Normally, you don't need to wait 6 weeks before increasing the dosage. However, since she has an anxiety problem as well, there could be a reason why the doctor kept it low. I know that our doctor sometimes has to use one medication for a certain period before he can begin another type. For example, if someone needs to use Prozac but has a severe anxiety problem, he may have to get the anxiety under control before adding the Prozac. Otherwise, the Prozac will make the anxiety problem worse. I do not know if your daughter's situation requires a special adjustment or not. In some cases, you may be able to give the doctor a call and ask if you can increase the one medication because you haven't seen a difference.

In another example, if a child has bipolar disorder, you need to treat the bipolar disorder first before giving a stimulant. Otherwise, the stimulant can bring on mania.

The best thing to do is call and ask the doctor.

My daughter (she is 26) has ADD and GAD. First, a question? does your daughter have panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder? I don't know if having two different types of anxiety affects the type of medication she needs. My daughter was originally taking Concerta and Cymbalta for the anxiety. But due to some other medical problems we suggested she see the doctor my son and husband use, because he is great at dealing with complicated problems. He told her that she was on the wrong anxiety medication. That because she had GAD and not another type of anxiety, she needed to be on Buspar. She couldn't believe what a difference the Buspar made for her. She loves it. And an added bonus is that she gets the generic version at Walmart for only $4.

And the Concerta was not good for her because of her GAD also. So the doctor switcher her to Vyvanse (similar to Adderall) for her ADD.

Some doctors are more cautious and starting out low decreases the chance of having problems with side effects. Different doctors may have different approaches or opinions. He may have a specific reason why he is waiting six weeks. Is he pretty knowledgeable and experienced with treating ADD?

My son was being treated by his pedicatrician and although I didn't have a problem with the pedicatrician I did switch to another doctor because his knowledge and understanding of ADHD was extensive and he kept up on the latest research and really understood the different medications. He also explains why he is doing something and the reason he sometimes gives specific instructions about the timing or sequencing of medications.

My best advice is to call and ask your doctor.

Elaine

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