Mother of 2 boys with ADHD

[ryfraff16]

Hi everyone,

I am a mother of 2 boys ages 8 and 6. Both are diagnosed with ADHD and my youngest was just recently diagnosed with ODD as well and a bit of a sensory processing disorder. Both boys are very active in sports. My youngest is not currently on any medication but is going in the middle of march to discuss medication types. He has a big problem with impulse control as well as with his ODD. Its like a flip of a switch. My oldest has ADHD as well as anxiety. He is on 40mg of vyvanse and seems to be greatly aggitated all the time. His patience with his siblings is severely lacking as well as raising his voice to authority figures. Ashton also has a very very hard time getting ready for school in the morning. Some days we both end up in tears. Any advice? Ive done a ton of research as well as changed the boys diet. Its so hard to try things because both boys are so different in their needs.

[Jackieedunn]

First and foremost hats off to you!

I'd say keep questioning your Dr to find the right kinds of meds for each child

I was so hesitant at first to begin meds

They aren't a cure-all but the good definitely outweighs the bad

Best of luck!

[Cjkchamp]

Oh boy you have your hands full. Has your oldest son tried any medications other than Vyvanse? My son has issues with anxiety. He is 6 and now prescribed Focalin XR and Guanfacine ER at night. A methylphenidate medications seems to work best for him right now. He was on adderral and highly aggitated and aggressive. The morning routine is rough. I have resolved myself to being late to work on a daily basis.

[ryfraff16 in reply to Cjkchamp]

He hasn't tried anything other than vyvanse. He is unable to swallow pills so his options are limited. I asked his pediatrician for other medication options and shared my concerns about this one and he said he would first like to up the dose before changing it. I'm working on getting him into a facility that has more experience and knowledge with ADHD and anxiety.

[Cjkchamp in reply to ryfraff16]

Hmmm I’m not crazy with the drs response. More isn’t always better but I’m not a dr. There are several liquid methylphenidate drugs on the market now so know that although you’ll still be limited there are options. My son was on Quillivant XR which is liquid. He is able to swallow pills now at 6 and is taking the Focalin along with fish oil and the guanfacine.

[sonicpixie in reply to ryfraff16]

I am still new to this arena so I don't have much input but I will share that my son would not swallow pills and the doc prescribed Cotempla - which dissolves and is time-release. just fyi - the more information we all have, the better

[Debrasa]

I’m in a somewhat similar situation. I find that Mindfulness for parents a d children can be quite helpful. Needs introduced y various people so that slowing down, pauseing to breath is a culture. Seek a Mindfulness classes and family camps. Some studies show that Mindfulness and micronutrient and gut therapy are as effective as meds. Occupational/ cognitive function therapy also very helpful. Warmest wishes!

[Hidden]

In addition to medication, you’re going to want to get a behaviorist to help you set up some systems at home to help you with their behavior. You’re pediatrician or school psychologist may be able to help you find a good one.

[eeyore13]

I also have two boys (13 years old) with ADHD. Thing 1 is a classic case and exhibits every symptom of ADHD; Thing 2 has ADHD and anxiety. We have been through three meds until we have found what worked for now.

They both tolerate different meds and both have a high metabolism; Thing 1 tolerates Amphetamines and Thing 2 tolerates Methylphenidate. Thing 1 was on Vyvanse for about 4 years until he was at 50 mg daily with 20 mg of Adderall in the late afternoon and we didn't want to increase it again due to the side effect of him pulling out his eyebrows and eyelashes possibly getting worse and that his aggressiveness was getting worse as well. The nurse practitioner (who is more knowledgeable than our ped.) told me that Vyvanse has a habit of taking a long time to start working, increasing aggressiveness especially as it was wearing off. Now he is on 20 mg Adderal XR, generic,twice daily and he is a different child.

[ryfraff16 in reply to eeyore13]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[cjwcjm1216]

My oldest son was recently diagnosed with ODD as well!!! I am struggling with him so much at the moment and I feel your pain. I have no advice as I am going through this as well but best of luck to you!!

[ryfraff16 in reply to cjwcjm1216]

best of luck to you too!