[DJAKoala]

Hi,
My husband and I are adopting brothers 5 and 7 years old. We have not met them yet(April 14th) We know alot about their history. I am a bit concerned that they are on some strong meds for their ages. They are diagnoses with ADHD and RAD. The 5 year old takes Clonidine and Risperdal and the 7 year old takes Tenex and Medidate(ritilin). Are they kind of young for these meds? I know they probably need something to help calm their minds and help woth sleep. I'm not concerned yet about there challenges, I will deal with those issues once they are in my home. They have been in the same foster home together for 2 1/2 years and will be comming only weekends for about 6 weeks so we can get to know each other and learn about there special needs, and to make sure it is an appropriate placement. Then after much evaluation by the DCF and social workers they will decide if they can be permanently placed with us to adopt. My husband and I really want these boys and not afraid to deal with their dx's. They are currently in weekly therapy which we will keep them involved with. Just concerned about the meds and why such young boys would be on such strong meds.
Any sugesstions welcome.
Debbie A.

[lucyjoy]

First, there is no medication for RAD and the RAD symptoms likely will not show until they are placed.

It's very common to put kids in foster care on heavy doses of medicine that they may or may not need. Clonidine is a blood pressure med used on hyper kids. Risperidal is an antipsychotic used to curb anger and aid with sleeping. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not. Ritlin is out of the system in four hours. If the child really needs it, you'll be able to tell. Sometimes, it is only used during school hours. I am not familiar with the other drug.

Ask to speak with the Psychiatrist treating the children and find out why these medications were started and if the children have showed improvement after being placed on the meds.

[Sledge]

I know very little about RAD but I adopted a 6 yr old ADHD child that was on numerous meds since just turning age 5. After he was with us a three or four months we slowly pulled him off the meds and everything turned out fine. These children will challenge/drain you emotionally. This is what happened to us but after nearly two years everything is going great and do not regret our decision at all. Good luck.

[kforkids]

Tenex is also for ADHD. It is a longer last med. I( have a child that takes tenex and a generic ritilin.

[aMarylandfamily]

Tenex is not for ADHD - the ritalin is - the Tenex is to balance the side effect (usually insomnia) that accompanies ADHD medications.

Yes, these children are on strong medications ... the dosages may clue you in more though as they may have encountered several different behaviors which required something and they may be experiencing with these. The clonidine coupled with risperdal is very common in children exhibiting behaviors that accompany bi-polar ... which any psychiatrist would be reluctant to place on a child of their age ... but he may be addressing the symptoms ... and, yes you need to speak with the psychiatrist prescribing these and determine when, why and how the decision to place the children on them occurred and rule out any further diagnoses before placement to determine that you can meet both their current mental health needs as well as possible future ones.

Don't mean to be pessimistic ... just being forceful in my belief that you need to investigate thoroughly so you understand what these medications are, what they are meant for and what they are doing for the particular child(ren). It matters.

Please post any thoughts or questions. Many of us have had children taking these medications or similar ones and can offer lots of wisdom ... remembering, as I always add, that the wisdom is for your use not gospel or judgemental!

Thanks.

[kforkids]

Just to let you know, my son IS on Tenex for ADHD. He does not have any problems with sleeplessness or other side effects!
The doctor prescribled the Tenex with the generic ritalin to make the transition times easier- like first thing in the morning before the ritilin takes effect, the tenex is working.
I sure would want to see all supporting medical records to know why these meds had been perscribed. There may very well be legit reasons for these meds, but I would want to know what had been behind it!
As suggested, do lots of research!

[PinkRibbon]

I recommend having the boys evaluated independently to see if they really need to be medicated. I hate to see such young kids on medication. I'm a child psychologist and I am very leery of a doctor who says kids that young MUST be medicated.