ADHD medication query (UK)

[Klr2677]

Hi there - I have a medication question (based in UK). My 5 (nearly 6) year old currently takes short acting methylphenidate. We tried long acting but it didn’t suit him and didn’t last any longer than short acting. He has ADHD quite severely (v hyper and emotional) so we medicate him most of the day. He takes 2.5mg as soon as he wakes, then 7.5, 7.5, 7.5 finishing on 2.5mg to help with rebounds. This does work well most days but I find the regime difficult and I’m sure he’s experiencing ups and downs throughout the day. The Paediatrician has suggested Elvanse (which is child dexamphetamine) which apparently lasts all day. I’m reluctant to change but it would be great to have something that lasts all day without constantly taking meds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Anyone have any experience of this drug with a child so young? Should I just continue with the methylphenidate and put up with the regime?! Also, he’s on non branded methylphenidate- anyone think the branded version is significantly different? Any advice greatly appreciated x

[Onthemove1971]

Please look at adding Guanfacine, our son takes it at night time and it is a 24 hour dose. It helps so much with focus and self control.

Our son takes a long acting in the am and a short acting in the pm. This helps the most

[Klr2677 in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thanks for this, but not 100% they prescribe this in the UK yet (we are always behind!). Is it a stimulant? How old is your son? X

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Klr2677]

No it is a non stimulant, he is 14 years old.

[ADHD_DAD]

We have had very good success with Concerta which is a long acting methylphenidate. My son does take a booster of a short acting on school days. Good luck to you. Be well.

[Elijah1]

Elvanse is the same as Vyvanse in the USA. It is a long acting medication and, when effective, works for the day. You can ask the pediatrician for a trial of a short acting amphetamine for a few days to make sure it works (compare morning to afternoon behaviors) and does not cause any behavioral worsening (with his history of being emotional, I wonder if he has co-existing anxiety or just the behavioral impulsivity of ADHD). If it works, start with a low dose (Elvanse comes as a 20 mg capsule whose contents dissolve in water so, if you want to be cautious, dissolve it in 2 oz of water and give 1 ounce in the morning for the first 2 days and, if not enough, then the full capsule contents). Our son has been on Vyvanse for many years so I have learned about the product.

[Klr2677]

This is really helpful, thank you. Can I ask the age of your son?

[anirush]

Another name for Guanfacine is Intuniv. The other is the generic and it has been a godsend addition for us too.