| |
You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) > Is Focalin XR really working properly?
Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/6/2009
Question
I have a 6 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD in Febuary 2009. His pediatrician put him on Focalin XR 5 mg, about 3 weeks later it was increased to 10 mg. It worked wonders for him, until about 3 months later when it had to be increased to 15 mg. Again, at the beginning of October we had yet another appointment because it seemed to be wearing off earlier and earlier in the day, his Dr. added an afternoon dose of regular Focalin at 5mg to be taken after school. Now there are problems at school and I have been informed by his teacher that it seems to be getting earlier in the day when he starts having problems.(impluse control, listening, sitting for any period of time, completing simple tasks) I called his Dr. again and she wants to up the dose again to 20 mg and keep the afternoon dose too. I had tried to talk to her about switching medications, but she doesn't want to do that, she says we just need more time to find the right dose. My feeling is that we have found the right dose 3 times, but his body seems to building up a resistance. Am I right in thinking that his body keeps building a resistance to the medicine? That we will just keep having to up the dose every few months and every few months have issues at school when otherwise he is one of the best students in his class. I am also curious about how safe this is to continue increasing a medicine that his body is able to build a resistance to fairly easily.
Answer
Firstly the body does not develope resistance to the medication. Next the dose is not dependant on age or weight but how they respond. That is why there are so many different strengths of medication. Anything up to 40mg may be needed. My only critisism is why is the doctor increasing the dose so slowly? If rating scales from parent and teacher are used on a regular basis,they show instantly if the dose is too little. just right or too much. Too much will make the child "zombified" and withdrawn. Even a dose too little will show some improvement but might not be optimal. I hope this helps. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor questions.
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
