rebound question | ADHD Information

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My 9 year old started off with the 10 mg patch. She was having really bad afternoons (rebound effect) so we moved her to the 15 mg patch. The idea being that the more medicine there was in her system, the longer it would take to wear off thus a slower or no rebound.

The first few days were fine, and then she started having bad evenings. We think it's still rebound, only later in the day. I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor but I'd thought I'd ask here, too. Does it take a few weeks for these side effects to work themselves out or will she always suffer from a rebound effect? I'm willing to tough it out for awhile but only a little while. The rebound thing is not pretty for anyone involved!

I'm worried that moving to the 20 mg patch will cause her to become a zombie.

Any ideas, tips or insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

When i first started on the medication i was having quite a lot of trouble with rebounding in the evening after taking the last tablet, but it gets better as time goes on.

Now it is fairly subtle, and depending on the situation it is hardly noticeable at all. If i am kept occupied with something not too difficult i (and others) don't notice it nearly as much, but if i am doing nothing or struggling with a task then it can be quite obvious.

Sometimes i will have some softdrink that has caffine in it when i know i am struggling - this tends to lessen the effect as the caffine is a mild stimulant itself. I understand that this could only serve to make your daughter more 'hyper' but it may be worth considering.

If you are increasing the dosage, you may be creating a bigger rebound as there is more medication to 'come down' from.

talk to your md about this.  The patch uses a chemical to break the skin's one-way protection and allow meds in and every person metabolizes meds through it at a different time.  Perhaps a change in the position of the patch would stabilize it.

Caffeine is a great addition to meds as has been mentioned.  It doesn't cause the jitters and restlessness to ADHD kids and adults as it does others.  Mountain dew energy, coffee or tea or one of the energy drinks can be used when the meds are dropping if used in moderation.