Dynavel XR

[hygienehollie]

my son has tried Focalin short and long acting, Jornay PM, Adderal xr and Metadate CD. We have never had great luck with maki my a big difference, especially in the emotional dysregulation. He takes Abilify, Clonidine, Prozac and Lamictal also.

Has anyone had luck with Dynavel XR or any other recommendations?

[BLC89]

Hello hygienehollie

I am wondering if you have tried changing his diet? There is limited evidence that a low sugar, gluten free, dairy free diet can help with outward symptoms.

Since he is on Lamictal is there any issue with high cardio exercise? That has been shown in many, many studies to help with Executive functions including emotional regulation.

Another thought that takes some time to work through is changing the Prozac to Bupropion (Wellbutrin) it has been shown to work well with ADHD meds. Prozac hasn't doesn't play well with ADHD meds, making side effects worse in some cases.

Depending on the age of your son you may be in a waiting phase, if he is young like 5 ish. He may just need time to develop more in his prefrontal cortex before he can regulate his emotions a bit better. If he is a teen his hormones are likely messing with the chemistry as well.

More and more evidence is coming out that positive reinforcement is the best (some say only) way to change behavior for ADHDers so keep up the hugs and acknowledging the positives he demonstrates.

I hope some of this helps,

BLC89

full disclosure I am an ADHD Parent Coach, have raised two kids with ADHD and been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years

[hygienehollie in reply to BLC89]

Hi!

Diet changes we tried is eliminating food coloring on two separate occasions. Didn’t really notice a big change. His diet by far is not perfect, but I do try to buy stuff without food coloring and high fructose corn syrup.

He hasn’t had any problems being on Lamictal, although it’s the one med we don’t know if it’s ever made a difference for him.

He does seem to do better behaviorally/mood more during Lee wee football season. There’s practice 3-4 days a week then games on Sundays. That intense exercise is beneficial for him. I wish it were year round. He does play baseball, but it’s not really enough “hard” exercise for him. I tried to get him to do other things this winter and he was not interested.

[BLC89 in reply to hygienehollie]

Will he stay in shape in the off season in preparation for the next football season? It sounds like exercise is the best for him. It is also a great antidepressant and may allow for a reduction of the Prozac.I have found cycling to be a good ADHD sport because you can't get too distracted or you serve or fall over. It is a good cross training exercise as it keeps your legs strong and also keeps your endurance up - both good for football.

But if he does well when he is running around for football then there must be some other sport at a different time of year that he could get into. Lacrosse, or rugby? Those are both pretty strenuous and a bit different which may appeal to him.

There are people who can exercise as their medication and it has been found in many studies that it is second only to medication as a universal helper with ADHD. Maybe he doesn't need any meds just exercise. If he could acknowledge that he is better during football season he may be more inclined to find something else.

He wants to be a team player? Well the family is a team and you all do much better when he does better and he does better when there is hard exercise. That idea might work.

So the Lamictal is not for an anti-epileptic medication? Is its off label use for ADHD? I am not familiar with it. If it doesn't seem to add anything to his life and he can afford to not take it, that would be one less item in the chemistry that you are trying to balance.

I would keep trying to find another sport or pitch the stay-in-shape-in-the-off-season-like-the-pros-do idea. You are definitely on to something there.

Stay curious you will find things that work,

BLC89