Posted by Adele on January 29, 2001, at 9:36:19
In reply to Re: Concerta?? and Paxil for Kids, posted by Sulpicia on January 28, 2001, at 15:35:33
> > I need advise. I have a daughter age 9 diagnosed (quickly)
> > as bi-polar. I have a 6 yr old diagnosed ADHD. Both were put
> > on Concerta. I have watched my 6 yr old fall from happy
> > to sad and depressed in a matter of 2 wks since she started
> > the med. My 9 yr old is also on the road to an ulser and is living on
> > Mylanta. I contacted the p-doc, he prescribed 10mg of Paxil for each
> > child. Has anyone out there dealt with Concerta before? Also,
> > I have not filled the Paxil, as I see only info regarding it's
> > use in over 65. Any info, or input is extremely appreciated.
>
> Hi Shana -- you've got your hands full! Sorry! I'm not a professional so this is personal experience only. I have ADD [inattentive type] and my 15 y/o daughter has bipolar II.
>
> First the ADD: the meds are notoriously hard to get right. Changes in dosage are nearly always necessary and more often than not, you have to try more than one med. Ask the pdoc about lowering the dose? I have no idea why paxil would be prescribed for adhd, unless for co-morbid depression -- what reason did he give you for prescribing this med?
>
> Now the bipolar: my daughter shows some signs of add/hd but is not stabilized on her meds right now. The pdoc said that the bp would have to be well under control and even then, there was a risk of setting off cycling or mania from stims like concerta.
> Paxil set off my daughter's hypomania -- prior to this we thought she had depression. Paxil and other AD meds can trigger mania w/out concommittant use of a mood stabilizer. You didn't mention this, but is your 9 y/o on any other med?
> By ulcers, I take it you mean stomach ache? If it's on going, check with the doc?
>
> Lastly, I don't like "quickly" as you term the bipolar diagnosis.
>
> Can you get a second opinion? At the very least, I would persist and communicate to the pdoc that his plan is working for your children.
>
> I hope things get a bit easier for you.
> S.
Shana: my daughter tried concerta. For some people the Ritalin drug is like a depressant. My daughter responded much better to adderol. Concerta is tough because it goes on and on. It also seems to keep kids awake at night. Try a shorter acting stimulant first..just in the morning.ADELE
poster:Adele
thread:58
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/82.html