Feeling frustrated

[Ghost18]

Have been feeling frustrated. Just recently my 5 yr old was put on vyvanse. At home he seems better focused. At school he is not. Won't do what teacher asks. Has a wetting accident almost every day.

[Hidden]

So sorry! ugh, this can be so frustrating. We are right now going through the medication. Changing, increasing dosage, researching trying one thing, changing another, going back to the doctor. It is so frustrating because you want to see immediate result that work right now! I just try to remember that this is a process. A lot of parents here have tried multiple medications and dosages, but have finally found the right combination. Hugs.

[Onthemove1971]

Just curious have you considered a counselor for him so he can see a person to help you and him? We have really learned a lot from working with one.

Good luck.

[Applecrisp in reply to Onthemove1971]

Strongly second this! Our son was having three wetting accidents a day at a time when he was under a ton of stress.He was also five. Once he started seeing the counselor, they stopped in a short time. That was before he was on any kind of medication. If you find a good counselor, don’t underestimate what they can achieve with a kid, even Littler kids.

[Elijah1]

May need a dose adjustment. Find out if the unwanted school behavior is all day or at certain times. Then talk with his prescribing doctor.

[Janice_H]

Hi, so sorry you are experiencing all of this. If you can talk with your child's psychiatrist or pediatrician about the school concerns, they can adjust the medications for you. Keep a journal of behavior changes, mood swings, appetite etc. so you can share with the doctor. Eventually you will find the right mix for your child and things will even out.

The wetting accidents may be due to anxiety at school. Are they allotting special break times for your child to empty the bladder? You may want to have this as a part of the child's IEP if you have one set up. The teachers and school nurse can also be supportive in making sure your child is excused at regular times to use the bathroom. In the meantime send pull-ups for the child to wear in school.

Best of luck. Hope you situation improves!

[TLE2018]

My son was placed on Vyvanse last summer and we took him off after about a week because of his reaction to it. Our doc says that some kids do really well on it, but it is too "harsh" for others. When we started it, my now 9 year old pretty immediately became overly emotional (angry one minute and crying the next) and was really confused and saddened by his own behavior. He seemed to have much less control on the medication that off of it. It was really heartbreaking. We are on our third medication now and have tried several dosages of each.

It is really difficult to find something that works to help them be as successful as they can in both home and school environments. After the Vyvanse experience, we try out any new medication on the weekends or during school breaks so we can make sure he doesn't have an adverse reaction. We have a PCP and psychiatrist who I really respect and trust and who listen well, which has been a crucial part of this journey. Concerta and Focalin XR have both been much more effective medications for my son. Best of luck to you. So sorry for any parent/child dealing with this.