Experiences with Lexapro?

[arrh121]

My son (8yo) has ADHD, poor self control, and extreme mood swings. He does reasonably well with guanfacine ER and atomoxetine, but still is explosive, is sometimes aggressive at home and has wild mood swings (very small things can set him off).

Has anyone had experience with Lexapro in this situation? Did it help?

[SurvivorFan]

Not Lexapro specifically, but adding on a medication for mood (Zoloft) helped my son a lot. Anxiety or depression can come out as extreme irritability like that. We had to try 3 different ones before we landed on the zoloft. Definitely worth a try. I really hope your son responds well so he/your family can have better days. I know it's tough, hang in there.

[arrh121 in reply to SurvivorFan]

Thanks! What other medications does he take with it?

[SurvivorFan in reply to arrh121]

He takes guanfacine and focalin with the zoloft. If any one of the 3 is not on board it's like it all goes to hell. It's taken a long time to dial in what works and when to give it.My son takes Focalin XR twice daily (am and early afternoon) and then also needs a booster dose of methylphenidate at 4pm. He takes zoloft in the am along with 2mg Guanfacine XR. At 4pm he also gets 2mg of Guanfince immediate release. (Trying to increase the guanfacine xr caused irritability)

He is about to turn 10 now and is doing pretty well! Most days are good days and some days have some tough moments weaved in. The medication along with the parent training I did have literally been life savers for not only him but entire house.

[Lillianmcmcl]

I'm not sure if this is comparable but my 9 year old daughter has ADHD and autism and takes Guanfacine, Wellbutrin (somewhat comparable to Atomextine) and Prozac. Her psychologist told me anxiety is often behind the rough behavior and when we added Prozac it was a game change. Stimulants never made a noticeable difference for her but the Prozac really did. And she sleeps better, which also has a massive impact on her mood and ability to learn.