-=> Quoting Bob Moylan to Wayne Stinson <=-
 BM> Wayne Stinson On (20 Apr 96) was overheard to say to All
 BM> Hi Wayne:
 BM> Been remiss in reading this conference ... or would have responded to
 BM> this sooner.
 
 WS>      I have been told two different views on weekend use of Ritalin
 WS> and I would like the opinion of the rest of the world as to which one
 WS> might be true.
 BM> ONLY two??
 
 WS> View one is that if you do not use the Ritalin on
 WS> the weekends then the body has to go through a change come Monday
 WS> morning and it may be Tuesday or Wednesday before the body has leveled
 WS> out.  Therefor a roller coaster effect for the body when not used
 WS> every day.
 BM> Simply not true.  If the med is working for your child at all you
 BM> should have noticed the effect within 30 - 45 minutes (or less) of
 BM> the time it is taken.
 
 WS> View two is that it does not matter because Ritalin is not a
 WS> build up drug.  When taken it does its thing and when gone then body
 WS> does not know the differences.
 BM> This is closer to the mark.  Ritalin is not stored in any organ or
 BM> tissues ... it gets in does what most of us hope it is supposed to do
 BM> and is gone within 4 hours or so - that's the reason for timed doses
 BM> throughout the day.  The SR version is time released through the GI
 BM> tract and is likewise not stored anyplace in the body.   The body may
 BM> not "know" the difference but the brain sure does and generally so
 BM> does everyone around the child when it has worn off..
 
 WS>      I am having a hard time putting into words what I am trying to
 WS> say so I hope this is making since.  Anyway all views will be read.
 BM> Perfectly clear and shows that you are concerned and want to make the
 BM> best possible decision for your child.
 BM> FWIW, My 9 yr old (93 lbs, 4'8") is currently taking 20mg at 8am,
 BM> 10mg at 11am and 10mg at 2pm with an option for 5mg at 4pm to get
 BM> through homework (we don't often give the 5 unless there is a "lot"
 BM> of reading/writing involved in the homework)  He takes it 7 days a
 BM> week (altho weekend/holiday dose times are different) because he is
 BM> ADHD 24hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year NOT just when he's
 BM> in school.  He also wears a 0.2mg clonidine patch that is replaced
 BM> every 7 days usually on Sunday night (or whenever it washes off in
 BM> the shower).  For one of the best reviews of using clonidine in
 BM> conjunction with ritalin that I've read I refer you to "Pediatrics
 BM> in Review" Vol 15 no. 1 January 94 pages 5 through 14.  One of the
 BM> conclusions drawn by the authors is supported in this conference by
 BM> the adults with ADD/ADHD - -
 BM> quote:
 BM> "Longitudinal studies indicate that 60% to 70% of children who have
 BM> AD still are symptomatic into adulthood.  The degree to which these
 BM> symptoms represent a handicap or even an asset depends to a large
 BM> extent on intensive case management and the effective collaboration
 BM> of physicians, mental health professionals, teachers, children, and
 BM> their families."
 BM> end quote
Hello Bob,
     Thank you so much for responding to my question.  Now I must apologize
for take so long to respond.  The Last two weeks around here have been 
really hectic.  The information you gave my in your message is great!.  Thank
you so much for taking the time to responded.  I am taking your message with
me to my daughters next doctors appointment to see what we know about this
patch.  I will try and get the information you mention in the Pediatrics
Review and take this as well.  I am interested in the dosage
levels and times that you administer the med.  I have just not thought about
all this stuff, and I now wonder about her doctor?  Thanks again for the 
information.
Wayne
... Only those who are willing to risk failure will ever succeed.
--- Blue Wave/386 v2.20
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