My 9 year old daughter just began her 1st dose of Concerta 36mgs (18mgs * 2)today and for the first time she completed a lot of her in class school work and felt a sense of accomplishment.

The downside is that she is experiencing sever stomach pain and has experienced a lot of dizziness today. A little emotional and had a headache with the stomach pain that won't go away and 10:00pm she is still up with no drowziness.

A clues on making the stomach ache subside?

Should I cut her dose tomorrow to just one?

Sorry for the newbie question.

Adephia

Hello and Welcome

She is so young,perhaps it would be a good idea to take her to the doctors;)

it is helpful to note that it is 11:00pm and she can't go to sleep because of the stomach pain.

I can't seek medical help, a)because of finances b) she is not fully online with her new HMO.

I appreciate the thoughts, what do people do for the stomach pain which is a regaular side effect?

Adelphia

You might look and see if there is one of those "Ask A Nurse" telephone numbers out there somewhere in northern California. If not in CA, then perhaps you can find an "Ask A Nurse" toll free number online somewhere else in the US (I did a Google search and found several numbers). I have found the "Ask A Nurse" telephone service to be a great refuge over the years when I needed some quick medical advice, but was not quite dealing with an emergency that I felt really required an emergency room visit.

If you can't find an "Ask A Nurse" number, then perhaps you might call a 24 hour pharmacy like Walgreens, or any other pharmacy that is open 24 hours and ask the pharmacist on duty what they suggest that you do.

Please keep us posted. I hope her tummy starts to feel better soon.

Good calls...both of the response were outsatanding

Lower dose?

Headaches are known to happen on stimulants. I find a high dose (everyone is different) will give me headaches.

Sometimes lower is better...

Talk to your Doctor.

NB. As for stomachache, is she having a BIG Breakfast (full meal) with her meds? Some drugs on a less than full stomach can be harsh.

I would get stomach aches if I took my concerta on a empty stomach, or if I didn[t drink enoughf water when I took them.

Normally a handfull of almonds, or a full glass of water fixed those problems :p (for me anyway)

I would get in contact with her doctor before giving her another dose of medication. Stomach pains and head aches to the intensity you described do not seem "typical" and would be worthy of mentioning to her treating physician.