Posted by jay on January 20, 2003, at 22:21:38
In reply to Fear of Meds had screwed up my Son's life. (Long), posted by Essence on January 20, 2003, at 7:41:34
Just a couple notes of caution, as I have worked with many kids with various mental health disorders....and plenty of ADD/ADHD kids.
One is that even if Dx'ed with ADD/ADHD, if there are issues surrounding aggression and anger (as you suggested there where), starting just on a stimulant may cause problems, and/or be tricky. There are a couple of different med treatments, and one is the use of the med Clonidine, as well as the other anti-hypertensive drug Guanfacine. I don't know if these can be used in combination with stimulants. You should talk with a child psychiatrist about this.
If there are issues surrounding possible depression and anxiety, they should also be treated. Concurrent antidepressant and ADD med treatment is common, and besides, they both seem to help each other. (Like working 'synergistically'.)
The medications Depakote (brand name) as well as the atypical antipsychotics, and some other mood stabilizers may work for the aggression. Klonipin (clonazepam) in good doses is also sometimes used in these cases.
This may take a *long* time, and you most certainly should be guided by an expert in child psychiatry, not just any doctor in this case. Medications and their levels can be very, very tricky, and side effects are also difficult often to deal with. You want the best support and expert advice you can get.
I also am curious about your son's girlfriend's pregnancy. Has she, her parents and you talked with a doctor and/or nurse about this? Before anything continues...that should be your first step. There are options and choices in this situation.
Anything further we can help with..please keep in touch!
Best,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:35557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030120/msgs/35583.html