Anger when not on ADD meds??

Avatar for jupiterfit
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Registered: 05-12-2003
Anger when not on ADD meds??
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Mon, 09-04-2006 - 7:16pm

Hello, as some of you know my 17 year old 0DD was diagnosed with ADD about 2 months ago. She has been on Adderall, but has not been taking it every day. I had read that many people don't take it on days they don't work or go to school because it keeps them up at night. It does give her insomnia and haven't pushed for her to take it every day. I have witnessed something that bothers me though. If DD goes two days without it... she gets very angry, sarcastic, and cannot seem to control her temper. If she doesn't get her way, I get a whole string of very mean, sarcastic remarks and she tells us she hates us! Well, I know teens can get this way but it seems that there may be a link with the meds. I'm not sure if we should try a different medication or what. The Adderall helps her focus on tasks and helps her get along with people much better. She is really hard to live with if she is not on the meds, with regard to her accomplishing things and being nice to people. She seems to blow things way out of proportion when not on the meds. I am worried about her next year when she goes to college (or will try to). She is rather non-compliant.... I had read that eliminating red dye and high fructose corn syrup are helpful. She remarked "NO!" THat's the kind of response I get from her. She doesn't seem to want to help herself. Does anyone have any advice on this?? Are there other meds that might be better for her?

Deb

Debbie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 11:06am

First, Wikipedia is not what I would call a reliable source of information, as anyone can edit the entrys found there.


SCHEDULE II: Substance has a high potential for abuse, has a currently accepted medical use in the U.S. with severe restrictions, and abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Drugs included in Schedule II:


Codeine


Hydrocodone


Thebaine


Morphine


Fentanyl - duragesic patch


Methadone - dolophine


Cocaine


Amphetamine


Methamphetamine


Phencyclidine


Benzoylecgonine


Amobarbital


Secobarbital


Pentobarbital


Marinol/Dronabinol


Ritalin/Methylphenidate


Preludin


Glutethimide


Dilaudid - Hydromorphone


Percodan


Demerol/Meperdine


Desoxyn


Percocet


Biphetamine


Opium


Oxycodone


Propoxyphene


Methadone


Ketamine


Dexedrine


Dextroamphetamine


http://www.mspta.com/dre/pdf/Drug_Schedules.pdf


Perhaps I didn't word it exactly, however, saying that there are very few medical applications and a high risk of dependency or addiction is not innaccurate, as implied by their "severe restrictions." Why, if for no other reason than

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Avatar for imomtojd
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-08-2006 - 8:13pm

Add another one to agree with Sabr. I've done loads of research on ADHD meds and my first thought would be she needs to take it everyday. When your body gets used to the meds, the side effects lesson. If you start and stop them constantly, your body never gets used to them. Also, Adderral tends to create more "anger" issues than many of the other stimulants. You might want to have her try another one like Concerta or an extended release version of ritilin.

HTH

Lisa

Avatar for jupiterfit
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sat, 09-09-2006 - 8:06am
I was thinking I'd ask the doctor for Concerta or Ritilin. Your response has helped me decide now. DD has an appointment on the 18th to check on the meds. In the meantime I think I will have DD stay on the Adderall during school days, but not on weekends, just to see how she is on the weekends. The reason she won't be on it this weekend is because the other night she just seemed so totally spaced out and had a hard time getting through her homework. She had a swim meet and couldn't get to the homework until 9:00. A half-hour assignment took her about an hour and a half.... again, I really don't know if it was due to the meds wearing off or if something happened during the day that was causing her mind to wander off (something boy related perhaps?). I did notice two nice and decent boys came to watch her swim, yet she wants to keep trying to get serious with this kid who has been in so much trouble over the years. Same old story and it exhausts me... I don't get as involved anymore though. The kid who has been in trouble just changes his mind ALL the time anyway so the chances of anything developing long-term are pretty slim and I'm counting on her figuring that out on her own. But she has been persuing him for months and has had an on-and-off relationship with him. I think its off now, but I don't know for sure... hence, the spacing out the other night (maybe?).
Deb
Debbie

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