So, we're considering Ritalin over here in Rooster Country. Just at the considering phase, welcoming any and all input.
(sigh)
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Two kids, two full time careers - lots of people do it gracefully, but for me it's a challenge, particularly as I struggle with my boy, the rooster, and his "constellation" of health and developmental issues. Medicine so far fails to cure what ails us, so I'm trying a self-prescribed intensive dose of blogging to see if that does the trick.
4 comments:
We tried Ritalin on Taz, and it didn't have much effect. My good friend's son, however, has been transformed by Ritalin, from a wild child who couldn't sit still, to a calm, attentive boy who is now excelling in school.
The really nice thing about trying a stimulant is that the effects, if any, are immediate (unlike anti-depressants, which can take months to reach full effectiveness). And since Ritalin's half-life is really short, it leaves the body in no time if you decide you don't like how it's affecting your child.
We have no experience with Ritalin (though - maybe it would have the opposite effect and give Foster some typical level of energy?) but what I do know is that sometimes medications really do their job. I know all of the devastating side effects of steroids, yet when Reilly has swelling in his brain, the side effects are the least of my concern.
Not the same, but sort of...
I agree with Mama Mara - it leaves quickly, so it's not going to hurt to try - BUT - if he does not have ADHD, there is really no point, it's not going to do any good either. Does he have a dx of ADHD? And if he does, Ritalin may still not be the answer, he may do better on some of the other meds they have (eg, if it doesn't work, don't panic, like any drug some work better on some people than others.)
We tried it in the beginning and it was awful for us. It just brought out more aggression. BUT it is one of many types of ADHD meds. Keep in mind it is not even approved for kids under 6. We have since tried Adderall (regular and XR) and now Vyvanse. The vyvanse has been the best at controlling the roller coaster. I attribute his better mind well being to the risperdal though. The combination of the two has been very helpful for us (and others.) It also has the added benefit of balancing appetite. ADHD meds tend to decrease while the risperdal increases it.
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