Ritalin LA: Update to Ritalin
ByRitalin LA, a version of the original methylphenidate with the similar brand name is also a stimulant medicine. The difference between Ritalin LA and Ritalin is that the LA version is a sustained release medication.
Taken by mouth only once a day, it’s best given at breakfast. This capsule should be swallowed whole. Don’t crush or chew its contents, because you may be destroying the long-lasting aspect of the drug. Either crushing or chewing may also increase the risk of developing adverse side effects.
If you or your child has problems swallowing medication, you can, however, (depending on the specific brand you purchase), open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into applesauce. Before you do this, consult with your pharmacist to make sure you have the proper variety of drug.
More than likely, your physician will start you out on a dosage of 20 mg daily. If you previously had been using another methylpenidate medication, then your doctor will probably have you begin with the same total dosage as your previous prescription.
But keep in mind the specific dose of Ritalin LA, your health care provider prescribes actually depends on a number of factors, including your age, any other medication you may currently be taking, as well as other ADD/ADHD medications you’ve tried in the past.
Your physician may adjust your dosage in increments of 10 mg up to a maximum of 60 mg daily. Of course, just how long this drug lasts in your system depends on your circumstances, but it was designed to last about 8 hours.
Be patient. You may not notice any change in behavior in the first two weeks of use. According to some medical experts, that’s how long it may be before Ritalin LA takes effect in your system.
Ritalin LA Side Effects
When you take Ritalin LA, you should be aware of the side effects, which are quite similar (not surprisingly) to other Ritalin medications. Some individuals for example, have complained of stomach problems, loss of appetite as well as nausea while on the medications.
Other side effects including difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness as well as dry mouth. But that’s not all, in some cases side effects, such as blurred vision, irritability and nervousness have also arisen. And in a few cases, people have even complained of constipation or drowsiness. If you experience any of these conditions while on Ritalin LA, you should notify your doctor immediately.
Ritalin LA is extremely convenient for those who have trouble remembering to take up to three pills daily. And, like other long lasting medications, children don’t have the embarrassment or the hassle of visiting the school nurse in the middle of the day in order to take their necessary medication.
How has Ritalin LA worked for you? Please share your comments and experiences below in the comments section.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
Dr. Kenny,
I was wondering how one would wean off methylphenidate 15mg twice a day. I have had alot of problems since being switched from Concerta 54mg to the generic version. My then put me on ritalin 15mg twice a day and I am not feeling well at all. I don’t see my doctor for another 3 weeks now and i cannot function this way. Any feedback would help. Thanks
My 12-year old son has been taking Ritalin LA 20mg for about 6 months now, and is doing wonderfully on it. He does suffer from slight loss of appetite, as well as a sore tummy in the mornings, but the benefits so far make up for the disadvantages, and he is noticeably a different child since starting the meds.
Re loss of appetite, he’s never been a big eater to begin with and has a tall. lean build. He’s now skinny (has lost about 2.5kg/5lb) although he eats breakfast before taking the dose and is hungry in the evenings so we make sure we have a good meal ready.
Our man problem now is that he’s moved to Middle School, which has a much longer school day, and the LA effect is 8hr duration. He leaves the house at 7 and lessons usually end at 4pm. Several times a week he has extra lessons, a remedial strategies lesson, and art therapy after school, as well as homework.
With the longer school day, we are needing smethign to keep him topped up” until about 7pm on some school days. We are starting this week with 5mg Ritalin in tablet for top up at 3pm, as he won’t take COncerta n the capsule.
We were also told about the patch but hopefully we won’t have to switch as we are happy with LA. LA is easy to take for kids who can’t tolerate capsules, and we sprinkle it onto a teaspoon of honey or yoghurt.
My son Ryan is 7 and was on this LA form for about 2 months, he became so emotional. It has become just as disrupting to the class as his ADD symptoms. I am happy with the improvement in his school work, but he is very weepy and now easily frustrated. Any ideas if this is a side effect? It was not listed in side effects, but would love to know what you think.
Thank you.