Parents of Children with ADHD Support Group

This community is designed as an open forum where the parents and guardians of children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can give and receive support, as well as discuss ideas, techniques, concerns, surprises, and challenges they may face with their children.

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kl31 12/14/2011

My son has now been on 2mg Intuniv for a couple of weeks. When he was on 1mg he did really well until the last day or 2. It's almost like you could tell his body got used to it. He started 2mg and did really well for the 1st 6 days or so and, once again, the effect seemed to fade slightly. He seems to be doing better at school with work but he was making new friends and I think that is slowing now. His attitude is back when he is at home, and it had practically disappeared for the first 6 days of the 2mg. This is very difficult because I don't know if I should just give it more time, discuss an increase, or think about adding a different med. I don't like him having to be on meds anyway, but if it helps him to do better and be happier than I will do whatever it takes. My biggest problem now is the attitude, the overreacting, and the temper. I have seen how well he can behave I just don't understand why he did so well at the beginning of the meds and it seems to be fading. He really is a sweet kid, just gets upset easy and can't control how he acts, although it does seem somewhat better. I just have a problem with rudeness. When he treats me disrespectfully or rudely it really hurts me. Any recommendations? Just glad I have people to talk to!

deleted_user 12/15/2011

According to my son's psychiatrist most patients who take Intuniv are on the 3-4 mg doses. My son is on 3 mg and we are extremely pleased with how he is doing. We just had a STAT meeting at school yesterday and the only thing he needs to work on is back talking. But both the teacher and the guidance counselor said that starting to back talk at his age is really normal (it's by no means desirable, but it is normal).

deleted_user 12/15/2011

Hi, my 6 son was on Intuniv and i didnt see any changes, he said it made him dizzy.

kl31 12/15/2011

Thanks for the response! I was wondering if we should try the 3. Not too sure yet. Was gonna wait out the rest of this bottle and if I think he needs a higher dose I would talk to his doctor after that. I don't want to rush it. Everyone says it makes their children tired but it only caused my son to be tired for a day or two. After that he hasn't been tired at all. I know there has been some good changes but we are still working on the rest. Does your son just take Intuniv michaelinasmommy?

deleted_user 12/15/2011

He is only on Intuniv. At first he was on Focalin and he got very violent with me. We moved him to Vyvanse and he lost SO much weight that we felt that we were risking his physical health. So Intuniv was our next stop. We also do behavior therapy. It's hard to find the right medicine and the right doses. UGH! =) But you should always go with your gut instinct and if you think you should see out the 2 mg dose, then don't let anyone else talk you out of it. He has one day a month that he needs a nap after school, but that is the only tiredness he has experienced since the trial pack.

kl31 12/15/2011

thanks for the advice...I'm gonna keep an eye on him for a bit. He may need a 3mg but I'm not sure yet. He has Christmas vacation soon and I should be able to tell by being with him the whole day. How old is your son if you don't mind me asking? I'm trying to decide if my sons age and size fits the amount he is taking

deleted_user 12/16/2011

He's 7. But he is the height of a 10 year old.

kl31 12/16/2011

Wow! Mine is the 8 but the height of a 10-12 year old! Sounds about right!

deleted_user 12/24/2011

My daughter is 7. She is on vyvanse and zoloft in addition to 2 mg of intuniv. it definitely has helped her, but she also struggles with a sassy attitude and a nasty temper...it is so frustrating!!! Unless your son is having adverse effects, I would stick with the 2 mg a little longer before upping it.

deleted_user 12/25/2011

I have an 8 year old boy on Concerta and his doctor just started him on Intuniv for anxiety and hopefully to cut down on his extra doses of methylphenidate during the schoolday. Also to maybe cut out one of his nighttime meds since it has a sedating effect taking it at night. He's only had it for 3 nights now and he is a bit tired I noticed today.

My thoughts are that (at this time)75 % of my sons problem is behavoral and the other 25% is medical (I mean needing medication adjustments) I take him to see a behavoral psychologist and this helps alot. He gives me good ideas for consequences and has been helping ME get back in control.
He is smart and knows how to manipulate and get what he wants. He sure changes his attitude when I start taking away the DS and certain toys that he loves. I do give him the chance to earn that privialege back by doing chores around the house. He is learning to choose the better behavior to begin with. :)))

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