell that it helped him but he doesn't want meds any more so we don't have him on any right now. Adderall works well for some poeple but not for others. Also not all parents believe in meds. I think meds are ok if they work like they are supposed to as a child needs all the help he can get if he has ADD or ADHD. I do think proper testing for an accurate diagnosis is needed though.

Answer 3

Adderall seems to help children suffering from ADHD a great deal, parents can usually see a difference almost immediately. You'll notice a huge difference when it comes time for homework and chores and things. Some parents choose to discontinue the med while on summer vacation and etc just because of the nature of it, but if your child really is suffering and has tested positive for ADHD, it really is a wonder drug.

Answer 4

We're still in the diagnostic phase of my son's ADHD, so he's not been prescribed medication yet.

But I spoke with my best friend, a child psychologist who has a really extreme case of ADHD, and who has almost always been on meds, and she reccommended Adderall. At one point, she specifically asked her doctor to prescribe a different medication for her to try out for a month, and that was one she felt was helpful.

When she is on medication, you wouldn't notice much of a problem, but when she's not, those of us who know her can usually notice within a few minutes of talking with her that she's been off the meds. They help, but they shouldn't be the ONLY treatment or coping method. The medication is most effective when it is paired with behavioral modification and watching personal habits like diet and sleep.

Answer 5

I am 24 and take adderall for ADHA and have taken it since I was in H.S. it helps me a lot. Makes me focus a lot more. When I was in high school I got most C's and D's and E's at times. And then my senior year I started taking adderall and I got all A's and B's I made honor roll all year. I have taken it since (except the time I was pregnant with my son) it helps me so much. I have noticed at work I don't get distracted like I did when I was not taking it. I get my job done and do well. Every person is differ and some kids it does not work well for and some it does. But I know a few people who take it and helps them a lot.

Answer 6

12 yr. old son has been adhd for 5 yrs. he takes adderall xr. This has worked WONDERS on him, it's also time released. I was one of those parents who was pissed at the system for thinking my son was adhd, so I spent alot of time looking into this. A GOOD book to read on adhd is " The Gift of A.D.H.D." by, Lara Honos-Webb, PH.D. it's well worth $15.00 and it's NOT a book in which you have to read every page to get something good out of it. It has great ideas, on working with KIDS and adhd.