<p>My s is going back to the doctor next month to start a new med for his ADD (inattentive type). He has been on Concerta for the past couple of years, but quit taking it last year because he didn't like how it made him feel. In order for him to do well in school he definitely needs to be on something. I'm just wondering if anyone has switched from Concerta to something else that they found worked better ( less side effects). I have no idea what the doctor will suggest, but I wanted some feed back here before we go to the appointment.
Thanks for any suggestions.</p>
<p>We started with Ritalin, then tried Concerta and Strattera, but ended up on Adderall XR. It seems to work the best, but weight loss is a definate side effect. I think there is a new drug out now, too, but I don't remember the name.</p>
<p>Anyone else?</p>
<p>didn't like Ritalin, ins insisted on generic substitute & made me grind my teeth.
Adderall xr has worked the best for myself.
Younger d is also on Adderall xr, lower dose
Older D likes Celexa ( oh now I don't remember what she said- might have been concerta)</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. We just recently received a pamplet in the mail regarding Vyvanse but I don't know anyone who is on it or has tried it. I will ask the doctor about it.
Any CC people who have tried it?</p>
<p>Ritalin to concerta xl to focalin xl to some methamphetamine based something or other to Adderall xl. That's two kids pathways combined into one sentence. One also tried Vyvanase but didn't like it. What worked for one or the other at one time or another seemed to change over time. Try to get samples or at least a small Rx to try out different types of drugs and/or dosages. With all of the meds, what worked for my kids was to get an extended release for the day with a short term, lower dose pill for homework at night (when necessary). We got a lot more success and willingness to experiment by seeing a psychiatrist instead of a GP. Good lluck, it's all about trial and error, I think.</p>
<p>It's a really personal thing because with any medication, some will work really well for some people, and not at all on others, especially with drugs that deal with things like ADD. I'm on Concerta with no side effect at all (at least no noticeable ones), but you really just need to try different ones until you find one that works, though you should test a medication for at least a few weeks before giving up on it, some take a while to get working.</p>
<p>Adderall XR</p>
<p>Vyvanse- many insurance companies don't cover it or the Ritalin patch.
My son hates them all. Started on Strattera, then Concerta, Ritalin, one other and finally Adderall XR. Tried Vyvanse and the Ritalin patch freshman year. He prefers the Adderall XR.
He fights taking it. It makes a huge difference. Find a good Dr and try different meds.</p>
<p>S does best on Concerta and has for many years now.</p>
<p>I've been on both Adderall and Concerta (I'm inattentive type too.) I found Adderall to be much more effective (2 years Adderall, one year Concerta- the difference was a ~3 point to a ~4 GPA on a 4 point scale, switching off years.) Right now I'm on Vyvanse, testing it out at half dose since it's summer. Though I'm going to switch back to Adderall in about a week because I'm afraid I won't be working at my peak and won't realize it because of the new level college classes with unknown expectations (like my Concerta disaster.) I'll try Vyvanse again down the road this year once I know what to expect from myself.</p>
<p>So, Adderall.</p>
<p>Wow! So 8 out of 12 cc members prefer Adderall! We could do a commercial for them.</p>
<p>9 out of 13, you mean.
(me too)</p>
<p>Plus, Adderall XR's patent is up... next month I think? I am going to save SO much money starting next month (or whenever the generic actually hits the market).</p>
<p>Yeah. As I understand it, Vyvance is pretty much just adderall with a few counterions switched around, and is just the adderall company's attempt to hold on to the patent a bit longer. It might have some advantages for some people, but I am guessing there is not too much difference- save the price.</p>
<p>Strattera for two years ... my son hated it and is a much happier person now that he is off of it.</p>
<p>Dang it!!! I JUST spent a fortune on three months of Adderall XR. Man! When will Focalin XR go generic?</p>
<p>I have ADHD, but the best advice that I was ever given was... </p>
<p>YOUR APPETITE WILL GO DOWN: No getting around it, what my mother does is make me a very large breakfest meal... Around 1,500 calories at least.
I barely eat lunch at school, a cup of yogurt and 3 oz. of chicken is the most I can eat. I have an energy bar/nutrition bar in my backpack which I eat before sports. At seven I eat a monster dinner. Always put vegetables/super nutritional items infront of your kid first... I stopped gaining muscle and height... Then my mom and I talked about why. I decided to give up:
-chips
-soda
-potatoes
and alot of those empty calories... So I eat super nutritional things. I am gaining muscle and I am actually turning into a taller and stronger person(Physically). I average about 1,800 calories a day when not working out/playing sports. But during sports season easily 4,000.</p>
<p>So the bottom line:
-Eat nutritional stuff(NO EMPTY CALORIES)
-Eat before you take the pills in the morning... And they will wear off during dinner(Mine seemed to).</p>
<p>There is a generic version I believe is Dexmethylphenidate...
Googled it:
Dexmethylphenidate</a> Extended-Release Side Effects - Generic Norpramin Articles</p>
<p>Ended up with the Concerta extended release and then small does of ritalin if the homework gets out of hand.</p>
<p>concerta seems to have more steady delivery and fewer side effects for younger ages (7-17)</p>
<p>Strattera for me. It has sideffects of fatigue and nausea but it takes a while to activate. I tried Adderrall and hated it due to seemingly lighting my brain on fire. (I was also wayy more depressed, moody back then so that maybe it also). Strattera is a lot more gradual. Right now it's working great.</p>