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i have a doughter who is 7 and ive allways known shes +possibly adhd she was diagnosed last year and i refused meds ..........tomorrow morning were starting her on concerta 18mg i cant do this anymore im so scared havent stoped crying and feel very ............unexplanible i read the side effects losing weight my dd is 7 and only 40 pounds she has no weight to lose and it says her heart can beat faster that makes me very uncomfertable ........ive also been reading alote and looks like there can be lots of tics someone please HELP i feel alone and that i cant stop reading and the more i read the more im SCARED ↓
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| Name: rgj | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 4:27 AM |
| Hi Cherrie. My son was diagnosed three years ago with ADHD. We had to hold him in first grade. He couldn't read, spell, etc. The doctors said we had to put him on medication so we tried it. The medications didn't work for him, he was a zombie. He wouldn't eat or play. He just sat and was so quiet. None of the medications worked so we took him off of them. I am not saying they are not right for your daughter, but for our son none of them worked. So we started looking for alternatives and we found a counseling service that came to our home and to his school. They taught our son, us and his teachers how to deal with him. Gave us a list of activities that would help with his control, etc. Today he is in fourth grade, on the Principal's List (his lowest 6 week score is a 95), reading at a 9th grade level, he made 100% on his SOL's and is competing in a history competition this spring. There is hope. Listen to your child's doctor, counselor. They will help you through. ↑ |
| Name: taybry | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 6:09 AM |
| What is the biggest issue with your daughter, if like mine, its more inattention then you need a plan thru school to accomdate her needs. I have tried metadate, concerta and daytrana patch. On every one she had no appetite. Last month she lost 5lbs. If you have problems with eating, make sure she drinks high protien, calorie shakes and vitamens. I am trying vitamens, fish oil etc. Hoping that the dha in oil will help. You can always email me at [email protected]. I'll keep in my prayers. ↑ |
| Name: billy22 | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 4:41 PM |
| Hi cherrie~ Meds can be a scary thing. but for most kids they wrok! Although my son is no longer on meds, he was for over 3 years. He's older now so he has decided on his own to not take the meds because he has learned a lot about his ADHD from his pychiatrist and how to handle certain situaitons. I personally didn't like the meds because for my son it made his behavior worse by the afternoon....BUT this is Not true for all kids. Side affects are different for everyone and what I did in the beginning was log a journal of the amount and type of med I gave him and how his behavior was during that time. Then you have something to take to the doctor if you feel like its not working for you or need to have an adjustment....I hope this helps. Meds can be scary....I was scared too, but when your at the end of your rope and have tried everything else what else can you do except listen to the doctor? I think a lot of us have been there. GOOD LUCK! ↑ |
| Name: flamom | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 5:09 PM |
| Don't be scared, we're all here with you. I hear mixed review on Concerta. Try Focalin (not XR). My son on it 7 wks. Not losing weights which he did with other. Doing well in school, he's 10. Good luck Cherrie and don't worry. I had thoughts my child was add at age 5 lucky it's not severe. However, severe enough for meds during school. Take care. ↑ |
| Name: momOFthree | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 6:09 PM |
Hi Cherrie,
If you are scared about weight loss, try this: give her a good breakfast (eggs, cheese, etc) in the morning before you give her her pill, and then give her a really good bed time snack - the meds should stop working after 10-12 hours and she will be hungry then. My daughter (age 5, on Concerta) rarely eats lunch and snacks lightly throughout the day, and eats a very small dinner, if any. BUT, she is ravenous before bed, so I just reaheat her dinner then.
I know it's scary, but just remember that the meds can sometimes "fix" what's wrong with your daughter, they can help her concentrate at school, and like our pediatrician said, that's the most important time for the child, to learn at school. Together with new parenting techniques and the teacher's help, your daughter will do just fine. Medication should be a last resort, when nothing else works. So if you are at that point, then just know that you are doing whatever you can to help her. Good luck! ↑ |
| Name: cherrie | Date: Nov 22nd, 2006 7:23 PM |
MOMof three
how long hads your child been on meds and how many mg does she take ?
thank you to all of you it took me 2 and a half hours to give kim her pill this morning shes not cooperating at allshe finally took it about 10 am this morning ↑ |
| Name: fancy | Date: Nov 23rd, 2006 3:55 AM |
| Hi cherrie you will here lots of tales regareding the meds I did my son hes been on concerta for a year now and he takes 2 27mg every morning yes he had a little weight loss but not enough to worry about hes doing good in school and at home when concerta wears off you will see your daughters eating habbit come back I was also scared to give my son meds he started them 2 years ago and hes eight now and the only side effect was headache and or stomachach but with concerta he really hasnt complained about any other then he has mirgines now no it isnt by the concerta he takes after me with them hes only lost 2 pounds but doesnt look like it your daughter will get her appetite back my eight year old did there are days when he dont want to eat but hes always been like that but remember do whats right for your daughter my son has been on medadte addrall addrall xr ridllin and now concerta hes been on alot and concerta seems to be the only one working for him hes no zombie or staying hungry and losing weight but really its not all that bad just listen to her doctor and talk to the dr about what your feeling I did and she my sons dr reinsured me and he sees the dr every month or so but have the faith and help your daughter hope I helped if any good luck ↑ |
| Name: momOFthree | Date: Nov 23rd, 2006 3:12 PM |
hi cherrie, my daughter has been on and off meds since she was diagnosed at 3 (more often off than on). Now that she's almost 5 and in kindergarten, it's a must for her to be able to concentrate at school, and just for her to be happier all around. It's more fun for her and me, because we can actually do crafts and play, whereas before she lasted no kidding less than 5 seconds and she'd be off to something else.
She is on 18mg i think (the lowest dose). Try giving your child a little treat (either food or a hug or something) after to make an unpleasant thing turn into something positive. We do high fives and a hug and a little cheer.
My daughter refuses to take her pill normally, so I have to put it on a spoon and ↑ |
| Name: momOFthree | Date: Nov 23rd, 2006 3:14 PM |
oops! I put it on a spoon and put it at the back of her throat and she swallows it that way. Sounds horrible, but it works, and surpringly, she's okay with it and wants to do it that way.
We had problems at first, but once she realized that she liked being on it it wasn't a problem. We stay calm, don't yell and make it part of her routine (another must) and don't make it a bad thing, but a NORMAL thing that she needs to do, just like eating breakfast or getting dressed. It's hard, but I'm sure your daughter will get used to it and it will become easier. ↑ |
| Name: shanak10 | Date: Nov 24th, 2006 2:49 PM |
HI Cherrie,
I so understand your fear of medication and the suffering you are going through with your child. I wanted to let you know that there is help for your child's disorder. Please contact me at [email protected].
shoshana ↑ |
| Name: jennys | Date: Nov 27th, 2006 6:52 PM |
| hi cheirrie iknow its haerd ↑ |
| Name: Yawmom | Date: Nov 29th, 2006 12:33 AM |
My son took Concerta--much better than Ritalin.
As far as you being worried, my theme is educate yourself! Read as much as you can on the subject! It's amazing the things that you take for granted and are serious to them. One thing is that they think they have to be perfect, and I didn't ever think that my son thought that of himself until he was at wrestling practice and I tested the theory--wow, shock! He thought everyone expected more, if he lived up to that then he thought he had to maintain it, if he didn't he was a failure. READ.
Another thing--kids lose weight with ADD because they are always active, even when they go to bed they don't have a restful sleep becuase their little brains are always working.
Get her to bed early, take naps etc. Feed her protein - cheese, yougurts, fruit etc. Healthy fat foods too--oatmeal is filling and good for them.
Because these kids are hyper they burn calories, feed them healthy snacks and get some rest in...you too! ↑ |
| Name: tiredmom | Date: Nov 30th, 2006 3:59 AM |
| i can understand being afraid of the unknown i was totally afraid to put my son on his meds. It was my husband that gave me great advise and i am going to give it to you. You control what happens to your children if you find that there is more bad than good when she is on the meds just take her off them. You may be surprised it could be the answer you were looking for. Good luck ↑ |
| Name: Angelgirl | Date: Dec 6th, 2006 5:16 AM |
Hi, My son age 10 has ADHD/ODD. I was concerned about medication also. But his behavior got so bad we just had to try something. He started medication at age 9.
He takes Focalin XR. All medications come with possible side effects. Sometimes you just have to try it to see. She may or may not have any side effects.
I found that if you give them the medicine after breakfast it's better. Since it can possible reduce appetite. He hasn't lost any weight either. I make sure that he has his usual breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner and dessert. He hasn't had any bad side effects like fast heart beat or anything.
If it were me I would try it for a day or two and see if she complains about anything. If she is acting better and not having any symptoms it's probably ok.
You can also buy the pediasure as a snack. It comes in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. This will put weight on her. You can mix it with vanilla icecream to make a milkshake. It will be a treat and also provide her with vitamins.
Good luck. I know it's scary, take a step of faith, it may just work out.
If concerta doesn't work for her there are alot of other meds out.
There's Focalin, Adderall, Strattera(non-stimulant), etc...
Sometimes it's just trial and error to find what works best.
God Bless. :) ↑ |
| Name: katiegbg | Date: Dec 6th, 2006 8:05 PM |
| I know how scary it can be - my son has been on medication since age 6, he's now 25, alive, healthy (though once very, very thin now as an adult has to watch he doesn't gain too much weight) I can't imagine that he would have ever finished college or had a full-time job or even make to grown up without Ritalin (now Concerta) Just make sure you get more help than just medicine - find a dr. or counsleor who can help you with the never ending day-to-day stuff. I recently got a great book - "Pay Attention" (translationspress.com) it really gives simple answers to a lot of questions and includes lots of individual stories. Good luck - you and your daughter can get through this - Hang in! ↑ |
| Name: mom seeking help | Date: Dec 9th, 2006 5:51 AM |
| hello im new to the add thing and weve decided to not use med's. we tried but we had a scary probleme. first we tried strattera that seem to help but made him throw up alot. then we tried concertta he (my son 8yrs) at the time became suicidal. i thought to myself what would a child so young have to feel suicidal about. it was the meds. it scared me so bad we stopped immed. now we deal with it one day at a time. hes 9 now. he has wonderful grades and hes not violent, but some times i feel like im all alone. or like i should appolagize to every one i come in contact with. he cant sit still or leave things alone. i get so sick of peoples rude comments. exspecially since hes a boy. i hear you need to spank his butt all the time. dont get me wrong i believe in the bible if he needs spanking i will. but not because he cant sit still or someone dont like how he acts. i love my son with all my heart but sometimes i want to scream. or i question myself what did i do wrong???? am i alone or do others feel this way? ↑ |
| Name: flamom | Date: Dec 9th, 2006 3:17 PM |
| Angelgirl, I'm with you Folcalin is working and he has maitained and even gained a little weight. He went on a big field trip 4 hrs away Thurs. gave rx and teacher reported "excellent behavior." Used self control. My mother is a RN and she said these meds have been around since the 60's they've improved a lot. Not saying no side effects but seem pretty safe to use. Hope everyone has a happy holiday. ↑ |
| Name: zbgmsmom | Date: Feb 9th, 2007 3:15 AM |
| rgi How do you find the counseling service. We need to learn how to cope ↑ |
| Name: KathyK | Date: Feb 9th, 2007 3:50 PM |
Hi Cherrie,
I know how you feel about putting your child on medication. I have a 5 year old son who was diagnosed with adhd and odd when he was 4. He has been on medicine for almost a year now. The doctor has tried different meds on him and the ones that seem to work for him now are Risperdal and depakote. He takes Mirtzaphine for bedtime to help him sleep. I too did not want to put him on medication, I hated the thought of medicating my little boy. As much as I hated it I had to give in and do it. But I also changed his diet and am trying to cut out as much sugars as I can. I read labels when I go shopping and really am trying to buy more organics (when I can)and more healthy foods for him. He hardly ever gets candy or sweets. I have really changed his eating and that seems to help a little as well. He has been seeing a mobile therapist and tss worker for over a year now and the consistancy of that also works. He needs to be on a schedule, anytime the schedule is changed or broken things get worse. It is scary when you don't know alot about adhd, unfortunetly it is in my family so I have been around it with my niece for 19 years. I have seen what my sister has gone through and I think that prepared me a little for what I had to face when my son was diagnosed. I wish you luck and remember you are not alone. ↑ |
| Name: Spriggs | Date: Feb 12th, 2007 3:07 AM |
| Have you tried vitamins? I have some really good vitamins that help with ADD and ADHD. These vitamins have helped my family so much it's unreal. My son has severe asthma and ever since he's been on these vitamines he's been so much better. I can't believe the difference. RS ↑ |
| Name: katiegbg | Date: Feb 15th, 2007 3:24 PM |
| Hi Cherrie, you sound like you have a lot of worries - the best advise I can give you is be sure you have a doctor with lots --I mean lots -of experience with add - the meds don't have to be that big of a problem when they are done right - the dose adjusted and monitored, the child and family getting help , school supports etc.There are a number of good doctors around who have treated hundreds if not thousands of kids - this is a better choice than a doctor who only sees a few a year. Secondly make sure you know enough - not just the scarey stuff all over the internet but go to some reputable web sites and really learn about it - read some good book - "Driven to Distraction" (Hallowell and Ratey), "Pay Attetnion"(translationspress.com) and others. ↑ |
| Name: pippy | Date: Feb 24th, 2007 10:04 PM |
| hi i got to say i got a 10 year old son and i was scared for him to go on meds but since he been on them he have calm down he put on alittle weight but nuthin ↑ |
| Name: kiki7 | Date: Feb 25th, 2007 11:52 AM |
HI Cherrie
Been there- we refused meds for our sons ocd until we realized it was in the best interest of our whole family and especially him. I, too researched drugs and know what I found? They list all kinds of POTENTIAL side effects, which doesn't mean that the patient will experience them. It is VERY scary to read about side effects of meds- but let me ask you.... does the Concerta help your daughter?
If you are still upset- call her doctor and share your concerns. IS she experiencing any side effects? Or are you just afraid that she MIGHT? Please.... not trying to discount your concerns- its difficult to watch your child suffer.... talk it out...
kiki ↑ |
| Name: losingit | Date: Feb 28th, 2007 4:19 PM |
| hi i'm new too my son has been diagnosed for about a year.he lost weight from the meds and doesn't sleep well.i feel the meds need to be changed it takes i few times before they get it right. but if it was for the meds my son would not be in schooln i would probably be in a home for crazy people.It's a hard decide to make i cried for days about it but the first time he took a pill he started to hear me tell me that he loves me. this advise may not be what your looking for but i go day to day with and everyday is different. ↑ |
| Name: Charms | Date: Mar 15th, 2007 9:28 AM |
Hi Cherrie. My dauhter was diagnosed with ADHD about 3 years ago and has been on ritalin (bad side effects), Strattera (didn't do anything) and finally Concerta and rispadel. The combination of conceta and rispedal has worked the best for her and she has a bigger appetite then ever. Unfortunately it took 3 years to find the right meds. It is through trial and error. You will probably also find that some meds give more side effects than others. It is not easy. I am on medication myself just to deal with the circumstances and I had a break down last year. I have been dealing much better this year and the meds have a lot to do with that. It really depends on how severe your child has ADHD and how patient you are.
Charms ↑ |
| Name: StressedMom4 | Date: Mar 16th, 2007 5:13 AM |
| my son was diagnosed at age 4 after he burned uor house down. He is severe adhd with mood & behavior disorder. He was prescribed adderal & rispiridal. He is almost 8 now & is doing alot better. He lost weight at first but it evened out after about 6 months ↑ |
| Name: demi | Date: Jul 31st, 2009 5:52 PM |
| Name: kkj | Date: Sep 14th, 2010 2:52 PM |
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