ADHD medication

Justanything86 · 19/02/2024 17:41

It's clearly the wrong medication for him. Does he have a titration nurse at the moment? I'd let them know what effect it's having and they may try something else instead.

Pharos · 19/02/2024 17:51

What @Justanything86 said - get the meds reviewed asap as they're obviously not working as they should.

Fundays12 · 19/02/2024 17:53

Medikinet caused my son to have a really serious rebound reaction and started that way. Please get him reviewed asap. Its definitely the wrong medication for him.

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:01

Fundays12 · 19/02/2024 17:53

Medikinet caused my son to have a really serious rebound reaction and started that way. Please get him reviewed asap. Its definitely the wrong medication for him.

Sorry if I sound silly for asking, but could you explain what a rebound reaction is?

OP posts:

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:02

Should I stop giving it to him? I'm calling his doctor in the morning!

OP posts:

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:06

He needs an urgent meds review. He either needs a different type of medication or he doesn’t have ADHD.

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:07

Also am slightly concerned that your psychiatrist isn’t monitoring much more closely if this is a new medication? I work closely with colleagues in this field and they see children one week in and always ask parents to call if there are any concerns. This is NHS.

ARMSDOWN · 19/02/2024 18:09

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:06

He needs an urgent meds review. He either needs a different type of medication or he doesn’t have ADHD.

This.

My friend's son was diagnosed with ADHD. Put on medication (tried three). Etc. They sent him wild. He later has a hearing test for a totally different reason and turns out he had severe glue ear and couldn't hear properly. Hearing aids and grommets sorted him out and they are now trying to have ADHD removed from his medical records.

I am not saying this is you OP. Just an interesting story!

Didiplanthis · 19/02/2024 18:11

2 medications were dreadful for my son before we found the right one.. its likely it just not the right one for him.

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:15

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:07

Also am slightly concerned that your psychiatrist isn’t monitoring much more closely if this is a new medication? I work closely with colleagues in this field and they see children one week in and always ask parents to call if there are any concerns. This is NHS.

She sees us every 2 weeks
When we get there, we are in and out. She checks his blood pressure, pulse, weight, and height. Asks a few questions, and we are done.

OP posts:

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:16

Didiplanthis · 19/02/2024 18:11

2 medications were dreadful for my son before we found the right one.. its likely it just not the right one for him.

Do you mind me asking what he was like on the 2 medications that weren't working for him?

OP posts:

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:17

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:06

He needs an urgent meds review. He either needs a different type of medication or he doesn’t have ADHD.

I was thinking that too, what if he's been misdiagnosed? He also has a diagnosis of ASD and ODD

OP posts:

Didiplanthis · 19/02/2024 18:19

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:16

Do you mind me asking what he was like on the 2 medications that weren't working for him?

Show quote history

He was agitated, anxious and explosive on the first and stopped eating or speaking on the second.... he has ASD as well and it seemed to massively escalate his ASD symptoms

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:20

@Floweringmyheart can I ask if that’s private or NHS? The fastest turn around we have is 45mins but an hour is blocked out. 10 mins for blood pressure, weight, height etc (done slowly because it’s a good chance to chat/make the child comfortable) then at least 30 mins time to talk through how everything is, how the child feels, what school have noticed etc.

This would be speeded up slightly if it’s just a tweak to meds that is working, but this sounds like it’s not working at all.

I would stop the meds for now until you have a review.

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:21

It’s very difficult and with ASD and ODD at play too it might be that the ADHD isn’t significant. So sorry this hasn’t been smooth sailing for you. You’re not alone in that!

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:24

As I’m sure you know, Medikinet isn’t something that stays in the system or needs to be taken for x number of days to see the effect. If it’s not working, it’s ok to stop.

Assuming it’s not half term for you this week (I know it is for some), you don’t need him to be unsettled by this medication at school.

outcrops · 19/02/2024 18:36

I’m slightly concerned about all the posts saying they should be constantly monitored. My son’s been on medikinet for a year - he’s not seen the paediatrician since it was prescribed. Had a call with a nurse and then 3 more nurse appointments cancelled last minute! It hasn’t made him any worse but not had discernible effect so would quite like to speak to them! (Sorry for hijack op)

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:46

@outcrops gosh, yes he should be seen. If there’s no discernible effect (and school agree) then it might not be the right thing for him.

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:58

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 18:24

As I’m sure you know, Medikinet isn’t something that stays in the system or needs to be taken for x number of days to see the effect. If it’s not working, it’s ok to stop.

Assuming it’s not half term for you this week (I know it is for some), you don’t need him to be unsettled by this medication at school.

So there will definitely be no adverse effects if I stop giving it to him? He went back to school today. His teacher said he seemed quite wired! He's also struggling even more to sleep!

OP posts:

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 18:59

outcrops · 19/02/2024 18:36

I’m slightly concerned about all the posts saying they should be constantly monitored. My son’s been on medikinet for a year - he’s not seen the paediatrician since it was prescribed. Had a call with a nurse and then 3 more nurse appointments cancelled last minute! It hasn’t made him any worse but not had discernible effect so would quite like to speak to them! (Sorry for hijack op)

Oh, that isn't good! They need to monitor his blood pressure, heart rate, etc. Give them a call and ask for an appointment

OP posts:

Whiteandgreen6 · 19/02/2024 19:06

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 17:38

My son (10) is on 20mg of medikinet, but it seems to be giving him more energy, he seems a bit all over the place, like he doesn't know what to do with himself. I thought it was supposed to enable him to focus. He can't focus with even more energy than he already has. Is this normal? Does anyone have any experience of this with their children?

I’ve only tried ADHD meds as an adult but I had the same reaction when my prescription for Elvanse was too high. Shortly after taking it I would have to go on a run as I had far too much energy in my system.

Meds are incredibly personal. I tried four different types before I found the right one, on the other hand, my sister was incredibly lucky as the first medication she tried was the right one for her

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 19:11

You can stop giving it to him. If it’s 20mg medikinet slow release capsules? I’m not a medical doctor but feel pretty safe giving you that advice!

jeaux90 · 19/02/2024 19:15

outcrops · 19/02/2024 18:36

I’m slightly concerned about all the posts saying they should be constantly monitored. My son’s been on medikinet for a year - he’s not seen the paediatrician since it was prescribed. Had a call with a nurse and then 3 more nurse appointments cancelled last minute! It hasn’t made him any worse but not had discernible effect so would quite like to speak to them! (Sorry for hijack op)

They should be seen at least every 6 months. ADHD medication can impact growth, appetite etc so I'm surprised he hasn't been seen.

OP it took a while for DD now 14 to find the right medication. Elvanse works best for her and she doesn't have to take it unless it's a school day.

Original poster

Floweringmyheart · 19/02/2024 19:50

ComeAlongPeggy · 19/02/2024 19:11

You can stop giving it to him. If it’s 20mg medikinet slow release capsules? I’m not a medical doctor but feel pretty safe giving you that advice!

Yes, slow release capsules. I will stop giving it to him and call his doctor tomorrow to express my concerns. Thank you for your advice 😊

OP posts:

User373433 · 19/02/2024 19:53

My DD gets major rebound effect from methylphenidate..when it wears off she is worse than before. On the 4 hourly doses it was so bad that the top up dose did nothing, but the 12 hours release once a day was a huge improvement. We only get the rebound in the morning and evening now. I think she'd be better on another med, but it's impossible to get med reviews.