Q about Concerta dosage and Tenex | ADHD Information
My son is almost 10. He is on 72mg of concerta and 1 mg of guanfacine. He has been at this dosage since he was 7 1/2.
The dosing of these meds is not age based, but success based on the individual. As long as your son is successful at the dose, then that is where he belongs!
Hello,
My 9 year old has had an adhd combined diagnosis for about a year. We're still going through the wonderful odyssey of finding the right med at the right dosage. He was on Addreall XR but the rebound and side effects were a bit much. He's currently taking 54mg of Concerta which has been an improvement over the Adderall. His ped recently prescribed him 5mg of Ritalin to take after school to get through homework. I am not so convinced that the Concerta is working and I have two questions:
1. Would they prescribe 72mg to a 9 year old? I read somewhere that the max dosage for children under 13 is 54mg.
2. What is Tenex (guanfacine)? Why is it prescribed? What does it do?
This is such a great community!!!! Thanks!
Here is a long thread all about the Tenex (guanfacine). It is quite informative so be sure to read it and check out the good links that vickie and others have provided.
http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24770& PN=2
The guanfacine is prescribed to help with many ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, aggression (sometimes made worse by the stimulants), impulsiveness (sometimes manifests itself as quick temper, angry reactions), sleep issues caused by ADHD and by stims, and rebound problems as well. It also helps with appetite/weight gain.
It is a blood pressure med that is not as sedating as clonidine. It must be titrated up slowly and cannot be stopped suddenly once begun, but it has been a godsend for us. It has enabled us to take Chase off his stim for the summer, and still treat the ADHD symptoms that affect him in the summer. It is not very effective on focus issues.
Methylphenidate meds (like ritalin and concerta) are recommended for dosage up to 2mg/kg body weight/day, but docs can exceed this in the practice of medicine.
Tenex (guanfacine) is a blood pressure med that is effective for many ADHD symptoms and is used to augment the stimulant meds for many reasons. It is also the active ingredient in the med Shire is trying to get FDA approval on. Here is a long thread with lots of info on Tenex:
http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24770& PN=2
I see you were quicker than me, Chasesmom.