ADHD and Dexedrine

What should you do when your child's ADHD medication doesn't agree with him, but the doctor won't change it?
Q
My ten-year-old is currently taking Dexedrine for his ADHD. He doesn't like taking it. It takes his appetite away completely. His doctor says this is the right medication for him. Should I switch doctors or continue with this medication?
A
Is your son losing weight? Do you see a dramatic change in his appetite? There are many other medications available for ADHD today that might be a better "fit" for your son. You may want to consult with another doctor who specializes in children with this problem. Try calling Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders at 1-800-233-4050 to see if there is a branch of this organization in your area where you can get an appropriate referral for help and information.
For more than 20 years, Eileen Marzola has worked with children and adults with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, and with their parents and teachers. She has been a regular education classroom teacher, a consultant teacher/resource teacher, an educational evaluator/diagnostician, and has also taught graduate students at the university level. Marzola is an adjunct assistant professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Hunter College of the City University of New York. She also maintains a private practice in the evaluation and teaching of children with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders.

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