Roller coaster..

[Onthemove1971]

I feel like life with our son who has ADHD is a true roller coaster. There are ups and down and I have no idea why we have downs, but right now we are sure down. I am increasing his medication becuase I think it is the reason he has out grown the dose.

Yout thoughts? What is the reason for the low points?

[Pennywink]

I’m sorry to hear that! We haven’t started medication yet, so I don’t have direct life experience to help you, just lots of reading.

Tolerance, growth / hormones, and stress could all be factors in why things aren’t working now. Also, if you use generic medication, they have a wider variability in controlling symptoms, as they are not quite as precise as brand name versions.

Hopefully your family & your psychiatrist can get things back on track.

[Madmarie]

My son is 10. I am definitely on a down Slope with him right now. Anger issues at home. He’s already been suspended at school this year. Every time the phone rings during the day my anxiety spikes, fearing its from the school. I just took him back to his Dr. I explained what was happening. He increased his dosage, and added another medication to help with aggression, and impulsivity! Crossing my fingers for it to help. I know he doesn’t like feeling out of control, anymore then I do. Hang in there. Definitely talk to his Dr.

[Aniusia]

Hi, same here. We are going to the doctor tomorrow. The Methophenidate he is on is definitely not a life changer like some people describe. Good luck to you

[Janice_H]

Hello, what age is your son? There could be a number of factors influencing the low point for you and your family. We expect calmness and cooperation in our interactions with our children. What interrupts our peaceful state is their inability to control impulse behaviors or make rational age-appropriate decisions. Their moodiness may be a side effect of their medications, hormonal changes, low self-esteem or reaction to social isolation at school.

Before you increase your child's medication, I would recommend trying to pin-point what exactly is causing the low point. You may want to begin writing in a journal what happens each day and how you feel following each experience. Sometimes we get lost in our own emotions when we feel a sense of frustration, loss of hope, exhaustion or that no one else understands and supports what you are going through.

Talk with a therapist who can help you and your son with feelings you are experiencing now. You took the right step by coming here to seek advice. Hope your happy days return very soon.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Janice_H]

Thanks, I will consider that but I know that he needs a medication adjustment( the psychiatrist said he has grown a lot and needs more medication), he was just suspended from school...

We see a therapist and a psychiatrist...

Have a great day

[Janice_H in reply to Onthemove1971]

Trust and know that you WILL get through these difficult times.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Janice_H]

Thanks I needed that right now..

[Mmagusin in reply to Janice_H]

What a thoughtful reply! Truly medication is not the only answer, and sometimes, can be part of the problem.

[OneDayAtATime1]

I have a seven year old with combination ADHD and Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

My son was experiencing highs and lows with anger issues, as I was not wanting to increase my sons ADHD medication due to me being afraid of him becoming codependent on it. His doctor prescribed him a booster to help his ADHD medication (vyvanse) work more efficiently. He also placed him on a mood suppressant to help with the anger issues and him having highs and lows emotionally. As of now he is on low doses of Vyvanse, Trileptal and Guanfacine and has shown great improvement. I was not wanting him to have to take three medications but this combination has been working really well for him.