It is my personal oppinion that when you go from hyper to complete zombie that its just too high of a dose and the wrong kind of medication. I know this because I have been there. Sometimes it take a lot of trial and error with different brands and different medications but once you find a comfortable dose it works great. I switched off of ritalin when I was about 20 because it starting causing bad mood swings(drawbacks of using it for 13 years) and I have been on adderall ever since and its truly helps me stay on task, as well as still have a personality and be social without being hyper-crazy. When I dont take medicine I talk too much, too fast, cant sit still, cant stay on one thought for more than a second....... I cant even get work done at all. I think its all in the doseage :)

Another good thing to think about is since schools are becoming very educate on ADHD and other similar learning disibilities they have all sorts of program and special aid for students with the condition. My sister got to be part of some of this. When I went to school they didnt have any of that yet. Its getting better out there everyday ;) !!!

Teacher
 

I don't have ADD or ADHD. I am a teacher and have lots of students who are diagnosed with those disorders and many others. I know right away without looking at a child's IEP if they have it or not. I can also tell who's on medication. We teachers do appreciate if child who is majorly suffering from the disorder is being given medication. Not only do their grades improve (most of the time), but so does their behavior. Just one student can make all the others riled up.
Now, I know there are many people who don't believe in medication. I do. I suffer(ed) from depression because my fiancé had canceled our wedding (this happened in June, we would have gotten married in August). For three months I suffered and tried to "get over it" without medication. I finally broke down, went to the doctor, and am now on Zoloft. I am so glad I went because I feel 100% better.
If a medication is going to make someone feel better, I think it should be given a try (it can always be stopped). Some children even say that they wish they weren't like this...they wish they could be different...get better grades...etc. If the child wants to change, he/she should be given the benefit of the doubt. If it is a serious diagnosed problem it will not just go away on its own.
Once again...this is my opinion, and I'm not trying to make people who don't believe in medication feel "wrong." :) I've seen different discussions get heated in here because some don't agree with others. Remember...if we were all the same this world would be boring! :animal36 Maybe things get heated because: #1 instead of JUST giving our opinion(s) we make it a point to disagree with others and #2 when we write/type, you can't hear how the person is talking (that's why I always put LOL or "not trying to be sarcastic") because I want people to know that I'm not trying to be mean.
Okay, I will stop "educating" now...school doesn't resume until Tuesday! :p

I have 2 nephews with it
 

I have 2 nephews with it. They are in their late teens now, they are doing so much better now. It used to be so hard for my sister. The medication they use has helped them in school and in life in general. I hope your children do better as they get older!

Nicole, it's good to hear the viewpoint of a teacher, thanks. SO FAR my son's teachers have been very understanding and helpful. It's one of those disabilities that many don't think they have because it isn't visible. Busting their buns does NOT help. My son's ADHD is very severe. I knew there was trouble before he was two, but nothing could be done to help him till he was four.

Good luck on this one ..I have both of mine home right now...I cut the apron strings at 18 but both of mine refuse to grow up.

AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! Say it isn't so!!!

Young
 

Yeah, even though parents can notice early on, doctors don't like to give a definite diagnosis until they are older. Especially when children are in their terrible 2s anyway! I hope that whatever you decide to do, your child gets better. :) For both of your sakes! :animal36

PS-Most teachers are very understanding of this disorder...but many are not! Make sure that you keep in contact with the teacher to make sure they are doing all they can. I presently have a student who's in 8th grade (I teach Spanish). He's been failing practically all subjects for years! EVERYDAY after school he comes in with me and I keep him organized. We go over his assignment pad, all his homework, and I help him when he needs help. I talk to his mother all the time and all his other teachers. It's midmarking period now, and so far he's not failing anything! He even said, "can you imagine if I make honor roll?" I'm so proud of him. :)

You are one of those rare, really wonderful teachers. We could use alot more like you. The fact is.....our children are at school seven hours a day and there's not much we, as parents, can do about their behavior when they are away from us. We've had more than one child psychiatrist tell us to LET IT GO! The teachers can do their job! So, I try to do that....and work with him at home on home problems...(we have plenty, lol).

Age
 

Thanks for the compliment! :D I've decided that I'm going to teach until I'm burnt out. I REFUSE to be a teacher that is just there as a job and still does things she did 30 years ago (not flexible to change). I'm not talking about "old" teachers and saying they are bad...I'm talking about teachers (any age) who hate their job and are worn out. I received my master's degree in 2004 in advanced curriculum and teaching so that I can do "behind the scenes" work in a public school when that time comes (if it ever does).
Oh and sorry if I didn't catch this before, but how old is your son?

My son is 10 and was diagnosed with ADDH and borderline ODD in kindergarten. I knew there was more to it than "he's just a little boy".... :rolleyes: He's been on Concerta ever since and it has made a world of difference.

Nicole, my son is ten. We've really been through the mill and he's not much better after all these years of treatment. He must be medicated or he can't sit down even to eat dinner, but there HAS to be times in a 24 hour day that he's not medicated and boy, is that a bummer for ALL of us.

I do! My youngest, 4 1/2, has been on meds about 3 months now. ADHD and Sensory Integration. We have seen a world of difference with the meds, and he receives OT once a week for the sensory issues.

My 6 year old is mild ADD, only on meds when in school to help him focus better. Been a month now..but after only 2 weeks, his grades and reading improved!

This all comes from my husband who wont admit he has adult ADHD...so its a busym non stop household here!!!!!

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I think way too many children are diagnosed w/ ADD or ADHD when they are just happy-go-lucky energetic kids. My niece was on medication and it depressed her completely. She was great at home - very helpful, happy and energetic. At school she had a hard time paying attention. Her teachers demanded she go on meds or they wouldn't teach her. They hindered her personality and she was like a different person. She transferred schools and went off the meds. Turns out she was bored in school because she was ahead of the class. Anyway, I'd just warn people to be careful and get 2nd and 3rd and even 4th opinions. Maybe your kids just need more stimulation and challenges because they're ultra bright and bored.

I just looked through the thread. Isn't it a little scary that all these small children supposedly have it? I have a hard time believing that it can be this common.