First attempt at ADHD meds for 16/17 year old daughter was a Fail.

[kevans319]

My 16 year old (almost 17 year old) daughter was just recently diagnosed with ADHD (without hyperactivity present). She was prescribed Vyvanse which was definitely NOT right for her as within days she became severely depressed. My daughter tends to be on the depressed/low key/certainly NOT hyper side normally anyway. Since most of these drugs tend to work on the hyperactive person, is there not a drug for ADHD that does not focus on the hyperactivity? It seems like to me that was the issue...she is normally somewhat down and the drug brought her to a very dangerous level of depression. We need something more concentrated on focus and clarity. Does this type of ADHD drug not exist?

[christelferrer]

There are a lot of different options for medication. We changed 5 times between September and now. We found a good combo 2 months ago.

I know there are 2 stimulants that treat the attention disorder and the anxiety at the same time (concerta? Strattera? You doc will know)

We monitored closely my son’s behavior and side effects when given a new med. that way I was able to give a clear report each month. My son is 7 and he has to take 2 different ones. He has ADHD/anxiety/ODD. It is a long road. Good luck.

[anirush]

My oldest grandson is on intuniv and Wellbutrin. He is ADHD but had lots of problems with anxiety and depression. His psychiatrist says Wellbutrin also helps with ADHD. He is back to being a happy kid. He is 13.

[ImperfectMama]

My 20-year-old son, 10-year-old daughter, and I all have ADHD without hyperactivity. All three of us are on the stimulant Adderall, which does work on people without hyperactivity. It is more about the focus that it helps us have. With that focus we have less anxiety, although we do take medication for that as well. Personally I am also on Wellbutrin which helps a lot with my depression. A lot of people seem to be apprehensive about stimulants, which I think may be a carryover from the way Ridellan was abused in the 80s and 90s. But I can attest from my families experience Adderall has been life-changing and none of us have hyperactivity.

[kevans319 in reply to ImperfectMama]

Thank you!! So good to know!