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  • ADHD, and medication.

    My boy has been diagnosed with ADHD.

    He is 7.

    Mom has started him on meds. They are amphetamines.

    I asked her to wait a year or two before starting meds.
    His most recent report card ws excellent, with the teacher specifically commenting that his paying attention had and was still improving.

    I am not thrilled, but know with absolute certainty MOM thinks she's doing whats best - so I can't really complain too much.

    But it makes me sad to know my boy will forever be on meds now. And that at the very tender age of 7, it is common in today's world to make a kid take drugs.

    Something just doesn't feel right to me about that.

  • #2
    I will send you a private message with my thoughts.

    Comment


    • #3
      I am sorry Wretched. Any sort of issue with one of our kids hurts so much.

      If the Mom is willing, maybe you might want to go and hear what the doctors have to say? It will make you feel more empowered when decisions are made. Even if you have to make a hard decision, you will feel that you know everything you need to.

      Also, perhaps you can ask for a trial period of meds. I know some families have taken their kids off meds or changed them when the side effects were worse than the positive aspects.

      My best to you Wretched. Seven is young indeed.

      Comment


      • #4
        I am of the *non medical* opinion that some doctors are too quick to prescribe certain meds. I don't of course know any of the details but I would encourage you both as parents to seek out a 2nd or 3rd opinion, as well as any other alternative, proven methods of treatment.

        I certainly do not like the host of side effects that go hand in hand w/prescribed medication. Do a lot of reading WO, there may be other solutions.

        Comment


        • #5
          Being on medication now, does not mean the child will be on medication forever. Many are taken off the medication as they mature and are more able to use the strategies they have learned to cope with it.

          As with anything there are advantages and disadvantages to medication.

          Do go and speak to the diagnosing physician to get a better idea of the whole picture.

          A very good book for parents about ADHD is the following;

          Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (Revised Edition): Russell A. Barkley PhD ABPP ABCN: 9781572305601: Amazon.com: Books

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          • #6
            "As with anything there are advantages and disadvantages to medication."

            I agree and I meant to include that. Very good book recommendation, OhMy

            Comment


            • #7
              There has been some success with Omega 3 fish oils in mild ADHD.I can understand your reluctance with medication though.If you know the doctor to be of good character and not a over prescriber than chances are...your kid needs it .Can you get a second opinion?

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by SadAndTired View Post
                I am sorry Wretched. Any sort of issue with one of our kids hurts so much.

                If the Mom is willing, maybe you might want to go and hear what the doctors have to say? It will make you feel more empowered when decisions are made. Even if you have to make a hard decision, you will feel that you know everything you need to.

                Also, perhaps you can ask for a trial period of meds. I know some families have taken their kids off meds or changed them when the side effects were worse than the positive aspects.

                My best to you Wretched. Seven is young indeed.
                I've been involved in the process from day 1.

                Mom is looking/expecting for the diagnosis - no second, third, or whatever opinion will shake her from it, I'm afraid. People tend to only accept the outcome that they are expecting to hear.

                The same train of thought goes for the medical professional. If a parent enters the examination room looking for a prescription - 99% of the time they will leave with one.

                Originally posted by hadenough View Post
                I am of the *non medical* opinion that some doctors are too quick to prescribe certain meds. I don't of course know any of the details but I would encourage you both as parents to seek out a 2nd or 3rd opinion, as well as any other alternative, proven methods of treatment.

                I certainly do not like the host of side effects that go hand in hand w/prescribed medication. Do a lot of reading WO, there may be other solutions.
                There are many other solutions. Unfortunately I lack the legal basis to interfere, and MOM knows best....

                Originally posted by murphyslaw View Post
                There has been some success with Omega 3 fish oils in mild ADHD.I can understand your reluctance with medication though.If you know the doctor to be of good character and not a over prescriber than chances are...your kid needs it .Can you get a second opinion?
                Second opinion from his old Dr. was ignored.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Murphy was correct in mentioning some success with Omega 3. Vitamin D3 can also be very useful. I have taken these 2 nutrients for many years, starting with Omega 3. Then added the Vitamin D3. I don't have ADHD, but find the Omega 3 helps a lot with keeping depression at bay. D3 is also useful in this regard.

                  These supplements might also be beneficial you WO as you are tapering from your anti-depressant. Just be sure to get the Omega3 from a liquid source as they are more likely to not be rancid. Also make sure the Vitamin D is D3

                  SINCE YOU ARE TAPERING (I HOPE) FROM YOUR AD, YOU MIGHT BE VERY SENSITIVE TO ANY NEW SUBSTANCE, SO BE SURE TO TRY EACH ONE INDIVIDUALLY AND AT SMALL STARTING DOSES. THE SAME PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE USED FOR YOUR CHILD. Really, anyone who begins any supplements should start out this way. The ideal way would be to consult a medical professional such as an MD.

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                  • #10
                    Oh yeah be very careful about Omega 3 sources -mercury can be found in low grade supplements.Read up tons!!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I hope it's OK with Mess and Blink to name the brand of fish oil (Omega3) I use, as I've tried many brands, and this is the best imo.:
                      Carlson "The Very Finest" Fish Oil. It's bottled in Norway and the taste is so subtle and fresh some people use it a salad dressing.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        When his teachers were pushing the diagnosis on us, our GP recommended an ADHD specialist, a doc who had written many papers on ADHD.

                        He told us our son had a mild case, that we should resist drugs as long as possible. He gave us some exercises to work with him on and recommended the omega three fatty acids, which did seem to help.

                        Every case is different, it would be challenging to get a second opinion if you ex is already set in her opinion.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          This subject hits very close to home!

                          Both of my boys, ages 7 and 12, have ADHD.

                          Kids on meds has a very bad reputation as doctors use to over dose kids with drugs and turn them into zombies......this does not happen any more (at least not in my case) my kids were started at the lowest dose possible of the medication and it was slowly increased as required until we got to a dose that worked. There are also several kinds of medication that kids can take as well, there are side effects with anything, but there are also ways to work around them.

                          I too at first was very worried about putting my children on medication, I didn't wanna drug my kids. I was scared.

                          Very sensitive subject for me, if you'd like to discuss more, feel free to PM me.

                          Angie

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I will pm you with my story.
                            For those interested in discussing adhd in children and adults private message me.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              As with everything 1) do your research extensively 2) weigh up the possible costs versus benefits.

                              A recent article in the New York Times adds a cautionary note for all parents.

                              http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/us...anted=all&_r=0

                              Comment

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