stacib wrote:
The Concerta is suppose to be 12 hours...again, the medicine doesn't seem to be lasting long enough. But I also know my daughter hates math...so how do you know if it's the ADD, the medicine, or just her not enjoying the class??! It's just so frustrating. It's also harder now that she is in junior high and has all different teacher
Concerta can last for up to 12 hours but depending on how quickly your child metabolizes the medication will determine how long it lasts for that particular child. The medication will not make your daughter like math. However, it will allow her to sturggle less with math due to the ability to focus when the medication is being effective Whether a child is ADHD or not, they will always do better when its something they like. Clearly, the medication loses its effectiveness at some point in the afternoon so I suggest you contact your childs doctor as he may precribe short acting ritalin for the afternoon. Ritilan and Concerta are the same except one is short acting and one is slow release and slow release can last up to 12 hours but that doesnt mean it will. Goodluck and keep us posted.
Luvmykids0238286.5582175926I have had some so good and bad experiences with the meds that you are talking about.First med vacations are very bad because the child goes through withdrawal then has to adjust to the meds all over again.But when doing that you cause a shock to the system by going straight back to the same doesage that they were on before then it doesn't work.You have to start low and build back up to get the best effect.As far as the lady that has the daughter with problems in math.I have a couple of questions.First what time of day do you give her the medicine? You should give it to her at latest possible time this will help with the meds lasting longer.She may start up again after school and may need another dose when she gets home to get homework and chores done.Or you can get the XR it works when needed as she gets active it will release into the system.I am speaking from personal experience from going through the exact same problems with my kids.As far the math class I think it may just be this class that is the problem.Question what time of day does she take the class?Ask her what she dosen't like about the class.Is it the teacher or is it the work?If she says it's the work and this is a problem subject and she is struggling with it you may want to see about changing her schedule so she takes it in the morning BEFORE LUNCH.This way it's closer to the time that she has taken the med and it will help her to focus better and before lunch because after eating you get crancky and sleep and it's harder to focus.If she says it's the teacher see if you can request change to another class but if not the same would work if you move it to morning this way she can handle the stress better.and as far as the teachers knowing about her ADD yes they need to know so that if they notice a change in her behavior or work they can let you know.It may be that the meds or dose needs to be checked.How else will you know how she's reacting to the medicine.Also take to the couslor about setting up a SAFE PLACE for her.This would be a place that she can go to if she feels herself losing control it may be a 5 min pass to collect herself or a teacher or other staff member that she can go and talk to to regain control.Children with ADD and ADHD sometimes lose it.It's usually just a short term thing like getting frustared with a problem that just require them having a few minutes to calm down.Then they are able to carry on.The medicine will not control every minute of their day without any problems at all.It just reduces the amount and degree of the problems.I have been dealing with children with ADD and ADHD for 9 years.Trust me when I say it was not without lots of trail and error and finally finding the things that work.Thanks for your posts. I've been waiting to hear back from some of her other teacher's before calling the neurologist. So far, she has passed all her other tests (with great grades also...100 on her science quiz, 96 on another science test, and 80 on her Social studies....maybe it's just the math because it's math and not the meds....who knows for sure??!) But she definitely has trouble after school. So i'm sure we will have to change or add a medication. I hate this trial/error method!
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that my son is on Concerta, but his dosage is 72 mg. It's determined by body weight, so you might want to look into that. Good luck.
Dosing of stimulant medication is not determined by weight. The only medication that is determined by weight is Straterra which is a non stimulant medication.
Psychostimulant Medications
Common psychostimulant medications used in the treatment of AD/HD include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Focalin), mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Adderall, Adderall XR), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat). Methylphenidate, amphetamine, and mixed salts of amphetamine are now available as both short- and long-acting preparations. Short-acting preparations generally last approximately 4 hours; long-acting preparations are more variable in duration — with some preparations lasting 6-8 hours, and newer preparations lasting 10-12 hours. Of course, there can be wide individual variation that cannot be predicted and will only become evident once the medication is tried.
The specific dose and timing of medication must be determined for each individual. However, there are no consistent relationships between height, age and clinical response to a medication. A medication trial is often used to determine the most beneficial dosage. The trial usually begins with a low dose that is gradually increased at 3-7 day intervals until clinical benefits are achieved. It is common for the dosage to be raised several times during the trial.
I'm very stressed. I have been taking my son to the specialist for 3 years now. He is 8.We have tried everything, concerta, adderall, stratera, ritalin, and at one point, ritalin was working like a charm, but now, after a medication vacation, and going back to school, he can't focus. His hyperactivity is okay, but his focus is suffering. He has regressed. Is it possible that his body will no longer response to ritalin and we have to start all over again with trying different meds? Has anyone had the same experience?