We recently went to see an ADHD Dr for our recently diagnosed 9 yr old. I went in with a ton of questions, and received a lot of answers, but when we left the office I still feel unsure of the unknown. She provided us a list of medications (which is scary) but also know it's needed. Would anyone be willing to provide any real life experiences with the medication and had suggested. I know all chemical substances are bad but with what she has suggested, which is the less detrimental to the body...She said we're more likely to start off with the non-stimulant. The list is below.
Ritalin
Focalin
Concerta
Guanfacine
Clonidine
Thank you for your time
Scared Mama
Written by
Jmn13
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I am proud of you for reaching out for support in your ADHD medication journey. I’m on year 11 into the ADHD for my son and myself so I am happy to provide some insight.
Ritalin , Focalin, Concerta are all methylphenidate stimulant medications that are classified as Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). The three differ by effective duration (e.g. short acting 4 hours) and delivery system (e.g. continuous release, gradual release). Ritalin is the oldest and original ADHD stimulant medication and is still widely used.
Guanfacine and Clonidine fall under the non-stimulant medication category. These medications control blood pressure and increase the release of norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate attention, impulse control, and behavior.
There’s one other category of stimulant medications which is amphetamine class which includes medications like Adderall and Vyvanse.
Finding the right medication to treat is all about trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another even in the same family. My son has taken all the medications you listed above, and is currently taking Vyvanse and clonidine with a high degree of effectiveness.
Often, parents find it easier to start with a non-stimulant medication to see if you can go that route and if that doesn’t work, try the stimulants. Just remember that it’s a process that you have to go through to better your child’s self regulation.
Thanks for seeking input from the group. Our son started medication when he was in 2nd grade. Of course each child is different, but medication helped him to think before he reacted. It allowed him to slow down and the symptoms went away.
The great thing about stimulants is once they "wear off" they are out of their system they are out of their system. You can stop them at any time.
Medication has changed our sons life and helped him decrease excessive talking and not be as impulsive.
Medication has been studied for many years and for us our son did not have any harmful side effect it just decreased negative behavior.
There are many.. many prior messages you can read about children starting medication. Once the type of medication is correct, the dosage is dialed in and it is taken at the correct timing many families are sad they didn't start younger.
We have a adhd son. We do not use them. We tried but he get angry. And he get insomnia from the pills. Beter options are magnesium(bisglycenate or taurate). Omega3, dlpa (neurotransmitter) or macuna pruriens, b1 (hlc or benfothiamine) vit d3. Do also test his amount of lithium and zinc and copper in the rbc and serum. You have to level them to a normal -high range. Look for intolerants in his food. Lots of braindissorder people have intolerants for gluten and/ or dairy, nuts, fructose even glucose or salicylates. Look for info for ketogenic diets for breindissorders. Look for Georgia Ede's book. Follow Susan Owens, Antony Chafeend. There is a world out there where you do not need medicine to temper or fix a brain. Food has to fix the brain. And inflamatory food has to be removed.
There are a ton of factors that go into why or why not any of these medications may be a fit...for right now, for your child. The results of any one medication varies widely, ie. trial & error. My son is almost 14yrs old, and has tried them all. While Methylphenidate, both immediate & extended release ultimately worked best for him, many did not. As a result of this journey, I am convinced that the results vary so widely is due to the unique physiological makeup of anyone person, ie. what works for one doesn't work for others, and thus then just accentuates the narrative of trial & error. We have all been in your shoes, even though each case has unique circumstances. I absolutely encourage prevention in trying to get ahead and/or dealing with extraneous symptoms that result in the aspect of treatment because it does affect much of your life. That means therapy in its many forms, self-educate and advocate, a nutritionist as these meds do affect appetite and growth. I say all this simply because in my experience with the mental health field, things tend to be reactionary to any one symptom and/or condition, and less about prevention. All the best to you in your journey
My son is on Ritalin and Guanfacine and it’s been a lifesaver! I praise God for the meds because prior to them, life was a living nightmare. Thankfully, he takes them without any hesitation. He’s also ASD, and the ADHD diagnosis was just last August. We’ve seen an incredible change for the better. I HATE that my child is on meds, but I’m sooooo grateful for them. We have a wonderful, wise doctor whose philosophy is “low and slow,” so we started out on the lowest dose possible and worked our way up to what we felt gave the best results. ((hugs)) Dealing with these issues is not easy and it is scary, but a good, wise doctor and the right med can make all the difference.
what are you scared of? If it is side effects, see if you can take a gene sight test (if you’re in the US). It will tell you which meds will have the most adverse effects for your kids genetics.
Meds have been a lifesaver for my whole family (only the youngest isn’t medicated… yet). It is important to have a good diet and have a therapist as well though.
Guanfacein was bad for my family because initially it was a blood pressure med. it keeps people having outbursts because it lowers blood pressure. Great for people with high blood pressure, but it made my family dizzy and my stepkid feint.
Stimulants make blood pressure higher, and can raise anxieties. Those didn’t work for me (already a buzzy person), but vyvanse has been great for my partner who is the inattentive type. What works for me is stratera. It’s not considered a stimulant only because it’s a mild one and not strong enough. It gives me attention without making me more buzzy. It allows me to choose which thoughts to spend time with and switch off the panic inside my head from a situation. Technically stimulants are the first line to go to.
The good news is stimulant medicines are out of the system within a day so there usually aren’t long term effects, though my kid had tics for a few months from the heightened anxieties.
Hope this helps. LMK if you have any more questions zen hugs 🫂
My son (10y) takes generic Concerta and Guanfacine. Like you, I was extremely hesitant about medicating my child and I held off for the first year after his diagnosis. Once we felt we had to try, I have found the medications to truly be a lifesaver for my son and our family. And now, looking back, I only wish I had him start on them sooner. Best luck to you and your kiddo!
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