Hi everyone,

i just found this site...... I've been looking for a board like this for days..... i find in all areas of my life that advice from the people affected is usually better than advice from the professionals. So here goes. My daughter, almost 8, was diagnosed ADHD in Dec. the Doc messed up and wrote the script for 10 mg Adderall, it was supposed to be XR (extended release). The med seemed a little much and in the afternoon she seemed very lethargic and there was a major "rebounding" affect. the next month she was switched to Adderall XR 10mg and seemed to do much better in school, there was also less of a "rebound". She did however complain of headaches (very unlike her) and chest pains. She also lost around 5 lbs (not a major prob). So then on our next visit to the doc (maybe spends around 5 mins with you!!!!!!) He listens to our concerns and make a decision to switch her to Concerta 18mg. She's been on it for 4 days now. it seems not to be working nearly as well. She's not acting out but she doesn't seem to be able to focus nearly as well (did terrible on a spelling test!). So I'm wondering if there is adjustment period when switching to this med? The doc says there is no build up of this med and that after the daily dosage is gone there are no affects, I'm wondring if this 100% true. He also says there is no need to give her the meds on weekends or vacations. I'm all for her not having to take the meds everyday and i definitely miss her spark, but I don't want to jeopordize her learning and self esteem! Sorry So long.... any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Diane and Alexis

So I'm wondering if there is adjustment period when switching to this med?

Your doctor is correct, all the stimulant medications should work immediately. If the Concerta is not working as well as the Adderall, but the Adderall has side effects that make it impossible to take, then maybe all you need to do is up the dose of the Concerta?

As for not needing to take it on weekends and the like, many people on stimulant medications do in fact do it that way. For the longest time I only took my Dexedrine when I felt I really needed it, although lately I've been taking it (well, actually I'm taking Adderall now) every day because I pretty much never get a rest from having to concentrate--at school, at work, and at home doing schoolwork. You and your daughter should decide what you think is best for her. I would suggest you try a couple weekends with and a couple weekends without and weigh the pros and cons of what you observe during them before you make a decision as to which route you would like to go.

P.S. - Welcome aboard.

How much does she weigh? The maximum generally recommended for methylphenidate - the drug in Concerta - is 1.2mg/kg/day. If you divide her weight in pounds by 2 you get, roughly, the amount in mg e.g. 100lbs = 50mg/day (actual converstion is 54mg)
This amount has been shown to give better results than lower dosages, as long as the side effects are OK.
Your Dr is likely being cautious on the dosage due to the headaches and chest pain.
Regards,
Greg

A lot of the newer research suggests that medication should be taken on a regular basis. AD/HD affects people in all areas of the their lives not just school.

What type of doctor are you seeing? Does he specialize in AD/HD?

Thanks everyone... it's all so confusing and overwhelming!
livingwithadd, Her Dr is Dr Braun, Pediatric nueroligist (sp?) from St Fran's in Boston... I've tried to do some research on him... but haven't been too successful.
I really don't want to overmedicate her... and she def notices a difference with the meds... she doesn't fight me on school days but is hesitant on the weekends... wants to know why she has to take it when she's not going to school... certainly she is much easier to handle when on the meds but I won't make her take them just to make things easier for me> I will however insist that she does if continuity is an issue.... maybe not necessary for summer months.
Gregster, she weighs around 72lbs..... soes that mean she should take 36mg?
Thanks everyone....

At 72 lbs the most effective dose would be about 36mg, but it does depend on the person, side effects, ect. Don't be suprised if her Dr increases to about that level - or even a bit higher - if she needs it.