My son went from 18mgs to 72mgs in a matter of months. There were days that we would try one mg and the next day move him up.
You know when you have leveled off when your child is the most successful.
Age and weight do NOT matter!
Son is 10 and now at 90mgs.
DS was on Adderall XR, which bases dosage on weight. He is now on Concerta, which initially was wonderful. We've already had to up the dose from 18 mg to 27mg. I wasn't too surprised about that increase. But, now the consistancy is not that great and the doc has suggested increasing again. I know that this med is not weight based, but I am very concerned about increasing to 36mg or more.....are my concerned unfounded? DS is 48 pounds and I just don't like the idea on increasing again. Not only do I just not like the idea of that much stuff in is system, but it begs the question of...where do you stop? I mean I don't want to just continue to incease again and again until he's at some large amount and find that it too, is ineffective. Doc says she has patients that are 200 lbs on 18 mg and some 60lbs on 72mg.....I just don't get it. She suggested adding Strattera, but I'm not too keen on that idea either. You all know that at the end of the day, I want to do whatever will give DS the best success but its all so confusing sometimes.
Neither Adderall XR or Concerta are based on weight, they are both dosed based on SYMPTOMS.Most people take the smallest effective dosed for their symptoms. Strattera IS based on weight, and is one of the only meds that is. There are alot of smallish kids on high doses, and bigger kids on smaller doses, for example, my DD weighs about 100 lbs, and takes 27mgs Concerta.
Adding Strat may help, it does however take 6-8 weeks to start working, is based on weight, has to be ramped, and dose changes if they gain/lose weight.
edbson39423.2978356481My son weighs 90lbs, is 11 years old and is taking 54mgs of Concerta. We are seeing only moderate benefits, so we may increase the dosage.