Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Statterra Suicide

By Angella Thursday, October 22, 2009

I have recently began to worry about this possibility for my son. He is on Straterra. I know all RX ADHD meds have this side effect. He has been on the med for 2 years now and I think it helps a lot. It does't cause him to be a zombie becaude it is not a stimulant. It does bother his stomach though. It does not cure all of his ADHD symptoms such as impulsiveness, and disrespect, but I beleive it makes all of his symptoms at leaste milder. He is in 5th grade now and the work is getting harder,there are higher expectations from the teacher and other staff, and his desire to fit in has increased. The other day when he was just having a bad day he stated "why do I even have a life". He has also said I wish I were never born, I wish I were dead. He doesn't frequently say these things, only on occasion. I know I have said these things my self as a child as have others by intentions of it coming true. But with the increased risk of taking ADHD meds, having ADHD, being impulsive, and the added social rejection, I WORRY! I am scared, I have considered just taking him of the meds. If the teachers wouldn't harrass me and would work w/ my son rather against him I would never have put him on meds to begin with. I  have my ways of dealing w/ him at home, its the stupid schools that might as well have forced me to put him on meds. Please share your experiences you may have in dealing w/ suicidal thoughts or your children exibiting them, also the teachers not working w/ your ids and their ADHD.

What type of meds are you or your child on for ADHD and what is your experience with that med?
Eileen Bailey, Health Guide
10/22/09 8:51pm

Angella

 

Thank you for your post and welcome to ADHDCentral.com. ADHD medications are only part of the answer. The most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and behavior modification. Teaching children how to compensate for the symptoms of ADHD will help them better manage as they grow up and more is expected of them.

 

As far as the indications of suicide, it is important to take these statements seriously, even if you don't believe your child is contemplating suicide right now. You may want to speak with a therapist about how your son is feeling.

 

Eileen

Merely Me, Health Guide
10/23/09 8:48pm

Hi there

 

This must be so worrisome to you.  It must be really hard to hear your son say these things.  But do you think he is just saying these things out of frustration or do you think his feelings run deeper than this?  Is he exhibiting other signs of depression?  Any problems with sleeping or eating?  Is he reclusive?  Is he more angry...acting out? 

 

I would talk to him...not to scare him but just to get a feel for how he is feeling right now.  Secondly...I would definitely talk to his doctor and ask if this is a possible side effect...suicidal feelings...and if it is...what are the options? 

 

It is hard to be a parent isn't it?  Thanks for reaching out here.  Please let us know what his doctor says about this. 

 

 

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By Angella— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 10/22/09