First day on Concerta | ADHD Information

Hi,

Our 11 year old son was diagnosed several months ago
with ADHD. We've been seeing some real improvement as
we've worked with therapist using a Cognitive Behavioral
approach, but at the therapist's suggestion also pursued
medication to help him with focus. Today's our first day
using Concerta - 1 pill a day for two weeks, then 2
pills for the next two weeks.

We're so hopeful that this, combined with "Total Focus"
and therapy, will help our boy to succeed socially,
academically, and emotionally. He's so bright, and can
be so kind, creative, and fun. And he can be such a
horror to live with at other times.

He just came home from school. He's doing his homework,
but bouncing off the walls. Lots of grunts and
complaints, but compliant.

To clarify, now he's taking one pill with breakfast. In
two weeks we're to move to two pills with breakfast.
That would be about 7:30 a.m.

Can anyone give feedback as to what we can expect in
these first days/weeks of meds?

Thanks!
JeffWe just strted Concerta as well. My son is eating better sleeping better, with Melatonin and can focus a litle better at school. when we upped the dose he was tired all the time and had to sleep in the afternoon. So we are staying at 18mg for now and I am going to ask for a change on his 504 for homework. but so far the best out of 3 meds we have tried.We tried melatonin last night about 30 minutes before
bedtime, and our son fell right asleep. Awakened on his
own at 7:45 this morning. I'm glad to say that he's had
no problems with eating. It's hard to say, since it's
Saturday, but he also seems to be much calmer than usual
- and that's a good thing!

Thanks!Glad the Melatonin worked out for you. and the Concerta is helping. Our psychiatrist said 3-4 weeks on the dose before going up although my son is better I still do not feel it is good enough for school and homework. We tried 27mg but it made him to tired so we went back to 18. my doc also reccomends going up to 36 (2 18mg) as the next step.I just filled my son's first prescription. We were very hopeful that he
would never have to be medicated, but his focus just tanked and it was
just time. That's what his doctor said straight from the start - when it
was time, it would be clear to everyone.

My darling mother (you all remember her, don't you?) was so
understanding - she said, "You're putting him on speed." Gotta love her!

I think I'm going to start it this weekend, but I might start him up
tomorrow. I'm concerned about weight loss - it's already like pulling
teeth to get him to eat! - and about sleep issues - he's up half the night
reading already!

But it's like insulin - he needs it, I have no right to prevent him from
having the fullest best life because I don't like putting him on medication.
You've seen me around here - I always said I would avoid medicating him
as long as it was possible, but when he needed it, I would do it. And I
am. Even though to a degree I feel like a failure. If only this could have
waited until his behavioral therapy would have worked, but no, I can't
think that way.

So I'll stop rambling now, but I just wanted to let you know, I'm right here
with you starting this process. Best of luck with your son.Corina- Try some Melatonin for the sleep. It ia all natural (sold at health food stores or on Internet, GNC. It has helped my son 10, to sleep through the night tfor 3 years now, doctors orders.Jeff - my son didn't do so well on Concerta. How is your son doing?That's such a great quote, Sink. Our neurologist said
about the same thing to our son. "Your medicine isn't
supposed to change you. It's supposed to help you."

We're now settled in on 36 mg, and it seems to be
working great. Small weight loss in the first month, but
only one pound. The neurologist has released his care
back to our primary physician.

I know that many people go through several medications
before finding what works. We feel very blessed that
this has been a pretty easy process for us.

And this community is great!Just a quick update. Today is a full week on 36 mg.
Our son is doing MUCH better at school and homework and
staying on task with chores. It's amazing to hear him
say "I finished my homework during recess. My lunch box
is already put away. I worked ahead in spelling. Can I
play now?"

No more afternoon crash at 36 mg. I wonder if the Dr.
will want to try 27?

He's still got some very grumpy moments, which our
therapist thinks may have to do with too little sleep.
He used to fall asleep around 9:45. Now it's 10:30 or
11:00. We've used melatonin to help him on several
nights.

One funny note - I mentioned to him in the car this
morning that I'm so proud of how well he's been doing
with his homework and chores lately. He said, "Thanks!
And, by the way, it's not the medicine." Well.....


It's great to hear that your son is being more successful.  That's great!

e experienced the same afternoon crash when my daughter's dose of Concerta was too low.  Increasing her dosage made a huge difference.


thats great! I feel the same, it isnt my medicine, it is the medicine which keeps the crap out the way so that I can be me. My son is doing O.K. but I was hoping for better. It took us 2 weekd to see full results. Now I found out he is hiding food and not eating dinner, not good. what affects are you seeing?PastorJeff How is your son doing? what is going on?How are you doing?So far, so good with our son. His appetite is a little
diminished, but not too bad. Some insomnia, but again
not too bad, and he falls asleep easily with some
melatonin.

We've seen some improvement with his behavior during the
day, followed by a crash around 4 or 5 p.m.   On
Wednesday he'll go up to his full dose (36mg), so we're
hoping to see a big difference - better behavior, and
the med lasting longer. I'll update when we know!

Thanks!