Posted by LynMaire on February 10, 2001, at 20:47:01
My 17 yr. old daughter and I have both been dx ADHD(her)/ADD(me)and on Ritalin for many years. We've both done very well on Ritalin but wanted something that lasted longer.
Last week she changed from Ritalin to Concerta, and I changed from Ritalin to Adderall. Question #1: Is there a formula to determine the correct dose when changing to these meds.?
My daughter's Ritalin dose had been 20mg., 3xday. The Dr. put her on 36mg of Concerta taken once a day, but my daughter felt it wasn't as effective in helping her concentrate in class so the dosage was upped to 54mg. She feels the 54mg. Concerta gives her about the same level of concentration.
The Dr. told me that the 36mg Concerta was the equivalent of the dose she'd been taking (60mg) of Ritalin. I'm wondering if he's wrong about the dosing equivalent, especially since this is a relatively new medication. Question #2: Does anyone here know how to calculate the dosage change from Ritalin to Concerta?
I changed from Ritalin: 10mg.,3xday, to Adderall: 10mg.,2xday. Yesterday I took the first Adderall and it felt like WAY too much. Today I took 1/2 (5mg.)and it was okay, but I'm not sure I like it as much as the Ritalin...I was irritable/nervous when it first kicked in. Question #3: Will that change after I've taken it for a while?
Also, my Dr. set the Adderall doses 8 hrs. apart, but from what I've researched, most people are finding it wears off within 4-5 hours. Question #4: Can anyone give me some specific dose/times that they find are best?
Thanks....LynMaire
poster:LynMaire
thread:53706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010131/msgs/53706.html