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Q: my son take pills. what are my options for ADD medication? we are currently taking a liquid ritalin, but i don't think its the right fit for him.
We are evaluating the possibility that he also has a SI disorder or Aspergers. i don't think he will cooperate very well for capsuls that we break open. i've heard mixed reports on the patches. are there any other liquid medications?
Answers (4)
9/21/10 5:10pm
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
There are many different medications for ADHD. There are two liquid medications: LiquiAdd and Methylin. They are both stimulant medications, although the main ingredients are different. LiquiAdd is dextroamphetamine and Methylin is methylphenidate. Besides that there are other medications such as Ritalin, Concerta (extended release), Adderall which are stimulant medications. Strattera is a non-stimulant medication.
Everyone reacts differently to medication and unfortunately sometimes it is a matter of trial and error to find the right medication and the right dose. That is why some people have good results from the patch and others don't. It is very individual.
For more information:
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Medications
Side Effects of Commonly Prescribed Medications for ADHD
Tips for Managing Side Effects of ADHD Medications
I hope this helps
Eileen
9/21/10 7:30pm
Hi Frustrated Mom
I am intrigued by your question because we are sort of in the same boat. My son has all the symptoms of ADHD but he is also on the autism spectrum and he won't swallow pills. We have used Prozac with him successfully...crushing the pill into his drink. Now we are also using Clonidine and again crushing the pill into a drink.
What specific symptoms are you wanting to treat? What does his doctor say? I have found that the pharmacist can be very helpful in telling you how to dispense medication.
I was just researching and I found something perhaps useful...called an Oraflow cup? Here is a website talking about how this cup may be helpful for kids with autism or who have any problems swallowing pills. Here is the official website for Oraflow. Please note that I have not used this myself...just found it in researching for you and I may look into this for my own son.
Let me know if you need any more ideas and also what your son's doctor recommends.
Thanks so much for your question!
9/23/10 12:28pm
There is a relatively new patch out for ADHD called the Daytrana Patch. It comes in 3 different strengths. It is placed on the hip each morning and removed at dinner. The patches should be stored in the refridgerator, as the adhesive does not get runny and causes less irritation to the skin.
It does take some getting used to and your son may experience irritation from the adhesive. If that occurs, just use Goo Gone to remove the patch and then wash the area off and put vaseline over the irritated skin. After about a month, his skin should become adapted to the adhesive.
I found that with my son, now 13, the patch eliminated the multiple pills a day issue because it is a slow release that lasts more than 9 hours. Hope this helps others as I had to learn the hard way!
9/26/10 5:59pm
There are some ADD medications like adderall that comes in a disolvable pill. It's flat, soft and dissolves once placed on the tongue.
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By frustrated mom— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 09/20/10
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My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and is being evaluated for Asbergers. He takes Focilin which is extended release and comes in capsule form. I have been sprinkling it on yogurt as suggested by my pediatrician, but now my son is talking himself into gagging once he swallows the yogurt. Every morning is becoming more of a struggle...I may have to consider the patch.....uugghh, it's not easy!!!!!