DownSyn Forum

ecki · Posted: March 31 2010, 4:55 PM Post subject: Stimulants

Well, we did the Risperdal and it hasn't really done what Kayla's dev ped expected (improve her language abilities, she wasn't taking it for behavioral reasons) so her doc wants to try stimulants.

Here's the list:

Vyvanse
Daytrana
Adderall XR
Focalin XR
Metadate CD

I have to check with our insurance to see what is on the formulary at what Tier and copay rate.

Has anyone used any of these?

Should I drop an email to Dr. Capone? I know he's a big Risperdal fan, but it hasn't really done much for Kayla.

I'm almost hesitant to try anything else, since what exactly is the point? I really don't think there's some magic pill that will get her to talk or communicate.

Thanks.

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EAS1971 · Posted: March 31 2010, 6:14 PM Post subject:

Oliver has taken Vyvanse and Focalin XR.

We have not liked Vyvanse. He sleeeeeeps and sleeeeeeeps and sleeeeeeeps on it!!!!!! (Well, during the day. Then he has trouble sleeping at night!!!!)

We've had great luck with Focalin. At first, it really killed his appetite. But that was temporary and it has been the only negative effect. Otherwise, we've been very happy with it.

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mellysmom · Posted: March 31 2010, 6:36 PM Post subject:

LOL!

Melissa hyper focused on her hang nails while taking Focalin XR. LOL! She had a terrible time falling asleep at night. We are talking about 2:00 to 3:30 nights with her WIDE awake. It could be that the dosage was too high for her. The highest she was on was 10 mg and it kept her awake for most of the night. My pediatrician couldn't believe such a low dose could do that to her, but it did.

Also, when she first started the Focalin XR ( started at 5mg.) She would get VERY angry and crash, emotionally, as the medication would wear off at the end of the day.

I guess every child reacts differently to all of the different medications. You never know until you try. Smile

It wouldn't hurt to zip an e-mail off to Dr. Capone. I'd be very curious to hear what he has to say.

Good luck to you.

Michelle

burnsun · Posted: March 31 2010, 10:15 PM Post subject:

I commented after you...... and I know all kids were different..... but we really so no increase in Devon on the riperdal till we got to the .5 twice daily. The .25 twice did nothing but make him sleepy.... and make his outbursts from 20-30 times a day to about half (which was welcome!) ...... the .5 2 x did awesome......

and we moved to the .75 because of the self hitting and head bangining came back after several months and I had a few selfish reasons (emerson in NICU) and needed to make sure that Devon did not drive off another PCA / nanny....... and it actually produced awesome results.......

My primary care really likes focalin a lot........ but it is not on our formulary.......

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Tom · Posted: March 31 2010, 10:42 PM Post subject:

We didn't see anything with Mikey until the risperdal dosage was much higher than where you are.

Mikey was on Focalin for a couple of years. That helped with his focus.

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momofrussell · Posted: April 01 2010, 11:28 AM Post subject:

What about Ginko as a protocol? I have heard great things from parents with speech/comm and GB.

I know each child is different. For us the Risperdal has helped Russell focus and engage more, hence better receptiveness and there for better communication! But we didn't really take it for lang/communication. We took it for the incesant stimming and lack of engagement with the rest of the world. Once we broke through with that, the other stuff fell into place.

Do you think maybe the Risperdal isn't the correct dosage? What is her dosage? Or do you really think it's not the med for her? How does the Risperdal help her focus and engaging with you and peers?

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momofrussell · Posted: April 01 2010, 11:29 AM Post subject:

Ok, just saw your other post on the .25 twice a day. That is what Russell was on for a long time, until recently then we had to up it.

Has your daughter always been on the .25 dosage? Maybe it does need to be tweaked?

A.

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