ADHD Meds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

[Anonymous]

I don’t medicate because my kid is high anxiety and already struggles with insomnia and headaches. I wish I could feel more confident about my decision. The posts here about multiple medications are frightening. I’m always torn as I’m sure all parents are. I don’t think you can make sweeping statements about any medication or non-medication decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

You are an awful person for trying to demonize medication that has changed so many kids’ lives for the better.

Ego much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

You are an awful person for trying to demonize medication that has changed so many kids’ lives for the better.

Ego much?

Thank you to the posters who pushed back against this post. And those who gave useful feedback. I'm stepping away from the post now because what should be a safe forum for a struggling family just isn't. I clearly wouldn't be asking the question at all if I just needed to be a better parent. -op

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried private school yet? It can do wonders.

NP. Yes, we tried private school. They "asked us to leave" the second week. because private schools can and will do that. Some students make it through the year and are counseled out.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are still reading.

My kid takes medication for his ADHD (ASD as well) every day.

Early on, we realized that he could not access any of his strategies (his was in $$$ social skills groups, seeing a therapist 1:1, OT, PT, changes in diet, getting lots of exercise, etc.) and participate in class (K and grade 1), after-school activities, birthday parties, camp--you name it--without being on medication.

It was necessary then and even now, as a 18 year old. Meds did not change his personality. We worked with a child psychiatrist (now retired) to get the right medication and dosage. What works for one person does not work for another, so it might take some time. What we realized, along with his team of educators, medical providers, and caregivers, is that this was not going to solve itself or improve with age.

Please hang in there and good luck on getting through this.

[Anonymous]

Pros: Medication will allow your child to exercise self control, focus, and attention in a way that is just not possible otherwise. The social/emotional and academic ramifications of this are enormous. It's life changing for many. Stimulants are in and out of yours system quickly. You can always try them, and stop any time (no need for "weaning" or gradual tapering off like with some other meds).

Cons: Stimulants reduce appetite (may be a problem if you child is a picky eater or underweight). They may make sleeping difficult if taken closer to bedtime. If you child has tics, meds may make them worse. Also, I've heard they may increase anxiety in some kids (but not others and may actually help). Also, although meds are amazing once your find the right dose, that can take a while. Also, you may need to change dosage every few years.

I cannot imagine my child's life without them. OP, if you are asking the question... it may be time to at least try meds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t medicate because my kid is high anxiety and already struggles with insomnia and headaches. I wish I could feel more confident about my decision. The posts here about multiple medications are frightening. I’m always torn as I’m sure all parents are. I don’t think you can make sweeping statements about any medication or non-medication decision.

OP and PP - I am the poster of this thread and similar boat. My almost 9 yr old was diagnosed based on a questionnaire for us and teacher with mild ADHD (we feel it’s moderate at least) and anxiety and I worry about the side effects. I am new to this so will look into options suggested.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1073124.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

Everybody should have a right to share their opinion, experiences. So long are they are not using foul language.

Anyone who feels threatened because of someone’s opinion well less said the better.

PP, a suggestion. Perhaps you don’t want to assume every single case can be solved without medication. Sure there may be lazy parents or unscrupulous doctors taking advantage of lazy or uninformed parents but how about not assuming for each case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

Everybody should have a right to share their opinion, experiences. So long are they are not using foul language.

Anyone who feels threatened because of someone’s opinion well less said the better.

PP, a suggestion. Perhaps you don’t want to assume every single case can be solved without medication. Sure there may be lazy parents or unscrupulous doctors taking advantage of lazy or uninformed parents but how about not assuming for each case.

Some calm sane advice for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

I mean, yay for you but my kids very much want to take their meds because it makes life easier for them. I don’t mind DD spacing out and DS doing laps around the dinner table, but they sure mind not being able to do work they know they are capable of because of their neurotype.

And there is nothing wrong with doing what is easiest, truly. Your “accomplishment” isn’t as impressive as you think it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

I mean, yay for you but my kids very much want to take their meds because it makes life easier for them. I don’t mind DD spacing out and DS doing laps around the dinner table, but they sure mind not being able to do work they know they are capable of because of their neurotype.

And there is nothing wrong with doing what is easiest, truly. Your “accomplishment” isn’t as impressive as you think it is.

Every kid is different. Looks like some parents think meds work wonders for their kids and life would be impossible without them; other parents find other ways to help their kids cope and feel that their kids are doing well without meds. I would say no one knows your kid and your situation as well as you do, so follow your intuition not a discussion board!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

I mean, yay for you but my kids very much want to take their meds because it makes life easier for them. I don’t mind DD spacing out and DS doing laps around the dinner table, but they sure mind not being able to do work they know they are capable of because of their neurotype.

And there is nothing wrong with doing what is easiest, truly. Your “accomplishment” isn’t as impressive as you think it is.

Every kid is different. Looks like some parents think meds work wonders for their kids and life would be impossible without them; other parents find other ways to help their kids cope and feel that their kids are doing well without meds. I would say no one knows your kid and your situation as well as you do, so follow your intuition not a discussion board!

Are you PP? If so, this was not a good response. You said that parents give their kids meds to make their own lives easier and I said a) not true, and people who say so generally put their own anti-med bias over the desires of their children and b) it’s okay for a parent to give something to their child that makes the parent’s lives easier. There are no bonus points for doing things the hard way. Do you have a substantive response to those comments, by chance?

If you aren’t PP, well, I generally agree with you.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP! Has your child had a diagnosis? If not, that is where you start. You ask your Ped for a referral to get the diagnosis at a psychologist. Unless you yourself or another family member has diagnosed ADHD and a decent understanding of the condition, you need an actual diagnosis. Not a 10 question quiz from your pediatrician.
How ADHD presents in women and girls is different and the right person can help you differentiate between ADHD, anxiety, depression, sensory issues, etc.

If you have a diagnosis, then you need meds. Shockingly the person who does the diagnosis often is different than the meds Dr. The diagnosing Dr should be able to refer you to one or more Drs who will work on meds.

You will likely pay out of pocket, $250-500 per visit, to talk through and adjust meds. A good Dr will explain different types and dosing regimens and help you choose a starting point. You will work with this Dr until you find something that works for your kid. Once you are in maintenance mode, you can likely switch to getting the Rx at the pediatrician to save money.

Stimulant meds work instantly (30-60 min) and leave the body in a day. Non-stimulant meds take weeks to build up - just like an antidepressant would. They are less time sensitive for when you take them, but also don’t work for everyone. If you are struggling right now, you probably will start on stimulants and maybe try non-stimulants later once you have more control day to day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not medicate. I taught my child self-control. He was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age 6. I worked hard with him to teach him to channel his energies and to control them. ADHD is only a curse if you do not harness it. Think Ghosr Rider and his curse. What you perceive to be your curse could also be your greatest power. Six years after his diagnosis, the same psychologist who diagnosed him dropped ADHD from his IEP and told me that she would not have believed it was possible to teach a kid to control it, had she not seen him before and after. Parents medicate to make their lives easier, not their children's lives. I worked hard with my child so that he could be a success. He'll be 17 next month, he'll be completely finished with school before winter, he is working, managing all his own finances and his own personal business. I am currently only the driver, but he'll be moving to his dad's in a month, so he can fix up one of his dad's motorcycles and get his motorcycle license. Raising independent adults is the goal. The only thing I used to calm him when he started getting wild was coffee. It's the only ADHD med I approve of. Use honey to sweeten. Stay away from soft drinks, too much sugar. Give your kid lots and lots of work and play, keep them busy, they need to learn focus and self-control, or they will be handicapped for life. Don't create victims. Create warriors. Good luck. It can be done, I did it. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

You are an awful person for trying to demonize medication that has changed so many kids’ lives for the better.

Ego much?

NP. This board is relentlessly pro-meds for ADHD. This poster has posted before about their experience for themselves and their DC, very positively, but with some pushback.

FWIW, I have two kids with ADHD, one who takes stimulant meds and one who doesn't. The meds help with some issues and create others.