ADHD or Not?

[amclarty]

My 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6 years old. After trying a few medications, his doctor chose Concerta as his daily medicine. It seemed to help a little with his so called "hyper" behavior. However, the doctor has increased the dosage a few times and my son is now taking 54mg. My concern is that my child now has almost no emotion other than anger or sadness and new "symptoms" are appearing such as: he can't fall asleep, has no appetite, weight loss, and he can't stand any clothing or shoes to touch him and when he tries to get dressed he cries over every shirt, undewear, socks, shoes that he has. I've bought new clothes but nothing helps.

[Sandman2]

   I think a second opinion is a very good idea.   Your son is taking the maximum dose recommended for a 12 year old.   His behaviors are very common for what I would call an overdose.  Its not too hard for a doctor who is willing to take the time to listen to you to figure this out.
    He probably does have ADHD or that amount of a stimulant would be sending him up the wall and into outer space.  However, I would also check into SID's or sensory integration disorder.  He could have both and SIDS will amplify the ADHD.  Fortunately SIDS can be treated very successfully without meds - usually by an occupational therapist.  But you need to find a doctor that is aware of this.  Pediatricians don't always fall into that group.
   Check out this link on SIDS and see if it sounds like some of his problems.  The link is -            http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/index.html
    Is the new doctor also a pediatrican?  Or maybe something like a pediatric psychiatrist?

[amclarty]

He has also been put on intuniv which caused a few really bad side effects and Strattera which didn't do anything at all for him. I have researched ADHD signs and symptoms and I do not believe he has this condition. I've voiced my concern to the pediatrician but he doesn't seem like he wants to listen to me. I have located another ADHD doctor and intend to get a second opinion soon.

[JGF25]

So your son has been on Concerta for 2 years?  What other medications did you try?  My son has been taking Adderall for 3 years.  All the other medications caused him to have headaches.  One in particular gave him a migraine that landed us at the ER and him getting an MRI.  The adderall, at 25 mg, has not affected him at all with adverse symptoms.  He sleeps well, eats well, etc.  Perhaps, Concerta at this high of a dose, has made the drug "not right" for him anymore since he has developed new tactile, crying, etc symptoms.  I would make an appointment with the doctor and discuss these new symptoms.  He could be developing depression because of these new symptoms.