You should see improvements once the medication takes effect. IF it is not the right dosage, then you will not see any improvements and that is your sign that he needs an increase.
Improvements should be seen right after the medication takes effect, I am betting less than an hour.
Check the dosage if you are not seeing any, he probably needs an increase in mgs.
My 5 1/2 year old son was just put on Ritalin 2.5 mg twice a day. How long do you typically (or in your own experience) see an effect or improvement in behavior? Is it a couple of weeks like I have heard or could it be sooner? Thanks.Welcome my3monkees,
Ritalin (and all stims) are started at a low dose and titrated up to the effective dose. This allows the body to adjust to the med and reduces or eliminates side effects. This process takes time but is the best way to go. Ask the doc what his/her usually titration schedule is. Also note that when the med seems to be affective, that within a few weeks to months it can lose effectiveness. This is just an indication that the right dose has not yet been achieved. Do not let that discourage you. Adjust to the situation.
I agree with both posts. You should definitley start low and work up. If you are at a good dose however, as Bethann says you will know it that day within an hour usually. If it has been two weeks with no symptom relief you need a higgher dose.