Taking my 17-yr-old off ADD meds

[Omgosh1962]

My son is soon to be 17 years old. He has been on 54mg of Concerta for 4 years plus. Before that he was on Ritalin, both for ADD. This medication treatment was recommended some time ago to help him academically and I must say, it has not really helped all these years. He continues to struggle in school and has trouble with depression so I am writing to request some clarity.

Recently, his doctor has recommended a higher dose of Concerta. My son does not exhibit over-hyperactivity or OCD behaviors, but simply a mild attention deficit and sometimes, in the morning mostly, he's very excited and energetic.

I am very much against the doctor's recommendation and want to clarify that the research I have obtained encouraging my son's ability to conduct life without ADD meds at this age is realistic.

[allmymarbles]

We are unfortunately a society looking for a quick fix. We are sucked in by the pharmaceutical companies that make an outrageous amount of money on it. Unfortunately doctors are often sucked in as well.

[HarmonyRose]

HELLO, WELL MY FIRST THING WOULD BE. I HAVE DONE ALOT OF RESEARCH ON MEDICATION. AND HAS SEEN A MEDICATION DOCUMENTARY OF WITCH YOU MAY WANT TO SEE. ITS CALLED GENERATION RX . THE FILM WAS STATING THAT RENILIN, DEPRESENT PILLS, AND PHSYCOTIC PILLS, WERE NOT GOOD FOR USE. THESE PILLS INCLUDING CERTA WILL CAUSE THE CHILD TO BE MORE DIPRESSED. SOME CAUSES A CHILD OR ADULT TO COMMIT SUICIDE OR KILL OTHERS. THESE PILLS ARE DANGEROUS AND WAS REPORTED TO THE FEDS. THEY DECLINED DO TO THEM WANTING THE MONEY OFF OF THESE PILLS. WHAT THEY ARE NOT SAYING IS THE SERIOUS SIDE AFFECTS TO THESE PILLS. BUT THEY WILL NOT STATE IT, BECAUSE THEY WILL LOOSE MONEY IF PEOPLE DONT BUY THE PILLS. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT LOTS OF PEOPLE HAS LOST A LOVED ONE DO TO DEPRESENT PILLS OR PHSYCOTIC PILLS. THESE PILLS ARE ONLY MAKING THEM WORSE. I THINK THAT IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO TAKE HIM OFF. BEFORE HE GETS MORE DIPRESSED OR SUICIDAL. MY DAUGHTER HAS AUTISM, MY SON MAY HAVE IT AS WELL. I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING MY CHILDREN ON THESE MEDS. BUT ONLY TO MAKE THEM CALM. AFTER I SAW THE DOCUMENTATION I PREFER TO STAY AWAY FROM IT. AND DEAL OTHERWISE. HOPE ALL GOES WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS.

[allmymarbles]

Well, the only way you will know if he needs the medication is by taking him off it. Then, when he is free of the drug, reevaluate him. Observe his behavior and his state of mind. Is his depression relieved? Is he happier? And I would look at the whole person, not just the student. Some children are simply not academic. One of my grandsons is like that. Lousy student - great chef.

As for Concerta, this is an addictive drug that can have serious side effects. Look it up on the internet if you want to scare yourself. If he stops using it, he must get off it very slowly because of its addictive nature.