Need medication advice for 17 yr old inattentive ADHD

[familyneedshelp]

After posting here and receiving several helpful responses, (thank you!) we have decided to try meds. He was just diagnosed in July, although he probably could have been diagnosed at 7 or 8. My son has an appt next Friday, and I am so nervous...he has been on 4 anti-depressant meds for depression, and was unable to stay on any of them because of the side effects (dizziness, sick stomach, dry heaves). He is underweight, and rarely eats, even when not on meds. So, I am super concerned that he will get on a stimulant that may work for his focus, but his appetite will decrease further. Has anyone else dealt with this? I know everyone reacts differently to these meds, and I'm just trying to be proactive, and possibly help set him up for success. It is so unlikely that he will graduate if there is not a drastic change immediately, and he really does want to graduate...

[Onthemove1971]

Ad you know medications are complicated. From my experience stimulants help decrease impulsive behavior, other medications Iike Intuniv are given for focus.

I know this trail period is very frustrating, just know you will find something that works for him. I hope you are working with a psychiatrist.

You could start bulking up on protein now just to make sure he stay heathy. We do protein at all meals before carbs.

Thanks for being a great advocate for you child.

Big hugs!

Take care,

[anirush]

Neither of my grandsons can do stimulants so there are alternatives. Both are on Intuniv and one is also on Straterra.

One of my grandsons is on an antidepressant also. It is often not recommended that they be on an antidepressant without ADHD or mood stabilizing medication.

My really thin grandson drinks protein shakes for extra calories.

[Cjkchamp]

I would like to recommend you research and discuss use of broad spectrum micronutrients for your son with the dr. They have worked reach well for my sons mood dysregulation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. His response to them kept him from being placed on Prozac. We use under the supervision of a child psychiatrist who also weaned him off his Focalin. Doesn’t hurt to investigate and discuss... When meds work it is great, but finding the right one may be unlikely the first time out. My son was on four different meds. He did experience loss of appetite, but it returned after an adjustment period.