My son was dx'd at 5 we started at 2.5mg twice a day, then we moved up to 5mg 4 times a day. Then last week I got the dreaded call from the teacher. Meds aren't working. I talked at length with the dr yesterday. We went to the Ritalin LA. I am giving him 10 mg as soon as he gets up. The Ritalin LA just before school (it is supposed to last 6 to 8 hrs.) and then one more dose of 10mg around 4:00 to help with homework and after school activities. We really like the progress we saw with the Ritalin so we are giving the Ritalin LA a try.
My son switched from the concerta to ritalin LA in November. He likes it better, but we haven't got the report from the teachers yet. I sent in the questionaires today to be completed for his Monday med check...hopefully it works, because his appetite is better on the ritalin LA, though I think we will need an afternoon booster as well for homework....Hello,
I want to thank everyone for sharing
I am not having any problem's with my son at home, he is doing just fine on 10mg. He is a very good little boy.
I know that the school nurse has missed doses in the past and I told his teacher that this could be the reason why she is having trouble. The nurse think's otherwise, even though she claims paper work keep's her very busy and sometimes she forgets. I have expressed how important it is to keep him on schedue and a missed dose will pretty much ruin the entire day.
Our next appointment is Febuary 5. In the meantime he will stay on 10mg and hope that he will reconsider using a long acting dosage. Giving my son a pill every 3 hours is hard on everyone.
Take care, Cindy
katlvr39107.3613541667Hi, my son was diagnosed with adhd at age 4 and has been on short acting Ritalin 10mg 4 x day. His kinder teacher called and informed me that he is not behaving "I think his medication in no longer working?"
I called his doctor and he suggested increasing his dose to 20mg 4 x day, due to weight gain and current age (5).
I'm concerned with the 20 mg's every 3 hrs, it seems high? He assures me that the short acting is safer than the long acting due to his age.
Any comment's will be greatly appreciated.
Take care.
katlvr39105.5547337963
Being Diagnosed at 4 the chances of the dx being accurate would come into question. Was he diagnosed by a Psychiatrist, or a pediatirican? Was there a full work up, blood work, ekg's, full psychological evaluation? If not then I woulod see a psych for an accurate diagnosis.
Ritalin is not dosed by weight, it is dosed by symptoms, and depending on the severity 80 mgs a day can be alot. Concerta, or Ritalin LA are the longer acting, and tend to have a smoother release , the meds are delivered over time rather than all at once with the short acting.
Hi, edbson
My son is being treated by a Psychiatrist/Neurologist and Therapist which included a full work up and evaluation.
Yes, I agree with you on the 80 mgs a day. I requested the long acting instead, but was told that he would consider the switch when my son turned 7 or 8. I expressed my concern, but was told that short acting was safer.
I will keep my son on 10 mg's till his next appointment. Hopefully, we can figure this out?
Thank you so much!
Take care, Cindy
Hello My son was diagnosed at early 4 also he is now 5 and half. He is 32 pounds and he metabolizes meds extremely fast. We were taking Ritalin 3 times a day a total of 45 mg. We are now on the patch he takes the 20 mg dose. I LOVE it . WE do not have to take a mid day pill anymore. WE do have to give Nick 15 mg in the morning because the patch takes 2 hours to get into the system. HOwever, the patch goes straight into the blood stream and by passes the kidneys etc. I hope this helps. ALso, have the preschool teacher track the times of day it seems like it wears off. I teach preschool in the public school. If you are seeing the same thing on the weekend as they are then look at it, if not then have them take a look at teh environment.