Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/18/2006

Question
My 6 year old son has been diagnosed with ADHD in August 2006 and was put on Concerta 54 mg.  Before he started taking the meds he would go to sleep at night with absolutely no hassles.  After he started taking the meds he has every excuse in the book of why he can't sleep.  The next visit to the doctor, I explained this and she put with on 50 mg of Seroquel, he is currently taking 150 mg and she said to raise him up to 175 mg if needed.  The problems have only gotten worse.  I am at my wits end and can't see the doctor as often as I would like since she is the only child psycologist in our area, she is booked months in advance.  His daily behavior and attention have improved greatly and I fear taking him off the Concerta is going to change that.  Please help me, I am not sure what to do anymore.

Answer
Vicky, you put me in a difficult posision as I know what I want to say but it is difficult to say it. Please understand I can only comment ,not advise as I have not examined the patient. Firstly Psychologists are not medically qualified and should not prescribe medication. Next Seroqual is not intended for ADHD or for Children. Concerta may cause insomnia, depending on what time you give it in the morning. What time do you give it? There are many other  safe and effestive medications that could be used if neccessary to help sleep. A medcal doctor treating a patient must be available at all times for discussion, in case something serious happens. A responsible doctor cannot not be available! I suggest you seek medical advice.