My son is 7 yrs old and has ADHD as well as Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Focalin worked great, but takes away his appetite. We're on Intuniv now, but he is having trouble focusing on school work. What can I do for him? Has anyone tried caffeine tablets?
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Hi there
I am wondering what your son's doctor has to say about the medications. Was there any suggestions of how to increase his appetite while taking the Focalin...would adjusting the dosage help in any way?
How long has he been taking Intuniv? Here is the information we have about Intuniv. It may be helpful to you.
I am really not sure about caffeine tablets. I would definitely ask your son's doctor about that. Here is a blog I found which talks about caffeine and ADHD. I can't vouch for any validity of what is said there.
There are many other ADHD medications available. You may want to research these other options just in case.
We also have a site about juvenile diabetes you may want to look at or ask your question there as well.
It is very difficult to find something which works but has a side effect which can't be tolerated. I do hope you find something which works for your son and does not interfere with his appetite.
Does he like his new classroom and teacher? Can anything be done behaviorally to see if that helps while you are figuring out the meds situation?
Let us know if the increase in dosage helps. I am in the midst of changing my sons meds as well and it has been a real rollercoaster ride.
If there is any information you need to help you...let us know. We are here to be of assistance.
Justin, my son, always takes a little time adjusting when in new situations. It's not horrific, but being that he is a smart boy he knows how to play people. He does like his teacher and class. Unfortunately he finds school boring and stimulating enough for the highly energetic child. The Child behavorist will be in next week hopefully to evaluate the situation. The Doctor in the meantime said to report back in two weeks after increasing the medication. We hope it will be an answer to our prayers. Thank you for your input. We'll keep you posted.
My daughter has Type 1 Diabetes, ADHD, and a few others in fact. My daughter is on Strattera and Intuniv. Let me know if you ever want to talk... cchope7 @ live . com God Bless.
It's nice to know there are other children in the same boat. Actually my son is doing alot better since I posted this. He is still on the Intuniv and take a very low dosage of Focalin in the morning then after lunch. It's better than I anticipated! :)
Glad things are working out! Keep in touch please. Your family is in my prayers. My daughter has been dx with ADHD for 2yrs now and dx with Type 1 for almost 5months. Both are completely different worlds and meds plus insulin is a little scary as it could effect this or that. Sometimes it feels hopeless, just have to have faith and keep going for your little one. Please dont hesitate to write anytime.
~A
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My son's Edocrinologist and Pediatrician haven't had any clients with ADHD and Diabetes. Focalin works extremely well with his issues in the classroom, but there wasn't anything we could find to increase his appetite. Hence the reason we started with Intuniv in June. We wanted to see how he behaved and if his appetite increase. All looked well, but he was not in a classroom setting. So now the question is it behavioral or neurological? We're increasing his Intuniv level and will do a what and see for two weeks. Still hoping for a positive solution.