ADHD Medication

6 replies

Peachyqueen · 17/03/2023 21:13

My DS9 has ASD and was diagnosed with ADHD this week. He's started on Medikinet XL and it's not had much effect. Does it take a while to kick in?

OP posts:

Return2thebasic · 17/03/2023 22:37

They usually start from very low dose to allow the body adjust to it and then gradually increase to the ideal level with weeks in between as settling intervals. It's called titration. Look up online. Lots of information.

Pheath · 17/03/2023 22:55

Hi peachyqueen
My son started on Equasym XL 5mg initially (now 10mg), also ASD and ADHD diagnosis. He's definitely been calmer and we noticed a difference pretty quickly. It has made bedtime v late though and he's not settling to sleep much before 10.30/11 which isn't ideal at 8yrs

Hopefully once your son's dose increases you'll see some benefits, at least it seems his body is tolerating it well.

Dodgeitornot · 19/03/2023 13:25

Medikinet XL didn't work on DD. We changed completely from Methylphenidate to Lisdexamphetamine (Elvanse) and it worked wonders.

Pheath · 19/03/2023 19:35

Hi Dodgeitornot
Is it right the non stimulants like Elvanese don't effect sleep? My son 8yrs is about week 4 taking methylphenidate and is taking until 11pm to settle which isn't great for the next day.
Also how long does the effect of Elvanese last and is there a come down when it wears off? .My son is definitely calmer on Equasym and was told the non stims are less powerful but want to build up my knowledge as you seem to have had a positive experience.
Thanks

KaliforniaDreamz · 23/03/2023 12:57

Elvanse is a stimulant.

Dodgeitornot · 30/03/2023 00:47

@Pheath Sorry only just seen this as I wasn't tagged. Elvanse is a stimulant as already mentioned. My DD couldn't really sleep on Equasym or Medikinet and we didn't really have any good come of those. It was weird as they didn't work yet the crash at the end of the day was huge, and lack of sleep was exhausting.
We've found that Elvanse lasts longer, but is much more stable. She on 40mg now and I can only tell a little bit when it's worn off. She takes it at 7am and is fine to go to sleep by 10pm. However she's a teen so it's different. Methylphenidate just didn't sit well with her and was turning her into an insomniac.

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