Daughter has been on 10mg of Ritalin LA for a week now and I have seen little change

[Rockin Robin]

My daughter has been on 10mg of Ritalin LA for a week now. I really haven't seen a change. You still have to tell her things 4 and 5 times I don't see her concentration drastically improving and the poor thing cant seem to fall asleep before 10 at night. Today is a full week. I'm just not sure at what point do I call the doctor for a med change? As it has only been a week. Will the non sleepyness (not sure if that is a real word ) go away or not. Thursday night she asked if she could have her meds at night so she'll be sleepy the next night. She just stares at the ceiling at night. I here her in her room but I don't yell its not her fault. She does eventually fall asleep. I just don't know what to do.
Thanks
Robin

[Lafnalot]

I would talk with her doctor. She may need something to help her sleep at night for right now. I dont know if tea will help, strong tea with caffein, I give it to my youngest and myself and within no time we are yawning.

This is also something her doctor needs to know about since all her symptoms allow him to throughly discern what meds will help her, what therapies, what to worry about and what to let her find ways around. Sleep is a definate need---our symptoms only get exacerbated without enough sleep.

Really glad to see you posting so much, you have alot of good points to bring up.

[Rockin Robin]

Well if you all help me than I think it is only fair to "try" to help others! They me be wrong or right but that is why they are called "opinions" lol. You all are my new found family. It gives me someone to talk to about mine and my daughters issues.
Robin

[Lafnalot]

Perfect great analogy

[prumont]

The meds alone are not likely to change her ability to focus on you, listen & then act upon what you have said. It might be worthwhile to investigate combining the meds with something like cognitive behavioural therapy? Also many people find they have to try out varying dosages or even different meds to get a good result - so talk it over with your doctor. In addition, you might try to ensure she has some physical activity mid to late afternoon as this can help with getting to sleep. The other thing you can try is to ensure that your daughter has a pre bed time ritual, a series of activities & steps that help her brain get the message that it is sleep time coming up - this really helped my partner who had insomnia.

Good luck []

[AshesMom]

My daughter(7) has only been on meds for 2 months. She started out with Methylin ER (Generic Ritalin). Last month we went to her pediatricin and he switched her to Ritalin LA (free month) because I was concerned with her decrease in appetite from the Methylin. She was on Ritalin LA for only a few days and I had received notes home from her teacher and bad reports from her daycare provider. I was not impressed with it at all. I immediately called her ped and had him switch her back to the Methylin ER.

Just wanted to share my experience with Ritalin LA. It was almost as if she had no meds at all.

I would call your Doc asap...