started my kid on ritalin

[Mommywarrior4LC]

hi everyone, i started my son on Ritalin immediate release low dose 2.5mg twice a day, and noticed he’s having trouble sleeping at night. I even tried giving him a melatonin gummy, but it didn’t work. I was wondering if any parents out there could tell me what times worked best to administer the med to your kid?? I’m trying to give it to him when he wakes up and at 3 (after school), but it’s still affecting his sleep patterns.

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome. Could you try reducing the second dose in the afternoon and see if that changes the sleeping issue? So full dose when he wakes up then 1/2 when he finishes school?Just a thought. Hope it is helping?

[kdali]

I would ask his provider if the 2nd dose is too late.

[lenkebra in reply to kdali]

I concur. My son took his last dose at 12:45pm in getting through the school day bearing in mind, the immediate release typically lasts 3-4hrs. Unfortunately, 3pm is way too late & as you see, affects sleep.

[3222]

Praying for u and Hang in there 😢🙏🏾 A Woman/Mother Job is NEVER Done and having a child that has a diagnosis and on meds can be difficult

[Klmamma]

2nd dose is probably too late. It can last up to 6 hours for some kids. I also find that the sleep issues sometimes occur just the first two weeks. My son usually just has issues the 3rd night of a dose increase and we use benadryl that night. Speak to your doctor before doing so though.

[Mamamichl]

3 is too late in the day. Parents usually have the kid take it at school lunch time. (11am-1pm))

[MomofADHDBoy6]

I agree. Our boy is on the same thing and our doc says not to administer the second dose any later than 12pm. He says it’s really to help them in school. Then wears off around 4. So to do homework right when he gets home before it wears off.