Concerta

[lynn]

We are trying psych drugs to see if we can get a little traction this school year (sophomore year for DS 15.) After Intuniv flopped spectacularly (had the evil combination of both rage and inattention) Dr decided to try a straight stimulant under the heading of some people have tics get worse, some better and some stay the same on them.

 

So we tried the lowest possible dose of concerta,which is the longer lasting form of Ritalin. Miraculously, his HW is getting done and with that, huge amounts of anxiety are getting relieved. DS just came up to me and hugged me to thank me because he could pay attention in class (this was the first day he had class since be started concerta. ).

 

However there is a major downside. His tics have gone up quite a bit. DS is willing to put up with this, but I'm a little concerned that the tics will continue to worsen. Also, he says he feels a bit edgy. So there may be a bit more trial and error, but for this week anyhow we are happy, dreaming of having our child be functioning and self sufficient. Interesting that itvis adhd drugs that seem helpful

[trggirl]

Thank you for reporting your experience. The focusing issues are so hard. Please keep us updated on how it goes. This is a continuing struggle for us.

[911RN]

We are trying psych drugs to see if we can get a little traction this school year (sophomore year for DS 15.) After Intuniv flopped spectacularly (had the evil combination of both rage and inattention) Dr decided to try a straight stimulant under the heading of some people have tics get worse, some better and some stay the same on them.

 

So we tried the lowest possible dose of concerta,which is the longer lasting form of Ritalin. Miraculously, his HW is getting done and with that, huge amounts of anxiety are getting relieved. DS just came up to me and hugged me to thank me because he could pay attention in class (this was the first day he had class since be started concerta. ).

 

However there is a major downside. His tics have gone up quite a bit. DS is willing to put up with this, but I'm a little concerned that the tics will continue to worsen. Also, he says he feels a bit edgy. So there may be a bit more trial and error, but for this week anyhow we are happy, dreaming of having our child be functioning and self sufficient. Interesting that itvis adhd drugs that seem helpful

 

My son tried it- worked great for 10 days on lowest dose then he flipped out. Came home on the first day and told me for the first time in his life he felt "smart." Tics worsened dramatically over the course of 10 days, picked his feet raw and could not sleep- up later and later. We abandoned it....later trialed on lowest dose of Focalin, Vyvance and Dexadrine. All had to be abandoned within 10 days- each for a different reason but all of them for intolerable side effects. He had great response with all of them for attention, focusing and school work. However, we hit the wall EVERYTIME at the 10 day mark. It was sad really because he initially did so well- he felt it and knew it!

 

Hope it continues to work for him!

[MMC]

Our DD15 with PANDAS does well on Vyvanse 40mg. She has tried various ADD meds for the past 7 years, and this one works the best. Has been on it for about 3 years now. It really helps her in school and with homework. She typically does not take it during summer break. We do not notice any side effects.

 

We see a local Pediatrician that specializes in ADD/ADHD treatment. He has been good about trying different meds and doses until we found the right combination.

 

We are now trying to figure out something for DS13 with PANDAS. He is currently trying intuniv. Kapvay did not work very well for him. Tics are a major concern for him as well.

 

Good luck and I hope you find a med that helps in the long run.

[trggirl]

MMC, please report back if you have success on anything with your son. I'm glad that the Vyvanse works for your daughter with no bad effects!!

[BoyIowa]

Not sure if this helps, but we tried Clonidine and Guanfacine and Vyvanse and Concerta and Zoloft and lastly Risperidone. All made tic go up, all made him extremely emotional - cried often. Most made him more hyper and one made him look like he was trying to crawl out of his own skin as he smashed his head into the wall. They either gave the opposite effect that they were supposed to or sedated him.

 

That is when we thought that he might not have ADHD or OCD or Tourette. He has Lyme and PANDAS

 

I am so greatful for the info that is contained on here and am amazed as to the numerous things that work for some and not for others.

[kimballot]

Please keep us posted as to how this works for you. Dr. M put my ds14 on ritalin - only 2.5 mg 3x per day. I believe he was on a stronger dose when he was 4 and we had him on it for a bit!

 

No tics, no anxiety, no side effects and he does say it helps in class. He notices when he forgets to take it. I keep wondering, though, if we could be doing more as homework and executive function (ex: organization ) are a major problem still. I am considering increasing dose or changing meds... maybe in a couple of months if he is still medically stable. Hate to change meds and then have him get sick in the winter - then we won't know what caused what!

Edited October 26, 2011 by kimballot