Have you asked about the extended release version of Ritalin or Metadate - these are once daily timed release doses that are a great help to children in school.
Extended release ritalin sucks. If you're looking for an extended release med - look at Adderall or Concerta. Can't tell you how many people have not done well on ritalin extended release.My son did really well on Metadate- not as well on the Ritalin LA - we are switching back to Metadate. joshsmom, Ask the doctor if you can add another dose of the Ritalin 5 mg. Both my son and myself take Adderall XR (extended release up to 12 hours) in the morning. Then on the days when we have activities or other such in the evenings we take a dose of regular Adderall (4 hour) between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. There has not been any significant side effects from this additional dose in the afternoon. I have heard of many people using regular Ritalin that take 3 doses a day (8 AM, noon and 4:00 PM). Best Wishes -Gettingagrip-
I'm a 38 year old male and I've been on Adderall XR for several months now. It seems to work fine all day long. It has affected my eating, though. I have lost quite a bit of weight and have to work at maintaining my weight. I have a friend who has to drink supplement 'shakes' to maintain his weight.
One thing to consider with Adderall is that there are possible sexual side effects in adults that aren't noticed in children. They don't know what the long term effects could be if a child is on such a med into their adult years. Something to bring up with your doctor.
I'm probably going to go back to regular Adderall because of undesireable sexual side effects.
Best of luck.