[happygirl0922]

I am a new member ..my 14 year old daughter was just recently put on Adderall for ADHD..and she is having a difficult time with insomnia at night.... I feel horrible as a mom because I'm not sure what to do ..and when she does sleep its for approximately 4-5 hours a day if that. This a girl who sleeps at least 8-9 hours a day. I have been given it to her at 9am, I am wondering if I give it to her at 6am if this will discourage the insomnia? Please if any one can suggest anything that would be great...Thank you again.

[Robert_325]

It can take a little while to get acclimated to adderall. During the interim I see no problem with giving her the medication at 6:00 A.M. I don't know what else you could do other than reduce the dose. Other than sleep difficulty do you see it helping her any?

I would try the earlier dosing like you suggested. If that doesn't work then the dose could likely be too high. Adderall is a strong stimulant. Hope changing the time helps. If not I would contact the dr. God bless.

[happygirl0922]

Thanks Robert she is actually on the 10mg a day for the first week .then the doctor would like to try her on 30 mg...I'm not sure will be able to get up that high...he is trying to find the balance for her needs...As far the effects its only been 3 days now...it hard to say yet...I think the side effects are the biggest challenge right now...she gets nauseated in the afternoon and has had some GI upset. I just wondered how long to these side effects last? I read on a different website for the isomnia doctors sometimes prescribe Ativan to help fall asleep in adults but what about teenagers.

[Robert_325]

Personally I would be hesitant about giving my 14 year old ativan and adderall both. I am not an expert on adderall but I am an expert on benzos.

I'm sure as her mom that you share the same concerns as I do with adding a benzo to her medication regimen. Both medications are EXTREMELY addictive. I surely wouldn't do it without a VERY good explanation by the dr.

I don't know your daughter's health conditions obviously. I just hate so many drugs for kids. Hopefully she will start reacting favorably to the adderall, the earlier dosing time will help, and this extra medication will not even have to be a consideration. I will keep you guys in my prayers. God bless.

[happygirl0922]

I wouldn't give my daughter a Benzo....I don't need for her to be a zombie.....I have a history of breast cancer so I understand the drug side effects ...but I am still wondering if the nausea and sleep interuption will diminish? And generally when will it start to help? I know with any medication you have to give time...I am trying to help ease with the side effects and encourage what the medication can help with.