Does Concerta have to be taken every day? Or can there be medication breaks like on weekends. Also, would 18mg be a ok dose for a 13 year old girl. I feel it has been working pretty good. She has been only on it a few weeks, but the Dr. feels it's not strong enough so he increased her to 27mg for the last few days. It made her real moody and emotionl. Could 18 be ok? Please help
Sharri
Sharri, welcome!
Stimulant dosing is not based on age or weight. Whatever works at the lowest possible dose is considered the right dose for that individual. If 18 mg works for your daughter, by all means keep her at 18 mg.
And yes, you can take med breaks from Concerta. We did not give it to my 12-year-old son on weekends, school vacations or all summer.
I think Concerta is similar to Ritalin. My son takes Ritalin. We take med breaks on weekends and school holidays.