Anyone have kids on Focalin XR ?

Sandra - posted on 09/29/2012

My dr started mine on 5 mg. She said in a week to increase to 10 mg if it didn't last throughout the day. They increase 5 mg each week until they find the right dose. She said when it lasts about 12 hours that is the right dose.



My 5 year old is doing good with the 5mg it lasts right at 12 hours. Which means it wears off about 6:30. Since school and homework are done at that time, I'd rather deal with a little activity and have that burst of appetite than increase his dose.

Nancy - posted on 09/29/2012

my 9 yrs.old has been on it since school started. our 5 yr old just started it last wed. i know how hard it is to deal with this issue.i also have an 11 yr.there foster sib.we have to stay right on top of it.i don;t want to have to drug my boys up anymore than i have to .I would love to have quite kids, when they need to be, instead of yelling and repeating a hundred times.we use corner time, room time, no snack at night.to reinforce.My 5 wouldn;t let me help him do a nose spray for allergies this morning.i told him to go get in the corner, till he can quit playing and do it right.Tough love.it's very tiring,and stressful.i;m also type 1 diabetic,and have lost alot of weight.The Lord helps my husband ,and I one day at a time.our kids love us .but they know we don;t take anything off them .God bless and peace be with you and your house..

Nancy - posted on 09/29/2012

our Dr. said if it doesn;t last she will give us extra for after school.ask ur Dr.

Corry - posted on 09/29/2012

I totally agree. It only lasts about 5 hours. My son is hitting a wall in kindergarten around 1:00 after taking it at 8 am. Reading other forum posts, it seems a lot of children need a second medication "chaser" to make it through the afternoon.

Sandra - posted on 09/28/2012

Tomorrow is one week on Focalin xr and I am so happy with the results. My 5 year old has come home with great behavior colors every day this week instead of daily notes about bad behavior and/or phone calls. His school work is all completed and all 100 % grades. His handwriting before this week always said practice on it. This week great job and beautiful handwriting. A few weeks ago he was moved to a desk off to side instead of the tables with the other children because he was disturbing the other kids so bad. Today he told me that he gets to sit by someone again! He seems so happy and relaxed now when he talks about school.



I am not use to these kinds of results with meds. My oldest son used concerta or adderall for about a week but he was so emotional and losing weight we took him off. We have used straterra since for him , my other son, and for myself the results have not been as noticeable. Is focalin that much better or did I just get lucky with his first med?

Nancy - posted on 09/27/2012

hi,i have a 9 year old foster son.he has been on this med. since school started,5mg.his grades are better.but when he gets home he is wired and hungry.man size meal.he is only 60 pds.

also have a 5 year old just started it yesterday.this morning i heard him yelling in there room,was running around afraid,some thing was in the room.had 100* fever,shaking,jurking.has had a congestion with a cough for awhile.ask your dr. to give him an extra on for after school.we go to the nova center in hunts. al.good with the kids....

Leah - posted on 09/05/2012

My son just started it. His definitely works for 12 hours. It knocks him out in the evening. Maybe it's not the right medication or dose for your child.

Samantha - posted on 08/18/2012

My son just turned 11. He has been on Focalin XR 2O mg for several years now. Last year his Dr. Added a 5mg XR for afternoon. He takes it when he gets home from schoool to help with the homework and to make it through the night :-) His Dr said that 20mg is the Max he can take at one time. Before he was on Concerta but kept loosing weight.

Chrystall - posted on 08/07/2012

Yes focalin Xr does wear off. My son is 9. He has ADHD plus a very over active mind. He takes it in the morning by 1:30 to 2:00 it wears off. Then at 3 when he comes home I give him a 10mg Ritalin pill. which is only a 4to 5 hour pill. which he is still active plays he is a normal little boy but he can slow down enough to concentrate on stuff more. But with all med for ADHD when a kid comes off the meds or it wears down all the energy they did not use during the time on the pill. It will kick in on the kid. Also the thing about most night meds is the kid will get used to it faster then most. So you will have to keep upping the dose. I have had friends do the melatonint. Just be careful if you notice your kid having vivid dreams or nightmares. That is the major side affect with a kid.

Amy - posted on 07/31/2012

Well, "user". I am not uneducated. I am a Registered Nurse with a 4 year degree, and was a Pediatric ICU nurse for over 14 years. Maybe you should talk to Corry about jumping all over my case because I suggested exercise. Not everyone knows that vigorous excercise, like running, has proven benefits like increasing serotonin, norepinephrine and other chemicals in the brain to help stimulate nuerotransmitters. My son's Pediatric Neurologist suggested it & it has done wonders for my child.



See, your not the only parent that has gone to every specialist, and tried literally everything under the sun to help their child. Don't "assume" someone is uneducated because they suggest exercise. Just because you own a daycare, or have an autistic child, does NOT make you an expert. I didn't need his sarcastic nasty comments. Nobody does. It doesn't help anyone here. Funny how you put "God" in your post when it's convenient. Maybe a little less judgement would be something a "christian" would do.



Was Corry afraid to respond to my post himself? I am done responding to your idiotic posts...

Amy - posted on 07/31/2012

Wow, Corry. I don't know how old your child is, but if he is in pre-school and not potty trained, he sounds awefully young to be on a stimulant. Part of his energy/not able to focus or sit still could definitely be age related.

Corry - posted on 07/31/2012

Meant for Amy about exercise. No kidding. And limit tv. And watch their diets. And make sure they get proper rest. And engage them. And encourage social interaction. And parent with the positive behavior support system. And use a visual schedule. And make things doable so you have the opportunity to reward them. And use a behavior system. And provide structure. And would you like me to keep going on and on? We have seen a neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, had genetic testing, eliminated gluten, I quit my job and run a daycare, we follow up with a top notch developmental pediatrician. Parents don't need to hear suggestions like "get the kid some exercise". Thanks for the lack of support entirely. Why even make such a comment. Go join Tom Cruise and others who don't know anything about brain chemistry. And in the mean time, learn to give a parent some praise for their efforts. We are here to support one another. Not listen to your lame suggestions.

Corry - posted on 07/31/2012

This reply isn't helpful at all.

Corry - posted on 07/31/2012

My 5 year old son is on Focalin XR 5 mg. We are trying to double the dose as we had previously but he became a bit aggressive prior. This time he seems more focused but a bit emotional. I know it is one of the side effects. He goes and goes and goes. Exercise is important but let me tell you how nice it is for him to be able to sit and attend. He was able to complete several learning exercises with myself and the daycare kids this morning. We are hoping his ability to focus will help catch him up developmentally and even help with potty training. He is less impulsive. He seems less impulsive since doubling the dose. Often times, he will run from me no matter where we are and what the dangers may be. I'm hoping this stops. It helps to read the other posts and see that I am not alone. We follow feingold diet, limit tv, engage him, and get his lots of exercise. Any other helpful suggestions?

Amy - posted on 07/29/2012

Want to know something that I found that is safe, effective and you don't even have to give your kids addictive drugs?? EXERCISE!! Just try it. You'll be amazed :)



I also follow Feingold, give an awesome omega 3 supplement, give a multi-vitamin, and have my child in play therapy. He is not perfect, nobody is, but it helps...



Amy

Toni - posted on 07/28/2012

my 7 yr old takes it but also takes 5mg of ritalin after lunch to help him make it through the day

Kristie - posted on 07/10/2012

My 9 year old daughter is taking Focalin XR 10 mg and I have been noticing the same problem. It seems to not last. I am going to call her Dr and see what he suggests. She is starting to lose her friends again.

Amy - posted on 06/20/2012

My son was on Focalin XR for a year. It started making him very irritable and have terrible temper tantrums. We took him off of it.

Now he just takes an Intuniv 2mg in the am. Keeps him calm, and patient. By bedtime(8pm), he is tired and sleeps well. I love it!

Amy

Danielle - posted on 06/20/2012

Hi, yes my son is 10 years old and is on Focalin XR, he takes a 10mg and 15 mg at 8am, then a 10mg again at 12pm, then another 10mg at 3pm. I had the same problem. But I have many questions. He is diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, but his Dad is Bi-polar, and so is my Mom so his chances of being bi-polar are high, but they haven't really considered it. As, for your son it sounds like he might need an adjustment.

Nancy - posted on 06/14/2012

We give my son melatonin to help him sleep. works great. and yes, he's on focLin xr.

Diana - posted on 05/14/2012

My 9 year old son has been on Focalin XR for about a year and a half now. we started at 5 mg and are now at 10mg. The reason our pediatrician decided Focalin XR was the best for our son was because it is an extended release but does not last extremely long. He does only take it mon-fri and by the time he comes home at 2:30 there seems to be just enough left in him that he can focus on doing his homework. What we started doing was instead of giving him his medicine at 7:00 am and catching the bus for 7:15 am, we now drive him to school and give it to him while we are in the car loop around 7:50, so by the time he gets to his class, puts his things away, does the pledge and morning announcements his medication has started working and lasts until a litte after 3:30.

Jennifer - posted on 05/11/2012

I had been thinking of giving half in the am as well for my 12. I have done this with my 10 yr from time to time just because of how he acts.

I should try this with my 12yo

Jennifer - posted on 05/11/2012

My kids 7, 10 and 12 all do, but the lowest doses I can give them. I homeschool just for your fyi. Last year my oldest was still on a second dose of a small dose from 5mg to the next day I dropped it. There are some days it is rougher then others, but I really wanted him off it.

If I know we are going to be out I give them their meds a bit later in the morning. I can because we stay at home.

My 7 is on 5mg. 10 on 10mgs, but was on 5 for the longest time. The 12 is on 20mg.

I make sure protein is thrown in the diet (yogurt shakes) and about 6 months ago started using Flax seed.

Amy - posted on 05/11/2012

Hi Sonya,
Do you think maybe he needs an increase, or maybe even an afternoon booster about 12-1:00? I have a friend who takes an afternoon booster(short acting) Focalin around 2:00 to help him through the afternoon/evening.

Good Luck,
Amy

Jamie - posted on 05/08/2012

My 9 yr old son is on Focalin XR 15 mg and we had to up it because he was on 10 mg for like 2 yrs and it was not working that great talk to your DR about adding a pill about 3 pm or 4 pm to help with the evening that is what we do and it helps but since Seth is on 15 mg it seems to be working better so I just give the 5 mg if he needs it.

Margaret - posted on 04/28/2012

Heather that running program sounds amazing. We don't have any independent sports like that after school (just lots of team stuff that my son doesn't do well at). My son does bike and rollerblade up and down our road after school and he swims on Saturdays. I wish we had a running program like that after school though!

Heather - posted on 04/28/2012

Margaret ~ Just a note that my son runs cross-country and he LOVES it! He has tried many team sports, but just getting out there and running has been the best thing for him. I love practice days because when he gets home at about 5:30 he has used up alot of energy and seems to have a clear brain. Eats, does homework, eats again, bedtime. Too bad it's only three months of the year!lol

Margaret - posted on 04/28/2012

Jennifer, it could be that his blood sugar is dipping too. Have you tried giving him a significant snack after school at about 3:30ish? Unless it's something he absolutely loves, my son doesn't eat much of his lunch because the focalin xr suppresses his appetite, so by 3:30 he is often famished and eats the equivalent of a meal, we call it his "first supper" and he has the 2nd one with us. I try not to have my son do any formal after school activities besides homework, playing with neighborhood friends, and TV (in that order), because it's not his peak time of day and he really needs the down-time (I've seen the melt downs too). On the rare occasion that we have a formal activity at 4-5p after school, I give him a 2.5 mg dose of generic, which lasts about 2 hours.

Geraldlyn - posted on 04/28/2012

I found something that helps along with the Focalin!!

Jennifer - posted on 04/23/2012

My 9 yr old son has been on focalin rx 10mg for 3 weeks. His grades have improved dramatically. The problem is the "crash." The crash occurs around 4-5pm thru the week but earlier on weekends and ITS BAD! He cannot even function with friends when the crash occurs. For example: this past Saturday during baseball he was so lethargic, teary-eyed, combative that other parents were asking me what was wrong with him and is he ok. Does anybody else experience this?

Sylvia - posted on 04/18/2012

My 10 year old is on that as well he started on 10 mg and is now on 15mg a year later . Is your son taking any thing else with it? I only ask this because mine is on Resperidone which is a mood stabalizer, though my son is ADHD/ ODD. But I found that him taking the resperidone with the focalin xr helps alot.

Tangelia - posted on 04/13/2012

Hi" my son is 10 years and i also started him off with 5mg and didn't help the doctor move it up 10mg no sign of it working .. So i ask his doctor what else i can give him she told me to try to give him 20mg of the Focalin xr for a hold month and see what change it mite do. To me it help him focus on his work a little in class but the behavior part Focalin don't help..and yes to me i think it last 3 - 4 hour not long for me because the school calling me everyday and he"s fighting .. the doctor said the medication was to help him focus in class but he has to work on his own behavior now what kind of stuff is that.. What do you think please help me because I'm lost for words and understanding.. And my Son Said To the Doctor You all trying to KILL ME giving me all this medicine. LOL..

Dawn - posted on 04/13/2012

My daughter is on this, and takes a booster at 3 pm after school. She takes melatonin at night to help her get to sleep. It works wonderfully.

Kathy - posted on 04/11/2012

My son is almost 16 and has been on Focalin XR for about 4 years now. He's on 20 mg at about 7:30 in the morning. When he aws younger it didn't seem to last through the day either so we split the dosage up also. Upping the dose just seems to dummy him up too much. This is the medicine that is best suited to my son.

Beth - posted on 04/09/2012

My daughter takes ritalin la in the morning but at 3pm my doctor prescribed focalin 5 mg for help with homework and studying(she's in 6th grade). I was thinking of switching her from the ritalin la to the focalin xr bc I think its smoother and less appetite surpressing. I need to check with my doc. The active ingredient in Focalin and Ritalin is methylphenidate but they are different formulations of the same drug. Ask your doc to give your child a dose of focalin after school in the immediate release not the xr just regular focalin. its done all the time and its a beautiful thing because it works quick and wares off fast without effecting sleep or appetite. Even though these extended dose stimulants are supposed to last all day, they seldom provide sufficient coverage. Take care!

Tabitha - posted on 04/06/2012

Focalin XR did not work for my nine year old made him very emotional with very little positive effects.

Jamie - posted on 04/02/2012

Hey Sonya, my son has been on Focalin XR 20 mg for about a year now. He is 8 but it seems to last for about 10 hours. You might need to look in changing his med. Talk to his pediatrician and if he is not helpful find another one. Changing meds can be challenging to say the least, it may be best to try to make it through the school year and make the change over the summer. Hang in there.

Jenny - posted on 03/29/2012

I have a 12 year old whos been taking it for over a year now and they have my som on 25MGs in the am and then 15 in the afternoon. You should ask your doc. Maybe even a 10 mil would do just to get him throught the evening.

Amanda - posted on 03/26/2012

i might also add that my son is PDD-NOS (autistic) and takes anti-psychotics for the aggressive behavior. he also goes to a therapeutic school and reads two years above his grade level.

Amanda - posted on 03/26/2012

my son is 11 and has been taking focalin XR for a few years (4 or 5) we have had to tweak the dosage as he grows. he takes 20mg in the morn and 10mg at lunch. this helps him maintain focus at school and the babysitters. he still has to work at it and some days are a struggle. but, when he begs me on the weekend to skip meds (morning, because he doesn't take second dose at home) i see a HUGE difference in behavior. he cannot hold it together for 15 minutes. he even admits that he should have his meds after awhile. i have always been against medicating children, but when you see how difficult life can be for these kids without them - you reconsider that. why make a child who is already suffering, suffer more, because of personal beliefs? when my son is old enough i hope that he will have mastered some tools and learned to moderate his own behavior. then maybe he will make the choice to go without. but until then i want him to have successes in his life that will boost confidence.

Christina - posted on 03/26/2012

my sons doc has never even mentioned focalin to me. ive been tring to research it but dont really find much on it. id like to find more info on it. it may be what he needs. and the concerta my son is on dont last more then 4 hrs in his system

Margaret - posted on 03/24/2012

I think you have to experiment with dosage and medication, but from what our dr. says, 6 hours max is pretty much what you get per dose - even with XR. The split dose sounds like it might work for your son, with the school nurse administering it mid day. My son is 9 and has been on focalin xr for 2 years, first at 5mg and recently went up to 10mg (after a significant weight/height growth spurt which made the meds a lot less effective on his system). We give him a pill every school day at 8am and it seems to last until about 1-2ish, depending on his activity that day. He goes to sleep at about 9:30-10pm (pretty normal for him). I know this because he can eat a huge meal at 3pm, lots of little snacks after that and then dinner at 6pm! Our issue is getting his emotions in check at school (he has emotional outbursts with crying over seemingly small matters that he tends to inflate or misinterpret). I'm wondering if his blood sugars are making him extra moody since he hardly eats one bite from 8-3 (worried about that). Any ideas for good snacks (that kids like!) that keep blood sugars even? I read popcorn and yogurt work and he loves both. Even if he just takes a bite of something every 30 minutes...anyone else have this problem?

Brianna - posted on 03/22/2012

I hated Focalin for my son it made him very emotional.

Vivian - posted on 03/21/2012

My six-year old gets about 7 hours out of his Focalin. My condern all along has been his behavior/focus at school, so I'm happy with that. If you need a longer-acting drug, ask your doctor for advice. They may be able to add something else to the mix. :(



We got so lucky. This was the first med we tried, and it's worked great (we're a week in).

Barbara Ann - posted on 03/13/2012

Hi Sonya,

children metabolize medications much faster than adults do. he may need an afternoon bump, or a non-stimulant ADHD med added to regiment in the morning to help last through the day.

Carmen - posted on 03/07/2012

Thanks Pat for the uplifting words since my last post I have really seen a change in my son for the better. He's teacher has been giving praise reports about how he has completed all his work throughout the day. He has homework and instead of me helping him with it he tells me he can complete the work by himself which he does and this has never happened before I am so impressed. My family members are now saying it's good, but I still think they have their reserves. I know my child and that's all that matters. Take care everyone and thanks for all the great words.

Marlo - posted on 03/06/2012

Randi- try meletonin it is produced naturally by most people but those who have adhd I think they produce less than needed. Well, at least my son and I do. Dr. recommended and it works great. I give it to him about 8 and by 8:30 he is ready for bed and usually sleeps all night. You will have to work with the dosage. You can only find the liquid at vitmain shoppes.

Marlo - posted on 03/06/2012

My son is 8 and has been on Focalin XR 20 mg for about a year now. In the past 6 months we have had to add a short acting 5mg to help him continue throughout the evening. He takes it when he gets home. It seems to help him get through homework. My problem with it was giving him two stimulants a day. At the doctor this morning she recommended intuniv which is a non-stimulant. So, hopefully that will work and we can quit giving him the later pill. Hope this works.

Pat - posted on 03/02/2012

BTW, now that he can take a pill Sam is now on Concerta with a small dose of Tenax. As they grow the meds need adjustment. He's monitored every 3mos. by a Developmental Psych. MD not a PEDs MD !

Pat - posted on 03/02/2012

Carmen we as parents have been through what you are experiencing. At 7 I had my son tested much to my MD and families disagreement ! I read all of Russell Barkley's books on behavior modification and attended advocacy training for my son. It's a combination of medication, behavior mod, diet and exercise and to keep organized ! It's not just medication !!! Sam is now 12 and has his struggles but don't we all ?

Hang in there and keep advocating for him. I'm still going into the school and meeting with teachers. Enough of "bad parenting" and finding peace in his ADHD. He has much to offer this earth.