New Kid on the Block
OK… many people will of course have something to say when it comes to ADD/ADHD. You can say what you, I allow opinions on the matter, but don’t be rude and don’t question why I do it. Some people can be so nasty about it.
Diagnosed since he was 7, Mr. C has been on a roller coaster ride with ADHD and we have found some success with medications - if he TAKES it. We have been on 3 types of medication, 2 types have both been pills and he can’t stand taking them. He has built up this mental wall on taking medication that is in pill form.
So within the past year or so, I have tried to give him his space on taking them. I figured with watching to make sure he takes it might be one of the issues. Well, I started seeing some changes with him. His anger was out of control, he started failing - not just doing poorly - but failing school, and he would lash out for no reason.
So, I scheduled a visit with the Doctor to review his medication. I was doing some cleaning the weekend before we were to go to the Doctor, cleaning behind the big appliances. I moved the oven out some and noticed one of the Strattera pills. As I kept moving the oven out, I found a TON of the pills. He hadn’t been taking them, but dumping them.
Well after a talk with Mr. C it had been some time since he last took his Strattera. I asked him if he noticed how he had been behaving off the medicine and how he is failing in school. He recognized it, but didn’t like taking the pills. So after a long talk and then another long talk with the Doc, we all decided on the new Datrana patch and it is awesome.
It was instant with the change in Mr. C. Attitude, concentration, anger control, all of it has improved. Plus with the patch, no pills to take, so Mr. C is happy with that.
October 4th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I have a problem taking pills too - They usually stick in my throat no matter how much water I drink to take them. Especially if they are bigger pills.
That is awesome that the patch is working so well for him and so quickly. Isn’t that faster than what the docs say to expect with the pills?
October 17th, 2007 at 7:09 am
I’m so new to this. My 7 year old was diagnosed yesterday! After about a year of Dr’s appointments, psych evals, and parent/ teacher meetings. I must say I leaned toward the anti-med treatment options in the beginning, but by the end I was desperate for help (my daughter was really suffering - and beginning to label herself ’stupid’) She has never been able to swallow medication, chewable or liquid, both required at least 1/2 hour of coaxing and then most times were followed by her throwing it up anyway and us starting over. I couldn’t imagine trying to teach her to swallow a pill! I was so releived to learn of the patch, and can’t wait to begin it along with some behavioral treatment plans. I’m surprised you were prescribed strattera. Our Phychologist said that was primarily prescribed for adults. Does your child not have the Hyperactivity aspect of ADHD? Or was this some time ago? Also, have you read about Opositional Defiant Disorder which is sometimes present in children with ADHD and ususally boys. I am researching this as well, more for my younger son who is displaying overt signs of both ADHD with severe Hyperactivity along with ODD. (no surprise I was on ritalin as a child and am on strattera as an adult)…Good Luck!
Merri
October 17th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Merri, my son does have ADHD. We tried Concerta for a while, but noticed that he seemed very “zombie” like. He didn’t want to do anything except lay in his bed. No energy, wouldn’t eat, nothing. His Doctor suggested Strattera because it is a non-stimulant which was causing some of his lack of enthusiasm in life. Once he began Strattera, we saw a complete change in how he handled daily life and activites - much better. He only went down hill because he was hiding the medicine and not taking it. I have seen some great success with the patch and he finally does not gripe about having to be on medication. We most likely will go up a dosage, but I have seen great results in how he is controling his days.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:08 am
[...] but not irritate his skin. If this does not work then we have to go back to a pill form. UGH! We went to the patch because of the issues with the [...]