Reply to Has anyone solved the escalating meltdown problem (teen AudHD)? Need hope/advice.

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Reply to "Has anyone solved the escalating meltdown problem (teen AudHD)? Need hope/advice. "

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think you need to try meds again. She will likely react differently to them now than she did when she was younger. Her reaction is an anxiety-based reaction, and she needs an anxiety med. I’d start with Zoloft or Prozac. If those are too sedating, then Pristiq. Also read The Explosive Child.[/quote]

I agree she needs to look at meds again too.  Zoloft made my anxiety/ADHD child so much more agitated and anxious.  It was not a good med.  Lexapro seems to be the best SSRI for anxiety but unfortunately for many teen girls, it increases appetite and sugar cravings and there is almost always weight gain, more than most SSRI's.

But OP already said most SSRI did not work.  She didn't mention Clonidine but I would really consider that to start because there besides initial drowsiness (that improves after a week) there really isn't many side effects.  And it's a good med to try to counter the heart racing/agitated affects of stimulants if down the road, you would try that again. But even on its own, Clonidine can be helpful for emotional dysregulation.

How Clonidine Impacts Emotional Regulation:

Reduces Arousal:
Clonidine acts on the locus coeruleus, a brain region involved in arousal and stress response, helping to dampen down overreactions and reduce impulsivity.

Improves Impulse Control:
By affecting the prefrontal cortex, clonidine can enhance attention and impulse control, which are often affected in ADHD.

May Improve Sleep:
Clonidine can improve sleep initiation, which can indirectly help with emotional regulation, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate emotional dysregulation.

Clonidine in ADHD:

ADHD Symptom Management:
Clonidine, especially in extended-release forms, can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in children with ADHD.

Adjunct to Stimulants:
Clonidine can be used alongside stimulant medications to further address ADHD symptoms, including aggression and sleep problems.

Benefits for Some:
Clonidine may be a good option for individuals with ADHD who experience side effects from stimulant medications or who don't respond well to them. [/quote]

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