Hi Janell:

I'm sorry I didn't see your question earlier! Concerta is related to Ritalin and Adderall. They are all methylphenidate and therefore are stimulants. These drugs tend to work reasonably well with a child who has attentional problems, but they carry with them significant side effects. One is the growth problem, and it is often recommended by psychiatrists to take vacations from the drug over the summer. You should see responses to the Concerta pretty rapidly, and it should not take 5 weeks. This is not an antidepressant, it's a stimulant that is metabolized pretty quickly.

I would assume that you have tried alternative treatments such as diet changes, restricting video games and perhaps considered Neurofeedback? If not, you might want to join your local CHADD, read about Neurofeedback in my SharePost, and do some research on Concerta.

Best of luck,

Dr. Diana Walcutt

*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist who has taught classes on psychopharmacology at the doctoral level. Her answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.