Side effects are certainly a drawback of ADHD medication. If the drawbacks are outweighing the benefits, you may want to consider tweaking your son's medication. Dr. Larry Silver, ADDitude Contributor and clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center claims that no one should have to suffer from side effects and all it may take is an adjustment in medications.

Since it has only been a few days, you may want to give it some time before you make any changes. You should definitely work with your doctor when adjusting medications and keep you doctor apprised of the side effects your son is experiencing. Also, check out this article about Managing Side Effects of ADHD Meds for Children. It includes some helpful tips on dealing with the side effects of ADHD medications.

Good luck, Dena

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Hi, I read your post and I had the same problem with my son who is 9 now. He started on Concerta at age 6 and his moods changed. He went from being a happy-go-lucky vibrant, fun kid to quiet, serious and distant. He would sob if you asked a simple question like "what would you like for dessert"! It really bothered us, so we watched him intently and asked how he felt and what he was feeling. Most of the time he didn't know.

We gave it 2 weeks and the symptoms wore off. I think it takes a bit for their bodies to become adjusted to new meds. The meds took away his appetite also, and he lost weight and is still small. I tried to find ways to get healthy protein into him like Gorp (homemade trail mix), protein bars, almonds, calorie heavy fruit shakes, multi-vitamins, omega 3 chews and calcium supplements. He is just starting to gain a few pounds. If after a couple weeks the symptoms persist, I would take him back to the doctor for a med change or readjustment. I hope this helps, Good luck!

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Thank you for the advice. I am going to give it until the end of the week and see how things go at home and at school. I know that he needs this medicine and that if we can just get it right, it will help him a lot. Thank you for the support. It has been a bumpy road and I can't wait until I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Hi there! I woulnd't be too alarmed yet. Both myself AND my 2 boys (ages 6 and 11) all have ADHD. The crying and mood swings will subside. I find (with my situation anyway) that when children are that young, the side effects really take their toll on their little bodies. Mostly b/c children don't know what is happeneing to them, or how to deal with it. As adults, when our doctor explains what to expect, we are ready for it. I know in my situation, I was scared as heck of the side effects (I also have GAD, which is a part of ADHD), I imagined every possibly bad thing that could happen. Then I finally took it, and for 3 days straight, 1/2 hour after I took it I was so relaxed, I felt higher than Cheech and Chong in "Up In Smoke". And I never have or will do drugs in my life! My family noticed a difference, my close friends noticed, even I noticed/felt a difference. There has definately been a difference in both my children. My oldest is a straight A student in School, plays clarinette in the school band (with his own solo in the Xmas concert just past), goes to Tim Hortons camp every year on a mentoring program (so he can mentor the younger students in his school when he completes the course). He's really blossomed. I'm so proud of him! My youngest was just diagnosed last month in January. It's going to take a bit for him to get to the same spot my oldest is in, but I have faith he'll get there. Homework is already easier for him. His behavioral reports from school are coming back with a lot more smiley faces. Home will take a bit of work though. Structure is a BIG thing. I run a daycare from my home, so for me, it'll be a bit easier for structure to take place. Chin up! It'll all work out. Time is of the essence, and patience too. :o) Good luck!

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My daughter (8yr) and I recently started Mededate. Our dr. started us both at 10ml. We experienced only postive side effects. He is gradually increasing the dose and watching for any negative effects. You may have started with too high a dose.

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My son's meds have definitely effected his appetite, however, he usually wakes up with a good appetite. I think breakfast becomes even more important to kids on meds. I had taken to waking up early and giving him a high carb breakfast to make sure he has at least one meal that is loaded. I give him his meds right as he finishes...

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Our son was diagnosed at 51/2 and exactly one month after being diagnosed with terrible allergies(he gets 3 shots regularly) and one month before starting kindergarten! We had a really hard time with meds at first because the emotional issues would cause more problems than the meds helped. We kept trying new meds and are taking Vyvanse now with good results. The one thing the doctors kept telling us is that everyone metabolises the meds differently, so if one doesn't work or the side effects are too severe, talk to your doctor about it and it might be worth trying a new med. Protein is really important to help them get a good start to the day, I try to get at least 15mg of protein in my son in the morning disguised in waffles served with a glass of milk. (Kashi go lean strawberry with flax is a toaster waffle that he actually likes! It has 8 grams of protien per 2 waffles, 6 grams of fiber and 500 mg of omega 3's ) Plus a complete vitamin and DHA omega fish oil. I also have him eat a yogurt for lunch ( or else he won't eat at all). Good luck and remember that you will find solutions that will help and things will improve!

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