Son just started medication

[tszklare]

Hello,

New here-from Indiana!

My 6 year old son just started Ritalin after a few years of trying every other possible solution. He’s only been on this for 2 days but we have seen no change—other than irritability around the 4 hour wear off mark. His dosage is low—-2.5mg 2x day for these first 2 weeks but I thought we would see something...? Does anyone have any insight as to whether it takes a while to build up? I thought adhd medication started effectiveness right away.

Looking to connect with other parents going through this journey.

Thanks!

[Shytwn]

My 6 year old grandson just finished his second week on Ritalin. He started at 2.5mg 2x day per day. He spent the last 2 weeks in a "Behavioral Clinic" for 6 hours per day (Monday through Friday). Two days in they recommended he start Ritalin. We were hoping the facility would (after his evaluation) give us other alternatives besides going directly to meds. Overall, we are finding this whole process very discouraging.

[tszklare in reply to Shytwn]

Thank you! I hope he is Doing better. Have you seen any improvement since starting the medication?

[Shytwn in reply to tszklare]

We noticed no change however he was on the Ritalin for slightly less than 2 weeks. The meds was not the option we wanted. We are looking at options that do not require taking meds because of his age (6 yrs./2months).

[anirush]

It can take 2-4 weeks to see if something working. It is the same amount of time to find out if the medication is making things worse. We have had meds that seemed like a miracle at first and then after 3-4 weeks things get even worse.

[Lashaun]

Hi me personally I wouldn't give my child Ritalin it's other medications they have instead of that and ones that stay in the system longer talk to your son family doctor

[tszklare in reply to Lashaun]

We spoke with the dr about longer lasting ones but he wasn’t comfortable with his age giving those yet.

[Elijah1]

If a dose will work, it takes 1-2 days to tell. However, aggravation of anxiety may take a few weeks (which may be the reason for the amount of time at this dose). This is a low dose for a 6 year old. See what happens when you increase the dose.