Combine Doses to Reach Goal Dose? | ADHD Information

We definitely combined doses of strattera to get to the right dose. It's a weight dependent drug so you kind of have to do that.  Of course, we had to pay 2 copays, not 1, but the insurance didn't deny coverage.  It's worth looking into what additional cost it will be.  How annoying that you can be penalized or even denied coverage to get to the right dose!  Unlike adhdgirl, our insurance will pay for a double dose of one pill but not for two different mg. doses.  This sounds encouraging.  Thank you all for the input.

My first call Monday morning then will be to the insurance company, which has been very good with us so far.  I wouldn't even mind paying a little higher co-pay to be able to get to the right dose.

I will definitely be discussing this in full with the doc to be sure combining like that is the right thing to do.

We really have had positive results with the Concerta but the jump to 54mg seems like it will be too high.

Thanks again all!
Our 11 yo son is due for his annual exam as well as a med check. He has been on 36mg of Concerta for nearly 3 years and it looks like its time for an increase. We are uncomfortable with jumping to 54mg but feel that 40mg (Ritalin LR for example) may not be quite enough. We are happy with the results we have gotten with Concerta but do not want to over-medicate.

Is it possible to combine the 18mg and 27mg of Concerta - have him take them together - to achieve a dose of 45mgs ?

We are researching all the other possible combinations of methylphenidate and want to be prepared when we go to his appointment in a couple of weeks. We have tried other meds in the past and have achieved the best symptom control with the Concerta.

My kid's doc uses this combo when 54 is too much. It can be hard to get the 2 different doses through some insurances though but the doc can justify this if the available dosage forms are not appropriate.

You should ask your doctor this question, but I do think the hardest part is going to be to get approval from your insurance company.  I am currently taking Vyvanse.  The best dose for me is 60mg, but the pill comes in 30mg, 50mg, and 70mg doses.  My insurance company says that I should be on either the 50mg or the 70mg since they are "close enough" to the 60mg and can be a single pill.  My doctor and I are currently working to appeal this decision while I take the 70mg dose which is too high.  The 50mg was too low and not effective.

But to get the 60mg, I just take 2x 30mg pills and taking the two pills works fine, so I think it would work the same for concerta.

~ADHDgirl

http://ijustlearnedihaveadhdnowwhat.blogspot.com/

We were successful on all accounts with the dosage increase and wanted to follow up with this post in case anyone else out there may be facing the same situation.

The insurance company approved everything and we only have to pay one co-pay.

The best part is the increase seems to be just right now at symptom control without any adverse side effects.