First 2 weeks on Concerta - no change... | ADHD Information

My son has been on 18 mg of Concerta since 2/24 for his ADHD.  I wish I could say it made a difference but it hasn't (I don't think he's any worse though either, pretty much the same) I was hoping we could find something to help him at the lowest dose possible but...  At any rate, he has an appointment with his pediatrician today, so I guess we'll try the 27 mg dosage next?  I assume they try a higher dose of whatever a child is taking before thinking about an entirely different medication altogether?  He went to a pediatric cardiologist yesterday (I made an appt. after reading about the stimulant meds to make sure he was healthy and could take them) and had an EKG and cardiologist listened to his heart and the cardiologist said he was fine, so at least that's kind of given me a little bit of relief.  I'm still holding out hope the Concerta at a higher dose will work as it worked for my cousin's child who has moderately severe ODD and she said he is now like a different child as far as outbursts/tantrums, etc. go.  Wish us luck :) JustinsMommy39150.359525463

The normal routine is to start at the lowest dose and titrate up to an effective dose. This minimizes side effects and allows the body to adjust to the med at each level before proceeding to the next. My youngest had good results at 27mg and the oldest at 36mg of concerta. Only ~20% of the kids in the original clinical trials found the 18mg dose to be effective. The rest were titrated up to 36 or 54mg for effective dose (this was before the 27s were available).

If you see the next dose work for a bit and then quit working, do not worry. That just means that you are on the right track with the med but have not yet found the right dose.

The reasons we are now trying focalin is that the oldest could not swallow the concerta (focalin can be sprinkled) and the youngest was not gaining any weight (and she is skinny to start with).

Good luck and best wishes that you will find effective treatment easily.

Thank you so much for your input :)It took a few trys to get my son to the right dose of Concerta.  Keep the faith.

My son lasted a day at 18mgs when he was 6 almost 7 years old. He quickly jumped to 54mg, then eventually leveled off at 72mgs when he was 7 1/2. We also added the guanfacine and that made all the difference in the world!

I would get his dose increased and if he is NOT successful, then increase him again.

Beth

Thanks Wyatt's Mom :)  We start the 27 mg tomorrow, wish us luck!Chase needed 54mg of the concerta to be effective....there were some small changes with the 18mg, but not enough...