Stratera or Intuniv Non stimulant

[PaulaAnn]

I'm writing for my daughter who has a 17 yr old son, had his thyroid removed in December and dr is recommending stratera or intuniv.  He has ADHD with severe compulsivity, anxiety and possible ODD.  He cannot take the stimulant meds anymore because of his high heart rate, mood swings and depression.

Anyone know which workks better?  Or is there a non stimilant that will work.  He was on Concerta but that didnt work for him.  

I have been hearing about the ATTEND diet.  

Any ideas for my teen.

Thank you for your replies.  Tracy

[PaulaAnn]

Thank you......I will keep you posted and will get that info when we need it.  

I appreciate all your help.  

My daughter is amazed at the knowledge you have on this particular subject.  

I hope we dont get the hot and humid summer we got last year.  went from winter to summer.  

Thanks Sandman2

[Sandman2]

    Wish I could ship you some of our weather in Southern California.  I mean I like the sun, but this is getting ridiculous.
    Thanks, for the info.  Keep me posted.  I do have lots of ADHD info when needed.

[PaulaAnn]

Talked to the dr and he is suggesting moire bloodwork to see where the levels are now...then they will talk about the med.  Just s you stated.  She is noticing her son being more calm as the days go along...still annoying though.  ha  lol  

I know they will also be talking to his therapist again.  

the snow and temps have been so bad in Ohio.  Its hard to get anything done.    

All I want is to see a robin soon.  lol  

Thanks Sandman2

[PaulaAnn]

I will do that.  Will let you know how it goes.

Thank you for all the great info and the links..they're so helpful.  There are so many, some busy, some silent.  We appreciate the site you sent and I know she'll be on it.  

Sending many thanks.. Paula in cold cold cold Ohio

[Sandman2]

   I think that the more she knows about her sons condition and what it can do to him ( and actually, the more he also learns) they will be able to calm down a bit.   They really need to research this and also ask the doctor a lot of questions.   One place they can go to for advice is to look for blogs on the condition like this one - http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Hyperthyroidism/41311
    I don't know how long it will take him to recover, but blogs should have recovery stories in them.
   I think that they both need to know that things will get better.  They just need to give each other some space while it is happening.   I mean you read some of these blogs and you realize how screwy it can make you.
   Once he gets a bit more normal, then we can deal with the adhd.   Please keep in touch!

[PaulaAnn]

I know this has weight heavily on my daughter and her son.  She used to be a quiet calm mom...now I hear her frustrated and yelling at Jordan.  I know its hard..I cant imagine how hard but have seen it.  I try to mention not yelling, it wont accomplish anything.  I've asked her to count to 10..anything so they're not screaming at each other constantly.  Its really tough on both of them.  any suggestions?  Its just a constant battle.  Not good for either of them

also, how long would it take for the thyroid removal for J to recover and for it to have made a difference.  The drs are all saying it will get better once the thyroid is out.  But takes some time.  

Thank you!  P

[Sandman2]

   Oh boy, kind of figured it probably was a hyperthyroid problem.  But to have that and ADHD - lord, I feel for both of them.  Its really important that it is explained to him (and her for that matter) what a hyperthyroid can do to you.  
   I do think that all will notice a difference in him.  Of course, now he will have  hyperthyroidism which is easily treated with medication.
   And, I do think that it is possible that a lot of his problems were caused by his hyperthyroid problem.   Its going to take a good psychiatrist to figure out the meds for the adhd.  Its very possible that the rapid heart rate was caused by the thyroid, not the meds.
   Any rate.  One of my favorite sites for adults with ADD or ADHD is full of information that may be helpful and if nothing else will help him realize that there are a lot of other people going through the AD/HD thing.  The site is
         http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
   Please keep me posted on his progress.   And do let me know if you need any more info ADHD wise.   Best wishes.

[PaulaAnn]

I am sending this info onto her.  My daughter is at her wits end.  

Jordans thyroid levels were sky high...and the dr said he had never seen levels that high.  and he was the surgeon at the childrens hospital.  Also the heart rate was very high.  He's on beta blockers for that.  Not sure if he is still on them.  He has a couples of nodules on his thyroid also.

I think she sees his dr the first week of February...to talk about meds.  He does have a therapist he sees regularly...and a probation officer...   The po told Tracy he is almost 18 so not much she can do when he is 17....just kick him out of the house when he turns 18.  Nice.  He said there is no place to go for kids and there are alot worse than Jordan which makes her feel good but she feels she is getting nowhere..though the thyroid removal has helped some.  

Know my daughter will love those sites you were mentioning.  He also lost his father, Glen, suddenly.  Heart.  Glen was 40.  So, its alot for him to deal with.  Lost his dad about 4-5 yrs ago.  

Thank you sooooo much for this.  My daughter was at a loss and you have helped tremendously.  More than you know.  Paula

[PaulaAnn]

adhd since kindergarten my daughter said. dx'd when he was 5.   thyroid did play a big part in this and it was removed.  

concerta made him depressed and just stared at the ceiling....wouldnt get out of bed.  

now thyroid is out .. i do see a bit of improvement in him.  

stratera seems to be what others are doing well on.

he has anxiety at school and severe compulsivity and attention seeking.  

does diet help.... especially attend diet.  

she is going nuts.  

Thank you so much Sandman!!!

[PaulaAnn]

He did get the high heart rates with the concerta.  I told my daughter this would be trial and error to see what works best for him.  

He sees his thyroid dr on the 3rd.  He's had adhd for a long time.  I remember him being on Adderal.  Its prob been 7-8 yrs.   They removed the whole thyroid in December.   we were hoping the thyroid removal would help...and it seems to have helped some but not alot.  

Thank you so much for the link~   My daughter is really at the end of her rope....i

[Sandman2]

   Concerta is a stim med.  Did he get the high heart rates with that?
I think it will have to be a trial and error approach as both meds work a bit differently.
   But, I wouldn't do anything until the meds he is taking to replace his thyroid have stabilized him.   Also how long has he had the ADHD diagnosis?  If your thyroid is not working right, it can really mess you up and depending on the problem give you ADHD like symptoms.  So wondering if at least part of the problem was due to his thyroid.  Mood swings and depression would certainly fit thyroid problems.
   Here is a link to all ADHD meds that may be helpful.
         http://www.leeheymd.com/charts/adhd_1.html