Child reluctant to try meds.

[Decoratorchick]

Hello all. My son is about to turn 10. He was diagnosed 2 years ago with ADHD combined and anxiety (which I'm not sure he has but anyway).

He is doing much better socially and is less reactive/impulsive. Has friends and no real behavior problems...so he is maturing and evolving.

I did not really want to medicate him at first but the more I learn the more I think it can help.

My main concern is that he is behind in reading and very behind in math, and I think his inability to focus on studying hurts him and is going to be a struggle as he continues into middle school and high school. I want to try medication to see if it helps but he has refused so far.

Does anyone have experience in getting a reluctant child to try the medicine?

Part of his issue is just the act of taking it (taste) but I also think it makes him feel something is "wrong" with him if he needs medication.

He has a very supportive school environment and several kids in his class also take medicine, so it is not stigmatized in his small private school.

thanks for sharing your experience if you can.

S.O.L.

[BLC89]

Hello Decoratorchick,It may help to explain the meds only last a few hours to a day. It doesn't have to be long term. It can be a research project. You know within a day or two if they will have a positive impact.

If he had an upset stomach he would take something to balance it out, that's all these meds do. They balance his brain chemistry, not because he's broken, because he is wired for a different world. If he was a hunter/gatherer running around all day, doing things that interested him or helped the group he wouldn't be "out of balance."

My daughter tried them all around his age and didn't like how she felt. She went back to them just before high school. She remembered how they helped and figured out she wasn't changing who she was (that's how it felt when she was younger) she was giving herself a boost to deal with the system that's not designed for how she thinks (most schools).

If he isn't up for it now he may be later when school gets more complex. Or he might balance himself with high cardio everyday and not really need the meds - there are many that works for.

Appeal to his curiosity and see if that helps.

I know they can be a game changer for many people.

I how that helps,

BLC89

[Decoratorchick in reply to BLC89]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your insight....will see if he is curious enough to give them a shot. Also thanks for your daughters experience, its good to know he may reject at first then go back to them. S

[Onthemove1971]

If I were in your shoes.. I was start as soon as possible. It takes a while for things to get started then once he tries them he may need to try a few in case one doesn't work and then before he feels stable. There is the type of medication, the dose and the timing.

Many times our son can't even remember if he has taken his medication.

When everything it set correctly 60% of the symptoms of ADHD go away.

There are many different kinds of medication: liquid, tablet and patch.

If you start with a stimulant medication, he will know within the first few hours that it works (or the dose may be to low). If you guys start with a non-stimulant it take a while for the body to get adjusted to the medication. There should be minimal side effects, like at as hungry, for us this stopped.

There are many older post message if you have time to read them they may help you feel better about your decision.

We will always be here for you to support whatever you decide to do.

I would not recommend waiting until starting middle school, it is a stressful time and to add starting medication would be a lot.