We tried Ritalin today

[mary2]

Like the Dr suggested, this morning I gave Concerta plus 5mg of Ritalin. I split a 10mg tablet. After some time I asked him to do a little homework. He practiced some reading and then did some simple math operations. He was opposed at first (as usual) but I think there was a little bit of more attention. He remained very calmed through the morning.
I did this today just as a test since I will only be supposed to add the extra Ritalin dose for school days. The doc suggested to try to see how he felt during this weekend.
Now, this little extra dose is supposed to last about four hours. I was thinking he should take this extra dose when he has the most demanding work at school. So, I thought it would be of no use giving it to him just before leaving home. He will be leaving the house at about 6:30am to get to school on time. School starts at 7:30am for him, I think it would be better if he took this med at school and not at home. Starting at 7:30 am he will have the effect up to 11:30am more or less; dismissal time is at 3:00pm, so there will be some hours when he would not be having this little booster in his system.

What do you think?

[puzzled]

I think that is a great idea...are his english classes in the morning or afternoon? Because aren't you a bit more worried about the english part of his day, than the spanish? If his english classes are in the afternoon, maybe him taking it with lunch would be better.....?

I see no reason to waste an hour of the med while he is traveling to school, as long as the school will dispense it to him as soon as he gets to school.

[mary2]

puzzled said:

I think that is a great idea...are his english classes in the morning or afternoon? Because aren't you a bit more worried about the english part of his day, than the spanish? If his english classes are in the afternoon, maybe him taking it with lunch would be better.....?

I see no reason to waste an hour of the med while he is traveling to school, as long as the school will dispense it to him as soon as he gets to school.

I still need to find out how they split the days. But definitely you came up with a good idea!

Thanks

[puzzled]

No problem, it just hit me that he would probably benefit the most from it during the english portion of the day....and you may want to give him another for homework time...if he has issues then as well.