My six and a half year old son started Ritalin about 3 months ago and is now taking Concerta. From the moment he started taking the Ritalin and also on the Concerta, his behavior, while at school and childcare did a complete turn around. The teacher who before had so many negative things to say was completely speechless at a meeting to discuss his progress. In other words, the medication changed his behavior completely for the better...while at school and childcare.

At home is another subject. He is still very disorganized, compulsive, loud, can't stand still to have his teeth brushed, needs to be reminded over and over to get something done, etc. What a difference! I observed him numerous times at school and childcare and couldn't belive he was the same boy who has such different behavior at home. I thought the medication would work at school and home.

Do others experience this same thing? I am so glad about his behavior at school and childcare, but I want to reap some of the benefits at home.

Any suggestions?

My 8yr old son sound similar - he is fine during the day - at home or at school, he starts his loudness - more implusiveness in the evening - when his meds start to wears off - he too is on Concerta. I have spoke with the doc. on this, because also during this "period" he is very - anxious - worries about everything!!!! But I guess it is a side effect of Concerta?? and unless I want him on something else, (which I don't) we will try and deal with it. He did give me helpful hints in what to do and not to??? mainly - have lots of patients!! Which is hard when you have 3 kids and work full time, but anyway - Yes I know what you are talking about and sounds like we go through it too. I would love to hear others suggestions as well.

When my son was on Concerta, you definitely knew when it was wearing off--usually between 8 and 9 pm. I used to always say he'd never need to drink, he could just not medicate himself, that's how goofy he'd get. But, admittedly, he was absolutely hilarious when his Concerta wore off, so we tried to laugh about the behavior and have fun with it. I couldn't take it all day, but for an hour or so each evening... He's now on Strattera and one dose of Ritalin/day. The Strattera eliminates the "let down" wiredness and anxiety from coming off the Ritalin, and I assume it would do the same for the Concerta. I am considering, though, putting him back on Concerta when school starts. The male side effects discussed by men on the other thread have me concerned about a pre-puberty boy. We'll see.

well im on concerta, i started in 7th grade, it is true that i changes the way you act, friends notice it in me. They are always asking why i act so differant when im at home than when im at school. But for me its also a side effect is that i never talk at school, and i always am respectful to teachers. but at home im the total opposite, I dont do my homework very well and i am respectful to paretns but i am often rufuseing to do what they say. But yes it can change the way kids act totally.