Guest guest Posted April 5, 2011 Report Share Posted April 5, 2011 We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2011 Report Share Posted April 6, 2011 We have found meds have made our son worse over the years so we went to DAN doc who put him on Feingold Diet and GFCF......amazing difference and no crashing off meds!Seek a DAN doc.....most take insurance too.Sent from my Palm Pre on the Now Network from SprintOn Apr 5, 2011 9:21 PM, Kay Hansen <ebony.ivory@...> wrote: We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. Kay 1 of 1 Photo(s) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2011 Report Share Posted April 6, 2011 Ok, Roxanna...... Give up the goods on the new ADHD med. We've struggled with all of them for my youngest. Sigh. Tell me your miracle.....he he. We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 It's "focalin". I hate to brag at how well it's working lest the autism gods hear me and decide to make it stop. lol. But so far, so good. Roxanna May those who love us, love us And those who don't love us, May God turn their hearts And if he can't turn their hearts, May he turn their ankles So we will know them by their limping! Re: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? Ok, Roxanna...... Give up the goods on the new ADHD med. We've struggled with all of them for my youngest. Sigh. Tell me your miracle.....he he. We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently upped from 20mg to 30mg) Works well for us ... (max is 9 1/2) > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > research before the psych calls > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 We tried focalin twice, it worked better than vyvanse, ritalin, etc but she still can't do it. Intuniv didn't really make a difference either On 4/7/11, Roxanna <MadIdeas@...> wrote: > It's " focalin " . I hate to brag at how well it's working lest the autism > gods hear me and decide to make it stop. lol. But so far, so good. > > > > > > Roxanna > May those who love us, love us > And those who don't love us, > May God turn their hearts > And if he can't turn their hearts, > May he turn their ankles > So we will know them by their limping! > > > > > > Re: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? > > > > > > > > Ok, Roxanna...... > > Give up the goods on the new ADHD med. We've struggled with all of them for > my youngest. Sigh. > > Tell me your miracle.....he he. > > > > > > > We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular > explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on > Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the > doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer > generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see > what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has > definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that > they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well > together. > > Kay > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- Sent from my mobile device -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My son is also on Focalin. After trying many kinds of " attention " drugs, Focalin was like a miracle for us as well. The doctor said it did not contain a polymer that results in irritability???? Every kids is different though...meds can be very tricky and I really believe parents need to be super careful. My son had a very bad adverse reaction one time, and it was unbelievably scary...the docs were of no help when it happened either. The other thing I like about Focalin is that we only give it to our son on days when he is in school for focus. I like that he is not on it all the time. > > > > > We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. > > Kay > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 Are all these meds in pill format or any in liquid. We are considering meds for my 6 year old but already are concerned about how they come. Can you tell we are very new to this??From: bkaspiemom <rachelfran@...> Sent: Thu, April 7, 2011 6:27:13 AMSubject: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently upped from 20mg to 30mg) Works well for us ... (max is 9 1/2) > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > research before the psych calls > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm "that" mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 Most are pill. I know sometimes there are capsules that can be opened and ritalin comes in chewable On 4/7/11, Abatangelo <stephanie.abatangelo@...> wrote: > Are all these meds in pill format or any in liquid. We are considering meds > for > my 6 year old but already are concerned about how they come. Can you tell > we > are very new to this?? > > > > > ________________________________ > From: bkaspiemom <rachelfran@...> > > Sent: Thu, April 7, 2011 6:27:13 AM > Subject: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? > > > > My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently > upped > from 20mg to 30mg) > > Works well for us ... > > > (max is 9 1/2) > >> >> We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing >> her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so >> near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This >> weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums >> and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this >> weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can >> research before the psych calls >> >> -- >> Sent from my mobile device >> >> -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters >> Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom > <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> >> > > > -- Sent from my mobile device -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters Let Them Be Little, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011  For those who have their children on meds - what is the main symptom you are trying to control? Attention? Focus? I'm curious because I am also considering meds for my son who is 7 but our problem area is behavior such as defiance and also impulsivity. The defiance is mostly when he is asked to do school work but somedays he just refuses any request. It seems to be worse the past couple weeks and I am growing increasinly concerned. Also the impulsivity is when he wants to get into kids spaces and faces and likes to playfully poke and touch and the other kids are annoyed. He does alot of things with out thinking first, he has no self control. Also is it normal for these behaviors to come and go? They are present for a week then gone for a week etc. but he is also super stimulated by a group of kids - he just picks up on all their energy or somthing and starts acting crazy. Any of you dealing with the same things and what meds work best for this? Focus and concentrating are secondary issues for us. I don't want to waste our time trying meds if meds don't typically address our concerns. We're not finding the right Dr. yet to help us make this decision. so far I feel I know more than they do! LOL but I got some recommendations here the other day. I like the sound of Intuiv - non stimulant but I keep finding that Drs recommend pairing it up with another stimulant and I don't understand why yet. Also I read Intuiv is only proven to be effective for 8 or 9 weeks. No trials after that length of time? ( ) Re: What meds are they on? My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently upped from 20mg to 30mg)Works well for us ...(max is 9 1/2)>> We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing> her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so> near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This> weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums> and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this> weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can> research before the psych calls> > -- > Sent from my mobile device> > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters> Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm "that" mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/>> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 10:01:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 Those symptoms are what we're dealing, we take a mood stabilizer, depakote. The risperadol and abilify that ppl mentioned are mainly for that as well On 4/7/11, SoCalVal <socalval@...> wrote: > For those who have their children on meds - what is the main symptom you are > trying to control? Attention? Focus? I'm curious because I am also > considering meds for my son who is 7 but our problem area is behavior such > as defiance and also impulsivity. The defiance is mostly when he is asked to > do school work but somedays he just refuses any request. It seems to be > worse the past couple weeks and I am growing increasinly concerned. Also the > impulsivity is when he wants to get into kids spaces and faces and likes to > playfully poke and touch and the other kids are annoyed. He does alot of > things with out thinking first, he has no self control. Also is it normal > for these behaviors to come and go? They are present for a week then gone > for a week etc. but he is also super stimulated by a group of kids - he just > picks up on all their energy or somthing and starts acting crazy. Any of you > dealing with the same things and what meds work best for this? Focus and > concentrating are secondary issues for us. I don't want to waste our time > trying meds if meds don't typically address our concerns. We're not finding > the right Dr. yet to help us make this decision. so far I feel I know more > than they do! LOL but I got some recommendations here the other day. > > I like the sound of Intuiv - non stimulant but I keep finding that Drs > recommend pairing it up with another stimulant and I don't understand why > yet. Also I read Intuiv is only proven to be effective for 8 or 9 weeks. No > trials after that length of time? > > > ( ) Re: What meds are they on? > > > > My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently > upped from 20mg to 30mg) > > Works well for us ... > > > (max is 9 1/2) > > > > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > > research before the psych calls > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom > <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 > 10:01:00 > -- Sent from my mobile device -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters Let Them Be Little, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My daughter was diagnosed with ADD when she was in 1st grade. She has been on about 7 different ones, but Focalin finally was our gift from the medicine gods. She has been on it for about 3 years. The medicine also has a discount card if you asked your doctor -- saves me a co-pay every month!! I totally agree with Kym though -- each child is different. Good luck! From: Kym <kym.grosso@...> Sent: Thu, April 7, 2011 1:21:27 PMSubject: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? My son is also on Focalin. After trying many kinds of "attention" drugs, Focalin was like a miracle for us as well. The doctor said it did not contain a polymer that results in irritability???? Every kids is different though...meds can be very tricky and I really believe parents need to be super careful. My son had a very bad adverse reaction one time, and it was unbelievably scary...the docs were of no help when it happened either.The other thing I like about Focalin is that we only give it to our son on days when he is in school for focus. I like that he is not on it all the time. > > > > > We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together.> > Kay> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 Roxanna, Just wondering if this is a stimulant medication or not? ne We have found that Abilify works well with our son. He used to have regular explosions and violent behavior. His behavior has improved since going on Abilify. There could still stand to be more improvement though and the doctor has suggested maybe adding Lamictal, which is one of the newer generation mood stabilizers. We haven’t added it yet because we want to see what the full effect of the Abilify would be. But his behavior has definitely improved greatly from what it was. His psychiatrist said that they often use Abilify and Lamictal together because they work well together. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My son was on Zoloft that was a liquid. We mixed it into diet sprite. Now he can swallow pills. Sent from my iPadOn Apr 7, 2011, at 6:45 PM, Durocher <funwith4@...> wrote: Those symptoms are what we're dealing, we take a mood stabilizer, depakote. The risperadol and abilify that ppl mentioned are mainly for that as well On 4/7/11, SoCalVal <socalval@...> wrote: > For those who have their children on meds - what is the main symptom you are > trying to control? Attention? Focus? I'm curious because I am also > considering meds for my son who is 7 but our problem area is behavior such > as defiance and also impulsivity. The defiance is mostly when he is asked to > do school work but somedays he just refuses any request. It seems to be > worse the past couple weeks and I am growing increasinly concerned. Also the > impulsivity is when he wants to get into kids spaces and faces and likes to > playfully poke and touch and the other kids are annoyed. He does alot of > things with out thinking first, he has no self control. Also is it normal > for these behaviors to come and go? They are present for a week then gone > for a week etc. but he is also super stimulated by a group of kids - he just > picks up on all their energy or somthing and starts acting crazy. Any of you > dealing with the same things and what meds work best for this? Focus and > concentrating are secondary issues for us. I don't want to waste our time > trying meds if meds don't typically address our concerns. We're not finding > the right Dr. yet to help us make this decision. so far I feel I know more > than they do! LOL but I got some recommendations here the other day. > > I like the sound of Intuiv - non stimulant but I keep finding that Drs > recommend pairing it up with another stimulant and I don't understand why > yet. Also I read Intuiv is only proven to be effective for 8 or 9 weeks. No > trials after that length of time? > > > ( ) Re: What meds are they on? > > > > My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently > upped from 20mg to 30mg) > > Works well for us ... > > > (max is 9 1/2) > > > > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > > research before the psych calls > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm "that" mom > <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 > 10:01:00 > -- Sent from my mobile device -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters Let Them Be Little, I'm "that" mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My son is on zoloft, resperidon, stratera and clonodine. Combination works better than anything else we've tried over the years since Kindergarten, He is 8th grade now. ne> For those who have their children on meds - what is the main symptom you are> trying to control? Attention? Focus? I'm curious because I am also> considering meds for my son who is 7 but our problem area is behavior such> as defiance and also impulsivity. The defiance is mostly when he is asked to> do school work but somedays he just refuses any request. It seems to be> worse the past couple weeks and I am growing increasinly concerned. Also the> impulsivity is when he wants to get into kids spaces and faces and likes to> playfully poke and touch and the other kids are annoyed. He does alot of> things with out thinking first, he has no self control. Also is it normal> for these behaviors to come and go? They are present for a week then gone> for a week etc. but he is also super stimulated by a group of kids - he just> picks up on all their energy or somthing and starts acting crazy. Any of you> dealing with the same things and what meds work best for this? Focus and> concentrating are secondary issues for us. I don't want to waste our time> trying meds if meds don't typically address our concerns. We're not finding> the right Dr. yet to help us make this decision. so far I feel I know more> than they do! LOL but I got some recommendations here the other day.>> I like the sound of Intuiv - non stimulant but I keep finding that Drs> recommend pairing it up with another stimulant and I don't understand why> yet. Also I read Intuiv is only proven to be effective for 8 or 9 weeks. No> trials after that length of time?>>> ( ) Re: What meds are they on?>>>> My son is on intuniv (just upped from 2mg to 3mg) and vyvanse (recently> upped from 20mg to 30mg)>> Works well for us ...>> > (max is 9 1/2)> > >> > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing> > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so> > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This> > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums> > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this> > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can> > research before the psych calls> >> > --> > Sent from my mobile device> >> > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters> > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm "that" mom> <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/>> >>>>>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------->>>> No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com> Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11> 10:01:00>-- Sent from my mobile device-mom to a boy and his 5 sistersLet Them Be Little, I'm "that" mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2011 Report Share Posted April 7, 2011 My son is currently taking 3 mgs of intuniv in the morning to curb the ADHD type behavior and 1 mg of Risperidal before bed to take the edge off of his violent outbursts and on the opposite side, the crying, sobbing, wishing he would die, episodes. Knock wood, this combination is helping him to manage to get through school (which he hates) and allows me to get him ready in the morning without him physically attacking me. It is by no means perfect but it certainly helps him. Best, Patty , mom to Blaise, age 7 ASD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 It sounds like you could be describing my son... DS has been taking seroquel XR and Intuniv for a little over a year, and they have made a huge difference. Impulsivity and mood regulation were the initial goals, and we are moving from 2mg to 3mg now to help with attention and focus. I don't think there are longer studies out on Intuniv yet because I think it's only been out on the market for a about year and half. We tried Abilify first, which worked well, but the weight gain was too much for him. We had to ramp up the meds very slowly, because he was getting really tired to start with. All kids react to stuff differently, but they have worked really well for us. It helps that we found a great psychiatrist that deals with kids on the spectrum or with mood disorders. Unfortunately he's not in network for our insurance, so it hasn't been cheap, but worth every penny of our sanity! > > > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > > research before the psych calls > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 10:01:00 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 Thank you for sharing your experience. I haven't heard of seroquel XR yet. Did you start with both meds together or add one later? I'm trying to determine if Intuiv is alone would help address the defiance and impulsivity. I read that non stimulants are extremely hard to determine their effectivness because is very slow. Sometimes 8months up to a year. But with stimulants Dr.s know immediately to change the dose or change the med. It very refreshing to hear positive experiences with meds. It is scary and not an easy decision but sometimes very necessary to improve the quality of our children's lives. I have a ton of patience with my son (LOL, why else would I decide to homeschool?) but not a lot of other people do. I'm at the point now that I'm trying to determine if it's necessary or not...if it's too risky or not.... sigh....I'll make a decision one of these days! ( ) Re: What meds are they on? It sounds like you could be describing my son...DS has been taking seroquel XR and Intuniv for a little over a year, and they have made a huge difference. Impulsivity and mood regulation were the initial goals, and we are moving from 2mg to 3mg now to help with attention and focus. I don't think there are longer studies out on Intuniv yet because I think it's only been out on the market for a about year and half.We tried Abilify first, which worked well, but the weight gain was too much for him. We had to ramp up the meds very slowly, because he was getting really tired to start with. All kids react to stuff differently, but they have worked really well for us. It helps that we found a great psychiatrist that deals with kids on the spectrum or with mood disorders. Unfortunately he's not in network for our insurance, so it hasn't been cheap, but worth every penny of our sanity!> >> > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing> > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so> > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This> > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums> > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this> > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can> > research before the psych calls> > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device> > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters> > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm "that" mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/>> >> > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 10:01:00> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3559 - Release Date: 04/08/11 06:34:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 I would only add one med at a time. That way you know what is working if it's working and what is causing a prob if there is one.E.V. (9-y-o AS on Zoloft and Intuniv)On Fri, Apr 8, 2011 at 6:47 PM, SoCalVal <socalval@...> wrote: Thank you for sharing your experience. I haven't heard of seroquel XR yet. Did you start with both meds together or add one later? I'm trying to determine if Intuiv is alone would help address the defiance and impulsivity. I read that non stimulants are extremely hard to determine their effectivness because is very slow. Sometimes 8months up to a year. But with stimulants Dr.s know immediately to change the dose or change the med. It very refreshing to hear positive experiences with meds. It is scary and not an easy decision but sometimes very necessary to improve the quality of our children's lives. I have a ton of patience with my son (LOL, why else would I decide to homeschool?) but not a lot of other people do. I'm at the point now that I'm trying to determine if it's necessary or not...if it's too risky or not.... sigh....I'll make a decision one of these days! ( ) Re: What meds are they on? It sounds like you could be describing my son...DS has been taking seroquel XR and Intuniv for a little over a year, and they have made a huge difference. Impulsivity and mood regulation were the initial goals, and we are moving from 2mg to 3mg now to help with attention and focus. I don't think there are longer studies out on Intuniv yet because I think it's only been out on the market for a about year and half.We tried Abilify first, which worked well, but the weight gain was too much for him. We had to ramp up the meds very slowly, because he was getting really tired to start with. All kids react to stuff differently, but they have worked really well for us. It helps that we found a great psychiatrist that deals with kids on the spectrum or with mood disorders. Unfortunately he's not in network for our insurance, so it hasn't been cheap, but worth every penny of our sanity!> >> > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing> > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so> > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This> > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums> > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this> > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can> > research before the psych calls> > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device> > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters> > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/>> >> > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3557 - Release Date: 04/07/11 10:01:00> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3559 - Release Date: 04/08/11 06:34:00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 I have a couple of comments on the Intuniv; sorry for long post!. Intuniv is guanfacine, the same drug as Tenex, the blood pressure lowering drug that has been used for decades. Intuniv is just the XR (extended release) version. So there is plenty of research and data on how guanfacine affects human bodies since it's been around a long time. As to whether it stops working after a short period of time, that is not accurate. I think the confusion is that the original study done on children using guanfacine XR (Intuniv) lasted 8 weeks. Guanfacine continues to lower your blood pressure; it will not stop working after a period of time. Your child may grow normally and get too big for his dose or develop other issues that may negate or lessen the effect of Guanfacine on his mood but it won't stop lowering his blood pressure. My (asperger's/mood disordered/non-ADD) child is taking Intuniv without any stimulants. My child needs the Intuniv for mood regulation, not for ADD type behaviors. The guanfacine, through lowered blood pressure, gives you that moment of reflection to react without the kneejerk response of anger or irritability; things just don't bug you as much overall-- the effect is much like Abilify WITHOUT THE WEIGHT GAIN). If your child ALSO has ADD behaviors, that may be why the doctor is prescribing stimulants. My other son with ADD (impulsivity but NOT mood problems) did not gain any benefit from Intuniv and is taking Focalin, which is a stimulant. People with ADD have central nervous systems operating at lower than normal and may require some kind of stimulation to bring it up to a normal level. So non medicated kids with more extreme ADD may poke and prod and push verbal buttons and bounce off the walls and create chaos, all in a subconscious effort to create excitement and stimulation (even the negative kind with mom yelling) to bring their central nervous systems up to where they should be. I (also with ADD) was drinking 14+ cups of strong turbo coffee to bring myself up; now I take Focalin and my coffee intake is more normal as I don't feel the uncontrollable urge to get stimulated through caffeine. So even though Intuniv is being marketed for ADD, it doesn't help everyone regulate themselves. Hope this info is helpful to anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 Wow! Geneva - you can be my Dr. LoL! You explained this so well. Better than any Dr. has so far. Don't apologize for a long post - I love it! It makes so much sense for me now. A Neurologist gave us the Intuiv trial pack to take home and think it over. He didn't explain anything about it so I've been trying to decide if we should try it or not. The info and explanation you've shared helps me feel better about. I am still confused about one thing - is it normal to have these symptoms come and go? For several days my son seems pretty chilled and not impulsive. He can let things roll off his shoulder and be pretty easy going and even compliant. Then whamo all the negative symptoms pop up and I remember why I was considering the meds. Do any of you experience this? ( ) Re: What meds are they on? I have a couple of comments on the Intuniv; sorry for long post!. Intuniv is guanfacine, the same drug as Tenex, the blood pressure lowering drug that has been used for decades. Intuniv is just the XR (extended release) version. So there is plenty of research and data on how guanfacine affects human bodies since it's been around a long time. As to whether it stops working after a short period of time, that is not accurate. I think the confusion is that the original study done on children using guanfacine XR (Intuniv) lasted 8 weeks. Guanfacine continues to lower your blood pressure; it will not stop working after a period of time. Your child may grow normally and get too big for his dose or develop other issues that may negate or lessen the effect of Guanfacine on his mood but it won't stop lowering his blood pressure. My (asperger's/mood disordered/non-ADD) child is taking Intuniv without any stimulants. My child needs the Intuniv for mood regulation, not for ADD type behaviors. The guanfacine, through lowered blood pressure, gives you that moment of reflection to react without the kneejerk response of anger or irritability; things just don't bug you as much overall-- the effect is much like Abilify WITHOUT THE WEIGHT GAIN). If your child ALSO has ADD behaviors, that may be why the doctor is prescribing stimulants. My other son with ADD (impulsivity but NOT mood problems) did not gain any benefit from Intuniv and is taking Focalin, which is a stimulant. People with ADD have central nervous systems operating at lower than normal and may require some kind of stimulation to bring it up to a normal level. So non medicated kids with more extreme ADD may poke and prod and push verbal buttons and bounce off the walls and create chaos, all in a subconscious effort to create excitement and stimulation (even the negative kind with mom yelling) to bring their central nervous systems up to where they should be. I (also with ADD) was drinking 14+ cups of strong turbo coffee to bring myself up; now I take Focalin and my coffee intake is more normal as I don't feel the uncontrollable urge to get stimulated through caffeine. So even though Intuniv is being marketed for ADD, it doesn't help everyone regulate themselves. Hope this info is helpful to anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 My son gets his Risperidal in liquid form and it can be mixed with most drinks to dilute it. The first time we filled the script they needed a day to get it in stock but no problem after that. He takes intuniv in a pill form- some days he just takes it, other days like today, it is a huge fight to get it down. > > > > We may have to reevalute my daughters meds, the time between needing > > her depakote adjusted is shrinking. Last time her levels were 90s so > > near that 100 theraupuetic mark but we still had to raise them. This > > weekend was bad, many getting upset over nothing which led to tantrums > > and another hole in her wall (after kicking her walls every night this > > weekend). So was wondering what else was working for ppl so I can > > research before the psych calls > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > -mom to a boy and his 5 sisters > > Honor, respect, and obedience, I'm " that " mom > <http://thatmomof6.blogspot.com/> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2011 Report Share Posted April 10, 2011 We actually started the seroquel first. It's actually an atypical anti-psychotic that has helped tremendously with mood regulation. When we got the diagnosis the doctor had us read up on both ASD's and the manic side of bipolar disorder. He always acted " revved up " - easily agitated, impulsive, and always assumed that people were thinking the worst of him. Our main worries were his aggressiveness, inability to sleep and impulsivity, because it came out as defiant and a problem with wandering. We were very reluctant to try meds, but the wandering issues really tipped the scale in it's favor. For us, it was a really good decision - between that and the fabulous teachers at school that have implemented a good behavior plan along with the social supports, and more patience then my DH and I realized that we possessed, he has come farther than we could have expected. Unfortunately, I can't pinpoint which med helped which part exactly, but in our case the combo has done wonders. Seeing our son come home from school happy and excited, and interacting with other kids made us feel a lot better about our decision, but since medicines don't work the same for everyone, and the fact that it is so trial and error is really scary and stressful, I completely understand why you are hesitant. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'm certainly not an expert, but since it was so hard for us to find information, I'm more than willing to share our sources! > > Thank you for sharing your experience. I haven't heard of seroquel XR yet. Did you start with both meds together or add one later? I'm trying to determine if Intuiv is alone would help address the defiance and impulsivity. I read that non stimulants are extremely hard to determine their effectivness because is very slow. Sometimes 8months up to a year. But with stimulants Dr.s know immediately to change the dose or change the med. > > It very refreshing to hear positive experiences with meds. It is scary and not an easy decision but sometimes very necessary to improve the quality of our children's lives. I have a ton of patience with my son (LOL, why else would I decide to homeschool?) but not a lot of other people do. I'm at the point now that I'm trying to determine if it's necessary or not...if it's too risky or not.... sigh....I'll make a decision one of these days! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2011 Report Share Posted April 11, 2011 the medication for delaina still needs to be tweaked, we will get it right. From: y <lcjacoby@...>Subject: ( ) Re: What meds are they on? Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011, 10:02 AM We actually started the seroquel first. It's actually an atypical anti-psychotic that has helped tremendously with mood regulation. When we got the diagnosis the doctor had us read up on both ASD's and the manic side of bipolar disorder. He always acted "revved up" - easily agitated, impulsive, and always assumed that people were thinking the worst of him. Our main worries were his aggressiveness, inability to sleep and impulsivity, because it came out as defiant and a problem with wandering. We were very reluctant to try meds, but the wandering issues really tipped the scale in it's favor. For us, it was a really good decision - between that and the fabulous teachers at school that have implemented a good behavior plan along with the social supports, and more patience then my DH and I realized that we possessed, he has come farther than we could have expected. Unfortunately, I can't pinpoint which med helped which part exactly, but in our case the combo has done wonders. Seeing our son come home from school happy and excited, and interacting with other kids made us feel a lot better about our decision, but since medicines don't work the same for everyone, and the fact that it is so trial and error is really scary and stressful, I completely understand why you are hesitant. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'm certainly not an expert, but since it was so hard for us to find information, I'm more than willing to share our sources!>> Thank you for sharing your experience. I haven't heard of seroquel XR yet. Did you start with both meds together or add one later? I'm trying to determine if Intuiv is alone would help address the defiance and impulsivity. I read that non stimulants are extremely hard to determine their effectivness because is very slow. Sometimes 8months up to a year. But with stimulants Dr.s know immediately to change the dose or change the med. > > It very refreshing to hear positive experiences with meds. It is scary and not an easy decision but sometimes very necessary to improve the quality of our children's lives. I have a ton of patience with my son (LOL, why else would I decide to homeschool?) but not a lot of other people do. I'm at the point now that I'm trying to determine if it's necessary or not...if it's too risky or not.... sigh....I'll make a decision one of these days! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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