RitLA, brig, is a mid-acting timed releaser. An initial dose is immediately released upon ingestion, and the rest is squeezed out of a little pore by an expanding sponge-like action as the resin absorbs water through a semipermeable membrane that controls the rate of expansion. Rit CR is a longer lasting squeeze. Concerta is like CR. Regular Ritalin, or Rit tabs, are like the burger joint: In and Out. Max serum levels achieved in 3 - 4 hours, and after that it's downhill. RitLa 8 - 10 hours. Rit CR 10 - 12 hours.
The amount that is released is of course related to the dosage of the capsule, 10, 20, or 30 mg. The rate of release is constant within the RitLA group, but not across groups, such as RitLA vs. RitCR. Increasing a dose would extend the effective time period of the dose somewhat, but would tend to produce greater fluctations in the temporal swings. It lasts longer b/c you've got a higher peak. Some people can handle that, others, can't. Jitteryness, trembling, fast talking, are signs of overtreatment.
Most doctors prescibe the LA, or CR to be taken all at once, so myself, on 60mg/day, I take it all at once at 08:00. This will last me until about 17:00, but he's given me Provigil to use as needed, which provides the extra staying power for longer days.
Although a career is important, I believe the family is more important, so I manage my meds to be a no-nADD well into the evening. It does mess up my sleeping, but it was messed up to begin with. Hence the Ambien.
To answer Tilt's question, see if the doctor will let him take it later than 06:30. I imagine he starts him that early for ODD issues in the morning. I know few ADers who do well in mornings.
Perhaps an alternative would be a low dose Rit tab at sunrise, and the RitLA cap at 09:00. By the time the tab is leaving in 4 hours, the cap should be arriving on schedule. Taking a second RitLA Cap at noon would get him through his waking hours. It should be metabolized by then. The second RitLA could be a low dose, even. Something like 10 (tab) 20 (cap) 10 (cap). Doc'll know.
Hey, and if you trust yourself, experiment. Just don't overdose him. And don't go off label.
Best wishes,
David
does he need to take ritalin in the afternoon, for after school??my son is on ritilan 10 mg three times a day. he takes it at 7 am and 11:30 am and 3pm. it wears off b4 bed but is in his system just enough time to do homework and eat his little heart out. we jsut switched him to it on saturday and i see an improvement he was on concerta 36 mg once a day but needed that extra couple of hours.
? is la a time release that is all day lasting? if so try the ones that work shorter but take it more often....it works for him
Hi, everyone: