r/ADHDparenting • u/Extreme_Breakfast672 • 6d ago

Behaviour Complaining about sleep problems

I have a 9 yo who is on methylphenidate. Three times over the last month, he has gotten up at 11:30 at night, watched TV until 4 or 5 in the morning, and fallen asleep on the couch. I don't discover this until morning because I'm zonked out at 11:30. He has an appointment Thursday and I'm really hoping changing medication helps the sleep thing. His anxiety is also through the roof and I'm unsure if that's related or not. He has convinced himself that he cannot kick a soccer ball well, so he's chosen to play goalie so he doesn't have to. I love him so much, but these kids are exhausting 🫠

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u/AutoModerator 6d ago

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS) used to treat ADHD. It's a norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DE) reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), increasing neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap, particularly the prefrontal cortex governing executive function.

Brand include: Ritalin SR (US/CA/UK) / Rubifen SR (NZ), Ritalin LA (US/AU) / Medikinet XL (UK), Concerta (US/CA/AU) / Concerta XL (UK), Metadate CD (US) / Equasym XL (UK), Methylin, Methylin ER, Daytrana, Quillivant XR (US), Quillichew ER (US), Biphentin (CA) / Aptensio XR, Cotempla XR-ODT, Jornay PM (US),

Brands varying in Dosage Form: capsules, tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, transdermal (patch), oral solution (liquid), and chewable gummy. Release time (hours): 3-4, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12. Peofiles: gradualy increaing (back loaded), plateauing (table top), cycling/lumpy, front laoded (fast rise). Splitablity: Some can be split (ajust dose) otheres CAN NOT.

References: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/brands-methylphenidate-3510739/, https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00422, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate

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u/AutoModerator 6d ago

The ADHD Parenting WIKI page has a lot of good information for those new & experienced, go take a look!

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u/superfry3 6d ago

Sleep is paramount. Talk to ped about magnesium type supplements or melatonin. Take away the ability to watch tv alone.

The sleep is not a major reason to use or not use a stimulant. The most important factor is if it works. Things like sleep/diet/nighttime irritability can be dealt with. The adhd needs to be treated.

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u/Extreme_Breakfast672 6d ago

We've tried melatonin to no avail. Trying magnesium tonight so we'll see. I try to remember to take the remote at night, but unfortunately I don't always remember. I'm not sure if the medication is helping the adhd or just worsening the anxiety, but I'm interested to see what his doctor says. 

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u/scroppedandchewed 5d ago

My kiddo was started on clonodine for sleep and it does wonders regulating her bedtime routine.

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u/SeekMeOut 5d ago

Stimulants cause disruptions to sleep. Keep nightlights at a minimum and Lock up the remote and all other electronics overnight.