Suggest Ways To Manage The Side Effects Of Ritalin

Posted on Mon, 5 Oct 2015

Question: I have an 8 year old that has been diagnosed with ADHD (impulsive and hyperactive). I have gotten 2 opinions but no one can seem to get his medicine right. He is currently on Ritalin 20 mg ER and 10 mg of the regular Ritalin at lunch time. All of his days are not the same on this medicine. One day he may be bouncing around and other days he will be in a daze. He says his mind is in a trance when this happens. He is having trouble at school keeping up with the class and staying on task. We have tried Concert 18, 27 and 36 mg. The 27 mg worked good in the first grade but didn't in the second grade so we switched over to the Ritalin again. Can someone please give me some sort of insight on what to try next?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
other molecule from stimulant medicines can be used

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Ritalin and concerta are almost same drugs containing methylphenidate. They seem to be not working completely.
In this case if I were his treating doctor I would like to shift to dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) first. They are good in terms of side effects in comparison to ritalin/concerta. These newer preparations aim to maximize the target effects and minimize the adverse effects in individuals with ADHD who obtain partial response from methylphenidate or whose dose was limited by side effects

If at all these do not work option is to add clonidine to above or either shift to adderall.

All preparations available in sustained release form which prevents/reduces side effects.

Apart from medicines simultaneously psycho social intervention/counseling and behavior therapy should be continued.

Discuss above alternatives with his treating doctor and change the medicine.

Hope I have answered your query and I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (23 minutes later)

Thank you very much for responding so quickly! I will talk with his doctor about changing his medicine.

Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
welcome and take care

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for feedback.

You are always welcome.

If no query there you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service. In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:
http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page.

Take care.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar