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Originally Posted by Runner
My son (17 years old) was diagnosed with ADHD in the 3rd grade. He had the classic symptoms - Can't stay focused in class, can't sit down, breaks pencils, etc. We tried numerous medications including Adderall, Straterra and Vyvanse. Nothing seemed to make a big difference except for the Vyvanse. Of course, we saw some improvement with most medications but nothing significant. Vyvanse seemed to have the best response with minimal side effects coming off the medicine at the end of the day.
Recently he was diagnosed with OCD after spending some time with a Psychologist and Psychriatist. He asked to see the doctors because he was experiencing anxiety attacks. Due to the ADHD, his mind would always race with numerous thoughts. Beginning this year his thoughts became a never-ending chain of random images that he could not control. At times it became more than he could handle and the anxiety attacks would occur.
The Psychriatist put him on Lexapro in conjunction with his existing Vyvanse prescription. He began experiencing severe mood swings. At times he became violent. We gradually took him off the Lexapro and started Zoloft this week. Tonight he had another severe reaction and he became near-suicidal. It's hard to saw if he would really harm himself, but I've never tonight's reaction before.
Clearly, something is wrong. Has anyone encountered similar reactions with Vyvanse and meds like Lexapro and Zoloft. There is nothing more depressing or hopeless than seeing your son crying to end it all because he can't take it anymore.
I would appreciate any comments or thoughts...Thanks
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I understand your circumstances. My wife is a kindergarten teacher and see's this all of the time. My youngest boy, (22), and I have very similar make ups and are consequently on the same meds., Zoloft, and Vyvanse. When we first started taking meds for our anxiety and ADHD, (incidentally we both are OCD), we were in heaven but it wore off after a couple of months. We've gone through a rough patch of trying a couple of different meds as well as different combinations and dose amounts for the past couple of months. I think we're both on the right track with the right combinations and dose amounts. It's a very frustrating process but I think it's well worth it. You have to be a very strong yet polite advocate for yourself and/or your child when it comes to changing the meds when they are clearly not working. We are fortunate because our family physician is one of my best friends and we see him weekly at church. We always respect his bounds and do not take advantage of him however, we won't let much time go by if nothings working or if it's making it worse. Don't give up everything will be just fine, just stay on top of things with your child and keep a detailed journal of him every day.