School stress and tantrums

December 3, 2006

Hi all. I have been racking my brain if there is an underlying

problem or if this is just basic stress. I figured I better turn to

the wisdom of you parents!!

OK, so here's the deal. My son is almost 7 in 1st grade. He does

well academically in school. But for the past several weeks, he has

been very irritable, defiant in school, prone to tantrums and

meltdowns.

If he gets something wrong, or he makes a mistake, he goes way

overboard throwing a tantrum and getting totally upset. They have to

take him out of the room to calm him down. He has recently shown

this same stress at home, but it is mostly around school work. I do

not know if there is an underlying " something wrong " or if this is

just stress related to the demands of school.

Some extra info....

1. We increased Wellbutrin several weeks ago and saw good things at

home....better communication, overall brighter, sharper. A teacher

at school stated she felt many things were opening up for him so he

is feeling more stress. Dr G agrees it was a good increase. We have

also recently lowered Tenex....more good sharpness.

2. We switched to Paxil from Prozac the end of July. I 1st noted he

seemed more irritable on Paxil, but his language and socialization

increased. But I wonder if the good outweighs the bad.

3. Allergy vs. sinus. I feel like I could write a book here. My

son was on 3 antibiotics late Aug/early Sep for a couple of different

things.....1st strep, then sinus infection. (Editorial note: I do

not think doctors could EVER be sure of a sinus infection without

culturing mucus.) After 14 days of Augmentin he had alot of post

nasal drip.....Dr G said he felt Augmentin didn't work. Local

pediatrician said its just allergy and wants him to take Singulair,

which Dr G is against. I (personally) saw an allergist who said he

doesn't like to give Singulair unless breathing problems warrant it.

I feel like I am " stuck " between docs. Anyway....this thick post

nasal can't clear the base of your nose has not cleared in 2 months.

Dr G now wants me to try Claritin but I am hesitant to do because of

the " offness " in school, and trying to let the other adjustments

settle in.

(his ASO is always negative)

Any thoughts or advice are most welcome.

Wow this got long!

Sorry.

Recommended Posts