Sandra, If I'm not mistaken I thought you wrote in another post your daughters been on concerta for 2 years? but a smaller dose, if so, my question is, why did the doctor raise the dosage? and also give her an additional medication to counter the insomnia? was the lower dosage not working, even so if she seemed better on the lower dose, and didn't need an additional sleeping aid, tell your doctor you want to go back to the lower dose, if thats not acceptable, to either you or him, then seek another opinion. after all she is your daughter, if its bothering you this much, and it doesn't feel right to you, chances are she isn't happy either, you are her mom and your instincts are probably correct.---------------------------------------------------- on that note, i sure hope it was you talking about the lower dose in the other post good luck!!!!!!!!
Sandra
The lower dose is raised because that current dose isnt working. The higher dose is apparantly too high based on your daughters reaction so the doc may want to change to another ADHD medication. The best dose for that particular child is the dose that gives the most theraputic results abd the least amount of symptoms. If after trying 3 medications one doesnt achieve positive results, the diagnosis should be revisited as sometimes there are co existing condtions like bipolar disorder in which case stimulant medication would aggravate the symtoms of bipolar disorder. Not to say your daughter has a co exisiting condition as none of us can disagnose your daughter but it would be wise to consult your childs physician. It is also wise to choose a physician who is trained in the field of diagnosing and treating childhood disorders.
I don't know anything about concerta but clonidine is an antihypertensive which is used for lowering blood pressure in adults. My son takes it becuase he had such a strong 'rebound' effect from his ritalin wearing off and i couldn't get him settled down at night. The only side effects I have seen are occasional headaches and extreme drowsiness. From the time I give it to him he has about 1 1/2 hours before he is really tired and ready to go to bed. I will say it has lessened his agression and outbursts tremendously and gives us a little peace at night.