Stopping Focalin cause DD says it’s makes her grumpy

[Yellow-cello]

My daughter (13) has been taking Focalin for about a year on school days for adhd Inattentive type. Her main issue is forgetfulness: forgetting assignments, and forgetting where she puts stuff. She’s nearly always missing something like a sweatshirt, etc. Anyway, the medicine doesn’t make a noticeable difference but when we tried increasing it just 5mg she was upset, irritable, and sad. So we immediately bumped it back down to 10mg which was better but she told the doctor she feels “not as happy” on days she takes it. So Dr recommended we take a break completely and focus on sleep. I’m giving 3mg Melatonin at bedtime and she’s walking up happy and bouncing off to school. There have been no new issues with forgetfulness (still a struggle). I guess I’m posting because I’m wondering where to go from here? Has anyone found a helpful drug for forgetfulness and disorganization that doesn’t cause mood issues? And could Melatonin for a good nights sleep be just as effective? Tia for any insights!

[anirush]

When my daughter was in middle school, she had a teacher take her under her wing to get her organized. Taught her how to keep her folders in order , keep a planner, put reminders in it immediately after each class etc.It sounds like she is not really doing too badly. We've had the same issue with slightly changing a medication and making it actually worse.

Do they have life coaches at her school?

[Yellow-cello in reply to anirush]

Thanks for your reply. She is at a small private school and some teachers are more helpful than others. No exec function or life coaches there. I do think she’s figured out some skills but is inconsistent in using them. Forgets to write an assignment in her planner and needs to call around to get the info (happened today).

[MyDogAteMyRitalin]

Hi, would your school give your daughter something like an IEP with goals related to executive function? My son has one on his IEP. To address it, he takes a special study skills class where the teacher works with him on taking responsibility for his assignments and techniques to help organize. It is not a 100% fix, but it helps.

[Yellow-cello in reply to MyDogAteMyRitalin]

Her school is tiny and doesn’t offer a study skills class or anything like it. The small size naturally gives her lots of attention but I do think she needs more support. Thanks for your comment. I may be asking for more at school (if she’ll agree, which is another hurdle)!

[marinecyan]

Antioxidant supplements have been shown to be effective for focus as has neurofeedback, although that is an expensive undertaking when done in person. Dr. James Greenblatt discusses both in his book Finally Focused. It's worth a read if you're open to non-medication approaches.

There are also video games that are designed to increase focus in youth with ADHD. Endeavor RX is a prescription (endeavorrx.com/) while many others you can buy directly and they provide neurofeedback or biofeedback at home, like Mightier (mightier.com/).

I'm glad your daughter has been able to communicate how she's feeling. That's so important!

[Mocha99]

My son 10 started on quelbree it’s a non-stimulant he takes at night he works well to help him sleep and makes a noticeable difference with his focus and functioning during the day. I think a non-stimulant may be a better option if she’s getting irritable with the Focalin.