Today I received the results of my brothers independent eval. It has been suggested that he take Concerta for moderate ADD.
We have never had to approach the subject of meds and I would like to learn as much as possible before the Dr. appt and before school starts.
Can anyone recommend some good websites, books to read, or people to talk to? I would like to learn the side effects and any potential problems that may arise!
Thanks
K.
Re: Concerta
Dear K,
My post here may not be very helpful, but as I understand your concerns, frustrations, and need for quick knowledge, I thought I would offer something, even if it doesn’t help.
My daughter takes a different medication, but it is a stimulant medication all the same. When we first heard the suggestion, we were much like you, concerned, wanted more information, and were very hesitant to consider such a drastic measure. Still, at the urging of our Pediatrician to simply have her try it on an experimental basis to see if there was noticable improvements in her abilities to stay on task, focus, organize, etc., we reluctantly agreed. In only two days our daughter, who was seven at the time noticed the difference herself! She came home and told me that the medicine the doctor gave her really helped her in class. She said she was able to pay attention much better.
Of course, I have continued to educate myself about ADD, Dyslexia, and some of the many other problems children can face and surprisingly, the more I learned, the more familiar all the criteria began to sound. The more I learned, the more I realized that many of these characteristics have been haunting me all my life. I too found myself in need of assessment. Now I take Adderal XR as well, only I take an adult dosage. I cannot truly relate to you in mere words the vast difference it makes in my life every day. I have always felt like my character was flawed, that I was just a failure and a fraud most of the time. Even when I was given antidepressants as the doctors attempt to help lift me out of the gloom I existed in as a result of my inability to focus, remember important things, and or organize, I did not see any significant change. The very first day you take stimulant medications you can tell if they help you. If your brother is potentially in need of help, it is worth a serious look. I am not sure how old your brother is, or what exact issues he has, but I thought I would share these things with you. While taking medication is a major step that is very true, and certainly you are wise to consider it carefully, it still can be very, very helpful for some. I would have to thoroughly research it, just as you are, but just in case your brother is one of us who can be helped greatly by taking the meds., please consider a trial on the meds. for a short period before you would decided unilaterally that they are unnecessary. You might never know how much he could have been helped if you close the door on that option before you have considered it thoroughly. I commend you for being careful however. We all need our family to support us and be understanding when others can’t. Your brother is lucky you love him so much. I wish you only the best as you endeavor to learn and grow in your relationship with him.
God Bless,
Debra
Re: Concerta
I was in the same boat 3 years ago. I thought my dd was disgraphic not ADD. The Drs that diagnosed her convinced us to give Ritalin a try. For her it was a miracle drug. She has gone from being a struggling “average” student with no self esteem to a confident honor roll student. And this was simultaneous with her transition to middle school! The school has been extremely supportive, her academic skills have improved dramatically. She used to not be able to tell me anything about her day, now she goes into detail. Now she remembers what went on in class… She is now taking the time release Ritalin called Concerta. The only side effect she has is lack of appetite at lunch. But she eats a good breakfast, has a sizeable snack after school and a good dinner. It is not affecting her weight.
Good Luck.
Sharon
I am responding to my own post I guess!
Concerta is the same chemical as Ritalin, ethylphenidate, only in a time release formula. Also, I can’t seem to find any long term studies on children and teenagers given the drug long term?
I am very skeptical that my brother needs this medication. I understand that he scored poorly on the attention testing but I wonder how much was due to APD and not ADD. I have never noticed that attention was a problem for him and don’t quite understand how medication would help him.
I appreciate any suggestions, I am really very worked up over this!
K.