9 year old daughter going on ADHD meds

[amy728]

My daughter, 9 years old, is bi-polar, takes Depakote, Risperdal and Zoloft.  She has been stable for almost a year now :) however, is not focused on anything, failing in school because she does not pay attention, gets out of her seat 30 times a day and is the same way at home.  While I am so VERY hopeful that this will help her in being able to keep friends and focus on things, I am also VERY afraid of the side effect listed "halucinations" She was hospitalized 4 times last year because of the voices that tell her to kill herself.  I am a single mom of three wonderful daughters and I just want what is best for her.  Anyone out there taking ADHD meds along with Bi-Polar meds?  I am optimistic that it can change her life and scared to death at the same time........
Thanks for listening and any advice you may have to offer.

Amy

[amy728]

Thanks!  She was diagnosed because she started hearing voices that were telling her to kill herself and hurt me and her sisters - she was 6 1/2 - 7 years old and not enough imagination to make up the things that were coming out of her mouth - she would dig her nails into herself until she bled, have tantrums for 3 - 4 hours that were completely out of control.  She was hospitalized four times and all four times in different hospitals and they all came up with the same diagnosis.  Today was the first day on Foculin and she told me that she felt tingly today but no voices - that is one of the side effects of this medication but I did not tell her that.  I'm going to try another couple of days and see how it goes because she has been miserable to deal with tonight - more so tonight than previous nights - she wants to fight with everyone and is very very agitated... like you said, it's getting the right combination of meds - it took almost a year to get the bipolar meds correct - which is why she needed to be hospitalized so much last year.  Breaks my heart, I know that I would be terrified if I heard voices and have an anxiety problem of my own but as a child, I cannot imagine what it must be like for her - I wish I could have it and take it away from her!!!

Thanks!

Amy

[triedeverymed]

I take ADD meds along with Abilify and Seroquel at night. I'm currently on Vyvanse because my focus and concentration were out of control. I couldn't stay on one topic for more than a few minutes if I tried. This new drug has helped. I have cleaned up my desk and gotten some issues that I put off resolved. I love Vyvanse and you only take it once a day.
I think you will see great changes once she's got her meds straight. It's just a matter of finding the right one. Ritalin is good but must be taken more than once a day but they do have a patch. Also Aderrall is another drug people report success with. I'm sure your doc will know which one is best for your daughter.
I'm curious, how do they diagnose children with bipolar? I'm sorry for all you have been though and she's only 9. I hope the ADD med can bring it all together for her and she can lead a normal, happy life.
Best of luck,
Erin