Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Thursday, January 29, 2009 April asks

Q: My 17 Year old for past 4 years refuses to take his ADHD medicine. What can I do?

My son refuses to take his medicine. He says it makes him dizzy and tired and doesnt like the way the meds make him feel. We have changed it a few times. I think he is making excuses to not take and likes being hyper or compulsive. I think he doesnt like being under control. He says he cant take it because he plays sports and needs the energy and aggressiveness. Many coaches do like it when he is not on his meds for football and other sports.

 

His friends and family does let him know many times he needs to be on it. He isnt that bad off of it, but would be a lot better in school and in relationships on it. He argues, has typical teen bad attitude or mouth. He does have mood swings and it affects relationships in the family and his personal life. He has anger fits someties and slams doors and gets real upset. He procratinates, waits to the last minute on things, gets confussed and doesnt always follow threw on things. He is commpulsive and makes bad choices sometimes, and then realizes later. he doesnt take advice well.

 

He does keep his grades up but doesnt always make great choices. I think he would be more succesful and organized on it. He is one of the beest at his jobs as his managers told me that he is the most reliable and fastest kid there. H eis the only one who works seriously and not lazy. He is usually the leaser in anything thing he gets involved in at school and sports. I see him doing great things if he was even more focused.

 

I and friends have tried to get him to see he needs it but he doesnt see the need.

How do I get him to see he needs to be on it.

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2/ 7/09 4:34pm

April:  SO hard.  Hard to get teens to take out the garbage, but this couldn't be more serious or important.

 

I have found that often the core of an issue like this is control -- but it is also quite possible that whatever drug he is taking isn't working as it once did, so it could be fabulous to get with his doctor (better yet, let HE get with his doctor) to try a new plan.  There are several drugs, as I'm sure you know, and some newer ones with interesting work on them.

 

I think all of us at any age at some point get tired of taking medications, even in the most dire situations.  Sometimes -- though one has to be careful -- you might encourage a "drug holiday."  Ok, this week off, but then back on.  But I would not do that without a doctor's advice.

 

Best, CMSchroed

 

 

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By April— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 01/29/09