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Please note that any comments expressed in these forum posts do not reflect the opinions of Medical News Today in any way at all. Opinions posted in this forum do not constitute medical
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My Daughter & Focalin XR
posted by Jenni on 19 Aug 2005 at 8:21 am
My daughter started taking Focalin XR August 13, 2005.
To know more of how I think this has affected her, let me describe her a little before she started taking it. She is almost 6 years old, and if you told her not to do something, immediately, she would do it, almost as if her brain deleted the word "don't" from the sentence. She would sit for 5 minutes and be off and running again. If you asked her a question she got a blank look on her face. If you were trying to keep her in line all day you'd be asleep before she was, just trying to keep up with her. She was loud, wild, and irrepressibly unstoppable.
Her first year of school, kindergarten, was a mixture of irritation, worry, wondering, and frustration for the family and her teachers. Report cards came home, and I just wanted to cry. The teachers & counselors at her school kept pushing us to medicate her. But my husband and I were worried that if we medicated her, we would lose the "spark" in her, that she wouldn't sleep, eat, or be herself. We addressed her school & her pediatrician about this, to no avail.
FINALLY after a whole school year of frustration and part of this summer too, her pediatrician came up with an answer that we were all happy with, including our daughter. He recommended we try Focalin XR when we were at her routine physical for school. The Dr. said we could try her on half a dose to start, because we were worried about over medicating, and told us that Focalin works quickly, lasts long, and didn't have half as many side effects as "regular Ritalin". And it lasted 8-10 hrs, so she wouldn’t be singled out in school to take more medication!
We currently have her on half a dose (5mg), and we immediately saw improvement. She was calmer, didn't "jabber" on and on about nothing, focused better, and to our joy, was no longer asking us "What's wrong with me? Why do I always get into trouble? Why can't I behave, like my sister?" (Her sister is 2 1/2, but easily listens and is further along than our older daughter was at her age. Of course she is the younger one, and picks up on what her older sister does...)
We are still watching our almost 6 year old for anything we might worry about, but she constantly says "I had a good day today! I'm listening better, and I really learned a lot about (insert something here)!!! I think my medicine works!"
And really, as a parent, how can you argue with that?
Read the news article that this opinion was posted about:
Focalin XR(TM) Approved for Treatment of ADHD in Adults, Adolescents and Children
Happy parents
posted by Candace on 20 Aug 2005 at 7:33 am
I just finished reading the article on "Focalin XR..
I then went to read this story on the six year old who "as the world would say out of control"...
When my son was in 4th or 5th grade I had him tested at school and was told he had ADD..
His father would not hear of him taking medication...He was put in the hosptial for two weeks because he was so out of "control" then he went to go live with his father and step mother and they took him off the medication. The sad part is, he is now an adult and has bipor.. and is i total denial..
I am really proud of the fact that both of you were concerned about the welfare of your daugher.. and that her life is so much better.. and that the medication is working for her and that her self-esteem has improved and life for the rest of the family is less stressful
best of luck
My Medication
posted by Ivan G. on 22 Aug 2005 at 9:31 pm
I'm a 13 year old boy and I going to start taking this medication today for my ADD condition. Before Focalin, I was taking Aderall XR but today my doctor wants me to try this new one. So, I hope Focalin help me with my ADD. I will let you know if works for me or not.
Focalin=caffiene buzz
posted by Nicki on 31 Aug 2005 at 10:48 pm
My son started taking Focalin xr on 8-16-05. He is almost 10 years old and has tried countless ADHD meds....focalin, strattera,concerta, ritalin, adderrall, metadate and probably some that I'm forgetting. Except for the Stratterra, all of these medicines (As with virtually all ADHD meds.) are psycho-stimulants. Where a psycho-stuimulant would have the affects of speed for someone with out ADD or ADHD, a person with ADHD or ADD is actually calmed by the psycho-stimulant. On focalin xr (10 mg), my son acted as if he had drank 15 cups of coffee that day. He was fidgety and talked non-stop.
He was trying to get so many thoughs out at once, that he was stuttering....or stumbling over his words. At school, the special ed. teacher that he's had since kindergarten, his regular room teacher (3rd grade) and the special ed. director said that they were seeing a different little boy than in years past...and not in a good way.
For the 1st time since kindergarten, they were talking about taking him out of the regular classroom and keeping him only in the special ed. room. (This was just last Friday, 8-26-05) I immediately call my son's specialist and told him what the school wanted to do. My son was taken off the focalin immediately and I was told to put him back on Stratterra. We did have a case conference on Tuesday, where the spec. ed & regular room teacher & the spec. ed. director all reported that the last 2 days (on the Stratterra) were MUCH better. It was decided to keep him in the regular room to see how the Stratterra does.
RE: Focalin=caffeine buzz
posted by Barry on 02 Sept 2005 at 5:58 am
Are you confident in your son's diagnosis of ADHD? Could fact that you've cycled through so many different medications, none of which helped aside from the norepherine re-uptake inhibitor (Strattera) suggest that there is something else going on that is causing ADHD-like symptoms?
Stressed
posted by Terri on 02 Sept 2005 at 10:34 pm
My son is almost 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD. We started him on Adderall XR and for the first few days he seems much better. On day 5 & 6 he started having severe withdrawels and went into rages. We called his doc and they took him off the meds and tried a drug called Tenex which calmed him. Alone, it does not work through out the day for him to concentrate and carry on without the aggressive behavior. We were given the RX for Focalin XR and started it today. I will keep you posted. I hope we get positive results as we are all constantly stressed including my son.
Difficulty getting Focalin XR
posted by Ruth on 03 Sept 2005 at 9:49 pm
My pharmacy is having a difficult time getting Focalin XR, has anyone else had this difficulty?
Negative of Stratterra
posted by barb M. on 05 Sept 2005 at 3:12 am
My 15 yr. old tried Stratterra for about 9 months (after using Ritalin and Concerta). After a few months it caused such a terrible condition of acid reflex that he could not eat until mid afternoon and we spent mucho money with doctors and Xrays into the stomach until we realized it was the Stratterra . After stopping the med and going back to Concerta he became healthy once again, though it took about 4 months. so if your child develops acid reflex symptoms, be aware that they could be a side effect of Stratterra. Barb
My Son & Focalin XR
posted by mom_in_austin on 07 Sept 2005 at 9:21 pm
My 6 year old son started on Focalin XR last week. He was diagnosed with ADD (without hyperactivity) last year but we didn't put him on meds until this year. Barely two weeks into 1st grade, his teacher sent a few notes regarding is inability to pay attention and follow directions. She was afraid he would fall behind with school work although academically he is where he needs to be. He would always be looking around instead of paying attention. This red flag made us revisit our pediatric neurologist who suggested we try putting him on 5mg of Focalin XR. He takes one pill every morning on school days.
Since he began taking Focalin XR his teacher has mentioned that he is now paying attention and doing well with following directions. We always knew he was a smart boy but his lack of focus prevented him from showing his full potential. He does not seem to have the side effects of difficulty in sleeping or eating. He may be a little emotional or sensitive when the medication wears off in the afternoon.
I would say that Focalin has helped our son but I also have to stress the importance of having a caring and patient teacher who will raise concerns about a student immediately. Also there is no substitute for a stable, nurturing home environment who will work with the child.
ADHD meds
posted by Nancy on 10 Sept 2005 at 4:04 pm
My 8 year old just switched to Focalin XR. So far, we have not seen a difference between this and Concerta. Hopefully it will be more consistent than the Concerta was. He first started on Strattera last year, but that made him more and more moody. So unlike him normally. The only way to stay on top is to be in constant contact with the teacher with behavior and all. My child does not take the med. on his non-school days unless necessary. He begs me not to take the drugs which makes me sad. Also, somewhat hopeful that he will one day be able to come off of them as he gains more control of his behavior. I saw much improvement in his behavior this summer, but the teacher let me know that he still was having problems focusing in class. He does get his work done and usually does pretty well for the ADHD. The parent-teacher relationship is essential.
First time trying
posted by susan on 12 Sept 2005 at 3:10 am
We tried this med for the first time today and my 8 yr old seemed fine all day until the night time when he started "rolling" for lack of a better word his tongue, or doing something with his tongue. I won't give it to him tomorrow. Did anyone else notice anything like this? If so, did it go right away?
re: first time trying
posted by Eve on 13 Sept 2005 at 3:57 am
Susan,
Sometimes the "rolling" of the tongue may be a sign of an allergic reaction. You should consult your dr.
ADD Symptoms, but not ADD
posted by Concerned Mom on 14 Sept 2005 at 1:17 am
My child shows the symptoms of ADD, but is it possible that he has another illness such as a mild form of bi-polar? Different ADD/ADHD medications have not helped and made behavior worse. We are getting ready to try Focalin, but I am dreading side effects. My son is very happy and upbeat. I would rather deal with lower grades than incredible moods swings.
Just starting Focalin XR
posted by Jamie on 14 Sept 2005 at 5:30 pm
Hi, my son is 10, has Cerebral palsey, mild. He also has ADHD and is impulsive. He has been on adderal, didn't eat.. straterra, lost weight. We are trying this to see how he does. He's on a small dose, 5 mg. Hopefully he won't stop eating, he needs his food!
Just starting Focalin XR
posted by Jamie on 15 Sept 2005 at 1:53 am
How much is your child on?
Starting FocalinXR
posted by Amy on 17 Sept 2005 at 5:45 am
My son is 5 years old, and just started Kindergarten. His teacher immediately started sending notes home saying that he couldn't pay attention or sit still for any length of time. After consulting our doctor, we are starting Focalin XR in the morning. I've been on the internet all day reading horrible things about the medication given to children for ADHD (mainly Ritalin). I'm scared to death, but do not want to see my son fall behind in school and be "left behind". Needing some encouragement.
caffeine buzz too!
posted by Jamie on 19 Sept 2005 at 12:49 am
My son has been on a low dose of focalin XR for 1 week. After about 8 hours he seems to go through a withdrawl, such as getting very hyper, very emotional, angry acting and difficult to calm down. He's on a low dose and it even affects his appetite at lunch. The teachers told us that he doesn't want to eat lunch. He comes home from school starving. I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience. Thanks, Jamie
Focalin Working but Ins. won't cover
posted by Landa on 20 Sept 2005 at 7:21 pm
My son is 11. he has tried everything from Strattera, Concerta, Adderall to Ritalin unsuccessfully. We finally got a trial prescription of Focalin XR and within 1 month he has gained 4 pounds. He is paying attention and has no more upset stomachs or headaches. But now the insurance company won't cover it because it is non-formualry. What is this?? Signed, Very Frustrated.
Amy - be concerned!
posted by Another Amy on 21 Sept 2005 at 4:20 am
Hi Amy!
You shouldn't be putting your 5 yr old on meds just because of a teacher note. You're right to be worried - AD/HD is a serious condition. If you saw a pedi, or family dr, please see a neurologist or psyc. A proper diagnosis of AD/HD should include the behaviours/problems at home, school, and other social situations. Just because the school after a few weeks finds him fidigity doesn't mean he has AD/HD. However, if you see the same things at home, and were concerned before that note, that's another story.
Listen to your gut. Most parents with AD/HD knew for a long time their children were different. If you didn't feel that way, or see the things the school did, get a second opinion. (you should anyway)
I'd love to say schools are always looking out for your childs best interests, but that's not always true. They cannot make you medicate your child, and there are SO many things that look similar to AD/HD. (vision problems, mood disorders, learning disabilities, hearing problems, trouble transitioning to school, aspergers, stress, etc)
Good luck! And just fyi - if you end up in agreement your child has AD/HD and needs medications, they can really help. It's just like any other medication, if you need it, the pros outweigh the cons. :)
Focalin xr
posted by Rachel on 21 Sept 2005 at 11:42 pm
My son is 9 years old.he has been on adderall xr 60mg for 3 years.we recently switched to focalin xr 5mg.he has taken 3 doses and we can't tell he is taken anything.do you know how long it usually takes?
focalin xr
posted by denise on 24 Sept 2005 at 4:04 pm
My son is 12 years old with ADD. he has no hyperactivity. 6 months ago he had to go off of his concerta/metadate combo which worked for his attention problems but he devloped tics. He began Focalin XR 5mg on Sept. 9th after seeing very little improvement his dose was increased to 10 mg. on Sept. 20th. The information I've read seem to indicated 20 mg is the dose where most improvement is seen for a duration of 8-10 hrs. Does anyone have a child on this dose and if so how is it going?
focalin XR
posted by Jamie on 24 Sept 2005 at 9:54 pm
My son was on 5mg and we ended up stopping it. The medicine seemed to be just like adderal, ritalin etc, he had a bad effect when he was coming "off" of it. He got realy hyper and couldn't sleep. He seemed to be almost "too" focused when he was on it. I did notice a difference and effects 2 hours after taking the medicine. From what I have read, this is a quick acting medicine. Maybe your son isn't on a large enough dose.
Side effects of Focalin XR
posted by Tiffany Dodd on 25 Sept 2005 at 2:39 am
My daughter has been taking the Focalin XR 5mg for over a month now. Over the past few weeks she has been VERY ill in the afternoon after school. She has a very bad attitude about everything!!!! I don't know if this is something that may be happening when the medication is wearing off or what is going on. Any help?
Focalin XR
posted by Jamie on 26 Sept 2005 at 10:58 am
That's how my son was. I felt bad for him. He was really confused and lacked any sense of humor while on it. We took him off and we are dealing! We thought we'd try it, but, no more! He was worse on the medicine then off. At 4pm he turned into this wild, hyper, irritable child!
Focalin XR 20mg questions
posted by Kayla on 05 Oct 2005 at 8:06 pm
My 8 yr old daughter has been on Concerta for over a year. We have to increase the dosage every 6 months or so. She is on 36 mg now. her Dr. wants her to try Focalin 20 mg. I am wondering why he isn't increasing the Concerta to 54mg. The concerta is working with little side effects. I am afraid to try this one because it is so new to the market. has anyone had any luck with this new med?
Son diagnosed with ADHD hyperactive type
posted by Janet on 06 Oct 2005 at 2:59 am
My son has the hyperactive type ADHD. I felt that he did since he was 2. The teacher does not help or do a reward chart and I do not want to medicate my 5 year old. Does anyone have a success story of their child coming off the meds. I hear all too often of kids being on meds until adulthood. That can't be good for a person's brain; to mess with dopamine levels and other stuff so long. The doctor recommends focalin xr since he can't swallow pills. My son's behavior at home doesn't bother me. He does have problems in social settings (soccer) (school). Please Help.
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