Qelbree--Are your kids having emotional side-effects?

[SaoirsecorB]

My 8-year-old daughter has been taking 100mg extended release Qelbree for about 3 weeks now. Although we've noticed a positive difference in tADHD symptoms, we've noticed that it has caused sleep disturbances (most notably, falling asleep for 1-3 hours every day after school) and anxiety/mood issues. I knew these were a possibility, but she has been having some meltdowns that include sobbing and being inconsolable about certain things that make her anxious (i.e. math). She even mentioned once that she was "sad and didn't know why".

I decided that I would cut her dosage in half (the Dr. mentioned that as an option) and have been trying that for a few days. However, we are still having the same side effects.Is anyone else's child experiencing these side-effects? What did you do to combat them? Did the symptoms go away?Thanks in advance!

[Aloysia]

It doesn't matter what the name of the medication is - if it makes your child feel sad for no reason, then IMMEDIATELY stop taking it. This is a huge red flag!!! Wait until she doesn't have those side effects any more (should be just a few days), then try a different medication. It's very common to have to try many medications before you find the right fit.

Yes, my son experienced this with the 2nd medication he tried. And the side effects went away fairly quickly after stopping.

[SaoirsecorB in reply to Aloysia]

Oh I did stop it immediately--The side effects happened so quickly!! She was not herself AT ALL. The very next day, she was close to being 100%. Very scary.

I do seem to remember having to go through a few medications, myself to find the right one. But I had to stop due to high blood pressure.

Are there any that you would recommend? Or is it still the kind of thing where the medication has a very personal interaction, requiring trial and error?

AND THANK YOU!

[Aloysia in reply to SaoirsecorB]

My son tried Concerta and then Adderall. He is now on Focalin XR.

My daughter tried Vyvanse. And is now on Daytrana (patch).

I think it is very dependent on an individual's DNA as to which medications work and which ones have side effects.

[Aspen797]

Qelbree has a black box warning (strongest possible FDA warning) that in rare cases it can cause suicidal ideation. Very scary. Since your parents radar is up, seems wise to see her doctor asap.

[SaoirsecorB in reply to Aspen797]

WHOA. What upsets me is that the doctor sort of glossed over these details. As if they were too rare to worry about. Clearly not. Will be contacting the Dr. today. THANK YOU!!

[JamB11]

My son took it for two weeks..ended up at childrens hospital because he said he wanted to die. As soon as we stopped his emotions calmed down.

[SaoirsecorB in reply to JamB11]

!!!!!!Two weeks?!? So glad he's better! I had a very strong feeling these emotions would worsen quickly. They started so quickly after starting! THANK YOU!!