Ritalyn for DD

[MsMizchief]

I just want to start by saying this message board has helped me tremdously. I read some posts and think "OMG this is my life" and it gives me comfort to see others go thru the same things and we all survive. Somethings I expereince with my DD (age 7) I thought was normal but now relaize that is part of her disease.

OK my question - hehe - My DD was diagnosed in September with ADHD, after 3 years of my denial. She was started off with 1 dose of Ritalyn at 5 mg a day in the morning. Then we changed her to 10 mg in the morning. Seemed to work great until now. Teacher called me last week and expressed that DD is acting up within 2 hours of school. (meaning it is only lasting 3 hours) I noticed the same over last few weeks, but just thought it was because of our busy schedule. Could the Ritalyn be not as effective this quickly? Should I call the Doctor and get a new doseage or maybe suggest we try something longer lasting like Conceretta? He seems to listen to my suggestions knowing I am a study every aspect of every drug, side effects and diet on the market type of Mom.

Confused and scared Mom in Michigan

[Linda]

Your Doctor started your dd out at a very low dose. Usually they work it up to a target dose. Your dd probably needs a higher dose . Concerning Concerta? It lasts all day...but again your dd will be started at a low dose and worked up to her target dose.


I would call the doc and tell him/her what you have told us. Don't be scared....it will work out...if your dd is tolerating ritalin....she should do well on concerta.

BTW///I am from Michigan too.

[sportsmom]

from another fellow michigander

My son was diagnosed at 8yrs and he started out with ritilian 10mg in the morning and 10mg at lunch. It worked great for us then we went to concerta because that is an all day stim. Levi is now on strattera and he takes 25mg in the morning and 25 mg at supper.

To me it sounds like you might to increase or add another dose about mid-day. Call your dr and see what they say......good luck to you and keep us posted.

[kstquilter]

hey, i'm also from MI although i don't live there now.
I agree that dd probably isn't on a high enough dose. we tried concerta but it didn't last all day either. however we were able to get rid of the dose she had to take at lunch. she could get by with taking it after school instead. the ritalin actually worked better as a whole.
i'd talk to your dr. and see what they recommend.
karen

[MsMizchief]

First of all BRRRR its cold and snowy here!!

Second, I wnet to DD's doctor today and gave him a permission slip fo rthe school to dispense meds in afternoon and a note asking if there was anything we could get that was more long lasting. Maybe ritalin LA or Conceretta. I am not comfortable moving away from Riatalin because i knwo it works just not long enough for my high metoblic rate child!! BTW she is in first grade again, will be 8 in July and is one of the smallest kids in her group, sometimes i wish I had her energy to lose some of my weight! hehe

I will update you once he gets back to me which is hopefully soon.