In alot of posts I see that parents have had to increase the dosage of medication over time. Why is that? Do these medications lose there effectiveness over time?
I haven't had to do this yet, but I think that as a child grows and the body metabolizes differently, it can become necessary. Also, as with many drugs, people can build up a tolerance and need more to be effective.Hi. We've had to adjust doses a lot this fall. She started school in August at 20 mg Ritalin LA, she has had 3 dose increases and is now at 50. We increased her afternoon dose once.The majority of people get to a proper dose and do not need to change. In the beginning, the dosage has to be increased or titered up to an effective dose (and this can take some time), and adjusted to the child's current needs. As the child grows, the need for afternoon activities and homework may require another adjustment. Puberty may throw things out as well. Also maturity with growing up, may reduse symptoms and need of the meds. So some of this depends on if the person was started on meds at 5, 10, 13, 16, etc, and of course everyone is different. HTH vickie39022.3901851852