Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 17, 2003, at 17:57:36
In reply to Concerta, A Worried Mom!, posted by Essence on August 17, 2003, at 8:05:58
I just thought it important that I add my own personal experience to this rapidly growing thread. :-)
Your son may or may not benefit from a stimulant medication, but I personally wouldn't start him off on Concerta. The active in ingredient in Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, and Ritalin are all the same -- methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is notorious for causing anxiety and irritability, so I would hazard to guess that it may not be your best first option if he has had serious drug reactions in the past.
Have you looked into any of the amphetamines? Adderall, Dexedrine, or Desoxyn? They are all "gentler" on the body, especially Dexedrine and Desoxyn (Adderall has more adverse effects on the cardiovascular system -- like Ritalin and ephedra, but to a lesser degree). All of these come in extended-release forms (i.e. Adderall XR, Dexedrine Spansules, Desoxyn CR), and are every bit as effective (statistically speaking) as Ritalin. I'd highly urge you to look into these medications (Dexedrine and Desoxyn, especially) before you decide to try him on the more harsh methylphenidate.
Just as a final note, all of the above is based both on personal experience and research, and I've tried my best not to be biased. I just feel that, given the cardiovascular effects of methylphenidate and Adderall, Dexedrine or Desoxyn may be better first-line meds. Good luck!
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:251524
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251670.html