PDD-NOS & Medication

[twinmom1101]

I am at my whits end. My son has PDD-NOS & ADHD diagnosed since age 2 1/2. He is currently on Ritalin LA 20mg and Abilify. Since the age of 6 he started having major meltdowns when asked to do anything he doesn't want and lately over nothing at all. My problem is when we think we have the correct combination, drugs,school,etc.. then all blows up in our face. Now is doctor has mentioned Prozac and I am TERRIFIED. I don't know what to do. I am tired of having him on meds but I do not want to loose what we have gained. I need any ideas similar situations or anything. Pro cons anything. I am willing to try anything so we can go back to living our lives somewhat peacefully. HELP !!!!

[LIZARD]

((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))).

I would re-visit the whole idea of medicating him with Ritalin. I asked about this when my son was dx'ed with autism and had NO attention span at all, and we were told that it wouldn't help and most likely would make him worse. He would have severe tantrums for hours over small things like having to wait 30 secs for a hot dog.

You might also consider the possibility of seizures, especially if he's worsening. If his episodes are found to be seizures, Ritalin will most likely aggravate them.


Good luck!

LIZARD

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

I agree! I think it's really easy for Drs to throw everything into the "PDD" bucket...yes of course some kids have behavioral problems, NT and not. Why is a major change in personality a key indicator that there is a medical situation amiss for NT kids, but as soon as a spectrum Dx is slapped on a kid everything is suddently dismissed as being part of the Dx.

Well, SHAME on the Drs! I say you push to make sure that there isn't something else going on that may have changed things...seizures or whatever else. If you & the Docs can't find some answers, then I say resort to meds, otherwise (in my opinion) you are only stifling a big red flair that his body may be sending that something is wrong & he needs help!

Sorry, a sensative area for me...I'll hop off the soap box now...

GOOD LUCK!
KJ

[Isabelle]

As a very wise doctor said PDD-NOS is a way for doctors to say "I have no idea what's wrong with your son". ADHD is another dx that creates controversy.

Some doctors object to the excessive use of Ritalin in children. Ritalin is a stimulant that calms SOME children... for a while...and makes others crazy and when Ritalin induced craziness in a child the doctor prescribes a major tranquilizer like Risperdal or, Abilify, as in your son's case.

Your child got worse so this doctor wants to add Prozac, a SSRI which is another stimulant. I say change this doctor ASAP. Your child is in danger to become manic/psychotic, he will get the diagnosis of BIPOLAR and be totally out of control.

Psychiatric drugs for children are not the answer, not the solution and in your son's case is clear the problem.

Change doctors ASAP and reduce meds EVER SLOWLY to prevent/reduce the rebound effect.

HUGE HUGS