[Bcelli]

Anyone have any experience with this medication? Our DS2 is recently diagnosed and this is his starter med.

[angelkisses0102]

I have a single dad in my office whose 9 year son (2nd grade) is on this during the school year only. He is very happy and reports no side effects at all with his son...and vast improvement in his ADHD and ability to learn in school when on it. Our kids just started school and as of right now he has not had to put him back on. However, his son is in a 'special' classroom...exactly like my DS's...so that helps to keep him off the meds as well. The only reason he pulls him off in the summer was because 1.) his son didn't really need and 2.) he wants to give his a body a break, oh and 3.) he wants to see if he still needs it.

We have had a few in depth conversations about this because I feel a diagnosis of ADHD (or two) will be in store for us this year.

Good luck.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

What type of med is this? Is it a stimulant?

[Bcelli]

PSM - yes, it's a stimulant, however, as with most ADHD cases, it creates the opposite effect.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

Originally Posted by Bcelli

PSM - yes, it's a stimulant, however, as with most ADHD cases, it creates the opposite effect.

Thanks for the info. I've been hoping for a non-stimulant alternative to Strattera, which worked for me but had too many side effects, but it seems that anything new coming out is just new versions of the stimulant meds. For now I'm stuck with just coping, though just being aware has made a huge difference (I wasn't diagnosed until I was in grad school).

[susan1326]

Focalin XR has been a true lifesaver for our DS and our family. He calls it his thinking medicine, and is so proud of his ability to listen to the teacher and follow directions--uncontrolled impulsivity was a major problem for him. He has made straight A's on the med--a great side effect, but absolutely not the reason we put him on it, we are not grade-obsessed. It is the first ADHD med he has tried. It's out of his system by about 4 p.m. each day. The only side effect we've had is lessened hunger at lunch time, but he makes up for it at breakfast and dinner. I have seen such an increase in his self esteem and confidence--he feels good about himself, and to be truthful, it is such a good feeling as a mom to pick him up at the classroom after school and not be afraid of getting a "bad" behavior report once again. We have had the most wonderful teachers who have worked with us both with and without meds, and for that we are blessed. Our pediatrician hopes that he will come off Focalin as he matures, hopefully in the third grade (he's in first grade now). We'll see how it goes.

[Bcelli]

So far so good for us as well. DS - also a first-grader - is on 5 mg each morning and usually by 3 p.m. - exactly when he gets out of school - he's wound like a top. But his teacher reports he's an absolute angel in class - and that's his true self coming through. It's nice others get a chance to see what I know is there despite the impulsivity issues.

PSM - I only was diagnosed as we progressed through the process of finding answers for DS. So I only have two weeks on him as far as meds go. Our entire family is changing - and much for the better. Better living through chemistry - as they say. :-)

[leeinmemphis]

Becky

Timothy started on Adderall XR about three years ago and for the last year has been on Vyvanse (which has been awesome for us). It makes such a difference! I hope all is well with the Cellis!

alli

[Bcelli]

Alli - check your PMs.

[susan1326]

Becky,
I know what you mean by wound like a top when it wears off! Like you, we are thankful for the blessing of better FAMILY living through chemistry!
Susan

[mdaisyq]

Our 6 year old was just put on Adderal for ADHD. I have since noticed, on this board and others, that other kids are on Focalin and other meds.


Any reasons why some of you have switched from Adderal?

[Bcelli]

As I understand - and you have to take that with a grain of salt since this is my first foray into the adhd rodeo - Focalin is good for more high-end hyperactivity issues. It also is one of the only meds that comes in 5 mg dosages. Our ped said since DS was under 50 lbs., it would be a good place to start him. Also his therapist said it was one of the newer adhd meds. Ritalin used to be the only choice. Thankfully, there are a number of options now and finding the right med and dosage for each patient takes a little trial and error. DS's therapist said many of her patients have had very good results with both Adderal and Vyvanse.

[SingleMama2B]

Originally Posted by Bcelli

Anyone have any experience with this medication? Our DS2 is recently diagnosed and this is his starter med.

Hi.... I just saw your post, and my DD has been on Focalin XR for almost 2 years now. Infact, she was just 'up-ed' alittle in preparation for school. Actually, her ped. Nuero OT doctor and regular Ped. had wanted me to raise her 6 months ago, but I refused. Since coming home 3 1/2 years ago, she has doubled her weight, and grew 8+ inches, and puberty striking FAST, it was time with all of her body and chem. changes. She was on 5 m for almost 2 years, and was just raised to 10 m. the "XR" (extended release capsule) only comes in 5 m incriments. DD takes after breakfast, and lasts (with her) until around 6 PM each day. The only side effect she has experienced is loss of appetite for the first 10 days or so. I would fill her with GOOD calories in the morning (full breakfast), and a big dinner, and healthy snacks all night long. She has done remarkably well on the med, and she doesn't get as frustrated since she can focus better. Her energy level did not diminish at all, and her personality is exactly as before.... bright sunny, always smiling.....

My personal experience with this med. has been good.... As our doctors told me when first perscribed... children are different.... we will have to see if this is the med. for "A". It turned out to be. Continue to ask questions of your ped/doctor and specialist so you feel comfortable.