Hi Airforcemomrocks!

My son is 16 and has been on Concerta since he was diagnosed at the age of 10 (he just switched to Vyvanse because it wasn't working as well as it did, which the doctor told us can happen during adolescence or adulthood). By the way my son is 5'10" and is taller than my husband at 5'9", who had ADHD but was never diagnosed or treated until the age of 45. I am only 5'2". My son has a friend who has ADD but has never been diagnosed or on any medication because his father doesn't want to consider the possibility. He has always been small for his age, looking several years younger than his friends and classmates. He only recently, at age 15, had a growth spurt and is now of average height.

Research has shown that at most, there is less than a half inch difference on average height for those treated with stimulants, once they reach adulthood. My personal opinion is that since some children with ADHD are considered a few years behind classmates in development and maturity, that perhaps their height lags as well. That is just my opinion from what I have seen.

My son didn't have any problems with Concerta besides the diminished appetite. It helped tremendously with his ability to do his school work, especially projects which were a nightmare before he was on medication. My son also took a short acting medication, Focalin, for afternoons or evenings where he had a baseball game. He is a pitcher and the medication made a huge difference in his focus. His compliance and behavior improved also. He even noticed that he does not get angry as easily on his medication. Without the medication, he gets more frustrated and quickly becomes angry.

I see taking the medication, to help the brain respond as it should, as similar to taking insulin to help your body respond as it should. I need eyeglasses to correct my vision and my son needs a stimulant to correct the brain's wiring. I've also explained it to my son as a tool to help him perform at his best, much as he needs a proper baseball bat or glove to do his best. A broken bat or wrong size glove would impede his performance. He has never given me a problem about taking his medication and even makes sure he doesn't forget it for baseball.

My sister has been a pharmacist for 15 years and I frequently discuss medications with her. She doesn't have any problem with Concerta. My daughter was diagnosed with ADD shortly after my son, at the age of 19. She has been on stimulant medication as well for six years.

Ritalin ( methylphenidate, which is in Concerta) is one of the most researched medications used for children. The only long term effects noted have been a decrease in drug abuse, auto accidents and cancer, most notably breast cancer. Ritalin is also used for some patients in a coma, to bring them out of the coma more quickly, and has been given to astronauts to combat the effects of the anti-gravity medication, in order to keep them alert.

I have no qualms about using Concerta and I like to keep up on the latest research. I have read more than two dozen books on ADHD, not to mention magazines, participation in two support groups, attending forums and lectures regarding ADHD. So I do keep myself educated as much as I can regarding ADHD. Since my husband and both of my children have it, not to mention some friends of mine and my son's, I wanted to understand them and their behavior better. And be able to better communicate and respond to the specific behaviors that are caused by the ADHD. How many arguments and disagreements could have been avoided had I understood this before they had all been diagnosed.

I wish you the best with your son.

Elaine

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