Just curious...

[Onthemove1971]

Our son is 12 years old and has been on medication for almost 5 years.

He and I were talking about what he feels when he takes his medication and also when it wears off. He said to him "when my meds wear off it feels like I will going to get into mischief". He can tell at the end of 6th period is when it wears off. I asked if he wants more at that time, he said no. With his afternoon medication he said it is like he doesn't take it at all. It is a lower dose. He wants it increased. To help him more.

Just curious have any of you talked with your kids about how it feels on and off medication? I would love to know what they say.

Thanks

[SylvieS]

My son only started medication (Methylphenidate) 3 months ago but we definitely have talked about what it feels like. He says that it helps him to keep his engine just right. His OT worked with him on sensory issues and they talked about your “engine” being too high, low or just right. I love that he is connecting this terminology to his medical treatment. He also has said that he doesn’t get in as much trouble at school and remembers to say please more. All good things!

[Onthemove1971 in reply to SylvieS]

Great way to describe it. Thanks

[katcald]

My son is 11 and started taking meds about 4 1/2 years ago. I try to get him to explain what it is like when he is on his medication but he can’t. Maybe when he is older like your son.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to katcald]

Our son was this way and now he is 12 years old and clearly discusses what he feels and needs. It is a hugh improvement so I can then advocate for a change in medication.

Thanks for sharing!

[klb19]

My son is 11 (almost 12) had a similar experience at school around 6th/7th period. He described finding it difficult to pay attention and stay on task. He takes Concerta, and we recently had the dosage increased from 36 to 54mg and he has reported positive results so far. I know that he is going through puberty so adjustments will need to continue to be made.

[Crunchby]

Hi there. What is he taking? We ran into this with Ritalin. It was more than 'mischief' though, it was violent mood swings. We find Vvyanse was a much smoother off. Also, if mine has later activites she has a 5mg /4 hour Adderall if needed. I should add she also takes Seroquel at night. That has evened out her mood termendously. Good luck!

[Ldydy24]

Hi my son is 13 and has been on meds since he was 6. Starting middle school was a big change and a lot more work. He also asked me for more medicine and recognizes when his meds are wearing off. I tried starting having this conversation when he was around 9/10 as it helps me gauge him as well especially if we have an activity later in the day. I Definitely recommend all parents talk to their kids about their meds and how they feel as they get older. As someone mentioned as the kids mature their bodies change and school work gets harder so an increase in meds is usually inevitable. If your son is asking for an increase in meds to help him he probably needs it.

[wendyks]

My 13-year-old has only been on For a couple of months and at the beginning I was obsessed with asking her how she felt. I then read a lot about how if you’re on the right dose of medication you don’t necessarily “feel it “. Or at least you don’t feel it kicking in. She gave me one example I thought was pretty interesting. One of the first days she took it she said she dropped all her papers off her desk and she just picked it up and continued to work. She said without meds she would’ve started laughing and laughing and then picked up her papers eventually and never would’ve gotten back to the work and then eventually put her head down to avoid it. She’s giving me a bunch of little stories like this so I know the medication is working!