Averting meltdowns

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Averting meltdowns
2
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 8:00am

Today we are consulting a drug therapy specialist for the first time. Malcolm is doing very well these days so it's an odd time, but actually I want to check it out when there isn't a crisis, in advance. And we have never even investigated this and have always managed by orchestrating his surroundings and structure to keep his anxiety low. But now I really want to foster more independence if possible. And our therapist and evaluator have both recommended a doctor that comes with a terrific reputation. I had wanted to look into something for anxiety before Day Camp Experiment last summer, but my dh was very against it. (Last summer changed his mind...) Now I want to at least put in the research.

Malcolm is now getting frustrated with his inability to really play competitive sports without constant support, although it is hit-miss. Somedays he can do it, others not and everything upsets him... So hard, he is so brave and tries so hard but sometimes he can't hold anything together. He very much wants to try Little League this year with his friends, but I'm just so afraid it will be a disaster unless there is some assistance for his anxiety...

It's a hard call, but I am curious as to what the doctor will think. Our evaluator thinks Malcolm could be helped by a short acting, very mild anti-anxiety drug ... we'll see. I told him we are meeting with a doctor to talk about medication that might help him stay calmer, and he agreed that this could be a good thing. His very best friend plays lots of competitive sports, and Malcolm told me he wants to BE him, so he wouldn't have to get so angry so often. I'll try anything if it will help.

Sara
ilovemalcolm

Avatar for littleroses
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 3:36pm

I just want to let you know about anti-anxiety medication. I know two people who take them. For the first 4-6 weeks, they said it's like hell until the blood levels of medication gets, well, level. It actually increases anxiety in that time where it's adjusting the blood levels. Recently, my mom started taking zoloft for anxiety. She missed a week and a half of work and she was out with nausea and migraines, etc. These are things she's suffered in the past. I did not know she was taking zoloft and I when she casually mentioned it, I was able to tell her that she was experiencing "hell week" because of the zoloft and that she had to ride it out to get to the point where it will actually get to where it helps you. And it does. She didn't realize she would have all those physical symptoms from the meds and didn't even correlate all her side effects to the new medicine. My mom decided it was not worth it, quit taking the zoloft and said she'd live with the anxiety. I know other people who have anxiety bad enough who will go through the adjustment period because the anxiety is more hell than the "hell weeks".

I know that you may also have to experiment with the different brands of drugs. A person I'm close to took Celexa and became very aggressive. This was a normally a mellow, easygoing person so it was bizarre. It seems to be quite an experiment to find the right drug and the right amount. But those who do seem to be overall happier with it.

I just wanted to warn you that this could occur and what possibly to expect from real life experiences because I just don't think the list of side effects really ever accurately give a feel for what to expect.

There are very physical side effects and you might have to be very understanding of him for 4-6 weeks or so if he is more intense for awhile. Also, you may have to look out for something that is not working and maybe even adverse like the Celexa was for the person I mentioned and consider trying something else.

I hope I don't come across as discouraging you from trying medication, because I'm actually not. I actually don't want you to become discouraged if he seems worse or to make sure you give him some very extra understanding for 4-6 weeks because he really might go through some tough times until the meds get level.

The ones I mentioned though are long term meds though and you mentioned short term, mild anti-anxiety drug so please keep us updated on what you end up trying because I'm really interested to learn about your observations on this.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Thu, 02-23-2006 - 9:25pm

Dear LR,

Yes, thank you for that information. It is great to get as many different stories as possible, I plan to ask the doctor for referrals to parents whose children have benefitted from the therapies we discussed as well. This is just the beginning of our research and we are really not near a decision yet.

I also know children AND adults who have not done well on Zoloft, and other drugs therapies as well. A few poor kids we know have really been on drugging nightmares, and with the best intentioned of parents and reputable, good doctors, so we know there is always a danger of this route being VERY difficult.

I was very happy to meet with this doctor, who was charming and personable and thorough in discussing pros and cons, asked us loads and loads of questions, extensively interviewed Malcolm, and agrees with us that Malcolm is doing great and basically doesn't NEED drugs. But we might be able to help him maximize his potential using them very carefully and in super mild doses.

The doctor did discuss Zoloft with us, and also a short acting anxiety relief drug, benze -- something -- drine. My dh has the name of that written down, we plan on doing lots of reading and followup. Both choices sound possible, we very well may more favor the short-acting one, as we do specifically know what we would use this for, trying to play on competitive sports teams, so we know when the games, etc. are and therefore when the need might be. As the drug doesn't stay in the system more than 3 hours, we will fairly quickly know how he will do on it.

Anyways, more as we go. As you may remember, we agonize for long periods of time over every little decision we make about Malcolm, and analyze, analyze, analyze. Exhausting, this raising kids thing...

Sara
ilovemalcolm