looks like my youngest son is going to have to be medicated. can someone come and talk to me about methylphenidate and other options

[HecateAdonaea]

please.

do you have a child on it? What is it like? Does it change them? Are they still 'them' - people give you all the scary 'zombie' shit, don't they? - have there been any side effects?

DS 6 is on methylphenidate.

I am a LP and got to were I couldn't cope with his behaviour anymore. It was effecting my health and DD too.
Dnt beat yourself up if you've decided that this is the route for you. DS Dad was totally against putting him on medication and made me feel like shit for putting him on it, but he doesn't live with him.

We started on the slow release methylphenidate and noticed a diff pretty much straight away. Then DS got a rash, doc couldn't say it was or wasn't related, but as a precaution took him off it.

Next DS wnt onto the atomoxetine. Our experience of this was horrendous. DS self confidence totally plummeted, he started self harming and spoke of wanting to end it all. Bare in mind he's only 6, this was just the most awful time. I made the decision without even speaking to the doc that this was not the med for DS and took him off it.

6 wks ago we wnt bck to methylphenidate. This time on the quick release, which means DS has to take meds in morn and at lunch. Doc started him on a v.low dose. 2.5mg twice a day. After 2 wks upped to 5mg twice a day, then 7.5mg and now 10mg twice a day.

Honestly, DS is like a diff child. For the better. His TA has mentioned how much his work has come on, how he's interacting better and his concentration is considerably better than it was.

At home I've noticed he's not as impulsive and he listens better. There are some downsides though. Side effects suggest that appetite can be effected. DS is not keen to eat through the day, however once his afternoon tab starts to wear off he starts eating and he literally doesn't stop until bedtime. I've been keeping my own record of his weight and he hasn't lost any, so I dnt really see this to be a prob.

Also, and this is a biggy for me, since we upped to 10mg DS is really struggling to get to sleep. Once he is asleep, dnt hr a peep from him, but he is not settling until close to midnight. For a 6yr old this is way too late, however it is only just over a week of being on 10mg and we're back at docs tmrw.

At the moment I think the pro's far outweigh the cons. Do what is best for you.
Bit long winded but hope this helps

we have huge issues with sleep...or rather getting to sleep. My DS is nearly 12yrs and even on Melatonin quick release at 6mg at night...isn't doing much for this...it's an on-going struggle and lack of sleep we suffer too.

Med's still far outweigh the difficulties without it so we carry on with at least some balance in things daily

Biddypop, Sainsburys don't use aspartame in their squash, barley water, soft drinks, flavoured waters etc. It has a horrible effect on DS1 and for ages, I chose the full fat sugary stuff in preference (and still do if he asks for ribena). He's much better with sucralose, though.

Thanks Ouryve, I must have a look for a Sainsbugs when we're in the UK in August and stock up! I can't find ribena here anymore for some reason (fruice, Miwadi, Robinsons and own brands only) - but 1 type of robinsons (apple and blueberry) is ok, and the barley waters too (DH and I like those, DD not so much but will sometimes). I DID notice that the Fruit Shoots don't have it though, which is useful for when we are out and about.