DS, 8, ADHD combined type, entering 3rd grade takes Focalin XR, 15 mg, at 48 lbs, 50". Off meds for the summer. His doc wants him to gain weight.

We started with Focalin, because that allegedly has less affect on appetite than other drugs. 5 mg of XR (extended release) lasted until lunch time; 10 mg got her through the end of the day.

There is now a cheek swab/ genetic test my pharmacy is doing (Rite Aid) that claims to tell you which class of ADHD meds are best for your genetics, and which drugs to try first . It's called Harmonyx (google it) and costs about $80. I have no idea if it's legit or accurate, but if it is, it could save you what can be a frustrating game of hit and miss with DC and high power drugs with the potential for side effects. FWIW, both DC and I do very well on Adderall, but it can really suppress appetite (fine for me, more of a problem in a kid).

Our DS responds both to Adderall and Ritalin. Our sense was that we got a bigger positive effect with fewer side effects when we hit the really effective dose with the Adderall (at 15 mg when he was about 35 pounds) than with the Ritalin (10mg when he was about 40 pounds). But it's different and you should experiment. The great thing about stimulants is that they wash out of the system quickly. And when he's in the effective dose it is very helpful to him. It just clearly gives him more control over his own behavior in ways that he appreciates, even at 7. And it makes him more successful socially, academically, and in his ability to do things he wants to do--like follow complicated lego directions. The downside is that it decreases his social motivation (a real issue for those of us on the autism spectrum) and makes him a little more dramatic, in the sense that he's inclined to attribute ill will to others unfairly.

Try to get a good breakfast in her before the medication kicks in.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not about to lecture you - my kid's isn't nearly "severe" and you have to do what you have to do, but I'm curious if you've tried extreme diet modification first? No sucrose, no corn syrup, no artificial dyes, nothing but protein in the morning, add a lot of fish oil.

I would TRY before I moved to the drugs. What's to lose?

A friend of mine who is in the neuro-industry says they are coming out with a study in the next 6-12 months that will highlight a clear detriment to receiving ADHD med at an early age.

I realize this is anecdata, but our daughter with severe adhd saw NO CHANGES WHATSEVER with diet changes. None. Meds are a lifesaver for her. She feels better about herself, is less depressed, and is less school resistant.

I'm not about to lecture you - my kid's isn't nearly "severe" and you have to do what you have to do, but I'm curious if you've tried extreme diet modification first? No sucrose, no corn syrup, no artificial dyes, nothing but protein in the morning, add a lot of fish oil.

I would TRY before I moved to the drugs. What's to lose?

A friend of mine who is in the neuro-industry says they are coming out with a study in the next 6-12 months that will highlight a clear detriment to receiving ADHD med at an early age.

Our 6 year old has impulsive type. Started with ritalin, which didn't help at all. 18mg of concerta helped, but 27mg is much better. We're sticking with that at the moment.

The thing is - you can never guess which might work for your kid. Everyone has different chemistry. It's often trial and error at the beginning. Try to take notes on behavior so you can give it to the psych.

We started with Focalin. The adderall family is a disaster for both of my kids (and me).

Your doctor will have his or her own approach for the medicine and will recommend which one he/she thinks is correct for your child to start with. Our developmental pedi likes to start with the Ritalin class, then move to Adderall if the Ritalin type doesn't work. If neither of those works, she'll move to the non-stimulants. For my DD, a Ritalin type worked.

yes, we the parents attend sessions as well and talk about problems we're seeing how to improve both our response and her behavior. But things were not good in K last year and she was falling behind the class at the end of the year and we're all a bit worried about the start of 1st. We are worried about the food thing. She is very tall and a huge eater, but must burn a ton of calories. She's just wild and doesn't have an off switch. or even a "less" switch.

about 5-6 hours .... she is skinny she might lose weight and not eat when she takes it.
WHat behavior modification and play therapy do YOU use? Does she get in trouble for being hyper and not pay attention?

Anonymous wrote:ADDERALL 10MG .

how many hours does it last in the system? DD is 45 pounds, if that matters. thanks.

ADDERALL 10MG .

After months of trying behavior modification and play therapy, we are meeting with the psychiatrist to talk about medicine. What we're doing now is just not working.

DD is 6, entering first grade and has ADHD combined. Psychologist calls it "very significant." We and teachers agree.

So when we enter the room tomorrow, any recommendations on what works? What to look for? Pitfalls?

We would be continuing behavior modification and play therapy along with the medicine.

thanks.