Started son on Concerta 6 days ago.

Hi Wildboys.....once my son was on the right medication at the most theraputic dose, all the symptoms of ADHD (He was combination subtype) were no longer present and those effects were seen immediately. He was extemely focused with school work, there was no more figeting, short term memory improved and he was able to stick to the task at hand. He no longer acted out impulsively so the medication allowed him the ability to make a choice. However, like all kids, ADHD or not, children dont always make the right choices.  As a result of medication, the childs potential is unleashed but like any other kid, not everyday will be a great one. Sometimes the expecations of the child are too high once the child is put on medication as some are under the incorect assumption that medication will make the child a perfect child. Its not a behavior pill but what it will do is give the child the opportunity to meet their full potential. When the child succeeds once medicated, its the child that deserves the credit, not the medication. If the teacher thinks your sons attention is already better in school, thats very positive and share that with the doctor. If you havent seen a significant change at home, also share that with the docter as perhaps your son is not yet on the most theraputic, effective dose. The goal is maximum benefit and minimal side effects. Its very frustrating for parents when the child is going through a trial of meds but when it is totally effective, the progress is very significant and again, once the child is on the right med at the right dose, the changes are seen immediately when its stimulant medication. Straterra is a different story because its a non stimulant and a blood level medication meaning it could take up to 6 weeks to see total effectiveness. Hope this helps

What kind of change did you see when starting your child on ADHD meds and how soon?  My son has ADHD, inattentive type, anxiety and LDs.  I know the effects are supposed to be almost immediate.  I just am not sure.  If you have seen changes from meds, in what areas?  What types of changes?  He may be less forgetful.  I would think that seeing an effect on school work may take a little longer, however, in our case, we may not see much, since ds has LDs as well.  It would be so much easier for me to tell, if I could see him at school every day.  I have asked his teacher, but she seemed to think his attention was already better(?).  But he is still running around at home, starting a million projects, making a huge mess.  One morning, he did really well at getting ready, taking the dog out, etc... without me even asking.  But that's not normal. 

The Dr. is going to ask me if I have noticed a difference, next week, and I just hope I can answer him.  They have the tutor tonight, I think, so we can ask her.

While Concerta is good you have to watch for the side effcets Just a friendly warning My son was on concerta for a year maybe longer and it did great til just recetly he lost his appitite and would not even touch his fave foods anymore after noticing he was losing weight the dr said keep on eye on it when we took him off the meds he weighed 49 pounds He is 8 years old he has been off it now for 2 moths and is back up to 63

Please be careful I know it works good And i hope you have better luck with it then me