Medication for ADHD and ODD

[Redheadx3]

My 13 year old daughter has ADHD and ODD and is unmanageable in her moods and impulsivity at home. She has tried many medications that don’t do much. She is also in therapy. She is currently on Latina and it isn’t helping much. Any advice on medications that may help my daughters mood and attention in school without causing major weight gain?

[Sandman2]

Yes, I have lots.  But lets start with ...you said she is on Latina?  I assume you mean Latuda?  And I hope you don't mean that.  "Latuda is a medication known as an atypical antipsychotic that is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia. The drug is also sometimes prescribed to treat depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder."  It is not recommended for children unless they have bipolar depression or for adhd!   What kind of a doctor prescribed this?

I really need to know what she has tried to be more helpful.  So here is a link to the most commonly used meds..... http://healthlifeandstuff.com/adhd/the-ten-most-important-adhd-meds/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthlifeandstuff%2FVLsa+%28Health+and+Life%29
  

Let me know what she has tried and knowing the doses she has tried would also be helpful.  But, I really am wondering due to your question about weight gain (Resperdal?) if she has been treated with antipsychotic meds rather then adhd meds.  And, if your doctor is just trying to deal with her mood swings?

None of the common adhd stimulant meds will cause weight gain and in fact might cause weight loss.  All of these stimulant meds - when the correct dose is achieved - will limit impulsivity at school and at home.   And, of course, if she starts doing better at school....her mood at home will also change.

So do get back to me.  I am really curious if she has actually tried any of the meds normally used to treat adhd.  Best wishes.

[Redheadx3]

Hi there - thank you so much for your response. Yes, I meant Latuda. She is on 60mg for ODD. She has also been on Abilify. Her main problem has always been her ODD but recently since starting junior high she has had a hard time with her ADHD. She can't focus and organize herself. She doesn't want to do homework because she says she can't concentrate.

I just don't think the Latuda is helping much. And I need a recommendation for a good ADHD medicine. What do you recommend for helping with ODD and mood disorders?

[Sandman2]

"Treatment starts with controlling adhd symptoms." When a childs adhd symptoms "are reduced there usually is an improvement in ODD symptoms.  Stimulant medications have been shown to decrease adhd symptoms, as well as those of ODD, by up to 50%."

In my opinion, the doctors have been not dealing with the cause of her ODD.   Nothing you have stated is really recommended to treat adhd.

My recommendation for a good adhd medication starts with a good doctor.  I would look for a doctor that deals with adhd.  I just don't believe your docs have that experience, based on the limited info I have.  Perhaps the person she is seeing for therapy has experience with doctors that work with adhd?

Second, don't suddenly stop her meds.  Many of these (unlike adhd meds) need be be slowly withdrawn from the system.

In terms of the meds to start with....it really is trial and error as all kids are different.  But given her condition, I definitely would want to get into a time release medication.  Probably start with the adderall family, but Vyvanse (which is kind of in the same family) has a lot of advantages. Do check out the link I sent you on the different types of medications in my last post.

  Finally, "Abilify should not be given to child younger than 13 years old for treatment of schizophrenia. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of using the medication. Adolescents are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts when taking the medication."  (from.... https://www.psycom.net/abilify-aripiprazole)     Your doctors broke medical standards.  I am still curious what kind of a doctor would recommend these anti-psychotic meds to a child so young.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes.