What would make my child say “he wants to die"

My child was put on Methlyphenidate he started last Thursday. I google it, it is a combination of Ritlan, Concerta, and Adderall. Saturday my son comes to me and says his brother said he wants to die. I called the doctor office to see if the meds have any sucide side effect. She said no and told me to get him to a mental place. I don' t know what to do, i' m scared that the medicine is doing this to him. I asked him about it he said its in his head. I am waiting for the mental place to call back to schedule a appointment. Oh I stop giving him the meds...

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Asked by mamaofficer at 4:00 PM on Feb. 13, 2012 in Kids' Health

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Methlyphenidate absolutely can induce suicidal ideation and she was really incorrect in giving you that advice. Please see your doctor again. Don't immediately pull him off the meds but do see your doctor, today if possible.

Answer by BrawnwynII at 4:03 PM on Feb. 13, 2012
Credits: 70019 Level 34 Kids' Health 101

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Oh lord, when u think us are helping your child. You could possibly giving him meds to hurt himself. What did i do!!!!

Comment by mamaofficer (original poster) at 4:16 PM on Feb. 13, 2012
Credits: 50115 Level 31
You did nothing! Look, you can educate yourself as much as possible but, really, suicidal ideation is well enough known that your medical provider absolutely SHOULD have given you this information. After I read your post I looked up the packaging insert and it clearly states that this is a side affect. Unfortunately, you have to weed through all the chemistry to find it.

This one is on your medical provider. But you can help yourself by learning as much as possible about what they recommend for treatment. Knowledge is always good :)

Answer by BrawnwynII at 4:31 PM on Feb. 13, 2012
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It's not a combination of the three brands. Those brands are different variations of the same drug. That drug can cause suicidal tendencies. (My "bonus" daughter is on it, so my husband and I have done a lot of research on it). Call and make an appointment with your medical provider to go over this. It's probably best to change the medication. Maybe a non-stimulant could be an option?

Answer by laird6372 at 1:26 AM on Feb. 14, 2012
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Can sombody bump this question so i can get more response.

Comment by mamaofficer (original poster) at 10:42 AM on Feb. 14, 2012
Credits: 50115 Level 31
TAKE YOUR CHILD BACK TO THE DOCTOR and get him or her on a different med that is not a combo of the same type of drugs. The person at your doctor's office is WRONG. My son was on Ritalin and Concerta and BOTH have suicidal thoughts as a side affect. Take your child off the meds until you can get to the doctor. My son had this issue with Vyvanse (after taking it for 2 years), I took him off and called the doc, had an appointment the next day.

Answer by tyfry7496 at 9:41 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
Credits: 54462 Level 32 Kids' Health Major

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I will bump this in the morning to see if the morning people will have more answers. Just hang in there, keep an eye on your child and perhaps seek another opinion. Are the meds necessary? Absolutely? : ( This is not your fault.
Read all the inserts on any meds because there are so many new ones, doctor's aren't fully able to follow every one of them. Not excusing them just saying....

Answer by Anonymous at 1:28 AM on Feb. 16, 2012

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You don't need more answers, Mama. The first answerer hit it out of the ballpark. Suicidal thoughts is a known side effect of Ritalin and one that needs immediate medical attention. To the doc first thing in the morning and let the doc know his staff gave you incorrect information.

Answer by gdiamante at 1:29 AM on Feb. 16, 2012
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Thanks ladies I called, and i will update later.

Comment by mamaofficer (original poster) at 7:07 AM on Feb. 16, 2012
Credits: 50115 Level 31
You should receive papers to go with the meds it should say on there. Good you contacted the mental place.

Answer by brieri at 3:56 AM on Feb. 18, 2012
Credits: 4542 Level 17 Kids' Health 101

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