Concerta - New to all of this.

Emily, This is a common drug used for ADHD. My son took it but had OCD behavior while taking it. He was very depressed and started having very strange thoughts that he could not get out of his head. They took him off all stimulants and put him on imipramine and strattera. He is better from the OCD but I can’t tell that the strattera has done anything for the ADHD. He seems to think he is concentrating better but I really can’t tell. Hope your experience is a good one. Many people take it with little or few side effects. Jan

Concerta is essentially Ritalin that lasts 8-10 hours. Many people have had good luck with it. If you feel it isnt working, or he is reacting ‘wrong’, there are other drug options.

Each kid is different and its often trial and error to see what works for each one.

Good luck and realize that some of the side effects(sleeplessness, tummy ache)will go away in a week or two for most kids

My child who is nearly 8, weighs 56 lbs, started on 36 mg but it was too strong. She started yawning, looked like she felt ill (but said she didn’t) and became very lethargic. We’re now trying 27 mg.

What about doing 18 mg instead of 27..My daughter started on 18mg when she was 10 and it was fine…4 years later she is now on 54mg.

Emily,
I have two adhd sons on concerta, it has been almost a year since they started. They have had school success and no side affects.
As always, all folks are different and will react differently. Just work closely with your child’s doc. If you don’t find success with concerta, there are other options. Hope this helps.
Best wishes.
Amy

Today went really well. Christopher came home with two notes from his teachers saying how well he did today. They don’t know about the medicine switch either, so I know they aren’t biased. What a pleasant surprise to actually have a GOOD note come home! TWO good notes! :)

Thanks for all the responses!

Emily
The Woodlands, TX

My son is 14 - on concerta 36. very impulsive behaviors, calling folks doesn’t report “strange thoughts” but he really isn’t attending. When we tried Concerta 3 years ago- we had no response at all. now the behaviors start in the afternoon.

Hi Emily,

I’m new to all this too. My son is 8 years old and just started on Concerta this week. I recieved very positive reports from his homeroom teacher, music teacher the very first day and from his church teacher after being on Concerta for only 2 days. He’s on 18mg and we’re delighted with the changes we see in him. He still has high energy, but can focus and remember details now.

Wishing you the best,

Pam