Starting with 36 mg. Concerta

My 16 year old was just diagnosed ADD - inattentive without hyperactivity. He will start on Concerta next week. Dr. has prescribed starting dose 36 mg, increasing to 54 after one week and, if necessary, to 72 after 3 weeks. I've read that starting dose is 18 mg, so I'm wondering if Dr. is correct at starting at 36 (could it be that my son is so old?). Also, I've heard the ADD-inattentive often do best on the low dosage. Anyone know about this?

I'm pretty sure Concerta is weight based as far as dosage goes. I'm sure someone else here knows more than I do.

But, if you have these questions, I'd call your doctor and ask them of him/her.

I wouldn't be worried about your son's dosage. I am actually 19 and have taken various meds. The specific dosage does not necessarily have to deal with the age, height, weight, and all of the "commonly thought variables." In fact, it simply has to do with the brain's metabolism of the drug. Just pay attention to how the meds work (how long it takes for them to kick in, wear off, side effects: irritability, hunger, sleep implications, etc.) I really trusted my doctor, which was beneficial. Without him, I wouldn't have found my "ideal dose." I thought that there would have been a smaller range of effective doses, however it really does vary. I had even done research online and seen what the typical "highs" and "lows" were for the typical prescriptions; however, my doctor said those can be broken. Being that he's specialized in the field for 30 years, I trust him. If you have any other concerns, I can try to help also. Good luck with the meds! (It may take awhile to find the correct one and the right dose, but just keep working and make sure to communicate with the doctor. It may end up that your son is better off of meds. Some people become very antisocial. MAKE SURE YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THIS!!!!! Especially at his age!) Again, if you or your son have questions or concerns, just post them!!

I can understand your confusion, my 5 year old was diagnoised with the same thing 2 weeks ago and he was put on 18mg of concerta and he seems to be doing well , until school is out and it wares off. He sleeps ok, and his appitite is so so but they say it will take 3-4 weeks till we will really see a significant change. We are seeing some progress in his behavior and will have to go back to the Doctor once a month to discuss the dosage. Just keep an eye on her appitite and any signiigant changes , so as to let your Dotor know, because if one drug does not work there are several more out there that will. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strattera starts at 18mg and then changes but with Concerta it doesn't generally work that way. My son is 9 and started at 54mg so I'm sure it has nothing to do with age or weight (he weighed all of 45 lbs.) Part probably has to do with the severity of his ADHD. My son is moderate to severe. If you question his dose, talk to his doctor.to be honest i do not know how they base the dosage amount not by weight thats for sure i have a 7 year old daughter which weighs 40 lbs soak and wet and they have her on concerta 54 mg,which i believe is way to high i have a appointment to discuss my concerns cause she is not sleeping even with a sleep pill clonidine 0.3 mg. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

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