Concerta and Moodiness? | ADHD Information

My 6 year old dd started concerta on Tuesday. I wrote to her teacher to ask how she was at school because I won't be able to watch how she reacts to the meds until Saturday. (Had to change mid week because of rebound crazy behavior on Ritalin LA) Here is what the teacher said:

"Lexi's behavior was very different today.  This was the first day she has been irritable.  She didn't get in trouble, but her personality was very different.  She wasn't as sweet and respectful as she usually is.  One thing that happened today was she thought she was in trouble, but really she was just starting a separate line.  She got very upset and was crying because she thought she had done something wrong, when really that wasn't the case at all.  Anyway, I will keep an eye again on her tomorrow"

Oh what does this mean? The first night she was quiet and good all night no rebound. Second night a bit louder and not as willing to do homework as normal but still got her homework done.  

How long does it take to regulate in their system? Is there a time frame we should give these meds before calling the doctor and asking for a change?

Normally she's never moody...not off the meds or on any past meds. She's been on two other meds Mededate (only lasted 3 hours) and Ritalin LA(horrible horrible rebound but was fine for about the first 4 weeks)

Any suggestions or past experiences?

Thanks you guys! -Kim

I would try to give it two weeks. One anyway. I know it's frustrating (believe ME I know ), but try to be a little patient and keep some data. It's always hard to know whats meds and whats not and what is the body adjusting and what is a side effect you cant live with.i though i was reading my own post, my 6 year old dd has also gotten moody when we switched to a higher dose, i'm hoping this will settle, i'm tired of trying to find the right med!Is she on extended release? When my DD started on Concerta she had major emotional roller coasters whenever the meds were wearing off. It took some work to get the proper dosage and the extended release was what did the trick. She didn't have the roller coaster coming off of it as it was time for bed by the time it fully wore off. 

Concerta is an extended release medication, that is the only form it comes in.

Hi, My daughter was given Concerta to replace Focalin, my doc. thought it would be better for her? Why, I am not sure. She was terribly angry and aggressive on it after two weeks. I discontinued it, and went back to Focalin which was working just fine I thought. I have heard this same reaction with several kids who use the same doctor. Not sure why or what it is. Sorry to be negative but just our story... Best of luck hope symptoms go away for your little one...

Was she on med's at the beginning of the school year?   It seems like she isn't being as successful as she was earlier in the year.   It's possible that the concerta dosage might be low or how it releases isn't the right combo for your daughter.

I wouldn't worry too much about dosages as it varies greatly from person to person.  It's symptom relief and not age/size/weight based.

Newest update from teaacher...

"First of all, thank you so much for checking on her and working to help her do the best that she can at school. I would say the main change I have seen in her would be not following directions the first time. Sometimes she perceives her need or whatever she wants to say as necessary to be shared that moment. So she is reacting more impulsively on her emotions, whether good or bad. Whereas, at the beginning of the year she had no problem staying in her seat and recognizing when was an appropriate time to talk or go to the bathroom. I'll keep you posted to see if there is any change in behavior. Just let me know if there is anything else I can do. Thanks for all of your support."

I am thinking possibly Lexi needs a higher dosage of the Concerta? The moodiness is gone and now it's just seems like it may not be enough for her to control her severe impluslivity? It's hard to believe that she may need a higher dosage and she's so young! (6 1/2 years old 51 lbs and 53 inches tall- very tall for a 1st grader and is having no problems eating at all.)

Can this be right?

My son was also moody and irritable on the Concerta.