Piggybacking medications | ADHD Information
My son started taking focalin xr 10 mg and it worked great, but I noticed by the time I picked him up from school (2:30) it was gone. We stared on the regular focalin 5mg. at 4:00 for homework and home life. I would go back to the focalin if it worked well the first time. Then add the short-acting. Good luck to you, I know how frustrating it is to find the right med and the right dose.We discussed all of our options, and decided to try Daytrana. We did discussadding another dose in the afternoon, etc. But, pdoc thought the patch
might last longer anyways, so it was worth a try. If this one is bad, I think
we'll just go back to the Focalin XR. Pdoc said we could add another XR
dose at about 3:00 or so to help last the rest of the afternoon and evening.
But, for now, we'll try the Daytrana. I'm sorta concerned because of some of
the posts I've been reading about it now doing too well. But, you never
know!
Thanks everyone for your advice!piggyback medications? how can you balance yourselves on those little bottles?
Since focalin seems to be very effective I'd say that you should ask to try a more extended daily regimen of it. It can be taken in doses throughout the day either with XR, multiple IR or a combination. With my med dexedrine for example I take either one XR dosage in the morning or if I need the extra attention more that just at my work I can take another dose 6 to 8 hours after my first. The focalin works the same. Focalin has a lot of benefits in that it's got less side effects than other meds and is very good at increasing focus in a large group.
Concerta is in the ritalin group of meds and works for a big number of kids. If you want to try it many will tell you it can be extremely effective. It comes in many types of release and you can tailor it to your child's life.
Stratterra is what I'd consider the last med to try when all else fails. Many find it either can aggravate symptoms or the side effects can really cripple you for a long time (drowsiness, hyperfocus, headaches, etc.).
Best wishes.
I'm so totally confused and not sure what to do regarding my 6 year oldsons medications. He was diagnosed in April and started Focalin XR 10
mg. It was a huge improvement. He was on it for about 5 weeks. We
returned to our psych. and spoke about the problems of it wearing off
late in the day. Usually about 4:00 he's back to his usual non-medicated
self. Not listening, not focused, impulsive and bouncing off the walls.
So, the psych wanted us to try Straterra. My son has now on Straterra for
7 weeks...starting his 8th week. I'm not pleased with the results really at
all. He seems more angry, more hyper and more impulsive than when he
was on the Focalin XR. I have an appt today to see the pediatrician. I'm
just not sure what to request. Previously, the doctor brought up the idea
of "piggybacking" medications. Like, possibly adding a short acting dose
to his Focalin XR, later in the day.
I guess I just wanted to hear about what other are doing and what works
well for you. I've been reading about other types of medications like
Concerta. But, wondering maybe if I should just go back to the Focalin XR
and possibly adding something else for the afternoon. I'm just curious
how others do it and handle this sort of thing. Thanks for any info!Thank you!Hi there,
I would look into having your son take the sort acting Focalin when the XR wears off, usually in around 8 hours. That is what my son's pdoc prescribed so that he could do his homework. (he is 12)
Best Wishes!
