The way Ritalin works is a little different from other meds. You don't build up a blood level and see more improvement with time. The effects kick in usually within 45 min and depending on whether he's on short or long acting it could last 3-4 hours or 6-9. After that its basically out of his system. Are you currently titrating the dose? If you just started and aren't seeing any effects she's probably not getting enough. Dosing is t based on age or weight, its based on how much improvement she has vs side effects. If you aren't scheduled to titrate up, you probably should call your doctor and discuss what you are (or aren't) seeing going on with her.

Tried it with my oldest son. He stopped eating and said it made him feel shakey inside. We changed him to concerta n that was a much better fit. Also the concerta didn't stay in his system. No build up, no weaning. It helped for eight hours. He didn't take it on weekends or whenever there was no school.

they should work right away... perhaps this medicine is not what your child needs. For my son, it helps him to focus better, but it can give him a tummy ache. Your child may be reacting to how the medicine makes her feel.

They put her on metadate (generic Ritalin) time released capsule.... Wed - bad; Thurs - worse; Fri - horrible!... she was trying to bite herself and couldn't even be in her classroom that day.... Mon - pretty good day.... worse thing was breaking pencils....so she doesn't have to work.... do they need to be on a med a certain length of time.... or... do you know right away it is going to work....

she started out at 5mg twice a day; was working pretty good.... changed it to 10mg at breakfast; 10mg at lunch and 5mg after school. Things were looking good and then all of a sudden..... the aggression and not wanting to do her work or what she is suppose to do has started..... she has an appointment on Tuesday.... my daughter is completely distraught and crying.... gd is telling Mommy "Don't be sad Mommy".... what can you say or do? She thinks they might put her on Risperdal....any suggestions,comments or help? Thanks...