Can I please have some ADHD advice!!

[restingbitchface30]

My DS is 14. Ever since he was a toddler I noticed he was a ‘handful’. Didn’t respond to any form of reward/punishment. Was impulsive, disruptive in school, lacks attention etc. Telltale ADHD. Constantly in and out of school for meetings. I tried every parenting method I could think of. Nothing worked. Last year he got diagnosed with ADHD. I am incredibly reluctant to try medication though because of the side effects. However the past 2 weeks he has had 2 behaviour incidents in school. He has screamed and swore and 2 teachers. These next two years are vital to his education. So I guess my point is, has anyone used medication for ADHD and what your stories are? Would you recommend it? Are any other methods effective? I’m torn with what to do for the best.

Sounds like you've had an incredibly difficult time.

What does he think about trying the medication?

I can't tell you about the side effects sorry, we're still waiting for an assessment.

@PanicBuyingSprouts he’s not opposed to the idea. It’s me who has read a lot about the effects and they’re scary. But it’s whether we carry on as we are which in turn can really impact his life, or try the ‘scary medication’.

DSS was on it for a year, he hated it. He couldn't eat all day and didn't grow in height or put on any weight In the year he was taking them. In the time he was taking them there was zero difference in his behaviour anyway. The only thing that's helped unfortunately is growing up and maturing a bit!

My daughter was on meds for years (she was honestly wired to the moon). They were a god send. I was reluctant to put her on them, just like yourself. Eventually agreed to try a low dose and I wish I'd done it sooner. She's now almost 17, and she's not grown two heads or anything! 😂

The doctor said to me at the time, if you had a problem with your kidneys, you'd take medication for it. So why is it different to have a problem with your brain?

She did have a slightly suppressed appetite on the meds but that was it. I always insisted on her not having a big dose though, just enough to take the edge off. It meant she was able focus in school. It was an 8 hour drug so wore off by time she was home and I didn't give her it at weekends.

That sounds like a very sensible approach @CP2701.

@restingbitchface30 if he wants to try it could you ask for a low dose like CP2701?

Is he doing anything else to try and regulate himself like running or going to the gym?

I've only ever heard good things about medication. Might be worth asking ADHD adults who have exerperienced life with and without medication. Lots of groups on fb xxx

Thank you everyone, you’re advice has been really helpful xx