Do medication rebound symptoms fade after using the meds for a while?

[AlltheLegos]

So today was our first day using meds. He's starting with the lowest dose of immediate release ritalin. We homeschool, so I saw some improvement in his focus and attitude this morning. But at about the 3.5 hour mark, he lost it. He just kept crying about every little thing and became very argumentative again. I'm wondering if this might be the rebound some people talk about, and if it is, if it's likely to be this way every day on this particular prescription, or if these things go away with time. I know one day is not a definitive sample size, so I'm just curious for now as we continue down this road.

[Onthemove1971]

Hello-I am not sure about the word "rebound". If I were in your shoes I would ask for an extended release so the medication can help him for more hours of the day. It then might wear off in the late afternoon.

Hope that helps.

[Birdwatcher19]

This is likely a reaction to the medication wearing off, yes. Adding a second dose of IR, or switching to an extended release often helps, although you still may have to contend with some type of crash at the end of the day. Encourage protein snacks as the medication is wearing off (maybe start at the 3-hour mark if he’s losing it at 3.5 hours). Exercise helps, so this would be a good time to go for a brisk walk or run around outside. It’s definitely not the time to do homework! Good luck. I take Ritalin IR myself and can attest to the fact that it’s no fun when it’s wearing off, though it may be more tolerable for him as he gets used to the feeling, and with the above modifications.