ADD/ADHD Medication

Updated on February 16, 2008
J.D. asks from Merrick, NY
9 answers

I recently laced my daughrer on adderal for her ADD. It is having the opposite affect. She can not focus at all. Her teacher said she is much worse. Has anyone else had this happen?

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K.G.

answers from New York on

Hi J.,

My son was on Adderal a few years ago and it made him very depressed and sleepy so I had to take him off of it. We have tried everything, ritalin, concerta, you name it. He gets heart palpatations from all of them. You might have better luck with these other types of meds.

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J.G.

answers from New York on

I have never had this happen. But I can tell you that if your child is having what seems like an adverse reaction to this medication it means she has been misdiagnosed with ADHD. Children who truely have ADHD, which is an actual chemical imbalance, these drugs will work. Even though they are technically stimulants. Children who do not have ADHD and take these medications will in turn become more hyper. You are now just giving a hyper child more to be hyper about! Talk to her doctor asap. Good luck!

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C.R.

answers from Syracuse on

My girlfriend's step daughter has alot of issues with her meds. too...go back to your doctor...just remember not all people react the same to medication, she may need a different dose or different meds altogether...also as I'm sure you've probably done but just in case take her to an allergist and have her checked out...some kids adhd is as simple as diet control....no red dye etc...I know for a fact that simple motrin is like injecting my five year old with an i.v. of pure sugar...the child goes crazy hyper....none of my other kids react to it though....everyone's different.best of luck!

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K.T.

answers from Binghamton on

ask your dr about strattera. i was on adderal BE CAREFUL. it gave me heart palpatations so i was bounced on to 3 other meds that didnt work. the last was strattera the link i enclosed is a mini fact sheet its a non-stimulant so it should help with out the no sleep (i had it bad) and anxiety if she has either. I really hope this helps-it was the best adhd medication i was on and its the complete oposite of adderal

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/adhd/a/msp_stratera.htm

i hope the info in the article helps find your daughter a new medication that will work for her.

K.

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K.B.

answers from New York on

Perhaps this is not the medication for her. How long has she been on it? What is her dosage? It is not an immediate fix. My son was on Metadate and for several months it seemed that it wasn't working. We had to try different dosages until things started to "work". Is she in counseling? Are you using behavior modification at home and school? Just being on medication will not "cure" the issues. Speak with her doctor-the dosage may have to be adjusted or a different medication tried. You will have to continue whatever you were doing to manage her ADD before the medication. As you know, consistency is key with ADD children. Let me know if you have any other questions, or just need to vent!

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N.R.

answers from Albany on

Every one reacts differently to medication if you request a second opinion and that doctor concurres with the first one then ask to try a different type of medication if that is the path you would like to take. Strong parenting, teaching, counseling and a life time of consistency will need to accompany any medication too. I am sure you heard all of this but just wanted to lend my few cents! :) Be well and good luck!

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C.K.

answers from Syracuse on

I have a son with adhd and he has tried many meds. The adderall turned him into a zombie. He is currently taking concerta in the morning methylphenadate at 3:30pm and clonidine at night to help him sleep and is doing much better.
I also have a daughter that has a very hard time staying focussed and is very emotional that does not take meds just needs some one to keep her on track, it is very hard at times.
Comeing from a mom with one on meds and one not on any meds. At times medicating is not the answer just some extra attention and help is all it takes. Can I suggest putting her in an extra help class and trying without meds. That is what helped my daughter. It may work or might not but at least it is one other thing you tried. Also both of my kids see a behavior counsellor that helps.
I also have 2 other children that do not have those problems so I have seen it from all angles. Any other input I can give Just message me..... I would be glad to help any way I can.

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A.M.

answers from New York on

didnt work for my kid... tries 3 differnt ones... all made her moody , nsty and withdrawn...
she could concentrate on her work better but she also has aspergers and this just made socializng even worse...

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D.S.

answers from New York on

My daughter was on Adderal and it made her extremely angry! She demanded to be taken off the medication! She was only 10 at the time, so I took her off of it right away. We tried Concerta, but that had no effect on her at all. Metadate is a good one but my insurance wouldn't cover it. She is now taking Ritalin SR and seems to be ok. She is having her meds re-evaluated on Monday.

Deb

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