my 7 year old son just started this med-18 mg per day. Does anyo...

My son is also 7, he was first diagnosed informally (in Kindergardtn), then finally formally and medicated after the first quarter of first grade. He was initially put on Ritalin, 5mg, 2 times per day. However, the effects weren't as we hoped, and we had him put on Concerta, 18mg per day. His first grade report card reads like a parent's dream come true. 1st quarter: he's having attention and behavour problems, can't sit still to do his work. 2nd quarter: what a change, he's completing more assignments and his reading has improved, 3rd quarter: I can't believe this is the same little boy that came to my class at the beginning of the year. 4th quarter: Jaden is a joy to teach, one of my favorite students, top of the list for the Advanced Reading program, incredible improvement.

Now, he does/did have some issues during the draw down time (my term for after the Concerta's effects have worn off). He tends to get a little emotional at inappropriate times (his shoestring broke, and he cried over it), but once we recognized what it was, it was easier to deal with, and now that has pretty much passed. We have kept him on the Concerta through the summer, giving him days off randomly.

Compared to the Zombification that the Ritalin induced, not to mention the nausea that came if he didn't eat soon enough after taking the pill, the Concerta's side effects are negligible.

Our doctor proscribed counseling in addition to the medication, and he sees a psychiatrist quarterly. I truly believe that the counseling is worthwhile.

Hope this helps!

P.S.

I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD at 18. My brother's ADD plus Oppositional Defiance Disorder plus some learning issues overshadowed my condition until I was out of the house. I was put on Ritalin from 18 to 25 years of age (minus pregnancy with my son), then I suggested the change to Concerta and have been on that since then, except during my pregnancy with my daughter. I started counseling at the recommendation of my new primary care provider and have found it immensely helpful. My counselor specializes in Art Therapy, which is great because it gives me something to do with my hands while we talk. Allows me to be more open and free thinking, which most of the time leads to the resolution of the issues I face.
Additionally, my mom and dad both most likely have ADD.

Once again, I hope this helps, feel free to e-mail me at jksmamaorta@hotmail.com if you have any more questions or concerns.