Comments on: Biphentin: The Newest ADD/ADHD Medication in Canada http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/ A blog about Attention Deficit Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:02:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: michele http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-861342 michele Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:44:32 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-861342 hi jocelyn, my son is 9 and was diagnosed at 6 with adhd and odd. we have run the gamit of so many meds and almost a yr ago he tried biphentin. we did 10, 20 now 30 and he is a completely different kid, he chooses the meds b/c he says he can focus and be calm. i am the type of worrisome mom too and i at time still worry for him. thats what makes us moms. i see your post was back in september but i hope you guys are doing ok now and he is well ;) hi jocelyn, my son is 9 and was diagnosed at 6 with adhd and odd. we have run the gamit of so many meds and almost a yr ago he tried biphentin. we did 10, 20 now 30 and he is a completely different kid, he chooses the meds b/c he says he can focus and be calm. i am the type of worrisome mom too and i at time still worry for him. thats what makes us moms. i see your post was back in september but i hope you guys are doing ok now and he is well ;)

]]> By: Sandra http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-859946 Sandra Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:24:52 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-859946 Hello Dr. Handelman, Our 7 year old son is identified as gifted and as ADHD. He also experiences severe emotional disregulation (excessively happy, excited and silly or excessively angry and even violent with nothing in between). Psychological assessment, placement in a gifted class, behaviour mod, therapy and CPS have done little to help. Last fall, under the guidance of his pediatrician, we began to try various ADHD medications: 1st Concerta 18 mg followed by 27 mg for one month. Both helped the ADHD tremendously but he was angry and irritable (no more happiness), his stomach hurt and he was up until midnight every day. Next we tried Biphentin 15 mg combined with 0.5 mg of Risperdal for 6 weeks. This helped the ADHD and the anger quite a bit but his stomach still hurt. Our third try was Adderall 10 mg followed by Adderall 15 mg combined with Risperdal 0.5 mg for 2 weeks. This did not hurt his stomach and helped his ADHD but he was grumpy and very zombie-like. All of the medications have made him withdrawn (only engaging in individual activities-prior to meds he would play with his brother when he was in a happy phase). The doctor suggested that we just try the risperdal 0.5 in the morning and 0.25 in the afternoon. The first day was horrible, but I think it was withdrawl from the Adderall. The second day was good-bouncy but not out of control, happy and playing with his brother but then he fell asleep at 7:00. The third day he fell asleep at 6:00 and the fourth day he fell asleep at 4:00 on his way home from school on the bus. He also started making screeching sounds. Do you have any suggestions of where to go from here? Right now finding the right combination of medications and the correct doses seems like such an overwhelming process. He weighs 50 lbs. Thanks. Hello Dr. Handelman,
Our 7 year old son is identified as gifted and as ADHD. He also experiences severe emotional disregulation (excessively happy, excited and silly or excessively angry and even violent with nothing in between). Psychological assessment, placement in a gifted class, behaviour mod, therapy and CPS have done little to help. Last fall, under the guidance of his pediatrician, we began to try various ADHD medications: 1st Concerta 18 mg followed by 27 mg for one month. Both helped the ADHD tremendously but he was angry and irritable (no more happiness), his stomach hurt and he was up until midnight every day. Next we tried Biphentin 15 mg combined with 0.5 mg of Risperdal for 6 weeks. This helped the ADHD and the anger quite a bit but his stomach still hurt. Our third try was Adderall 10 mg followed by Adderall 15 mg combined with Risperdal 0.5 mg for 2 weeks. This did not hurt his stomach and helped his ADHD but he was grumpy and very zombie-like. All of the medications have made him withdrawn (only engaging in individual activities-prior to meds he would play with his brother when he was in a happy phase). The doctor suggested that we just try the risperdal 0.5 in the morning and 0.25 in the afternoon. The first day was horrible, but I think it was withdrawl from the Adderall. The second day was good-bouncy but not out of control, happy and playing with his brother but then he fell asleep at 7:00. The third day he fell asleep at 6:00 and the fourth day he fell asleep at 4:00 on his way home from school on the bus. He also started making screeching sounds. Do you have any suggestions of where to go from here? Right now finding the right combination of medications and the correct doses seems like such an overwhelming process. He weighs 50 lbs. Thanks.

]]> By: Celeste http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-855035 Celeste Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:51:29 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-855035 My son is 6yrs his doctor prescribed biphentin but since it was not covered he switched to trying adderall....I gave him his first dose at 8am by 1pm the same day he complained his stomach hurt...by 3pm he was vomiting he vomited again about 20mind later and then again about 20mins later...still getting through the day not sure if he will vomit anymore....he took a 5mg dose....he has complained about stomach pain dizzyness and has vomited all within 11hrs of taking the meds....does this mean he cannot take it and i have to try something else? My son is 6yrs his doctor prescribed biphentin but since it was not covered he switched to trying adderall….I gave him his first dose at 8am by 1pm the same day he complained his stomach hurt…by 3pm he was vomiting he vomited again about 20mind later and then again about 20mins later…still getting through the day not sure if he will vomit anymore….he took a 5mg dose….he has complained about stomach pain dizzyness and has vomited all within 11hrs of taking the meds….does this mean he cannot take it and i have to try something else?

]]> By: carolyn http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-853388 carolyn Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:35:10 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-853388 I am an adult with ADD and have tried different meds over the past 30 plus years. I am currently trying Biphentin 40 mg and my doctor and I both feel I should increase my dose. I am reluctant because of the insomnia. I like how the medication helps - but am fustrated at the inability to sleep and the feeling like I will have to take more medications to combat this side effect. would it be better to go back (way back) to ritalin? thanks - sleepless in Hamilton, ON I am an adult with ADD and have tried different meds over the past 30 plus years. I am currently trying Biphentin 40 mg and my doctor and I both feel I should increase my dose. I am reluctant because of the insomnia. I like how the medication helps – but am fustrated at the inability to sleep and the feeling like I will have to take more medications to combat this side effect. would it be better to go back (way back) to ritalin?

thanks – sleepless in Hamilton, ON

]]> By: Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-842717 Dr. Kenny Handelman Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:44:24 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-842717 Philly, There are a couple of issues: 1) Will a prescription from an Ohio based doctor be accepted in Ontario (or another Canadian province)? Possibly no - especially if it is for a stimulant. This relates to medical licensing - i.e. if the doctor writing the prescription is not licensed in the province - then the pharmacist would likely not take the Rx. I'd suggest you go online - and find a couple of pharmacies in the city you would go to, and ask the pharmacist if they would take your doctor's Rx for Biphentin. If you can't find one, you may need to see a Canadian doctor to write an Rx for you. 2) Bringing the medicine over the border: I don't think this is an issue (of course, I am not a border/customs/immigration specialist - please do your own research). My opinion is based on the fact that people cross the border every day - with controlled medicines in their pill bottles - like stimulants, as well as pain medicines, etc. If the pills are in the pharmacy bottle, with the label on it - it's my understanding that the border officials don't take issue with it. If you have random pills around, and no clear prescription documentation, then get ready for a bigtime search! I hope those comments help. Philly,
There are a couple of issues:
1) Will a prescription from an Ohio based doctor be accepted in Ontario (or another Canadian province)? Possibly no – especially if it is for a stimulant. This relates to medical licensing – i.e. if the doctor writing the prescription is not licensed in the province – then the pharmacist would likely not take the Rx. I’d suggest you go online – and find a couple of pharmacies in the city you would go to, and ask the pharmacist if they would take your doctor’s Rx for Biphentin. If you can’t find one, you may need to see a Canadian doctor to write an Rx for you.
2) Bringing the medicine over the border: I don’t think this is an issue (of course, I am not a border/customs/immigration specialist – please do your own research). My opinion is based on the fact that people cross the border every day – with controlled medicines in their pill bottles – like stimulants, as well as pain medicines, etc. If the pills are in the pharmacy bottle, with the label on it – it’s my understanding that the border officials don’t take issue with it. If you have random pills around, and no clear prescription documentation, then get ready for a bigtime search!
I hope those comments help.

]]> By: Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-842709 Dr. Kenny Handelman Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:33:20 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-842709 Jeanie - both Biphentin and Concerta are officially indicated for Adult ADHD (i.e. over 18 years old). I don't know the rules of the Indian Affairs medication plan, but maybe they can cover a medication by application if the doctor feels your son needs it. When it comes to Concerta, to get an equivalent dose to Biphentin 120 mg, you'll need a high dose of Concerta. See my post on concerta dosing: http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/ To let you know how to convert Biphentin to its methylphenidate component - multiply the dose by 40% (because it's 40% immediate release). I hope that helps! Jeanie – both Biphentin and Concerta are officially indicated for Adult ADHD (i.e. over 18 years old). I don’t know the rules of the Indian Affairs medication plan, but maybe they can cover a medication by application if the doctor feels your son needs it.
When it comes to Concerta, to get an equivalent dose to Biphentin 120 mg, you’ll need a high dose of Concerta. See my post on concerta dosing: http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/
To let you know how to convert Biphentin to its methylphenidate component – multiply the dose by 40% (because it’s 40% immediate release). I hope that helps!

]]> By: Jeanie http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-840649 Jeanie Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:10:54 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-840649 My son (18 years old) has been taking biphentin for 4 years at 120mg in the morning ( he metabolizes it fast). We have been paying 250 a month and i know he wont be able to afford this on his own, so we would like to change to concerta since this is now covered by indian affairs in canada. But they only cover concerta for ages 6-18. Do you have any idea if concerta only works on that age or if concerta is an easy change over from biphentin? My son (18 years old) has been taking biphentin for 4 years at 120mg in the morning ( he metabolizes it fast). We have been paying 250 a month and i know he wont be able to afford this on his own, so we would like to change to concerta since this is now covered by indian affairs in canada. But they only cover concerta for ages 6-18. Do you have any idea if concerta only works on that age or if concerta is an easy change over from biphentin?

]]> By: Philly http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-838102 Philly Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:28:10 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-838102 We are in Ohio... I guess my main concern was would i be able to bring the medication back across to Ohio... ? Her doctors are willing to write the script... Not sure where to get started ... I am working on getting my passport to travel to Canada to get the medication she needs if indeed i can come back across the border with seeing it is a class 2... We are in Ohio… I guess my main concern was would i be able to bring the medication back across to Ohio… ? Her doctors are willing to write the script… Not sure where to get started … I am working on getting my passport to travel to Canada to get the medication she needs if indeed i can come back across the border with seeing it is a class 2…

]]> By: Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-837626 Dr. Kenny Handelman Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:05:59 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-837626 Philly - if you are in Canada, you can get it by just getting your doctor to write a prescription. If you are in the US (sorry your comment isn't clear to me), then Metadate CD is the closest. Philly – if you are in Canada, you can get it by just getting your doctor to write a prescription. If you are in the US (sorry your comment isn’t clear to me), then Metadate CD is the closest.

]]> By: Philly http://www.addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/comment-page-5/#comment-833330 Philly Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:38:56 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/#comment-833330 I was curious on how i can get this Med....In canada...? My daughter is in a study right now... Which is working great... It is not FDA approved where we are from.... I was curious on how i can get this Med….In canada…? My daughter is in a study right now… Which is working great… It is not FDA approved where we are from….

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