What is the ideal dose for maximum medication effectiveness Focalin XR

My 17 yr old son has tried several different medications and currently on Focalin XR. He started with 20mg and increased dose until 35 mg. When he took 35mg for a day he experienced increased heart rate, so it was reduced to 30mg. However, when it was reduced to 30mg, he said it was not great as when he was on 35mg. On 35mg he said he could get things much quicker and without much breaks.

I am wondering about how you know if you achieved the "sweet spot" with the medication. I feel he is not fully benefiting at 30mg but at the same time having little side effects versus 35mg with increased heart rate. I would love get some thought on this.

[Onthemove1971]

This is such a hard question.. we tried so many different types of medication. I was very worried, but we had to go to a 2 medication combination. He takes Ritalin and Guanfacine. Ritalin is for impulsive behavior and Guanfacine helps with emotions and focus. This has been the perfect combination. I wonder if he could try a stimulant and non-stimulant. It is important for him to feel success. He takes Guanfacine as a 24 hour dose and he takes it at bedtime which helps with sleep.

Hope this helps in some way.

[anirush]

My 16 year old grandson went off Focalin XR when he got to 30mg and it wasn't working anymore. His psychiatrist would not go any higher. It tool awhile, he has anxiety and depression issues too, but we finally found a combination that works for him.He is on Wellbutrin for depression but it is also supposed to help with ADHD. He also takes Intuniv and Guanfacine.

He is in a high pressure collegiate program in high school and doing well. If he forgets a dose of medication it really shows with irritability, probably actually the depression.

Everyone reacts differently to medication so it is trial and error.

[Redpanda5]

There is so much trial and error! If I were in your shoes I would probably try a different medication. My daughter took Focalin XR at first but we moved Vyvanse which she tolerates better and it works better for her for focus. Don’t settle. Her doctor will give about a week for a new med/dose and if it doesn’t work for some reason by all means go back for something different after just a few days.

[Hidden in reply to Redpanda5]

Thank you Redpanda5 - I agree wholeheartedly, I don't want to settle and like you I thought about trying Vyvanse. I don't know if my insurance will cover. I don't believe there is a generic either. Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions!!

[Redpanda5 in reply to Hidden]

There is a big coupon that comes with the Vyvanse prescription (you get from the prescribing doctor) that is good for 2-4 years. I keep the coupon card in my purse and show it every time I fill the prescription (even though I have insurance covering it too). You can also stack a GoodRX.com coupon on top of that (I don’t know off hand if it covers Vyvanse but it’s worth a look). You can STACK coupons! Good luck. You’re completely on the right track.