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

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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
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
Deb
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