need help about adhd and dexedrine 5mg

[sadie1977]

My son is 5 years old. yesterday he was diagonised as adhd by his phycologist. They put him on Dexedrine. But my pharmacist said that this is danger and he would not give any child this medicine. The problem is that his peditrician does not like the idea of anything and basically yelled when we talked to him in the summer as we had my son on conserta. It didnt work. I am afraid to try this on him. Please help. Most doctors in my area will not give second opinions on another doctor if that makes sense to you since it does not to me... My five year old is very stubborn. He screams and yells and fights at school he doesnt do anything and why "because he doesnt have to" that is his answer to everything. He wont sit still for more than two seconds I feel as though I am lost with no help.This is straining my whole family and causing problems with my self and my husband also.

[ljmoore]

My son is almost 10 years old and in the 4th grade. When apptitude tested he always does well. High scores in many areas.
He was thought by his teachers when he was younger to be ADHD, because he was active. Now he is not really "hyper", but is having trouble concentrating and remembering. His grades have suffered terribly this year. I understand his teacher is trying to make him more independent, however I feel as his mother, I have been left out of the loop.  I feel I must know what is going on in class, so that I can discipline him appropriately if he does not get his work done. This has not been happening this year. His teacher wants him on adderoll, and we don't think it is the right answer. He seems to have no motivation. I am an R.N. and I have never seen anything like it. I don't think he is depressed, however I don't think he likes his school anymore.
The teacher he will have next year says," I have seen this all of the time. I have had 10 children in ONE class on this medication!"
That to me was one of the scariest things I had heard in a long time.
He has had an MRI which was interpreted to be normal. I believe his cognitive function, i.e. short term memory has decreased.
Maybe more is just expected of him. I need help. I have insurance, however I am not sure that is going to help.

I just don't believe drugs in the classroom are the answer.  The case has always been that some children needed more attention than others.

If anyone has a suggestion or comment, they can email me at
***@****

[Puzzler]

My son is 12 and was diagnosed about 1 yr ao.  He has tried basically every stimulant on the market for this disorder.  When taking the Dexadrine, he basically became a zombie (could have been too much)...Anyway,,,nothing has ever worked for longer than 2-3 wks at the most.  We are now on like our 3rd psychiatrist. I am beginning to believe that medication is not the answer but just good firm parenting and discipline.  I am not talking about physical punishment.. (geez, he's bigger than I am)!!! I am talking about rules, sticking to them and taking away priviledges...This may sound lame to you but trust me,,,I have gone thru it all,,,I would much rather deal with this problem like this than have a teenager with liver problems or worse....

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

If your son did not benefit from Concerta (which is a form of methylphenidate, the same active ingredient found in Ritalin), the plan to try Dexedrine at a low dose is sensible. As a matter of fact, many prescribers prefer to employ Dexedrine with younger children. The medication might help your son be less overactive in the classroom, though it may not have much of an influence on his level of cooperation. It is certainly a sensible idea, as long as expectations about its benefit are not overstated.