My 8 year old son has just started taking Ritalin 10, 3 days ago. He has been diagnosed with adhd and odd. The paediatrician is not ruling out bi polar disorder.Just wondering if anyone can tell me what type of things I would notice if Ritalin is the wrong med for him. Appreciate any help!!
Kerry:confused:

If bipolar disorder has not been ruled out, I would watch for signs of mania/hypomania. People with BP disorders may or may not be able to take stimulant class ADHD medications; I know some here who are not able to, but my child and I are able to take them. In any event, stimulants may seriously aggravate BP and trigger a lot of cycling re: manic episodes, especially in children, whose bipolar often manifests as rapid cycling. Its often confused for ADHD, but may occur as a co-morbid.

A little info on BP in children:

Here (http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=13107)

Here (I like this one) (http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_about)

Here too (http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Bipolar+Disorder+In+Children+And+Teen s&section=Facts+for+Families)


Simply being aware of those possible results may be helpful to you. If he exhibits signs of being sedated or overly sedated, that ought to be a sign as well.

HTH! Keep us posted on his progress, please?

What is your Definition of "Ritalin is working"??

Is his main problem:
-hyperactivity or
-memory for listening or
-inattention or
-impulsivity (verbal, physical)
or
-moreso the ODD behaviours/issues/emotions?

Hi! Thanks for your replies. So far we are happy with how he is going. We have noticed a few changes with him: Listens a lot better, has got more patience with himself and his sister, no violent outbursts, seems a lot happier about things. I am just about worried about the fact that his appetite has dropped. I am hoping when he goes back to school tomorrow things don't start again. He hates school, getting close to being suspended. I just hope that I am not reading into too much of the bi polar. I am so worried that we are on the wrong track. His dad has adult add and bi ploar. Maybe I am just being a worried wort. Maybe I just need to give Ritalin a go for a while and see what happens. Thanks again for all your support, it really does make a big difference to know I have help out there!!
Kerry

I for one am always happy to help if I am able :) and I am glad you feel better after thse few replies.

And don't knock yourself for worrying that your son may have BP...it really does 'run in families', so your concerns are quite valid.

It does sound as though he is having a good response to the medication though. Good to hear that!

I am just about worried about the fact that his appetite has dropped.Hi me76, and welcome to the forums!

I can understand how that can make you worry, and it's important to note that for most people the anorectic side effect does go away in time. For me it would usually take months for that side effect to begin to go away with most of these stimulants.

Until it does go away, I would suggest that you consider trying out some of those meal replacement shakes to help fill the gaps in his dailly diet. They taste great from my experience, and they come in many flavors which I would assume kids would be hip to since they tend to taste like milkshakes.

When I used to experience the anorectic side effect, the actual act of eating food was very difficult even though my body was starving at the time. It's hard to describe, but certainlly easy to understand for anyone who has experienced it. Food still tasted great, and I was not opposed to eating food, but it was such a tedious chore. It took me several years of experienceing that side effect before it ever dawned on me to try a meal replacement shake. I remember feeling like kicking myself for not trying them sooner once I realized how satisfying and nourishing they were.

Thanks heaps. I will keep the shakes in mind. Today he has been rather good with his food. I am just going to keep an eye on his weight. I have got some wonderful news, we went to the movies!! JB had such a great time, he is feeling really good about himself today. Lets just hope school doesn't bring him down tomorrow. Thanks again.
Kerry

It may be that it will just take his body some time to adjust to what helps his brain function a little better :)...I also had a period of time where I did not wish to eat much when I began stimulant treatment,and so did my daughter. Eventually, in a small period of time, we adjusted to the medication. My child and I eat fine now.

Another tip: if he needs to have meal replacement for a while and dislikes the premade shakes, Instant Breakfast at double strength will do in a pinch. Lars gave you the best possible option though; the shakes have more nutrition than the Instant Breakfast, which basically just put weight on a person.

Hi Kerry! I'm glad you are seeing positive changes in your son! My 7yo son was also diagnosed recently and put onto Ritalin. We have seen so many good things happening the last few weeks, and he's loving school now that his problems are under control. I hope the same will happen for your son.