ADHD & Medication

[scrapsandsass]

Ugh.

Kennedy was diagnosed with ADHD about a year ago. He's also been diagnosed with some sensory issues as well as anxiety (to add some fun to the mix). Of course no one can tell us if it is anxiety because he has ADHD/sensory challenges or if the anxiety is primary and causing other issues. One of those fun chicken/egg scenarios. We have him in occupational therapy as well as counseling. Most of the time, you'd never know he had issues. It is just one of those things where once a switch is flipped, then you see it.

His pre-k teacher has been hounding us the past couple of months about getting him onto medication. We've been leery to do so, and the pediatrician says they usually don't start until age 6. He'll be going into kindergarten in September (turns six in January), so they say we should start now and get him prepped/balanced out for school in the Fall. His occupational therapist and psychologist have both kind of agreed that he should probably be on medication to start school.

It just breaks my heart. I know it is probably best, but I hate to think that it will change him and his personality. He is the sweetest kid and super friendly and fun. Everyone he runs across thinks he is just super sweet and fun.

We took him to do a DNA test today (Harmonyx) that analyzes his DNA and is a predictor for the top three medications that should work for him and limit side effects. It was $90 not covered by insurance, but I thought that it was a good thing to do to hopefully alleviate some of the trial and error he might have to go through with medications otherwise.

So does anyone have experience with ADHD medications and/or issues that arise and/or does it really impact their personality in a big way? I know I shouldn't be as stressed out about this as I am, but I've just never been a fan of big pharma. Ugh.

???

 

[jaye]

I have spent most of my career working with ADD/ADHD children and medication is a touchy subject for many and for many reasons. The medication should only assist with focus and attention, the right medication and dosage you will still see that sweet little boy of yours

I have seen children where a small dose made a huge difference in enabling them to focus on the task at hand and see success much easier. I have also seen those so medicated that my heart broke (those I would call the parents and have them request a dosage check) and those who were not medicated and struggled not just in focus and attention but also socially. It is not an easy decision and I would ask the doctor and psychologist every question I could think of.

My niece is now on medication and it has made a world of difference, she has gone from struggling to A's. She works hard for those marks but the medication enabled her to do that. It doesn't 'fix' everything but helps them learn the tools and retain them. My brother and SIL didn't start her until gr. 5 but she was ADD and has dysgraphia as well.

It is not an easy decision and I feel for you having to make it. Most medication will be in the system and start working approximately 4-6 after beginning.

 

[weaselwatchr]

Being a pharmacist, I unfortunately see some bad things when it comes to ADHD meds. Yes you want to go with the lowest dose possible for him. Sometimes the side effects are bad, like decreased/loss of appetite and loss of sleep. Two things that a growing child who is already having trouble focusing should not experience. I think they work, but I think often times some parents use the meds as a way to just "control" their child. Does that make sense? I think they are sometimes overly prescribed, but there are those kids that absolutely need them and for those kids they are a God send. You seem like you are trying to educate yourself, and I am glad that you had the marker test done. I will keep you in my thoughts.

 

[IntenseMagic]

I would have said everything that the others have said. I've seen it do wonders for children and others that broke my heart when dosages weren't correct and their little personalities got lost. The key is finding the right medication at the right dosage, and sometimes that takes some trial. I would say that DNA test was definitely money well spent.

 

[scrapsandsass]

Thanks, ladies. I am grateful for your words of wisdom!!

 

[jk703]

Just giving you a hug! It's hard to be a parent. No manuals - we are all winging it.

Shayne, my oldest, has ADHD. He doesn't exhibit any other underlying issues that I notice or was advised of by the doctor. His is mostly is seen when he is in a school setting or doing homework. It's been difficult, but we've (DH and I) been muddling through it without knowledge for so long. I didn't realize over the last 5 years that things I was doing at home (more behavioral - de-stressing, routine, small lists, individual attention, eye contact, etc) were helping him. He was just diagnosed last summer at 10 years old. Since we were managing ok at home, school was where the issues became problematic. We opted, after long nights of talking and no sleep last summer, to not medicate at that time. We went back and forth for some time. Now, almost a year later, his school work has improved tremendously and he has really gained more confidence in school.

I've seen both cases where medicine helps and where medicine didn't help! Each situation and child is different! I hope that the DNA test helps, and it all works out favorably for everyone!

 

[RebeccaH]

meagan has also been diagnosed w/ ADD, and we have talked over the option to medicate. i've seen her struggle, and am willing to try it if we can key in on the right dosage. however, DH is not willing to to that route, and i respect that. there is definitely no clear-cut, right/wrong answer... it's whatever works best for the child & the family.

we've implemented some things at home that have yielded some great results for her. i struggled when i was a child with all the same things she struggles with, so i know her battles. when we were growing up, though, this was not a widely recognized struggle for kids, so no one ever diagnosed me w/ anything, and certainly never medicated me or put me on a different learning path. that experience - and knowing what has worked for me and what has not - has really helped me to help meagan.

big hugs to you! kudos to you for educating yourself so that you can make your best decision. i'll be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.