ADHD medications question...

[Laurel-in-CA]

Have any of your dc used Wellbutrin for ADHD? My 13yo developed very negative symptoms with Concerta last year, after 2 years of success with it. She became depressed, isolationist, negative. We've since tried Straterra, Methylate (?? sp) and Adderall. All have negative symptoms, either emotional or "hearing things" (supersensitive even to regular noise levels, can't sleep at night, etc.). We took her off all meds and are using coffee and exercise, but she's having a very difficult time focusing and sometimes during the day just literally cannot sit still. She hasn't been able to complete a writing assignment since we took her off meds.



The dr. has suggested wellbutrin, mainly because it's the only class we *haven't* tried yet. While we're seeing a behavioral counselor, that's going to be cumulative and slow rather than swift results, and dd and I are both sooooo frustrated. I am just looking for some feedback on this medication, if anyone's used it, or other suggestions for helping her concentrate.

[blessed3x]

Have you tried a Natural Approach?
PM me if you are interested and I will email you some information.
: -)

[transientChris]

I have ADHD though on the mild to moderate scale. At one point, I was on Paxil which is a similar medicine to Wellbutrin. It helped tremendously.

[asta]

You might ask about Risperdal as well, given the sensitivity to noise levels and inability to sleep.

Wellbutrin can be stimulating and may add to the sleep issues.


a

[Ottakee]

Are you seeing a ped's psychiatrist? If not, I would suggest one. I would be careful with Welbutrin for ADHD as it takes a long time to wean off and there can be some behavioral side effects. Welbturin is an SSRI while Strattera is an SNRI so similar classes of meds.

Have you tried Dexedrine? It is an older stimulant but has worked very well here for my girls. Nice thing is that it seems to work without behavioral side effects for many kids and if there are any, it is out of the system in just a few hours.

[Laurel-in-CA]

I'll ask about this one. We're seeing the HMO's designated dr. for ADHD/learning disabilities, plus a counselor (psychologist) who doesn't prescribe meds. I think the counselor stuff will take time, but dd and I are so very frustrated with where she is right now.

My understanding was that the Adderall XR that we tried is Dexadrine (????). That resulted in daily afternoon crying sessions. Not good. Does the short-term Dexadrine work differently?