MY SON IS 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKING CONCERTA FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS. WE ARE NOW ON THE MAXIMUM DOSE OF 54MG, AND IT IS NO LONGER WORKING. IT IS NOT HIS DISPOSITION, IT IS HIS LACK OF CONCENTRATION. HE IS UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE LONG ENOUGH TO COMPLETE HIS SCHOOL WORK. IS IT COMMON TO HAVE TO SWITCH MEDICATION AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, IF SO WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT HIM ON TWO DIFFERENT KINDS.
HOPE 123
hope - if the methylphenidate variations have stopped working - I would suggest talking to your caregiver about the dexedrine varieties. Adderall works wonderfully on kids/adults who have more trouble with focus and not so much hyperactivity. There are some that cross over - but it tends to go like that. I find my dexedrine works wonderfully and I can focus as much and as often as I like.
Also don't discount combinations. They are finding mixing 2 different meds that approach ADHD slightly differently do make the difference in some people. The trick is to monitor what is going on and report any changes back to your caregiver.
Also - as I always recommend - do get your child if you can to a pediactric psychiatrist who knows ADHD. If he gets cognitive behavior therapy at his age he could be med and ADHD lessened in a short time! It helps by teaching new skills and strategies to deal with when ADHD makes his life harder.
Good luck!