How can I tell if Ritalin is working for my 7 year old son?

Question

His pediatrician determined that he is potentially borderline ADD (not ADHD as he is not hyperactive). He just has trouble listening and focusing on his school work and day to day tasks at home. He has been on 10mg of Ritalin for 2 days now and so far I do not notice any difference. I asked him how he has felt and he said it makes him feel hyper. Should it make him feel that way or is that an indication that he doesn't need it? Or is it too soon to tell? Also, he got a bad sunburn while outside playing today which is unusual even in springtime here. Does Ritalin cause sun sensitivity?

Answer 1

If this drug were going to be affective for your son you would see a very marked improvement in his ability to focus and stay on task.  10 mg is an appropriate dosage for his age if he is within normal weight levels.  The drug is a stimulant so it is not surprising that he feels a little hyper but not to worry that usually wears off once he's been on it a while.   It is not uncommon to have to try several drugs before you find the one that works the best for him.  Yes the drug does cause increase sensitivity to the sun.

Here's what I would recommend since he's border line.  Our pediatric specialist told us that ours needs to be on a multivitamin with iron (which he is) and Fish oil with Omega 3 and DHA.  The DHA is something the body needs to help with focusing but isn't able to make it and it's only contained in very few foods such as fish.  I did some research and the cod liver capsiles with DHA for kids is suppose to be the best out there.  It can take several months before the levels increase and then stablize in the body before you may notice improvements.  The Dr. told us that many kids can go off their meds by just taking those too things.  They are all natural substances so it's worth a shot.  

As for the Ritalin I would give it at least a week to see what his body does and if he's still hyper and not focused then talk to the Dr about Concerta.  It's another form of methylphenidate but with one less component than Ritalin and many kids do really well on it.  Stay away from Adderall.  The drug is very harsh and really shouldn't be given to kids this young, at least in my opinion.  Best of luck

Answer 2

I'm not sure I can be of too much help, but my friend's daughter is on ritalin.  She says that it helps her a lot, and that it helps her focus in school.  She sees a big difference.  So if you don't see a big difference, it's not because it isn't possible.  maybe something needs to be adjusted...?

Answer 3

I don't believe that this drug is the answer to most of the children who are prescribed it.  I have found that many of the doctors don't know a heck of a lot about the medicine as well..  This stuff messes with the Serotonin levels in the brain.  It causes more production than if it wasn't in the body.  What happens is that the chemicals become imballenced up in the brain, which could lead into depression or worse in the end.  The result could be worse than what was intended.  This is nothing to fool around with.  Many of children who are diagnosed with ADD are truly not, but just have high energy levels, and are very spirited.  

We are evolving, and more and more children are being born with more energy than the older generations.  Older generations are mistaken this for a medical condition.  So what do they do?  They give them pills to "chill" them out.  These kids then are drugged, subdued, and who they truly are born here to do, they are suppressed from.

Please get second or 3rd opinion before ever giving this dangerous drug to a child.  Do reasearch on it.  You'll find out how dangerous it is.  Use your instincts too.

Answer 4

look, im 14 and my brother had ritalin, there are problems that happened to him, he has ADHD and autismn, email my  mom, actually, it might help you.

[e-mail]  im dominique and my mom is denise, if you have ANY questions, she is the one to ask! no lie

i hope she has some info for you, i just dont want doctors to mess up your son too, you know, if that take him off to fast, he can go into a coma...