Comments for ADD ADHD Blog.com http://www.addadhdblog.com A blog about Attention Deficit Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:10:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Comment on Concerta Dose: Getting It Right by Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/comment-page-5/#comment-240076 Dr. Kenny Handelman Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:10:51 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/#comment-240076 Hi Jeannie, Medication is certainly a reasonable option here. And because stimulants can increase alertness, they are likely the best option for your son. When it comes to alternatives, I'm not sure what you've tried specifically. I recently created a product which reviews the research for many different alternatives. You can take a look at it here: www.alternativesforadhd.com Hi Jeannie,
Medication is certainly a reasonable option here. And because stimulants can increase alertness, they are likely the best option for your son.
When it comes to alternatives, I’m not sure what you’ve tried specifically. I recently created a product which reviews the research for many different alternatives. You can take a look at it here: http://www.alternativesforadhd.com

]]> Comment on ADHD Medication and Co-Existing Conditions by Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/adhd-medication-and-co-existing-conditions/comment-page-1/#comment-240073 Dr. Kenny Handelman Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:07:49 +0000 http://www.addadhdblog.com/?p=945#comment-240073 Judie, Sorry you can't make it. I don't think they offer the materials after the conference is over. This is the third year it is running, so it will most likely be back next year. Judie,
Sorry you can’t make it. I don’t think they offer the materials after the conference is over. This is the third year it is running, so it will most likely be back next year.

]]> Comment on Adult ADD, Comorbid Depression and Anxiety by Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/adult-add-comorbid-depression-and-anxiety/comment-page-1/#comment-240072 Dr. Kenny Handelman Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:06:21 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/adult-add-comorbid-depression-and-anxiety/#comment-240072 Jon, In your circumstance, I would likely go to higher doses of the stimulants - i.e. up to 40, 50 or even 60 mg of the Adderall XR. You will need to talk to your doctor about it - because of course I can't prescribe on a blog! If this is a big enough issue for you, maybe you could find an ADD specialist who is within driving distance to you (within a 3-4 hour drive) and go there for a consultation to get a recommendation that will make a difference for you. I hope that helps. Regarding higher dose Adderall - you would need monitoring for heart rate and blood pressure. The CADDRA Guidelines do list that the medicine can be given in higher doses to adults. It used to be online, now you'd have to order them via www.CADDRA.ca Jon,
In your circumstance, I would likely go to higher doses of the stimulants – i.e. up to 40, 50 or even 60 mg of the Adderall XR. You will need to talk to your doctor about it – because of course I can’t prescribe on a blog! If this is a big enough issue for you, maybe you could find an ADD specialist who is within driving distance to you (within a 3-4 hour drive) and go there for a consultation to get a recommendation that will make a difference for you. I hope that helps.
Regarding higher dose Adderall – you would need monitoring for heart rate and blood pressure. The CADDRA Guidelines do list that the medicine can be given in higher doses to adults. It used to be online, now you’d have to order them via http://www.CADDRA.ca

]]> Comment on How long does Strattera work for? by Dr. Kenny Handelman http://www.addadhdblog.com/how-long-does-strattera-work-for/comment-page-1/#comment-240069 Dr. Kenny Handelman Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:02:13 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/how-long-does-strattera-work-for/#comment-240069 Sue, thanks for joining the conversation. Here are a few thoughts: Strattera may be a good option - and could work to help the ADHD and not worsen the tics Wellbutrin is an antidepressant which also has some ADHD properties - it may be an option Even with tics, stimulants don't always make them a big problem. You may consider trying it. Neurofeedback has decent research behind it (it isn't perfect, but neither is any treatment). The biggest side effect is the time you have to put into it. Review these options with your son, and let him decide what's best (hopefully with lots of your input!). Sue, thanks for joining the conversation. Here are a few thoughts:
Strattera may be a good option – and could work to help the ADHD and not worsen the tics
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant which also has some ADHD properties – it may be an option
Even with tics, stimulants don’t always make them a big problem. You may consider trying it.
Neurofeedback has decent research behind it (it isn’t perfect, but neither is any treatment). The biggest side effect is the time you have to put into it. Review these options with your son, and let him decide what’s best (hopefully with lots of your input!).

]]> Comment on Vyvanse in Canada by Skeptical mom http://www.addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-in-canada/comment-page-1/#comment-239932 Skeptical mom Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:46:11 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-in-canada/#comment-239932 I have a 7 yr old son who I finally received answers for after 3 years, He was recently diagnosed with Tourettes, OCD, ADHD, Epilepsy, sensory processing disorder and has a heart murmer as well. He has trialed many medications so far from adderal, concerta, clonodine and biphentin. Most of the results were horrible. Extremely suicidal, angry, depressed, and very intollerable. However the Concerta did work for a period of 2 weeks.After that the effects had worn off and seemed innefective, so his dose was raised to 27 mg and horrible side effects happened all over again as with the other medications. Vynase/Vyvanase was introduced at the last appointment. I am very scared to try my son on any medications and with so many diagnosis I am worried about conflict on which meds he can safely take. He is a VERY lovable little boy and he means well in most that he does however the school is having a real tough time with him, even though he has an amazing team of people in the commnity helping him. I am considering no meds at all except the Tegretol for the seizures. Anyone have any suggestions with such a complex little man? I want all the best for him but Im afraid his quality of life will be even worse without meds. I have a 7 yr old son who I finally received answers for after 3 years, He was recently diagnosed with Tourettes, OCD, ADHD, Epilepsy, sensory processing disorder and has a heart murmer as well. He has trialed many medications so far from adderal, concerta, clonodine and biphentin. Most of the results were horrible. Extremely suicidal, angry, depressed, and very intollerable. However the Concerta did work for a period of 2 weeks.After that the effects had worn off and seemed innefective, so his dose was raised to 27 mg and horrible side effects happened all over again as with the other medications. Vynase/Vyvanase was introduced at the last appointment. I am very scared to try my son on any medications and with so many diagnosis I am worried about conflict on which meds he can safely take. He is a VERY lovable little boy and he means well in most that he does however the school is having a real tough time with him, even though he has an amazing team of people in the commnity helping him. I am considering no meds at all except the Tegretol for the seizures. Anyone have any suggestions with such a complex little man? I want all the best for him but Im afraid his quality of life will be even worse without meds.

]]> Comment on Concerta Dose: Getting It Right by Wanda http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/comment-page-5/#comment-239598 Wanda Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:32:00 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/#comment-239598 I love Concerta....I can focus and it also seems to take away my depression or focus on sad things. The problem I have is that it makes me want to EAT all the time. I had been told that it would do the opposite...I have not seen anyone else have this issue so I am kind of worried. I love Concerta….I can focus and it also seems to take away my depression or focus on sad things. The problem I have is that it makes me want to EAT all the time. I had been told that it would do the opposite…I have not seen anyone else have this issue so I am kind of worried.

]]> Comment on White Noise Helps with Concentration in ADD/ADHD by Sarah http://www.addadhdblog.com/white-noise-helps-with-concentration-in-addadhd/comment-page-1/#comment-237683 Sarah Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:48:48 +0000 http://www.addadhdblog.com/white-noise-helps-with-concentration-in-addadhd/#comment-237683 I discovered the benefits of listening to music while completing homework in highschool. I am now 32 years old and work in an office. Music helps me concentrate. I was never formally diagnosed with ADD, and did not receive medication, so I had to find strategies to help me concentrate. In highschool, I found I was also able to concentrate while taking codeine for my headaches. I discovered the benefits of listening to music while completing homework in highschool. I am now 32 years old and work in an office. Music helps me concentrate. I was never formally diagnosed with ADD, and did not receive medication, so I had to find strategies to help me concentrate. In highschool, I found I was also able to concentrate while taking codeine for my headaches.

]]> Comment on Vyvanse Dosage: How to Get the Right Dose by Jeannie http://www.addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-dosage-how-to-get-the-right-dose/comment-page-3/#comment-237612 Jeannie Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:35:13 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-dosage-how-to-get-the-right-dose/#comment-237612 I wonder what the equivalent dosage of vyvanse would be for 10 mg of Focalin.... I wonder what the equivalent dosage of vyvanse would be for 10 mg of Focalin….

]]> Comment on Concerta Dose: Getting It Right by Rose http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/comment-page-5/#comment-237574 Rose Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:10:36 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/#comment-237574 What a nice web site. Grandsom is on concerts. Thanks for all the information. What a nice web site. Grandsom is on concerts. Thanks for all the information.

]]> Comment on How long does Strattera work for? by Sue http://www.addadhdblog.com/how-long-does-strattera-work-for/comment-page-1/#comment-237542 Sue Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:20:14 +0000 http://addadhdblog.com/how-long-does-strattera-work-for/#comment-237542 Hello Dr. Handelman, I have two sons recently diagnosed with ADD. My older son is 20. He was diagnosed with Tourrettes Syndrome at age 9 with possible ADD at that time. As Ritalin and other amphetamines prescribed at that time were proported to exacerbate ticks, as parents, we chose not to medicate, but, to monitor. The medication recently recommended for my older son is Strattera as he has co-existing social anxiety along with the Tourrettes. The ticks are mild and intermittent, so, they have not been a major concern. The attending psychiatrist has noted exacerbation of ticks when the other amphetamines are prescribed to his patients. Strattera, we are told, has a positive effect on anxiety. This psychiatrist is thinking our son might have had mild episodes of depression. From parental observations our son does have low self esteem, but, he is generally an optomistic personality. He has always slept poorly and low energy levels are routine. Would Strattera contribute to low energy? As his medicine options are limited, we have researched and had consultations and examinations with a registered psychologist who uses neurocognitive skill enhancement and neurobiofeedback (with EEG assessment) via software. My own research of the literature including a recent metanalysis conducted by a psychologist out of Dukes University in North Carolina indicates good potential use of this non-medicinal therapy (over 50% success rate). We are thinking of trying this route initially before resorting to drug therapy as there is encouraging data and potential for permanent changes due to the neuroplasticity of the brain. One of our concerns is the time element, as it is suggested the program would be approximately 6 months to get my sons up to speed with their non-ADD cohorts if successful. That being said, the psychologist is very optomistic with respect to the older son. Your comments would be welcomed. Many Thanks, Sue NB. This is my very first contribution to a blog! Hello Dr. Handelman,

I have two sons recently diagnosed with ADD. My older son is 20. He was diagnosed with Tourrettes Syndrome at age 9 with possible ADD at that time. As Ritalin and other amphetamines prescribed at that time were proported to exacerbate ticks, as parents, we chose not to medicate, but, to monitor.

The medication recently recommended for my older son is Strattera as he has co-existing social anxiety along with the Tourrettes. The ticks are mild and intermittent, so, they have not been a major concern. The attending psychiatrist has noted exacerbation of ticks when the other amphetamines are prescribed to his patients. Strattera, we are told, has a positive effect on anxiety.

This psychiatrist is thinking our son might have had mild episodes of depression. From parental observations our son does have low self esteem, but, he is generally an optomistic personality. He has always slept poorly and low energy levels are routine. Would Strattera contribute to low energy?

As his medicine options are limited, we have researched and had consultations and examinations with a registered psychologist who uses neurocognitive skill enhancement and neurobiofeedback (with EEG assessment) via software. My own research of the literature including a recent metanalysis conducted by a psychologist out of Dukes University in North Carolina indicates good potential use of this non-medicinal therapy (over 50% success rate). We are thinking of trying this route initially before resorting to drug therapy as there is encouraging data and potential for permanent changes due to the neuroplasticity of the brain. One of our concerns is the time element, as it is suggested the program would be approximately 6 months to get my sons up to speed with their non-ADD cohorts if successful. That being said, the psychologist is very optomistic with respect to the older son.

Your comments would be welcomed.

Many Thanks,

Sue

NB. This is my very first contribution to a blog!

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