Intuniv: One Step Closer To FDA Approval for ADHD
ByThirty percent of children with AD/ADHD cannot tolerate taking stimulant medications.
For these individuals, the recent news that Shire is one step closer to gaining FDA approval for its time-released non-stimulant INTUNIV is welcome news.
Intuniv provides a 24-hour evenly released dose of the medication guanfacine. Specifically, guanfacine improves the symptom of the inability to concentrate in children with ADD/ADHD.
When given in conjunction with stimulants, it may also help reduce the aggression and the insomnia normally associated with the use of these drugs.
In fact, some physicians already prescribe it – in an immediate release version and under various brands – to their patients with ADD/ADHD along with other medications. The most common brand used is Tenex. This medication, however, appears not to be very effective at alleviating either the attention deficit or the distractibility seen in children with ADD/ADHD.
Two advantages of INTUNIV
Manufactured and marketed as INTUNIV, though, this form of the medication would hold two distinct advantages over what is currently being used. First, it would be approved specifically for the treatment of ADD/ADHD. And secondly – and most importantly to those whose concentration is low – it would relieve the unevenness produced by the immediate-release version of guanfacine.
Guanfacine works well in improving concentration, but it only lasts several hours, and once the medication wears off attentiveness wanes again.
Recent clinical trials conducted as part of the FDA approval process show that INTUNIV is extremely effective at boosting concentration levels consistently for a 24-hour period
The data the FDA scrutinized included the pooled analysis of results from two double-blind trials. Both of these studies used the teacher based ADHD Rating scale as the criteria for improvement.
One group of children received INTUNIV for the other group received a placebo which contained no medication.
All groups which received the medication scored significantly better in the rating scale than those who received the placebo.
The studies also examined the length of time the medication was effective for these children. Assessments were made at 12, 14 and 24 hour periods following the administration of this drug. Again the data showed significant improvement in the concentration of the children at each of these points in time.
Mild and moderate side effects of INTUNIV
Between 75 and 80 percent of the children, did display mild adverse side effects while taking INTUNIV, most of which appeared within the first two weeks and eventually tapered off. These seemed to be dose-related and included: upper abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, hypotension, sedation, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
The most common of these side effects were related to sedation.
The medical community has been examining guanfacine for its effectiveness since 2001. That year a study appeared in the American Journal of Psychiatry showing that guanfacine to be a safe and effective treatment for children with ADHD and those who suffer with tic disorders.
The medication, according to the journal article, produced a mean improvement of 37 percent in the total score on teacher-rated ADHD Rating Scale following eight weeks of treatment. This was compared to the eight percent improved for those who received the placebo.
INTUNIV is not a controlled substance — as stimulants are — and does not appear at this time to carry any risk for either potential for abuse or dependence.
The FDA has issued an “approval letter†for INTUNIV, which means that it is prepared to approve the new drug application as soon as certain conditions are met, such as any requests for additional information.
How guanfacine works
Guanfacine works, according to Shire, by acting indirectly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Located directly at the very front of the brain and directly below the forehead, the prefrontal cortex controls what are known as the executive functions. This includes the resolution of conflicting thoughts, the choices involved in “right or wrong†and “good and bad†decisions, as well as the prediction of future events.
This section of the brain also governs social control that is it is the area used when we suppress or emotional urges.
Guanfacine is a selective alpha-2A-agonist medication.
Admittedly, the treatment of ADD/ADHD is a highly individualized challenge. Discovering the most effective combination the proper medications and other forms of therapy may mean attempting to use several medications in various combinations as well as varying doses. What is appropriate for one child or adult, may not be either appropriate or effective for another.
Nearly 8 percent of all school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While not normally thought of as a disorder affecting adults, some 4.4 percent of all adults, ages 18 to 44 are affected.
The major characteristic of ADD/ADHD is an inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that exceeds those normally observed in most individuals. Official diagnosis of this disorder can not be made until the symptoms have been observed for at least six months.
References:
Pro-drug gets attention,
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=pro-drug-gets-attention, accessed 11 Jun08
Guanfacine, http://www.depression-guide.com/guanfacine.htm, accessed, 7 Jun 08
Intuniv reduces ADHD symptoms, http://www.realmentalhealth.com/adhd/adhd_toc.asp, accessed 6 Jun 08
Shire Investigational Nonstimulant INTUNIV Showed Significant Efficacy In Reducing ADHD Symptoms, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/106801.php, accessed 10 Jun 08.
What is prefrontal cortex?, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-prefrontal-cortex.htm, accessed, 11 June 08
Larry Scahill, M.S.N., Ph.D., Phillip B. Chappell, M.D., Young S. Kim, M.D., Robert T. Schultz, Ph.D., Lily Katsovich, M.S., Elizabeth Shepherd, M.A., Amy F.T. Arnsten, Ph.D., Donald J. Cohen, M.D., and James F. Leckman, M.D. A Placebo-Controlled Study of Guanfacine in the Treatment of Children With Tic Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/158/7/1067, accessed 11Jun08
Technorati Tags: Intuniv, Shire, ADHD, ADD, ADHD Medication, ADD Medication
Re.. Natural vitamin supplements…
Dear Dr. Kenny Handelman,
Do you have any information &/or suggestions re.. Phosphatidylserine for ADD/ADHD patients (children & adults)?
Thanks.
Thank you for the information on INTUNIV. I had not heard of it before.
Thank you for the information on Intuni and guanfacine. I’ve never heard of these drugs either. I currently take Vyvanse with much success, but have some small issues when the medicine seems to be leaving my system. Maybe Intuniv would help with those issues. I’m excited about this possibility and will be watching when Intuniv is available to the public.
Thank you!
Hi,
I’ve heard about this in the States but was not aware it was available in Canada. If it is I’m quite interested insofar as I have borderline high blood pressure and if I remember quickly this medication actually lowers blood pressure (as opposed to most stimulants).
So I guess my question, is it available here in any form.
Mike Craig
Hi Mike,
No, we don’t have Tenex or Intuniv in Canada. The closest one is Clonidine. This is in the same family. It does lower the blood pressure, and it helps with sleep and helps to settle hyperactivity. It doesn’t seem to do well for the inattention.
Intuniv may come to Canada – but it likely won’t be for a few years.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
My daughter has ADHD and we’ve tried stimulant medications, which are terrible for her. We have tried Vyvanse with great hope but that to made her hyper (talk, talk, talk without stopping) I hope this Intuniv is our answer. In what form is this medication going to be available? That’s our other problem, she does not take capsules or pills. Looking forward to the release of this new drug. Debbie
Any idea about INTUIV’s release date in the U.S.?
I have tried just about everything else— stimulants (including Vyvanse), Stattera, Wellbutrin, and now Modofanil, and so far nothing works…
Thanks,
Leslie
Doctor I got a quick question for you. I am on Disability here in Vancouver I was wondering do you know if there are any non-stimulant drugs for Adult ADHD that would be covered (affordable)by the B.C government and are avaliable in Canada? And what would be the most effective for Adult ADHD in your experience.I truly love your Blog and in my opinion and I am sure many others this is by Far the best ADHD blog on the web.
Hi Chase,
Regarding a non-stimulant in BC – there is Strattera. However, I believe that the BC government doesn’t provide coverage for it. You’ll need to check with your doctor. In Ontario, it is available with a special application.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
I love your blog Dr. Handleman! I learn so much! Our 9 year old has been diagnosed ADHD and currently we have him on Biphentin in the morning, followed by Ritalin at noon to make it thorough the school day. He is unable to swallow pills so we open the Biphentin capsule and he takes the granules and he chews the Ritalin tablet. When the medication wears off, it hits him quite hard and he talks non-stop. Is there any other medication you can recommend? Is there any hope of Canadian approval for the Daytrana patch they have in the US?
Thanks & best regards,
Brenda
Intuniv: One Step Closer To FDA Approval for ADHD…
Intuniv provides a 24-hour evenly released dose of the medication guanfacine. Specifically, guanfacine improves the symptom of the inability to concentrate in children with ADD/ADHD….
Hi,
A few questions:
It appears Intuniv has the same mechanism of action as Clonadine, if so how revlutionary is this drug? I know they spent the money to pursue the indication, but if it is the same I guarantee that when my doctor gives me Intuniv, I will end up getting Clonadine bc of insurance (blue shield). I take Focalin XR now, but am concernaed about bpllod pressure, should I ask my MD about CLonadine. wellbtrin and strattera did not work for me.
Best Regards
Hi,
Intuniv is close to Clonidine – but it is actually the same as Tenex (which is in the US). It is just the long acting form of the medicine.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
My son has been taking Intuniv for about 5 days. He is taking 1MG. He has good and bad days. I think we will have to move him to the 2MG dose. The side effects of the stimulants were not good for him. I am praying this medication works.
My son is currently taking 70mg of Vyvanse. His dr gave us Intuniv today to try for a month. He said it was fine to keep him on the same dose of Vyvanse, while taking the Intuniv. Is this really safe? Im concerned he will be over-medicated. I think over the holiday this will work out fine since he is not in school, and I can monitor his effects, im justg concerned about giving him both at once. What is your opinion?
My 9 yo grandson is 4 foot tall and weighs 45 pounds — he’s currently on Concerta. Not only is he skin and bones but he’s having weird side effects: constantly “sniffing”, talking non stop and after the medicine was upped to 54 mg. he started repeating himself either the first part of what he wanted to say 5 or 6 times (well, Grammie – well, grammie – well, grammie etc.) or repeating the whole thought 5 or more times like he couldn’t stop himself. He’s taken Foculin, Adderall, Vyvance and Daytrana patch prior to the Concerta all with alarming side effects from talking nonstop for 3 hours to extreme fear that a boy he knew was going to set his house on fire and kill his family to joint pain so extreme he cried and said the affected joint was broken. At this point I just think he should be off the meds but he can’t focus enough to learn at school! I guess my question is are there any natural remedies that really work — I too have heard that 300mg daily of Phosphatidylserine will control the ADHD symptoms but I seem to remember reading that it can be an appetite depressant. What to do? Help!
Jacque –
With these types of side effects – I suggest you ask your doctor about induction of psychosis, agitation, obsessiveness, or even mania.
I really don’t know enough to make specific comments – but I suggest you ask your doctor. It’s possible that there is more going on here than just ADHD, and talking to your doctor may help.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
http://www.SafeADHDMedication.com
BransMom,
A new study came out showing that it’s fine to take Intuniv with the stimulant medicines as well:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shire-announces-publication-of-open-label-study-on-coadministration-of-intunivtm-guanfacine-extended-release-tablets-with-stimulants-70182537.html
Best,
Dr. Kenny
http://www.SafeADHDMedication.com
My son started Intuniv in early November. He was previously on Clonidine for ADHD (he also has Tourette’s). We love this drug. He is focusing in school again, not crying as often. The tics remain, but who cares, as long as he can focus, enjoy life and keep himself out of trouble as a result of implsive behavior. My son is 10 and takes 4mg. If your child cannot take stimulants, talk to your doctor about this medication. It has worked wonders for my son. We have been through many drugs for ADHD and trying to find the right combination after the Tourette’s started. Clonidine is OK, but not as good as Intuniv.
Tausha
My son started Intuniv just a few days ago. He started with the 1mg and will work up. He asked if this was what it felt like to be normal on the first day! We are very hopeful that the stimulants can go away. They cause tics and some aggression with him and does not help with anxiety, just makes it worse. It will be considered miraculous if we really find something that can work 24 hours or maybe even 16 without any bad side effects. We will wait and see.
We just started my son on Intuniv. We have been struggling for as long as he is old, 9 y/o. I have 3 boys, he is the only one that won’t or cannot fall asleep in the car. WE drove 17 hours straight a few years ago and he only slept a total of 45 minutes. He has issues with aggression and uncontrollable tantrums. He has severe learning disabilities which took over a year to finally get the results and testing completed. So, after many years of battling his behavior and my insistence that this can’t continue we finally received this medication to try. I am hopeful that we will see the benefits as others have I am afraid to see how the insurance company will treat this prescription. It is unfair that they can dictate what they will and will not cover. When every child is an individual and when new and improved medications become available that may treat a condition more appropriately it seems unethical that they can choose not to cover a medication. How can we, as parents, fight the battle of this injustice? After all we go through with raising these children with attention and learning disabilities it is a slap in the face to think that insurance can not cover the one thing that may actiually help.
My son also has ADD and Tourette’s diagnoses and is thirteen. He has been on Clonidine since he was 6 after taking strattera….Tourettes specialist in st louis told us children who will get tourettes will often be prescribed stimulant drugs for add and get the symptoms of tourettes earlier than expected if they had’nt. That is what happpened with my son Ryan. We are getting ready to talk to his Dr. about Intuniv. The clonidine has such drastic side affects of lethargy and sleepy behavior! I hope this will be a better answer. Would’nt mind having the email of Tausha Hathaway. Another Mom with the same situation. My email is ryanos93 @yahoo.com if interested.
MY SON IS 11YRS HE IS TAKING VYVANCE 50MG HE IS DOING GOOD BUT WITH SOME AGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, I WILL LIKE TO KNOW IF ITS SAFE FOR HIM TO TAKE BOTH MEDICATIONS VYVANCE AND INTUNIV. THANK YOU
My son Cole is 10yrs old and has been on medication for severe ADHD since he was 4. His current medications are Concerta and Clonidine, which have worked well for him, until the last few months. His behavior has gotten so bad at home and school. He is very impulsive, calling people names, throwing food in the cafeteria, writing on school property, etc. Things are very stressful. His doctor did not want to change his medication, until I called in tears, and he prescribed Intuniv which we will start tomorrow, but he did not say anything about stopping Clonidine. Is it safe to give together?
My son is 6 yrs old and has been taking adderal 20 mg for over six month, this week it has been from hell he has gone back to being aggressive and he’s behavior is out of control. The doctor has asked to stop using adderal for one week and we may start this new medicine.Hoping this one works.
My son is 8 and has been taking intuniv for the past month. From the very first week I have seen a drastic change in his behavior at home and at school. He was on ritalin (10mg) and is still taking the ritalin. I have one concern doctor… please help me. My child has never had a problem with sleeping. Now that he is on the Intuniv and Ritalin he wakes up EVERY night around 1:00 or 1:30 am. and can not seem to go back to sleep. He tries but only manage to sleep for another hour but it is never a sound sleep… (I can call his name out and he immediately answers me, wherein in the past I would have to actaully go in his room and wake him up.) He saids that it feel like his stomach is growling, which causes him to wake up, but he can not get back to sleep. I am really concern that he is not getting the proper sleep seeing that he is in bed at 8:30 p.m, yet does not actually fall asleep until 9:30 p.m and is up again at 1:00 a.m. and still does not fall back to sleep easily. He is now on 3mg of the Intuniv and one side effect is that he complains of stomach ache. I am hopeing that this goes away, because this med has been a life changing experience. He no longer struggles in school and homework is never a fight anymore. Could you please tell me if the sleep and stomach issue should go away with time.
Janice Webster …. my son is the EXACT same!! … i am so far pleased w/ the results of the Intuniv .. however, the doctors office told me today that they can’t give me any more samples (as they were giving me samples for the past 2 months) and now w/ the insurance the copay is quite high (as it is not a preferred method) but i would rather pay the higher co pay than the whole amount altogether … just w/ not working right now …
but if it helps my son .. it will be worth it
I have a 15 year old son who has ADHD. He has been taking Abilify at night and Vvyanse during the day. I think the Vvyanse is making it worse on him. We go to the Dr. tomorrow and I am hoping to get some Intuniv to help with his moods and irritabilty it has been awful for a while now. My friends daughter is on the Intuniv and says it is so much better then all the stimulants. I am hoping it will work….somedays are extremly difficult. Here is hoping for some peace. :O)
I started my 6 yr old daughter 60lb on Intuniv Nov 28 1mg for 7 days and then 2mg after that. It was a life changing experience she was able to concentrate in school and at hope so calm, I said that she was the little girl that we didn’t know exsisted becuse of her behaviors she was sleepy but it was working she would sleep for maybe 25 mins after dinner but get up and was fine, would go right to sleep at 8:30 and sleep through the night. We have tried Ritalin, Strattera, Concerta, and other stimulants but it seemed that her body would just absorb it there was no difference. After 6 weeks on Intuniv it just stopped working, very talkative in school and loud at home and just went back to the same behavior. If anyone has any suggestions please post. Thank you.
Hi Betty – Have a 6 yr od 52 lbs, could not tolerate stims as made him emotionally aggitated. Started on Intuniv in Dec. 1 mg – was amazing difference in behavior, then at about 2 weeks, just stopped working and we were back to same old problems. Titrated up to 2mg and got back on track with a little afternoon sedation this time. But nothing we couldn’t handle. Then again at about the 2 week mark, problems again at school, etc. I checked with pyschiatrist and we started dosing 1 mg at 7am and 1 mg at 7pm. So for so good….not GREAT, but good. I have been combing the internet to find testimony like this. Where the Intuniv seemed to be a God send, and worked so wonderfully, and then just stopped working! So I am happy to see your post here.
If we see more regression my next plan is to give him 2 mg in morn and 1 mg at night, (okayed with phscyiatrist)
I feel like it is harder to have something and then have it taken away than to never have it at all. I just wish the Intuniv would keep working as it did initially.
Please feel free to email me Pkl2666@optonline.net.
Has anyone else experienced this with Intuniv???
Hi,
My 9 year old son has tried metadate, adderall, stratterra, ritalin, focalin, and now we have just tried intuvin,,,,,Everything has given him painful tics, and I am wondering if anyone else had that issue…..I saw a post where a mom said- he has tics, but the medicine works…..I am horrified by tics and by doctors who say he would get them anyway, because why do they stop then every time he is off the medicine?????
My psychiatrist diagnosed me as ADD and I am 54 yrs old. I am not typical as I have held down a job all of my life and do not have typical symptoms. I was prescribed Ritalin and I have noticed a significant difference in my ablilty to stay on task and it has improved my working abilities and focusing. It wears off after a couple hours and I struggle until my next pill. My doctor just now perscribed Abilify for nothing other than to work with my Retalin to keep it working longer between dosages. I have heard that this is major antidepressant drug. Have you heard of this and is it ok to take this medication primarily for this reason? I do not suffer with any types of depression or any other mental disorder except for ADD.
Thank you,
JOhn
If your psychiatrist has prescribed Abilify to augment the effectiveness of Ritalin, I would suggest finding another psychiatrist.
Please correct me if I am wrong in any of the following statements: Abilify may be used as a second-line medication for the treatment of major depression, as an augmenting agent to a first-line SSRI or SNRI. As a treatment for ADD/ADHD, Abilify is not commonly prescribed. It is an atypical antipsychotic medication, originally approved by the FDA as a treatment for schizophrenia, later approved as a treatment for bipolar disorder, and then as an augmenting agent for the treatment of major depression.
I have tried Abilify, and it worked as an antidepressant for a couple of days, and then kind of pooped out. It was prescribed for my treatment resistant “bipolar disorder.” Problem was that I was never bipolar. 7 years and 35 medications later, the psychiatrists finally figured that out. Or rather I figured that out, and suggested to my pdoc that he consider the possibility that my problem was more attentional in nature. He prescribed Concerta, which worked for me. Daytrana works better. After two years on Daytrana, I’m loooking for something that might help with the side effects, i.e less sleep than I would like, stomach upset, hot flashes.
But I digress…I think you should get a second opinion regarding your doctor’s decision to prescribe Abilify.
It has been so encouraging reading everyone’s comments. My son is 10 years old and we have been struggling with meds since he was five. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety issues. He has been on Ritalin, Strattera, the Daytrana patch, Focalin, Clonodine, and Provigil. They just don’t work well for him. He seems to get all the bad side effects that go along with these meds. He is currently on Focalin XR 20mg and the doctor has had him on Zoloft because she thinks he suffers more from anxiety than ADHD. I agree to a point, but he has problems with focusing and staying on task and has some hyperactivity. And now he is having bad side effects from the Zoloft. So we are weaning him off of that and the doctor said she is “itching” to try him on Intuniv. I have been a little afraid to let him try it, but reading everyone’s reports has made me feel much better. Just one question, has anyone had any problems with it dropping their blood pressure really bad?
My son has been on Concerta for years. This past summer he developed severe tics. We went to the neurologist and took him off of the Concerta. Apparantly the stims affect the motor part of his brain. It took almost a month for the Concerta to get out of his system and for the tics to go away – severe upper body/sholders/face and not no tics at all. He was almost diagnosed with Tourettes!
We are now 6 months into him taking no meds. We are on day 2 of Intuniv. He survived 9th grade without meds, but it is tough for him. Aggression and moodiness along with the ADD. . . .it is great to hear that this med may work for us.
I think the immediate release form of Ritalin is too much of a roller coaster ride, as it seems like you need to be constantly redosing. The logical medication switch would seem to be Concerta, which really utilizes a great time released system for methylphenidate. The one problem could possibly be if you don’t have insurance or your coverage is not that helpful, since Concerta is still under patent. But, taking the Abilify makes no sense, from what you said.
can intuniv be used for adults with adhd
Darrius – As Intuniv is not in Canada – I have no direct experience with it. I don’t believe that Intuniv is officially approved for adults – but there are probably many doctors who are using it in this way. Maybe one of the blog readers from the US can share their experience…
I found this on researching if Tenex has been FDA approved for children under 12 yet? I was wondering why my sons doctors are wanting him to be on it, when they officially won’t/can’t diagnosis him with ADD or ADHD. His behavior is mainly in social settings that trigger his Anxiety and PSTD from our former Domestic Violence. I was wondering why they haven’t done a blood test/DNA test to his Genetic code (ie Extra Y gene etc) as I have asked many times for it just to rule out anything that is not on the surface of their suggestions. He exhibits those behaviors in-regard’s to those possibilities. As a parent I dont’ want to use my son as a experiment of drugs on possibilities, I would rather be completely informed of what my son has and what will be the best for him. He has never been on drugs before and I had an all natural birth in tub. Concerned Mother
My son is 8 years old and has ADHD. He has been taking focalin xr 10 mg in the morning and focalin 5 mg in the afternoon for one year. Around 6:00 pm, he would become irritable, argumentative, have outburst, annoying, be impulsive and over active. His doctor has prescribed Intuniv for him and we are on week 2 of the titration period (2 mg daily). I have been able to see improvement in him from when he wakes up through bedtime. He still takes the focalin xr 10 mg in the morning, but I have not been giving it to him in the afternoon. I monitor his blood pressure at different times during the day to include before the morning dose, afternoon and before betime. His baseline before starting the Intuniv was blood pressure 115/81, heart rate 85. Now, his lowest blood pressure has been 96/61, heart rate 70. He weighs 74 pounds. So far no dizziness, fainting, or drowsiness. (Reading the blogs has help me. I hope this helps someone. Thanks.)
My grandson, who lives with us, has been on ritalin since he was almost 6 years old. He now is up to 40 mg. of ritalin LA a day. He has developed tics which I believe is a result of taking this drug. When one specific tic goes away another one will take it’s place. I am in tears here reading these posts because they are SO similar to my grandson. He is 9 years old and a few months ago he got upset because him and his brother were fighting while playing the Wii and I made them turn it off. He went into their bedroom and took a cord from a game and wrapped it around his neck, trying to kill himself. Upon reading the insert from his ritalin I found that this could be a side effect of using ritalin. I want my happy-go-lucky grandson back! I am calling his doctor tomorrow to see about what we have to do to switch him to intuniv. I checked with the medicaid website and it should be covered. If intuniv works as well as everyone here has said it will be a Godsend to us. His brother is also supposedly adhd but is also ptsd and we do not want to start meds with him, at least not yet. He is only now just turning 6 and he is nothing like his brother was at this age, maybe just a little hyper near the evenings, but if we ever decide to do meds for him we will hopefully use intuniv if the results are good with his brother.
Here is an update on my 8 year old son. He has gradually increased to the 2 mg dose of Intuniv. He did have some side effects during the transition from 1 mg – 2 mg. He was so drowsy and his systolic blood pressure dropped into the 80′s three times(during that time I would make him drink more fluids). But he has not been very irritable, argumentative, have outburst, annoying, be impulsive and over active. He still has moments when has been a little irritable in the evenings, but that is all. He has not taken the evening does of Focalin 5 mg in over 1 month, but he still takes the morning dose of Focalin XR 10 mg cap. He is doing GREAT! His doctor informed me that Intuniv does not work for the inattentiveness. Therefore he will have to remain on the focalin, but he does not have to have it increased/adjusted at this time which makes me very happy. D. I hope everything goes well with you grandson.
MY grandson’s doctor will not prescribe intuniv for him because she said she does not know enough about it. However his psychiatrist gave us strattera to start him on. For some reason his doctor didn’t want to give him this either so I am going to call her tomorrow to find out why because I can’t remember. We will then decide whether or not to switch him to the straterra, which is not a stimulant, even though on reading the side effects etc, it has the same ones as the ritalin. We would still rather have him on a non stimulant though.
Brigitte, thanks for the info your doctor said about intuniv not helping inattentiveness, I guess that wouldn’t work for my grandson then.
My son started taking Intuniv about 6 weeks ago. He had no problems with the 1mg and 2mg ramp up. When we went to 4mg, he started complaining of intermittent stomach pain. We decreased the dose to 3mg and the stomach pain has decreased slightly but still bothers him after meals. He is taking his medication before bed at night. So far, the medication appears to be helping his ADHD. We stopped his Concerta (54mg) when he started on the Intuniv. While the Concerta definitely helped while he was in school, it decreased his appetite so much that he hadn’t gained any weight in the past year. I believe the Intuniv is helping, but will only really know when he returns to school in the Fall. The summer activities are so active that it is hard to fully evaluate. I was hoping someone would have a suggestion of how to alleviate or eliminate the stomach pain while taking Intuniv. My physician did not have any suggestions, just identified that stomach pain was one of the side effects on Intuniv. Please post if you or your child has had stomach pain and if you have any remedies to alleviate this problem.
FIRST I LOVED your Seminars the makes sence. Also MP3 are awesome. keep up the good work.
A couple quick question regrading Clonidin Question;
Is it possible to take comobo of Stimulant like Dextroamphetamine and Clonidine. Is it safe for these to mixed ???
or
Or Are they generally used separately ???
And Dr Handelnan.
Could you please share your experience with Clonodine and Detroamphetamines in COMBINATION ???
finally
If you could give your opioin of these 2 Combination ttogether for Adult ADD. For example Safe , Effective ???
thanks in advance
; ?
Chase
Chase – dexedrine and clonidine can be combined – your doctor should just monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and maybe even get and EKG. This is because stimulants can raise heart rate and blood pressure, whereas clonidine can lower it. So, closer monitoring is generally helpful.
My son had the stomach aches when he frst started taking the Intuniv also. According to the pamplet, this side effect was suppose to last 2 weeks. However, it lasted longer. What I found worked for my son is having him take the medication immediately after breakfast (waffles, cereal, milk, pancakes, etc.). I think the pamplet mentioned about a low fat diet. He has had stomache pain only once within the last month. He is still taking the 2 mg dose. Please continue to post. I would like to know how the concerta works out for your grandson and how everything goes after school start.