Joe started Concerta 18 mg last Saturday. So far I haven't seen much difference. It seems occasionally he is a bit more focused but I haven't seen any major changes. In fact he seems even more defiant now. I know it's only been a few days... am I being impatient? I'm supposed to give the doctor a call back tomorrow or Friday to let him know how things are going. I haven't seen any "typical" side effects yet (loss of appetite, insomnia).
How long does one typically wait to see an improvement before trying a different course of action (whether increasing dosage, or trying a new med?) Thanks for any advice... It's especially tough here because my husband is dead-set AGAINST Joe being on meds, and having things get worse first thing are only making it more of a battleground here... which is the last thing Joe needs.
I would give it at least a week, even 2. If not change by 2 weeks then go ahead with a different dose or med.Hello- My son was on medication for 4 1/2 years. His ADHD specialist (the head of the ADHD Clinic at Shand's Hospital in Gainesville, Fl said that you should pretty much see a change right away if the meds are going to work though the dosage might have to be adjusted.
The medications seemed to work for Jon at first, ie he didn't run in circles and could control his outbursts but I have to tell you that we kept having to change his medications and eventually the defiance, aggressive behavior just got worse and worse. We took him off meds- went through Hades and back for several weeks. The doctor gave him Clonidine which helps curb aggressiveness and hyperactivity.
We took him to a behavioral psychologist this week and he will be getting tested for various things and we all will receive help on how to help Jon control himself. I am so happy about this because there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.