New to Focalin | ADHD Information

My six year old son has been taking Concerta for a few months and his behavior has changed to the positive however he has lost weight. His doctor has just switched him to Focalin.  Has anyone tried this? What is your experience? We have been using Focalin for a few months now and are stopping. He is a 5 year old and had bad reactions to ritalin and ritalin LA. The problem with focalin is that we can't get a good dose that will last more than 2-3 hours and is causing a rollercoaster ride and is making problems in school. When it is working I guess it's OK, there have been no real bad effects like with ritalin, however the appetite may be light too. We are pondering strattera, or even a natural approach (diet etc.)We like Focalin.  It definitely helps my 12-year-old son concentrate without all the side effects like flatness and loss of appetite.  My son tried several stims and experienced additional side effects, including Concerta (facial tics), Strattera (migraines) and Adderall (worse facial tics).  Focalin doesn't have the side effects, but Truckfixer is right aobut it wearing off; for my son it is probably 4 hours and he refuses to take a midday dose from the school nurse.  My understanding is that long-acting Focalin will be available sometime this summer.  BTW, since my son stopped Concerta in mid-February, he has gained 10 pounds!  (He may also be on the brink of adolescence.)