DS is ADHD and just started meds... | ADHD Information

Hi,

My 6 year old was diagnosed with ADHD after extensive psychological testing last month. We saw a psychiatrist last week b/c it was recommended we consult one about medication. The doctor came very highly recommended but it is still hard to know what is best to do when this is all new to me. He started him on Focalin XR 20mg. It seemed to be working pretty good over the weekend, though it doesn't seem to last past 1pm-2pm..so only about 6 hours total. Reading about Focalin XR, I saw that this is a typical starting dose for an adult...so where do we go from here? IN the mornings when it is working, things are great. When it wears off, he is worse than he was pre-med...and the doctor told us that may be the case, so I expected it...but I need him to make it through the school day. he is extremely intelligent and has proven that in the short time he has been on the meds, but the afternoons are difficult for his teacher.

I would appreciate any help, advice, etc that y'all can give me...

For dosage I think that depends on the medication.  what time do you give your son the medication?  If it is wearing off around 2 it could be a few things like for one if it is wearing off is the med a 4 hour one or extended could be why.  Another reason why could be maybe it is not the right med for your son.  Definetly talk to the prescribing doctor and good luck.  Jill