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Post by Smilechilds on Oct 30, 2003 21:58:57 GMT -5
Member posted 10-21-2003 10:29 PM
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I am wondering if anyone has had any of the stimulants work the first time they are prescribed by the dr? We are taking my 4.5 yr old son in to another pedatrician next tuesday to go through some more testing and talking to the dr on the phone he said we would discuss meds if he thought it was needed. I am to the point where we are willing to try anything, things seem to be getting worse and I think I will end up on meds if we don't do something to help him. He is just out of control now. Giving his preschool teacher so much trouble now and he really likes her. He is just non stop tormenting whatever is in his way nothing absolutely nothing pleases him and this is starting to be a fairly new behavior. But I am scared about how some of you say that it makes their hearts race. I have mitral valve prolapse that makes my heart race and I know how scary that is I am afraid for him going through that. But if any of you can give me insight on if they worked the first try and any other information you would like to throw in it would be greatly appreciated. Also is this something that if one child has it, it is likely that a sibling can or will have ADHD too? I am 36 weeks pregnant and we are worried about this effecting our next child as well. I am just so happy that I have found this forum to see that I am not the only one.
Thank you all so much
April
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vickilyn32
Member posted 10-22-2003 10:04 AM
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My DS was DXd at 7 years. The doc put him on adderall, and after geting the correct dose he was on it untill he was 10. At that time we put him on adderall rx because of the longer day at school. This year he is 13 and after hitting puberty, the adderall did not work as well and we put him on strattera. It did not work the first time, we took him off for the summer and tried again with a higher dose this year and it has worked great. He has not had any side effects from either exept for some slight apetite drop on the adderall and the strat makes him sleepy if he takes it in the morning. He takes it before bed and that took care of the sleepyness. He is 110 lbs and 5'6" so his growth has not been affected which some people worry about. He has never had any other health problems except for asthma. also DS is inattentive, impulsive ADHD.
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smilechild
Member posted 10-22-2003 10:37 AM
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Tho doctor's modify your son closely when on meds. They do a full check on his heart to make sure he is healthy. Also the dose will be small. Those case studies you hear about children dying are rare and in those cases they were not under a psych care or had previous heart conditions. Proper doses of Stims to not make your heart race more than caffeine and in ADHD children they actually slow children down and their heart beats most of the time remains the same (if they are indeed hyper). I still question ADHD and think there are true ADHD kids (2%) and the rest are learning disables, defiant (stubborn), hyper (impulsive). THey seem to just throw the kids into one label. This is all my guess from research. That is why there are so many parents here that have ADHD kids but completely different. My child too likes her teachers yet gets in trouble daily and the teacher's say aggravate them endlessly. It is funny since I read children books (Junie B Jones) and books about little boys that are different and ADHD in not mentioned. Kids are kids and do not get frightened by the ADHD label. Try meds you can always stop. Remember you will hear TONS of negative things on this forum because many of us come here to vent and realize we are not alone or that there are some parents that have it much worse than we do or better. We can learn from other mistakes. Your son is so young you are fortunate to recognize he has a problem. Talk with your doctor and find one you trust. Also, I always suggest call a pharmacist for their take on the meds, they know more of the med than many doctors do since people call them all the time. Some pharmacist are not as bright as others. Many told me that most kids are off meds by 11, these may be the kids that were plain hyper and impulsive. Each child is different and each parent parents their child different. Meds can really help, they helped me and we do not med on weekends so you can see for yourself that the myth about meds making kids a zombie is just that a myth, unless wrong dose and med.
Things will be fine, I would look into some type of solution before your new child is born. Also watching the diet can be helpful too. You do not have to choose meds, I waited a year but wish I tried sooner. Our goal is to get her off or keep the dose small but we are realisitic and will do what is best for the family and her suceeding in school.
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JandA
Member posted 10-22-2003 10:39 AM
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My son started on Ritalin just over a week ago. Yesterday the doctor switched him to Metadate.
I was like you. I tried everything else first. I didn't want to put him on medication unless all other possibilities had been exhausted.
When we finally decided to use meds, the doctor prescribed Ritalin. She said that it is the best thing to start out with because you can see an immediate result and it only lasts 4 hours. I saw a change as soon as my son started. He was behaving and playing nicely. The fact that it only lasts 4 hours is important too, because if it isn't right for your child, you can stop it right away unlike other meds that have to be weened off.
She also said, if I find that Ritalin isn't the right thing for my son, we can move foward from there. It might also be a good starting point for your son.
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delphis04
Member posted 10-22-2003 12:46 PM
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thank you all so much for these helpful replies. Before I read this board I wouldn't have considered meds for my son. I always thought they weren't safe for young children but after reading all these posts for so long and researching more we are going to consider it when he goes in on Tuesday. Does insurance cover most of these meds? If not what are the costs that you all pay for these?
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* Free ~ Spirit *
Member posted 10-22-2003 01:20 PM
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Is it really necessary to medicate such a young kid? These medications are not even aproved for children under 6yrs old...
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~ * ~ Kristy ~ * ~
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
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JandA
Member posted 10-22-2003 01:24 PM
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I was having problems with my insurance company and my son was mistakenly removed from my coverage. While I was getting it all straightened out, I had to fill his prescriptions. One month's dosage of methylphenidate (the generic form of Ritalin) cost me around $40. Unfortunately, there's no generic form of Metadate CD so it ended up costing me $71.
Thank God that I'm finally getting this all straightened out, because insurance covers most of it. I think the pharmacist told me that my copay would be $10 or $20. I can't remember which, but that's not too bad.
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delphis04
Member posted 10-22-2003 01:44 PM
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if they aren't approved for children under 6 then why would a qualified Dr prescribe them? I know a parent has emailed me here who as I understand succesfully has her 3.5 yr old on a med. Maybe it is too young for some but if you aren't the one in the situation with that child then I think a qualified Dr can help a parent make a desicion.
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* Free ~ Spirit *
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:29 PM
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Delphi it is common knowledge that these medications are not approved for children under 6yrs old. It is FACT!! Doctors prescribe meds that are not aproved for children to them all the time. So... asking why a qualified physician would prescribe them if they arent approved is really a pointless question... if you don't believe it go to a medication website and read the "who should not take this medication" No young child should be placed on medications unless it is absolutely necessary. Many doctors prescribe these meds carelessly. Others do see severe cases that may benefit from medication. The thing is WAY too many kids are on these medications and more and more are starting on them at ages under the approved age.
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~ * ~ Kristy ~ * ~
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
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Post by smilechilds on Oct 30, 2003 22:00:27 GMT -5
Kymn
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:29 PM
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Hi my son is 7 and on Ritalin it has been the first medicine we have tried and it is working very well.It took some tweaking to get the right dosage but other than lack of appetite at lunch he hasnt had any really bad side effects.
Kymn
If God brings you to it,He will bring you through it.
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delphis04
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:33 PM
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Free Spirit, thank you for your information
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Miller mom
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:36 PM
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FDA approval is a technicality in many cases with ADHD treatment. That a med is not approved for children in no way means it is dangerous for kids. It only means that it was not studied on kids. If a med had ingrediantes that might effect growth or development or the physical health of a child, your doctor wouldn't perscribe it. Also it does not mean a med is safe just because the FDA approved it for kids. Just look at the recalls! Still, you should investigate everything before your child tries it. You need to do your own homework. All meds come with risks and red flags you should watch for. I have found doctors to fall short in advising parents of these things. But true danger of properly perscribed ADHD meds are very rare, so rare it is silly to worry. You should look into each med on your own, smart of you to come to the boards, because there is so much first hand experience here.
I, too, am glad I found this board. I have been all over the internet and there is no place as nice and as safe and as unjudgemental as the Medicine board (in particular) of ADHD.com. On other sites some medication Q threads wind up being a debate over using medicine. As a mother who has had to resort to meds, I never try to persuade someone not interested in meds that they are making a mistake. Clearly, if you are considering meds or have already made the choice but want more info, this is the place to come.
From the sound of it, the danger to your sons emotional well being and self esteem, without medication, is much greater than any problem the meds can cause. Get all the testing you can including an EEG and an EKG, then you can decide whether or not to medicate without these concerns being in the picture. Then come hear and ask your Q's about the meds you are going to try. You will get replies from first hand exeriences, links, resources, etc... Once you feel more prepared, this won't be so scarey. I'm sure its very overwhelming right now, been there!
Good Luck, your boy is very lucky to have you on his team!
[This message has been edited by Miller mom (edited 10-22-2003).]
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delphis04
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:44 PM
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MillerMom~ Thank you so much for your comforting email. I feel the same way you decribed about his emotional well being. At this age he is already feeling like an outcast at his preschool because the teacher has to always tell him to sit down and use an inside voice and having him sit out on projects because he is starting to get aggressive with her now as of today I get all these reports that she didn't tell me before. So we are looking up everything we can on these meds and making sure that this will be something to benefit him and not our sanity...thanks again
April
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dorrieL
Member posted 10-22-2003 02:51 PM
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Actually, I believe regular adderal has been FDA approved for children 3 and over, in somewhat lower doses.
The "xr" version has not to date been tested on children under 6. The difference in the 2 drugs is just the release mechanism
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heartsmiles4brennen
Member posted 10-23-2003 05:30 AM
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freespirit- You really need to get YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT before you push the submit button on your computer. Both Adderall and Dexedrine are approved by the FDA for use in children starting at 3 years old. Look it up in The Physicians Desk Reference. No parent makes the decision to medicate their child lightly. They come to this site looking for support, guidance and information. When they read inaccurate information that is stated as fact laced with opinion stated as superior, it simply confuses and convolutes the already difficult process they are going through.
Although you have a younger brother with ADHD, not having been in the position as a parent, maybe you don't realize how very difficult the medication decision is and how we often feel we have to defend our decision to medicate to people who have not walked in our shoes.
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Post by smilechilds on Oct 30, 2003 22:00:53 GMT -5
LitlBaa
Member posted 10-24-2003 05:09 AM
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I also tried everything else first before I put my daughter on meds. It was not an easy decision but I feel now I did what is best for her. In addition to my web searching and reading, I asked a good friend of mine who teaches severely emotionally handicapped children (K-4th grades) and asked her about meds. She told me that in her experience, you can tell if Ritalin works for a child very quickly, and it's expelled from the body in 4-5 hours, so if it doesn't work you don't have a drug hangover going.
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Member posted 10-24-2003 06:53 AM
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A couple of thoughts regarding medicating a preschooler
I waited to start meds on my son and maybe it was the right decision but I have to wonder how much instruction he missed because he could not focus and was "all over the place" mentally. He was not hyper but would slide out of his chair, etc.
Also, take a look at the preschool expectations and philosophies - Is it a structured environment? My son needs a calm structured (but not oppressive environment) to learn and feel safe. What are the expectations of these young children? Some kids can sit and color for hours, but most at this age need a lot of movement and change of activities. Sometimes you have to try different schools or teachers to get the right fit for your child. Some preschools are very very academically focused ; also some kindergarten classes - and many times kids, especially boys are not ready for this. I held my son back 1 year before starting 1st grade and it was the best thing I could do for him. He is very mature and a leader in the classroom this year.
No one can tell you what to do but the best thing is to listen to as many different people and then pray about it and then go down that road. You may have to change your direction, but don't give up!
You are the best advocate and know the most about your child than anyone!
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delphis04
Member posted 10-24-2003 09:24 AM
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this is all sooooooo very helpful. thank you all for taking the time out of your busy homelives to email me. this all makes me feel so much better about approaching this.
April~
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Dakotah
Member posted 10-24-2003 11:03 AM
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Hello April. I just wanted to let you know that we started medication at 4.5 years of age. We had already done two years of intervention and nothing worked. I honestly would not get hung about your child's age. These beautiful children need to start life with a good self-esteem. I feel very sad that we are working so hard now to make up for "lost time" with our son. The DAY we started meds. he became happy and excited about life. (It did take a few months to fine tune his dosage) I love that there is help out there for kids who need it. I don't think many moms out there would medicate if they did not have to. Listen to the people who have been in your shoes, not the ones who cast judgement from their throne
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delphis04
Member posted 10-24-2003 03:59 PM
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Dakotah,
Thanks for your reply. My husband and I were just talking this morning about what it would be like to go a day with out fighting with our son and all of us ending up raising our voices out of frustration. May I ask what med you started your 4.5 out on? Thanks again
April
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Dakotah
Member posted 10-24-2003 10:17 PM
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Hello April. We started our son on 5mg. of Ritalin three times a day. (8:00am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm) The rebound of coming off it was so horrible that the three hours of bliss were not worth it. Ritalin lasts four hours. Our Doctor then gave him 18mg of Concerta. Concerta lasts 12 hours. He did well for a few weeks and then everything fell apart again. He went up to 36mg last Thanksgiving and life has been pretty good When he started on 36mg he was sluggish and emotional but he seemed to even out within a week or two. My husband and I decided not to tell people other than our family and close friends because I wasn't strong enough to fight the judging eyes. I understand how people think 4.5 is young to be on meds. but he needed it. I am so happy to have this forum to share our story and get advice. I wish you the best of luck and if I can give you any other support I would be more than happy to try and help. It is so nice to know our family is not alone in this fight for a healthy and happy life.
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delphis04
Member posted 10-25-2003 08:53 AM
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Dakotah,
That is so great to hear that your son is doing so well and you have peace in your family.=) When we meet with his Dr on Tuesday we want to discuss meds but I think it is just for the consultation then we have to go in again for testing. It is a different dr than last time. But we do not want to tell anyone either. People we know already say don't put him on meds he is too young. They don't live in our house. =) I know we would be judged as bad parents for it. Thanks again for all of your support....
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Dakotah
Member posted 10-25-2003 03:09 PM
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April please remember you are not bad parents. No matter what people say you need to know that your heart is leading you in the right direction. On a funny note- People actually told us "told you so" that he doesn't need meds. he just needed to mature and have firmer rules. If they only knew the truth...
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delphis04
Member posted 10-25-2003 04:20 PM
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=) that is funny. Thank you again!!! I will post what the Dr says when we get through the consultation.
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Post by jachkldavis on Nov 1, 2003 20:43:50 GMT -5
Hi smilechilds, When I was reading the first paragraph of your post I was hearing exactly how I felt. My son was diagnosed a few days ago, he will be 5 Nov 12. I had another son a 4 months ago and I do worry about him. I have a hard enough time with one I dont know how I can handle two of them. I am at where you are at...if hes not going on meds then I am. We just started him on Focalin 3 days ago and so far I havent noticed anything. I am going to give it a few more days and then call the doc back and see what he thinks. It all worried me! You are not the only one!!! There are lots of us out there. Luckily we have these boards with lots of great mothers out there with more knowledge about it. Thanks to all of them! Christine  |
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