HI,
I need some advice.My 12 yr old son has been diagnosed with ADHD since age 5. Recently, he is also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He now takes 40mg Ritalin Long Acting in the morning and a clonidine and 1/2 risperdal. ABout 7pm he takes another clonidine and 1/2 risperdal. He has a lot of problems falling to sleep and staying asleep. I am wondering if the Ritalin is lasting too long or if something else is causing this. Any ideas or suggestions on sleep help or if medicine doesn’t seem right. My psych seems scatterbrained and doesn’t listen well. I am in process of changing doctor but have 6 week waiting list to see the other doctor. If you think you can help, please email me at
[email protected]
Thanks
Check out “older messages”- there are some posts about sleeping difficulties and use of melatonin- as well as some other suggestions. As for your question about the cause of the difficulty- you’ll have to talk to a psych about that one. Yes, Ritilan can cause insomnia as a side effect- but a psych needs to look at other potential factors as well. The diagnoses of ADHD and bipolar disorder indicate that there are already significant problems in self- regulation that can affect sleep cycles.