I have posted in the past about my 12 year old son; he has been on Ritalin for 4 years (got up to 40 mg.- 20 in the AM, 20 at lunch and weighs +/- 80 lbs) We found this to be the most effective med. with the fewest side effects, however this year it seemed to be less effective for him so his Dr. suggested Focalin, 20 mgs. in the AM, which he has been taking for the past 6 weeks (only on school days) and it is helping him even less. I might add that he is also taking fish oil, evening primrose oil, magnesium and an adult multi-vitamin.
My questions are: My understanding is that both Ritalin and Focalin are slightly different formulations of the same medication. Should the dosage be the same, in other words does 20 mgs. of Focalin = 20 mgs. of Ritalin? His Dr. told me yes, and we should up his dosage of Focalin to 30 mgs. and probably up it again soon to 40 mgs. (equaling the Ritalin) However, I read on this forum that 20 mgs. of Focalin = 40 mgs. of Ritalin, because it is a purer form. How can I find out for sure? I do not like meds anyway, I certainly do not want to over medicate him.
Also, if anyone here has taken both Ritalin and Focalin, or even Concerta, could you please let me know if/how they differed, and if one was more effective than the other? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

My 8 year old son has taken Concerta, Ritalin and Focalin.

The concerta seemed to work but gave him stomach pains and headaches. The ritalin seemed to make him really moody and aggressive and not help much. He just started Focalin 20 mg. and so far it is working ok for him.

Good Luck!!

Thanks for the reply. My son just started Concerta, 36 mgs., today, we'll see how it goes. I did find the answer to one of my questions [removed] - 20 mgs. of Focalin is equal to 40 mgs. of Ritilan. I don't think the Dr. knew that, unless I mis-understood her, but she does now. The pharmacy wouldn't fill the prescription because she had written two dosages for the same medication on one slip (20 mgs. + 10 mgs.). They didn't mention that the dosage was too high, but [removed] 20 mgs. should be the maximum dose even for adults! Really glad I looked it up on this board [removed]. Can't be too careful, especially with new meds. Drs. and pharmasists do make mistakes.

Hi,
I'm new to this but just wanted to let you know a little about my experience.
My son who is now 14 was on ritalin for 4 years.
Although in the beginning it was very effective and helped my son calm down which gave us an opportunity to improve his behaviour, we too found the effects wearing off and becoming less effective.
My son who was 12 at the time made the choice to come off medication altogether and under the guidance of the hospital that's what he did.
He has now been off medication for two years and although some days are better than others his behaviour and ADD is relatively calm.
I'm sure you you will soon the right medication and doseage for your son but thought you may like to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel too.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Thanks, I am really glad to hear of other's experiences. That is great news that your son is doing well without medication, fortunately some kids do outgrow the need for it or find ways to compensate as they mature. I really am not comfortable with giving my son medication, and he does not take it at all during the summer, school breaks and week-ends. At the beginning of every school year I have waited to see how things go, and every year I get a call within the first week about how he is disorganized, unable to focus on any assignments, cannot pay attention to what is being said, etc. etc. etc.
His ADD/ADHD seems to be on the severe end of the sprectum, yet he is intellegent, articulate and has an amazing memory for any subject (not school related) that he has an interest in. He is barely passing his core subjects this year because he is not doing his class work and home work, and is especially struggling in math. One day he did not take the Ritalin, by accident he had dropped it on the floor. (we hadn't notice because he also takes supplements at the same time). I thought about dropping by school to give it to him but wanted to see if/how it made a difference. He came home VERY flustered and complained about what a bad day it was - he could'nt concentrate AT ALL. So I know it helps somewhat, and for him I feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.
We are going to start with a tutor for math soon; he also has two supplemental periods a day where he is able to get extra help in a small group. But apparently he is not making the best use of that time, as they expect the students to take the initiative and he says he is embarrassed to ask, I also suspect he has trouble organizing his thoughts well enough to know what he needs help with. Both of us are frustrated at this point.

I myself was put on ritalin, it increases the dopamine output, thus being catagorized a stimulent. I would rebound so badly when I came off of it, I would blow up in such an uncharacteristic way that I scared off both my brothers every day after school. Is he having caffine during the day? I don't know much about the new medicines, but if it is a purified form of ritalin, the 2stimulants together can overload your nervous system. Any citric juices also lessen the effect they have. you say hes been taking them for 6 weeks only on school days? I would say don't go to your regular doctor, go to a specialist. I also recommend Windows into the ADD mind, by Daniel G. Amen. and Living with ADD by Rebecca Kajander. It was so helpful in learning how to cope, and of how to go about finding the right meds.
Remember, the goal is to be the best functioning, not to get off meds!

Thanks for your personal experience with Ritalin, I will keep that in mind. He has been on 36 mgs. of Concerta starting this week, there are not any significant changes either way, but he is not complaining about it wearing off during the end of the school day like the Focalin was. I forgot to mention this, but he also gets a cup of mocha in the morning with his med./supplements. Half coffee, half milk and a little chocolate syrup. Funny, but he says that coffee makes him feel calmer, if he has too much he gets tired(!?) He rarely drinks soft drinks, so I don't think he is over-loaded with caffiene.
I have one of Daniel Amen's books, "Healing ADD" I found it very informative when I read it several years ago, I need to re-visit it. I wish I could afford a brain scan for him. He seems to mainly have the over-focused type. I will look for the other books you recommend, also.

some meds say not to take within 2hours of taking magnesium. it blocks the medication. does he take these at the same time?

Yes, he does - I didn't realize it may not be best to take them at the same time. I could give him the magnesium at dinner, just to be safe. Thanks for the tip.