Medication Alternatives?

[Sleepless_mom]

My 6 yr old was just diagnosed. A co worker mentioned giving her toddler coffee prior to starting medication. Have any of you given your kid coffee does it even work? We don't want to go the medicine route straight away and are looking for a therapist but most therapists in our area are completely booked out. So just looking for things we can do until her therapy starts. Any other suggestions besides coffee?

[Jezzibird]

Hey Momma, My heart goes out for you, I was diagnosed at 2 and my mom tells me all the time about how I was as a child. Coffee would definitely have an immediate stimulating reaction for your child but they have proven that it actually heightens symptoms when it wears off. Caffeine in your brain does not actually give you more energy but rather tricks your brain into thinking it needs coffee to maintain the energy level it normally has. In the same way caffeine on a dopamine deficient brain would make you feel like you need even more of something stimulating to get back to where you were with the caffeine. I self medicated with soda and caffeine throughout the years but it is a nasty spiral of always needing more. If your child was to associate the relief of stimulation to soda rather then medication it can lead to turning to soda or coffee when frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed, etc... In older years they call this emotional eating and is something that I get stuck in when I miss my medicine and start to feel flustered.

Exercise even at that age is an amazing coping mechanism, it is a natural dopamine enhancer and even many adults use working out as an alternative to medication. Finding an outlet for your child is more then just letting them "burn off the extra energy" that energy is the body looking for stimulation, it will always be there, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. If you can afford it find a martial arts class or activity that your child can be highly active in. Be open with the leaders about your child's diagnosis and be ready to advocate for them to be understood but challenged. Structure and boundaries are as important as the physical activity. Don't be surprised when two weeks in or a month in your child no longer wants to do the activity or whenever they are frustrated they want to quit. This is normal, but push for them to hit a goal, no matter their feelings, and assess then. 6 months, one season, a year, a belt, whatever will make them fight through the frustrations long enough to see if there are benefits.

One on one time makes a big difference as well. My dad used to take me out on Saturdays, if I remembered my medication all week, for a treat. Normally a soda or an ice cream bar, in a family of 6 kids I looked forward to this time with my dad more then the treat. We would talk about hopes and dreams, and ideas that might never happen but he just dreamed with me, listened to me and put time into me, that hour felt like the entire day and is one of the most cherished moments in my childhood. I vividly remember every adult that looked past their frustrations with my behavior and poured time into me, I also vividly remember every adult that didn't think I could hear them talk about me. Obnoxious, annoying, undisciplined, etc I remember it all because of the emotions with it. Guess who I tried for, excelled for, whose opinions mattered, and whose advice I asked. This had as big of a role in my behavior as well. Medication or not,I would try hard, and work harder for those I felt like tried to deal with me.

My mom tried different oils and things over the years but none of those things actually ever helped. Menthol lotions on my legs at night when I was restless would distract me enough to fall asleep but that's about it. I've tried it all over the years.

Mindfullness training was huge for being able to control my emotions, so that an argument did not turn into screaming match. Therapy also played a huge role in feeling like I could have someone to talk to that was unbiased, and I couldn't hurt their feelings by saying everything on my mind. Then there was someone to help me verbally process, however a therapist who has not pursued knowledge specifically on ADHD will often do more harm then good. As soon as they see you as neurotypical and over reacting to a situation they will not be able to help you recognize and cope with things like Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. and Avoidance disorders.

You have been given a hard task but the best thing you can do is read as much as you can and try all the things. The behavior specialists, the coaches, the clinics and workshops. So you can empower your child to fight through the depression and anxiety, as well as the social stigma that will come later in life. I spent my whole childhood knowing in my inner most being that I was different, but my parents poured into me all the good. How it can benefit me, and those around me, and that changed everything. Love that baby so that no matter what frustrations come they know they are loved, and that they can come to you. That will play a huge role on their behavior too. Let them be wild and rambunctious whenever you can. Enroll in Pool passes, and play groups. Let the glances roll off your back from the parents who don't understand, and now that you were meant to be this child's momma for a reason!

[Reeeba1 in reply to Jezzibird]

Have you written a book? Do you plan to - please?

[Cjkchamp]

Research broad spectrum micronutrients. There are two companies, Hardy Nutritionals and True Hope. We use the Hardy DEN.

[EssentiallyMe]

We also give my son micronutrients. In addition, he goes to a chiropractor regularly, uses essential oils and CBD, takes fish oil and an antioxidant supplement, and has a range of services at school. Finding a less structured but active outlet has also been helpful. He rides his bike every day in good weather, and does a floor hockey class that is truly just pickup. Special time on a regular basis definitely helps. He can pick anything he wants within certain limits (doesn’t cost money, no screens, etc.), I set a timer, and I just pour myself into him and into what we are doing. Best of luck on this journey!

[oakmom]

I highly recommend the medication. My son is also 6 and it's been a game changer for us.

Go to YouTube and find the video by Russell Barkley called the essential things every parent should know. That will give you tons of help.

[Pennywink in reply to oakmom]

I also highly endorse this Barkley video. He can be a little frank for people new to the diagnosis - he doesn't pull his punches. So I usually recommend starting with All About ADHD by Thomas Phelan, than moving to Barkley. But it is all amazing info!

youtube.com/watch?v=SCAGc-r...(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden]

We have our children on several natural supplements...I would suggest

L-Theanine. Also a micronutrient would be good. And a magnesium supplement may help with the calming. Another thing is a good omega 3 fish oil. I would also recommend you get a good psychiatrist on board...

[anirush]

There have actually been some studies about the benefits of caffeine for ADHD children but I don't know if there have been any definitive answers. That would be for a doctor to answer. Stimulants like caffeine work differently on kids with ADHD than they do on others.

[Pennywink]

Hi Sleepless-mom! I know where you've been! My son was tested at age 5, tested again & diagnosed at age 6 and started stimulants @ age 7.

I actually have used caffeine for my son. Here are my thoughts:

I primarily used caffeine as an experiment one day (as it is basically a OTC stimulant.) It seemed crazy to give caffeine to a kid prone to over-stimulation, but it noticeably calmed him down. Just about 1/4 of my coffee, or a 1/2 can of Coke. For me, that's what sealed the deal that he does actually have ADHD and that stimulant medication could really help him. My husband was a tougher sell, so I would sometimes give my son caffeine until my husband was ready for a medication trial.

However, I don't think caffeine is a better choice than stimulant medication. They have similar benefits & drawbacks as medications, but in less controlled ways.

1. Caffeine, though helpful, is going to have a short impact. So I would need to feed my child sodas all day. Not healthy - and with school, not practical.

2. Most caffeine options come with a ton of sugar / sweeteners. At least any my son would ingest (and I definitely do NOT recommend caffeine pills.) For long term use, this can also lead to bad habits in the future, especially as their metabolism slows down & can lead to weight / health issues.

3. As some have mentioned, once the caffeine wears off, the behavior can been worse than before. This can also happen with medication, but is typically less of an issue with the long-acting stimulants once their bodies have gotten use to it.

4. Unlike medication, the amount of caffeine can't be controlled. Two full sized cans of Mountain Dew do not necessarily have the same amount of caffeine in them. So one drink may have more than needed, the other less - you really can't judge. Medication can be a lot more precise.

5. Drinking caffeine is not monitored by a physician, while medication is closely monitored to make sure the child is still thriving, helping guide through side effects, etc.

I realize many people new to the diagnosis are fearful of medications, especially the stimulants, so caffeine may seem the safer option. But in my opinion the dangers of medication have been overstated and the benefits not emphasized enough.

Sorry for the book - hope this helps!

[Nla1]

Didn’t want to put my 7yr old on med... I was 100% against it. Then I realized I might be doing a disservice to him by not being open to it. I never thought I would say this but .... concerta was the best thing we did... and I’m a mom who meditates, eats only organic and has the kids super active.... the frontal lobe needs regulation. They simply cannot regulate themselves.... My son is the exact same kid, great appetite and still full of zest, he just concentrates better and isn’t AS hyperactive... best of luck to you. XO

[abryans]

My four siblings and I drank coffee with no measurable bad effects (none of us diagnosed with ADHD). I give a cup of coffee (lots of whole milk dilutes it) to my 10 year old son who has ADHD combined type. It seems to help some and he likes it. I have been doing it since he was six and we just started a small dose of medicine this year.

[Pennywink]

Realized I didn't touch the second part of your question. There are other steps you can take! Behavioral methods typically can't replace medication, but are a good start & also work well with medication.

1. I highly recommend reading Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson - most likely available at your local library or their online lending network. It has been recommended to me by 3 separate mental health professionals. It is basically about accommodations you can make at home.

2. Also, any positive parenting training or books. Our local children's hospital provided a free 8 week workshop in one of them. Some examples are Triple P, Love & Logic, Nurtured Heart, Ross Greene's CPS, 1-2-3 Magic when used positively and many more. But any system that focuses on firm but positive parenting (not to be confused with permissive) will help.

3. Sleep! Getting plenty of sleep is the single biggest factor with my son, apart from medication. We put him to bed early & consistently. Also, early bedtime for me too.

4. Routine. Kids with ADHD need A LOT of structure and routine.

5. Signs, Checklists, timers, analog clocks. People with ADHD struggle with working memory, time judgement & breaking down tasks - so bringing these things into the visual element will help. I have checklists for morning routines, cleaning bedroom procedures, and use a Time Timer (and analog timer.)

6. Consequences & Reward charts. They need to be swift, though not necessarily severe.

[dubstepMaul]

When my ADHD son was a child and I was just learning about his ADHD I had a knowledable friend who gave me lots of advice. One of the things she told me was that there's a "reversal" of some things in the adhd brain, including caffeine affects. For my son this was completely true, caffeine calmed him down. I would occasionally give him a weak cup of "coffee-milk" which would help him fall asleep. I would never have believed this if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

[KMLMPLS]

Also, with stimulant medication it’s important not to consume citric acid an hour before or after taking meds. It interferes with the mode of action of the medication. We have a long list of foods that don’t contain it for breakfast.

[Game44 in reply to KMLMPLS]

I did not know this! The omega 3 oil my son takes is citrus flavoured and is probably interfering with his meds as well. Only starting day 4 tomorrow but will definitely omit the orange juice from breakfast and have to find a different time of day for the omega 3 oil or switch flavours! Thanks for the info!

[Canadianmum in reply to Game44]

Yes! No orange juice 60 minutes before or after taking it. We give medication with milk.

[Game44 in reply to Canadianmum]

Thanks!

[Game44 in reply to Canadianmum]

I spoke with the pharmacist today and he said not to worry about citrus or vitamin c when taking Concerta. He said there are no vitamins, minerals or foods that interfere with the absorption of this particular stimulant.