Too Small a Dose? Make Your ADD Meds Last Longer

The FDA's recommended daily limit refers to the maximum dose of medication in the body at one time, not to the total taken in a day. Your son is taking 10 mg. at a time, not 30 mg. a day. Also, FDA guidelines are just that—guidelines, not absolute limits.

When my patients metabolize a stimulant quickly, I first try to supplement it with a non-stimulant. I might prescribe one of the tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or nortriptyline (these slow down the rate at which the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is absorbed).

Next, I would keep careful records and “fill the gaps.” If a four-hour tablet lasts three hours, your son might need one of these tablets every three hours. I would keep observing each unit of the day, and try to have an adequate dose in place for each.

Note: These are only suggestions. I’m not recommending a specific treatment plan for your son. That should be determined only by his physician.