reducing meds

[Laura3456]

hello. I would like any experiences please of inattentive adhd and reduced symptoms as the child gets old. My dd was diagnosed at 8 and on Ritalin. Now 14 and we have reduced dose by 5mg a day. She seems to be getting ocd type symptoms whilst on the meds. She doesn’t seem to need them for homework and I can see some inattentive symptoms but really just quirky. I am thinking about reducing meds to see what happens but really nervous as school been going so well.

[Vickie109]

Yes, it could be the dose is just a bit too high if symptoms only present while on the meds. It's been a long time since my son had any tics. He was also diagnosed at 8 and is 15 now. At that time we reduced meds and SE improved. I also give him a magnesium supplement daily which can help mitagate SE. Especially with slow bowels with meds. Good luck.

[Elijah1]

Agree that Ritlain can aggravate anxiety and OCD symptoms. If attention problems continue off the medication, as the doctor about alternatives that are less likely to have this side effect.

[STEM_Dad in reply to Elijah1]

I was thinking similarly, that perhaps a different medication would be better.

Some people with Inattentive ADHD are better treated with a non-stimulant than a stimulant. For children, a newer medication called Qelbree is an option, and it is reported to have lower incidence of side effects than Strattera, which was the original go-to non-stimulant.

[BLC89]

Hello Laura3456,It's great you are in tune with how the meds are impacting your child. It's a great idea to revisit dose especially as the are going thru puberty- all the chemistry systems are on overdrive. The meds will definitely be impacted by changing hormones.

Check with your child and see how it feels to them. Then check with your doctor and discuss strategies.

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD.