What do we do now that medication isn't working??
My 8.5 year old son was diagnosed at age 5 with ADHD. Since then, we have tried every single stimulant medication available. All of these with negative side effects leading to irritability and aggression. This has been over a 3 year process. Some we tried for nearly a year and others only a few days because the side effects were scary (suicidal ideation). We have also been on several non stimulants. He's been on guanfacine for several years. Unfortunately, due to blood pressure concerns we can't increase the dose.
With his psychiatrist, we decided to stop simulants and have started an antidepressant (Sertraline) to address anxiety and possible ocd. Since being off the simulants he is much more reasonable and less angry. Everyone has noticed this. However, he is so impulsive and inattentive.
School is so hard for my son. He is finishing up second grade and struggling behaviorally, socially, and academically. He just received an IEP but I know that his behavior is having a huge impact on him across the board.
He is in weekly play therapy outside of school and we're planning on doing a social skills group over the summer.
I just feel so defeated. Any suggestions on medication or other supports to put in place? We've done OT in the past but he barely met criteria. He will be doing another full neuropsychological evaluation in July. It's just so devastating to see a second grader hate school so much and be struggling like this.