concerned about meds

[agoodfloorguy]

My nephew has ADHD and his doctor has prescribed him, 100 mg Vyvanse, an amphetamine and .1 mg Clonidine in the morning, .1 mg Clonidine at noon and 15 mg Mirtazapine at bedtime. He's been on these meds for at least the last 4 months that I know of. He's always done decent in school, but has a continuing problem with "meltdowns". These meds don't seem to be working on the rage issue. My mother, his guardian, kinda just blows it off and says he'll be fine. He is constantly argumentative and lies a lot. He always talks about killing rabbits and squirrels that run around the yard and takes my daughters baby dolls and hangs them. So i guess I'm wondering if this is normal behavior on these types of medications. Or should I try and talk to his Dr. without my mother around since she really doesn't see it because of her work schedule and lack of supervision?

[Mnor91]

I've noticed since I started taking vyvanse 3 years ago ( started on 30mg and now up to 70mg) that I have become slightly more aggressive and am prone to crying fits when before I was not at all. I am add and the doc has tried pushing for 100mg a day but due to insurance restrictions that's not happening. I have noticed a huge help with these fits when the vyvanse is taken on work days and not on off days (or taken for school and given a "break" on the weekends). Me personally if I take it every single day I start feeling robotic if that makes sense and like I can't express my full range of emotions because I'm too busy with my work or trying to be social and friendly. So after a while it kind of wells up into this big ball of negative emotion that I totally disregard due to the productivity and desire to be more active and it finally pops and I have a meltdown. But once I've had my meltdown (usually lasting 4-18 hours) the cycle kind of repeats itself. But like I said, taking "vacation weekends" from my medicine gives me time to process what I'm feeling and really access my full range of emotions rather than just the ones that keep me going until it's bed time. I'm not sure if this helped or makes any sense but I hope someone sees and understands what I'm saying and it helps them. Btw the vacation days were approved by my therapist since the drugs stay in your system longer than the 2 day period I'd abstain. I Do admit it is a tad stronger the first day taking them after that off period but it levels out by the next day.

[Sandman2]

First, Vyvanse does not stay in your system more then one day.  Are you on any other medications that might stay longer?  It actually sounds like you are slightly overdosed, not underdosed.  Or there is a build up of the other medication that you are on.

[agoodfloorguy]

He is 10 yrs old and the Dr. does specialize in children, adolescent & adult mental health. From what I know he has also been working with the soldiers coming back and their families. I'll do a little more research on him and get back with that. Thank you all for your replies. Oh, the Vyvanse was started at a lower dose and has gradually gotten larger.

[TallyHo83]

I have Asperger syndrome and was wondering if AD/HD or ADD is part of the autistic specturm?

[portuguese mom]

How old is he? That is a lot of drugs to give to someone who is a kid.  Also, 100 mg of Vyvanse is a high dosage for a kid. Has your mom tried to reduce the number of medicines. Maybe try Vyvanse only in a small dosage to begin with.  I also agree with DFW670 that your nephew needs to be correctly diagnosed by a specialist in children's mental health.  Do not give him any medication without a proper diagnosis from a respected specialist.  His general primary doctor is not qualified to manage these medicines.  He needs to refer your mom and nephew to a specialist.

[DFW670]

You really have to watch the meds with some doctors. Our Dallas ADHD  is very cautious about prescribing medication without a full medical evaluations.

[agoodfloorguy]

could it be possible for him to have ADHD, ODD, & BD all at the same time? I've been reading up on all of them and it seems to me that he fits the bill for all three of these disorders.