Initial Side Effects of Adderall for 5 yr. old?

[Lo-Olivier]

Hi all, my son (age 5) just got diagnosed with ADHD. Just this week we tried him on Daytrana (the patch) and he developed a motor tic a few hours in and it was really scary. Tomorrow we are going to try Adderall. Are there any side effects I should watch out for day 1? Will I see a difference within a day or two? I am really new to this subject and to be honest the bad reaction he got the other day really scared me. I just don't know what to expect.

[Hidden]

You should see potential side effects same day.

[Onthemove1971]

When the type of medication, dose of medication and timing of medication are all correct your/his life will change. We also had a bad reaction to a medication so we know because we have been there. Thankfully, our son doesn't remember any of that, when you ask him ( he is 24 years old now). Yes, you will see a difference the first day, you will also see the medication wear off depending on how long it will last. As soon as it wears off it is out of his system, no build up.

Some of us chose to give a second dose in the afternoon ( of the same medication) so they are able to function in the afternoon and evening ( which is the hardest time).

We are always here for you! Thinking good things for you guys.

The only side effect we saw was him not being hungry, but that went away now he eats like a horse.

[Lo-Olivier in reply to Onthemove1971]

Well on the first medication, the patch when I took the patch off it took over 24 hours before the tic stopped. I’m just so scared he’s going to have a bad reaction to all stimulants... I know it’s trial and error but so hard to do with a little kid who can’t really express that hey my head hurts or my stomach hurts

[Sunnywsmile in reply to Onthemove1971]

My daughter is 9 years old with ADHD, and she couldn’t sleep easily as she used to be. I just wondered if the medication wears off how can she changed to insomnia.

Would you please share about a second dose in the afternoon, did you give him Adderall again? And what is the amount compared to morning dose?

Because I will see her doctor again soon I need to discuss about this. Also, she has changed her attitude, lack of attention and focus.

Thanks so much.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Sunnywsmile]

He takes 60mg extended release ( they day lasts 8-10 hours) at 6:30am and 40 mg extended around 1-2pm.

Many children with ADHD have sleeping issues. Many give their children Melatonin to help.

Good luck

[Sunnywsmile in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thank you so much

[Bamfam]

Hi there. Adderall was the first medication that we actually tried. We noticed a change that day in our LO. However, he also became very sad and depressed while on Adderall, which is not an uncommon side effect. We let our Dr. know and she switched him right away, and we no longer had that issue. That was the only side effect we saw.I hope that helps a little!

[anirush]

Not fun to do med trials but most side effects go away once off the meds. My grandson had such a severe tic one medication he shuffled and shrugged all across a room. It completely went away within a few days.Once you get a good fit it is wonderful.

[gaia4512]

You might not see results right away. We started with a low lose of Aderall because my son is underweight and had to increase the dose before we saw results. Once it was effective we saw a night and day difference, it was amazing. I was told to watch for a decrease in appetite but haven't seen any side effects.