Concerta

[Guest guest]

Dear Dana,

I am thinking of starting my son on enzymes, but have several questions.

First, he is almost 11 and is 63 pounds. That's the 10th percentile for his

age, down from where he was at the 25th percentile two years ago. He eats

pretty well, even though he's on 54mg of Concerta for ADHD. He may be light on

lunch at school, due to the Concerta, but eats very well at breakfast and

dinner. He's diagnosed ADHD with learning disabilities, maybe Aspberger's,

doctor's can't agree, but he's not neuro-typical. He shows no gastrointestinal

problems, but you can literally count his ribs. My question is, is an

underweight issue a good reason to start enzymes? Do any parents have this

situation? Would enzymes assist with weight gain if malabsorption is an issue?

I

have always suspected a malabsorption problem, but don't know how to prove it.

His pediatrician doesn't think it's a problem because he continues to grow,

albeit slowly.

My other question is regarding the timed-release coating on his Concerta.

Will it be digested quickly by the enzymes? That would result in a slam of

medication that he couldn't tolerate.

Thank you for your help!

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Dana, thank you for that information. I contacted the pharmacy who told me

that an inert ingredient in Concerta is cellulose, presumably in the coating.

I now have to think about possibly changing his formulation back to regular

ritalin. That might also make it easier to monitor any behavior/attentional

improvements brought on by better nutrition with enzymes, since I can give

smaller doses that way and maybe gradually reduce the ritalin. That's my

hope, anyway.

I still have the question about how to get the tests for metabolic

functions, amino acid tests, bacterial and fungal tests, etc. I don't really

know

what's going on inside my son. He shows no signs of intestinal distress at

all.

In my own research, I find that symptoms are not a necessary factor for gut

issues, so when I bring this up with his doctor, even his psychiatrist, they

think I'm a little crazy. I had a metabolic profile run on him through a

homeopathic physician, and the results were rather normal, except for some

items that I don't understand, and neither did he. Not to my satisfaction,

anyway. What kind of doctors are folks using that understand these situations?

Are we talking about neurologists, DAN doctors, regular MD's? What have the

other experiences been?

Thank you for sharing your invaluable experience!

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Dear Haleh,

Thanks so much for the info. My son hasn't been officially diagnosed with a

spectrum disorder. His developmental ped says it's just LD's, psychologist

says probably PDD-NOS, regular ped says it looks like Asperger's, and school

said MR, although with his IEP he's getting straight A's in his remedial

classes as well as his regular classes. So, I don't even know if I can go to a

DAN doctor, but I will look into it. Right now his weight is paramount in my

mind and I will probably take him off Concerta slowly for the next few weeks,

and depending on his behavior, maybe altogether for the summer. I'd love to

get him off that stuff, or at least reduce the dosage.

Thank you for your support!

Laurie

PS I am also going organic and just started on raw milk, which is legal

here in PA. Funny that in so many states, mind altering psycotrophic drugs are

legal for kids but not milk from Elsie. Go figure!

[Guest guest]

>

> Dear Dana,

>

> I am thinking of starting my son on enzymes, but have several

questions.

> First, he is almost 11 and is 63 pounds. That's the 10th

percentile for his

> age, down from where he was at the 25th percentile two years ago.

My 7yo weighs more than that, and she is not fat. Your son is

definitely a skinny kid.

My 11yo weighs more than that, and I can still count his ribs. He is

improving tho, with EFA and amino acid supplementation.

>>My question is, is an

> underweight issue a good reason to start enzymes?

It is a good reason. Enzymes can help him obtain more nutrition from

the foods he eats.

> My other question is regarding the timed-release coating on his

Concerta.

> Will it be digested quickly by the enzymes?

I would definitely contact your enzyme supplier and ask about that.

You are right, if the enzymes you use, affect the time release

coating, then that would not be a good thing.

Dana

[Guest guest]

> I still have the question about how to get the tests for metabolic

> functions, amino acid tests, bacterial and fungal tests, etc. I don't

> really know

> what's going on inside my son. He shows no signs of intestinal distress at

> all.

We did the Metamatrix ION profile. A comprehensive test that includes

intracelluar levels of vitamins, minerals, EFAs, Plasma Amino Acids,

methylation cycles and oxidative stress and a few other things. You can also

order their plasma amino acids test only which is one part of this test and of

course cheaper much cheaper.

For Bacterial and fungal test:

Doctors Data has a 3 day microbology stool test that I think it is great. It

checks for beneficial and bad bacteria as well as yeast and parasites and it

also test which yeast killers RX as well as natural your child responsive to.

For viral titers you can look into Immunosciences lab.

> In my own research, I find that symptoms are not a necessary factor for

> gut

> issues, so when I bring this up with his doctor, even his psychiatrist,

> they

> think I'm a little crazy. I had a metabolic profile run on him through a

> homeopathic physician, and the results were rather normal, except for some

> items that I don't understand, and neither did he. Not to my satisfaction,

You are not crazy. Most mainstream doctors are.

Did your test come with a lab explanation?

>

> anyway. What kind of doctors are folks using that understand these

> situations?

We are seeing a DAN doctor with great result so far. Some others are using

homeopath and a few parents are ingenious enough to pull it off without

doctors.

I have found all testing extremely helpful. In fact our DAN is one that does

more testing than many other DANs and though they are expensive, they are an

investment for my son's future. We will live a modest life, we drive older

cars, live in a rental and pay check to pay check but feed ourselves organic

food, good supplements etc. I am not advocating this for others but it seemed

the most logical thing to do. I do recommend that if finances are not an

issue, to find a very good DAN.

If you choose to go with a practitioner, DAN or Naturapath, please do a

research on the practitioner to find out how others rate his/her practice. Not

all doctors (DAN or otherwise) were created equal. I also think it is best to

go with practitioners that have a lot of successful experience treating ASD

kids. The more kids one treats, and the more test result one sees, the better

they can interpret behavior or metabolic abnormalities.

Best wishes,

Haleh

P.S. I highly recommend a Plasma Amino Acid test and Metametrix sends their

lab result to Metabolic Maintenance where you can order custom amino acid

supplement based on your child specific needs.

This has been huge for us as after starting this, my son's severe anxiety

issues came to an end.

[Guest guest]

Dear Laurie,

I think it is great to get him off Concerta and many of these issue will be

improved or solved with proper amino acid supplementation.

many DAN doctors treat ADD, ADHD, Developmental Dealys or kids with gut issues

as well. In addition children with apraxia, dyspraxia, hyperlaxia, are being

treated as the ASD even though Apraxia and Dysprexia are not classified as

such. In these cases, children share a lot of the same metabolic

abnormalities. Diagnosis is more a matter of label than any real insight. Many

vaccine injured children have diabetes and not ASD. Lets say if your child is

showing any metabolic abnormality with physical, immunological, mental or

physicological manifestation, DAN or another progressive medical modality is

very very helpful.

My son was not diagnosed initially at age 17 months, in spite extensive

screening and didn't get his dx of autistic disorder until he was 41 months.

We started DAN as soon as we could get to it and before he has a dx.

Best of luck and I am so pleased that you are going to get him off concerta

slowly. Psychiatric drugs are poisonous and should only be used as a last

resort in a dire situation only and preferably not at all on children. Just my

opinion as a person with a family history of psychiatric drug dependency.

Haleh

--- lhsalzman@... wrote:

> Dear Haleh,

>

> Thanks so much for the info. My son hasn't been officially diagnosed with

> a

> spectrum disorder. His developmental ped says it's just LD's, psychologist

>

> says probably PDD-NOS, regular ped says it looks like Asperger's, and

> school

> said MR, although with his IEP he's getting straight A's in his remedial

> classes as well as his regular classes. So, I don't even know if I can go

> to a

> DAN doctor, but I will look into it. Right now his weight is paramount in

> my

> mind and I will probably take him off Concerta slowly for the next few

> weeks,

> and depending on his behavior, maybe altogether for the summer. I'd love

> to

> get him off that stuff, or at least reduce the dosage.

>

> Thank you for your support!

>

> Laurie

>

> PS I am also going organic and just started on raw milk, which is legal

> here in PA. Funny that in so many states, mind altering psycotrophic drugs

> are

> legal for kids but not milk from Elsie. Go figure!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dana, I'm looking for a DAN doctor because, on my own, I don't know

what tests to repeat, and I need help determining the results. My son doesn't

have obvious reactions to foods or supplements, if he does they are very

subtle, except for the neurological issues. I need some help with

'quarterbacking' the situation.

Laurie

[Guest guest]

> I still have the question about how to get the tests for metabolic

> functions, amino acid tests, bacterial and fungal tests, etc.

This lab has a list of tests online

http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/

Dana

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Concerta did wonders for my son. He started on 18 mg when he was a little over 5 yrs. old. I noticed a difference immediately. He didn't meltdown into a puddle as easily. He's now 8 and we're up to a 36 mg dosage and will need an increase when he sees his neuro later this month.

Someone else mentioned it is an appetite suppressant. My son also has a limited menu, and we've found that if we feed him breakfast either just before or immediately after taking the pill, he'll something. During the day, it's tough to get anything into him except beverages. I try pediasure with ice cream, milk shakes made with half & half, pretty much the opposite of what I eat. His Dr. said to just push calories, whether they're empty or not, especially at bed time.

Also, be prepared in case it doesn't exactly last 12 hours. We feel good if we get 9 hours out of it. Around

mid-afternoon, if has something to do at night, he gets a red bull or a mocha-java milk shake; a chocolate milk shake with instant coffee in it to get us through til bedtime.

My neighbor's son has difficulty sleeping while on it, so just be sure to monitor sleeping and eating habits.

Good Luck!

DoreenPlanning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

My son took Concerta for approximately a year and it worked well for

him. I did not notice a difference in his personality (which is good!)

His focus, however, was much better. Following that, there was a slight

change that appeared, to us, that he was teary. He currently takes

Strattera and it is a better fit for him now. That may change again as

he grows. It is a trial and error with medications and no 2 people will

react exactly the same.

*Reminder: If one types in a topic in the search bar within our group,

for instance, " Concerta " , all conversations related to the subject will

be visible to the reader.

*Another important reminder: Have your child's heart examined by EKG

and ultrasound prior to commencement of any stimulant medications to

enusre that there are no underlying conditions that could be worsened.

Velvet

>

> My son just started 18mg of concerta today, does anyone have any pros

> or cons on this med? all your experiences would help

>

> thanks brandi

> mother of 10 year old christopher with asperger's syndrome

>

[Guest guest]

We switch around all the ADHD meds about every year or less, too; which does help us to keep getting 'effects' from it; also helps to keep the doses a little smaller; just our advise.

On the flip swith, I have taken ritilin (usually generic) for over 11 years now, three times a day---only time not is pregnant, really sick, or did not remember to take it a third time, and I certainly get affects from the same dose....so, it is one half dozen the other; I agree with meals-----our meds last 9 hours MAX, and we do a ritilin to get to bedtime, when we do pills (right now, we are doing the daytrana patch and loving it---with our six year old----fourteen year old is currently on 40 mg. adderall and it works for him right now.

Ruthie Dolezal

From: Reen31@...Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 12:42:23 -0400Subject: Re: ( ) Re: concerta

Hi ,

Concerta did wonders for my son. He started on 18 mg when he was a little over 5 yrs. old. I noticed a difference immediately. He didn't meltdown into a puddle as easily. He's now 8 and we're up to a 36 mg dosage and will need an increase when he sees his neuro later this month.

Someone else mentioned it is an appetite suppressant. My son also has a limited menu, and we've found that if we feed him breakfast either just before or immediately after taking the pill, he'll something. During the day, it's tough to get anything into him except beverages. I try pediasure with ice cream, milk shakes made with half & half, pretty much the opposite of what I eat. His Dr. said to just push calories, whether they're empty or not, especially at bed time.

Also, be prepared in case it doesn't exactly last 12 hours. We feel good if we get 9 hours out of it. Around

mid-afternoon, if has something to do at night, he gets a red bull or a mocha-java milk shake; a chocolate milk shake with instant coffee in it to get us through til bedtime.

My neighbor's son has difficulty sleeping while on it, so just be sure to monitor sleeping and eating habits.

Good Luck!

Doreen

Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

[Guest guest]

My son took Concerta for about three weeks. Focus was great , the

coming off period in the evening was ok but then at about three weeks

he started becoming violent threatening with knives etc. This is

totally unlike my son. He does have frequent meltdowns but never any

talk of actually hurting anyone.

We also take Risperdal and are back on only that.

Hilery

>

> My son just started 18mg of concerta today, does anyone have any pros

> or cons on this med? all your experiences would help

>

> thanks brandi

> mother of 10 year old christopher with asperger's syndrome

>

[Guest guest]

I am very sorry to hear that your son's school has asked you not to return. Is there anything else that can be done that would keep him there? It's a shame since he's settled there already and they have been willing to work with you in the past. Do you think a change in meds would help? I'm not sure what state you are in or how the rules may differ, but where I am, NJ, even kids in private school are eligible for sp ed services thru the county. There are children in my son's school who even have a one-on-one aid in the classroom. Some of the aids even take notes for the child.

I don't have any experience or knowledge about the other specialty schools that you mentioned. I would have the same questions as you though about the isolation.

Mims

From: aryaandtara <aryaandtara@...>Subject: ( ) concerta Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2008, 5:35 AM

Hi everyone. My 8 year old son is in a verydemanding private school. Initially he had problems with some ofthe kids isolating him. We contacted the school and they weresupportive and watched out for him. he is doing very goodacademically, however because of his need for more attention in theclassroom ( needs to be redirected), the school is asking us toleave. He has been taking concerta for about one and a half year.The last couple of week he seems very anxious, fidgety and nervous.We just stopped concerta. it was helping somewhat with thefocusing. We have another month and a half left of school. Thethought of a new school is very horrifying, specially with hissocial awkwardness. we are contemplating a school specially forkids with pervasive disorders and high functioning autism orasperger. does anyone have any experiences with these schools?will I be isolating my son furthure from society? I

dont know whatdo to? please let me know if you have any suggestions. thanks__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My son started out on 18 mg of Concerta, he did alright but I had alot

of trouble in the morning and in the evening, getting him to cooperate

with anything, getting dressed for school, doing homework. So his

doctor put him on 27 mg of it. I give him this pill in the morning

before school, about 5:30 a.m. and then after school, about 4 pm I can

give him an 18 mg pill. This has worked out alot better. He is doing

alot better in school, at home. He still has some " off " days, but

otherwise things are alot better. The only thing that I have noticed

is that he seems to be hungry alot. I don't always give him the 18 mg

pill, if we have an appointment or have to go somewhere i do. Hope

this helps.

>

> My son just started 18mg of concerta today, does anyone have any pros

> or cons on this med? all your experiences would help

>

> thanks brandi

> mother of 10 year old christopher with asperger's syndrome

>

[Guest guest]

I have 2 sons on Concerta, 54mg. My oldest has been on Concerta for about 5yrs and he won't go without it. He is now 18 yrs old and definately knows the difference. It does make an increase in the appetite. We have good luck but like you we have our days. Good luck! Loricajabra <cajabra@...> wrote: My son started out on 18 mg of Concerta, he did alright but I had alot of trouble in the morning and in the evening, getting him to cooperate with anything, getting dressed for school, doing homework. So his doctor put him on 27 mg of it. I give him this pill in the morning before school, about 5:30 a.m. and then after school, about 4 pm I can give him an 18 mg pill. This has worked out alot better. He is doing alot better in school, at home. He still has some "off" days, but otherwise things are alot better. The

only thing that I have noticed is that he seems to be hungry alot. I don't always give him the 18 mg pill, if we have an appointment or have to go somewhere i do. Hope this helps.>> My son just started 18mg of concerta today, does anyone have any pros > or cons on this med? all your experiences would help > > thanks brandi> mother of 10 year old christopher with asperger's syndrome>------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Gee, I wish Concerta would cause an increase in my dd appetite. It has the opposite effect on her. No appetite whatsoever until it wears off. I try to see that she eats a good breakfast but that often proves difficult and she usually skips lunch at school, eats a snack when she gets home sometimes then very little for supper. She won't drink any of the nutrion drinks so I worry. She has always been thin because she is so restrictive on foods to begin with.lori jennings <lozzy3us@...> wrote: I have 2

sons on Concerta, 54mg. My oldest has been on Concerta for about 5yrs and he won't go without it. He is now 18 yrs old and definately knows the difference. It does make an increase in the appetite. We have good luck but like you we have our days. Good luck! Loricajabra <cajabra > wrote: My son started out on 18 mg of Concerta, he did alright but I had alot of trouble in the morning and in the evening, getting him to cooperate with anything, getting dressed for school, doing homework. So his doctor put him on 27 mg of it. I give him this pill in the morning before school, about 5:30 a.m. and then after school, about 4 pm I can give him an 18 mg pill. This has worked out alot better. He is doing alot better in school, at home. He still has some "off" days, but otherwise things are alot better. The only thing that I have noticed is

that he seems to be hungry alot. I don't always give him the 18 mg pill, if we have an appointment or have to go somewhere i do. Hope this helps.>> My son just started 18mg of concerta today, does anyone have any pros > or cons on this med? all your experiences would help > > thanks brandi> mother of 10 year old christopher with asperger's syndrome>------------------------------------