Ritalin side effects | ADHD Information

Hi!I'm a newbie to this messageboard and also a relative newbie to ADHD...

My ds (age7) was diagnosed with ADHD less than a month ago by pediatric psychiatrist-but had been provisionally labelled ADHD by school psychologist and teacher. Since teacher had tried for 5 months behavioural strategies in the classroom to improve behaviour but to no avail, we began on 5mg of Ritalin twice a day.(1/2 tablet) On review with teacher last week, improvement was noted  (with argumentativeness/impulsiveness)-but we both agreed (as did Dr) that we shld increase dose to 10mg (1 tablet). I don't think I was prepared for the result of this increase-b/c ds became withdrawn,unresponsive and quiet to the point of lethargy. I had to collect him from school early and he slept for 2 hrs after rweaching home. Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this side effect? Will go to 3/4 of tablet after this-but feeling a bit scared........  

Sazz

Welcome Sazz,

For some people, the stims have a small dosage window of effectiveness. The immediate release types of ritalin have more ups and downs in the system (they peak at a higher amount and then start clearing from the body).

There are so many ways to taylor the meds to your son's needs, but the trial time can be horrible. It might be beneficial to try a long acting form in a low dose. For instance, 18mg concerta would release 6mg immediately and then meter out the rest over a 8-12 hour period. Another choice would be stay with the low dose, but add guanfacine to augment the stim. Psychiatrist generally have lots of experience manging meds, so you have a doctor with good experience to find the best treatment for your son.

It can take some time to find the best med for an individual, and this can be frustrating. The good thing is that you saw some good response at the low dose, so you have something to work with. Hang in there.

Hey Sazz,

I did not know what guanfacine was until the doctor first suggested it to me. Then I did lots of research.

My daughter's psychiatrist had reassured me that there were so many things that could be done to get effective treatment, and that I needed to be patient and not worry throuth the trial period. It is good to have a strong team for this journey. Keep in mind, that this is only the start. Your son's needs will change as he gets older. He will have after school activities and social events...then there is puberty. I am happy to report that my 10yo daughter actually has a social life now (treatment has been great for helping her keep friends).

Guanfacine (brand name Tenex) is a mild blood pressure med that has effect for ADHD symptoms. Look for the threads on Tenex. There is good information and links to supporting articles.

I hope this helps.

vickie39118.4366550926Thnx Vickie-your post has made me feel a little lesss stressed. Sorry to be so ignorant-what is Guanfacine??