Medication and sleeping HELP! - ADD / ADHD Message Board

DawnP · 03-04-2002, 12:30 PM

I am the mother of two boys with ADHD. My oldest has been taking Ritalin for two years and my 6 year old who was just diagnosed is taking Concerta - 36 mg. I am already seeing benefit except he lies awake in bed at night sometimes until 11:30. Prior to this he was a great sleeper once he settled down. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it possible he'll adjust and this will lessen? It is really upsetting. Is he taking too much meds? I really think he needs the 36 mg. If anyone can relate or knows about this, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks,

Dawn

mlgable · 03-04-2002, 11:10 PM

Insomnia is one of the side effects of both Ritalin and Concerta. You may want to give the doc a call and see what he suggests you do about this unwanted side effect. They may advice you wait and see if he gets used to the medication or they want to do something else. Best to let the doc decide.

heatherceana · 03-10-2002, 11:16 AM

Also, sleep problems are often the result of not only how much meds are taken, but when the meds are taken. My son is on Ritalin. He requires 20mg in order to be able to function. I give him 20mgs in the morning (as our schools only go to 12noon) and 10mgs around noon. If I give him 20mgs around noon, he has trouble sleeping, but if he takes even just 10mgs after 2pm, he is up half the night. He is about 20kg. That is about 50lbs.

I am also on Ritalin. I am about 185lbs. I take 20mgs in the morning, 20mgs around noon, and then 20mgs around 4pm. Although I function better on 30mgs, 90mgs is significantly higher than the maximum daily recommended amount. My 20mgs usually doesn't disrupt my sleep.

Your doctor should be able to help you adjust the dosages or times of dosing.

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Take Care!

Heather Ceana

DawnP · 03-10-2002, 06:41 PM

Thanks Guys for your help!

Born2BuildsWife · 03-12-2002, 09:44 AM

Hi...My son is 6 years old and has ADD. He is on Concerta 18 mg. first thing in the morning. I found that even with this small dose, that he had some problem sleeping at night. I found that if I give it to him first thing in the morning, Like at 6:30 am, it has worn off by nighttime, and he sleeps well. The concerta seems to be working well for him, as he was just diagnosed Last month. No huge dramatic change, but a small change that both teachers and myself can see;-), hope this helps, Alexis