My child has just started dexedrine a week ago. I am not sure if i like the way he acts on while on the medication. I cannot put my finger on it, but he seems to withdraw, play alone and just seems like we are losing him. When the medication wears off, he gets upset easily and is very down. He also seems frustrated and a little more aggressive and mad. Does anyone have any ideas on this?
I also cannot see any difference in his school work. but it has only been a week. Also, he went on a spend the night trip with his class. I don’t think the teacher gave him any of this medication while they were gone. Would this up and down be from stopping medication quickly? (during the time he did not receive medicine while on the field trip) thanks, anne
Re: child on medication
I am the same mother that wrote on another thread about learned helplessness. The teacher says that my son has lost his motivation, does not listen in class and she needs his undivided attention during class. we are at a small private school. Last year we signed a 504 for classroom accomodations. Last week they took away the 504 to see what happens. (They need to know where exactly he stands- what he knows and doesn’t know)
so–- I went to visit an LD school in Fairburn, Ga. It is very expensive and we are concerned about the cost. any more ideas?? what should i do - stay at the small private school or change to small private ld school? thanks from mom in crisis.
Re: child on medication
Hmm,they took away the 504 to see what he knows? How about a good thorough educational evaluation instead? Taking accomodations away will not tell them any more than how stressed out can we make this child. My boys go to a small private school specific to ADHD/LD. I don’t have to worry about the tuition,and if I did,I suspect they would still be in the public school system,and we would still be fighting. I feel like it all depends on how much you want to fight,and if you can afford it. I couldn’t. Now is this the same kid with dexedrine problems? If so I would flat out refuse to allow the 504 to be removed until Medications are addressed.
Re: child on medication
Yes, this is the same Anne and the same child with dex. problems. I also wrote on another thread about the teacher meeting . The teacher said my child had learned helplessness etc. I think you (socks) replied to that statement also.,
so, your children go to a private ld school. You said something about not affording the tuition or not able to fight for them. I feel like I am still fighting. Is this the difference in an ld school. Would i finally get to quit fighting for my kids rights? Thanks for helping me !!
Re: child on medication
The up and down is from coming off his medication. It’s a common response of people who take Dexedrine. The brain responds to the change with irritability and making your son grumpy. Some doctors advise taking an extra small dosage early in the evening so when the medication wears off, the child is sleeping and doesn’t feel the change.
Speak to your doctor about how your son feels when his medication wears off.
Re: child on medication
Hi there,
Oh how tough it is huh? I know…my son was on that same medication for a few weeks. Although I saw nothing different from him taking the medication I did however notice that when it wore off he was a monster! The Doc said Its called a rebound affect, when the meds where off they can get more and more upset. Also he would stay up untell 2:00 or so in the morning tell falling asleep FINLEY! Soooo sense I dident see any difference on that medication we decided to try another witch Is called Adderall. And yet agian Im getting frustrated cause this one dosent seem to be helping eather! I dont know how old your son is but mine is almost 4 years old and It feels like Its going to be a hard and windy road ahead! GERRRRRRR If you or anyone eles has any ideas PLEASE let me know. So good luck on finding the right MEDS for your child.
Re: child on medication
I have one son on dexedrine and one son on concerta. My oldest doesn’t seem to have problems with rebound effect on dexedrine,but did on ritalin. Which is what my youngest is on. Concerta is a time realeased form of ritalin. My youngest is doing absolutely fabulous on concerta,no rebound or anything. Both tried adderal,the thing is kids are so very different,and we tolerate no side effects. fortunately for us we have a DR who agrees. Toook a while,mine are 11 and 12,but we finally found the right meds. Who knows what tommorow will bring.
Sometimes Anne,schools specificly for LD kis are so much easier to deal with because they know how your kids learn. Can say all schools are like this,but if this school seems to be it might be a lot better and worth the added expense if it ends the fight,right?
Re: child on medication
As a generalization, the single classification of meds which tend to temporarily reduce ADHD symptoms is the central nervous system stimulants/alerting agents. There are about a half-dozen or so central nervous system stimulants/alerting agents. Sometimes a person can respond quite well to one, say Ritalin, yet fail on Dexedrine (and so on); sometimes a person can respond well to Dexedrine yet fail on Ritalin. That’s the real world.
The ADHD meds do not work for everyone. Best wishes.
It could be:.
1. It could be too much dexedrine at one time. A large dose metabolized and then rebound effect from medication suddenly wearing off.
Okay, the way the Dr. explained it was, the effect you want is a slow climb then a steady stream through out the day with the level dropping gradually again toward bedtime. What you don’t want is the level to rise too qucikly causing with drawn type effects,and then the level dipping dramaticly down,causing rebound or more severe symptoms,such as emotional Changes. It could be a dosage problem,or the wrong med.