Help with finding the right 'meds mix' for severe ADHD'r

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

Hi there! Forgive me for asking something that has been posted before, but I have no time to search and one of my cubs needs help — what is the board/site that some of you ‘med-savvy’ moms go to to discuss Strattera, stims, dosages, etc. for a child PROVEN to require meds if he is to have any kind of childhood at all? (any kind of LIFE! I’ve watched this child for 5 years, and he is definitely one of the kids with a hard row to hoe…)

Mom is considering a change to Concerta, but wants some dosage advice, etc. plus would like to at least research Strattera, and I have seen some pretty knowledgable folks out there…he definitely needs a change as he has regressed to less-successful behaviours, and is having particular trouble with impulse control. He seems to have all the symptoms of someone who has outgrown the meds that worked before, and he is heading for middle school next year — he needs help! I would send her here, but I have the impression that the board I’m looking for is safer for such research…she does NOT need to meet our bouncing friend, if it can be avoided! I think you are all a pretty good support system, and she could use that, too…

THANKS in advance!
Elizabeth

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/11/2004 - 10:23 PM

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Hi there!
Here’s a good link: http://millermom.proboards23.com/ you might also recommend the schwablearning.org.
Hope the helps!

Kelly

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 03/12/2004 - 1:11 AM

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My 8 yr old has been on Strattera since November. Very good for him. Concerta was terrible fit for him, as he suffers from anixety and the Concerta made that worse.

An excellent web site that has wonderful boards is CHADD. You do need to join to get access to the boards, but imo it has been worth it. I’ve learned so much there the past 6 months.

Good Luck.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/15/2004 - 6:06 PM

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Thanks for the names…Millermom was the one I was thinking of, but I will pass them all on.

BTW, as most of you would already know, this child IS under the care of a pediatrician who specializes in ADHD. However, many of us do not have access to specialists with the latest and greatest info, and this mom is looking for suggestions/experiences from other parents in order to TAKE SUGGESTIONS TO HER DOCTOR FOR ANALYSIS and CONSULTATION IN ORDER TO FIND THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION IN THE SHORTEST TIME, not in order to self-med her child without a medical degree!

Thanks again!

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 03/21/2004 - 10:46 PM

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Food for thought..my son was on Adderall XR and was up to 40mg daily and was in need of an increase. We chose instead to switch to Straterra. During the switch we lowered the dosage of Adderall XR while increasing the dosage of Straterra. We found that he could not go completely off the Adderall but is at 20mg Adderall XR and 40mg Straterra. For the most part, things are the best they have been in years. We do have the occassional bad day but all kids have that. What works for one child may not work for another. My son started 5 years ago on Adderall (in the days before XR) and we tried to switch to Concerta when it came out in 2000 but he was borderline psychotic on Concerta. Luckily Adderall XR hit the market in 2001. He has remained on that until recent concerns regarding his weight made a necessary increase an impossibility. It’s all a matter of being patient and working with your doctors until you find a dosage/med that works for your child.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/30/2004 - 9:06 PM

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My son is currently on Concerta 54mg and has been now for some time.
We tried Adderall iniatially and last year briefly Straterra alone (did’nt help) then along with concerta (no difference) His ADHD and a recent worsening of anger overload (possible)has prompted a nightime med. of Rispodone along with the concerta at breakfast - He seems alittle “less stressed’ this week. He still ‘dislikes’ taking medicine of any kind! I have been reading about some alternative ‘natural’ source (vitimin & mineral) but am skeptical and afraid of the ‘disruptance’ at school (We tryed a non-medicated period and it was disastrous) Has anyone had success with the ‘natural’ way - He is starting counseling soon I hope that will help too.
Pre-teen with ADHD is more for him to handle (and Mom too!) :roll:
Any suggestions?

Submitted by Jan Raper on Wed, 03/31/2004 - 3:22 PM

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BGmom, We tried the natural approach for 6 mos. and it made absolutely

NO difference. It was a big waste of money since insurance won’t pay for

alternative therapy. He is now on Strattera and Imipramine. He does fair

on these but it is still a struggle for him to stay focused even though I

homeschool and it is one on one instruction. I can’t imagine him in a

classroom!! Jan

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