I believe that Medadate CD can also be sprinkled like Ritalin LA. It is supposed to last 10-12 hours like Concerta.
If you child is only taking 10 mg of Ritalin LA, the 10 mg patch maybe too strong.
My daughter tried Focalin XR for a couple of days and didn't like it. For us, it didn't last any longer than the Ritalin LA she was on. We also tried the patch, which she also didn't like. We both thought it was a hassle.
She is currently taking Concerta. It seems to be working well and last 9-10 hours. The biggest draw back is appetite suppression. She eats almost nothing while it is in her system - though she makes it up later in the evening. We have the same problem with Ritalin LA - though since is doesn't last as long, it's less of an issue.
I havean appt. with my ds doctor tomorrow. He is currently on Ritalin la 10mg. It works well with little side effects, except it doesn't work long enough. I heard of the Daytrana patch and Focalin XR(?). He cannot swallow a pill or I would consider Concerta. Does anyone have any advice to give me before I go to the appt. tomorrow. I'd like to have an idea as to what I may suggest. Thanks for the help. I don't know anything about the Ritalin LA but our son is on the 10mg Daytrana patch and a short-acting Ritalin 5mg in the morning. I can't say for sure that we are at the right combo or the right dosage (which is for our psych to decide on Jan 16), but I will say that the patch is very convenient. His skin was VERY red (but not sore) the first couple weeks but it has subsided and now just gets pink by the end of the day and is fine by morning. It does, however, take a long time to "kick in", which is why we do the short-acting Ritalin in the morning. Good luck and as Diane says, it's worth a try! my daughter did well on Daytrana, NO skin irritation. A red patch when it came off, but it didnt bother her and it was gone by morning. It does take 2 hours to take effect which was difficult for us as school starts for her at 7:30. I think it's worth trying. If you're early mornings are too much, you can give 5 mg regular release Ritalin and apply the patch 2 hours later.