Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 8/18/2010

Question
My son Kris is on retalin 5mg/day. At night he is depressed which he never was before he took retalin. Why is this? Could this become cronic? He has been on it for 2 weeks. He definately is ADHD as he has a concentration problem and struggles to concentrate in class and do his homework.

Answer
You have not stated his age or when he takes his medication. However I assume he takes it first thing in the morning. If so, it fades in about 4 hours and for the rest of the day he is not on treatment. So his medication cannot make him depressed in the evening.  Moreover Ritalin is also an antidepressant. Most important ADHD is never a part time half a Day condition.  You should get expert advice on his treatment.