Medication Behavioral Therapy Parental Counseling Individual Therapy Therapy for associated academic or language problems as well as for any added mental disorder. Since sleeplessness and a loss of appetite are the two most common side effects, many children are medicated twice daily, at breakfast and at lunch, although many benefit from and can tolerate a dosage after school.
Doses start low and can be raised every few days.
Dosage is increased until there is significant improvement or there are bothersome side effects. These dosages, however, can cause more difficulties eating and sleeping. Other side effects include the precipitation or exacerbation of tics and a slight reduction of growth. However, the association between Ritalin and tics and growth is unclear and controversial. It is slightly longer acting than Ritalin and the recommended doses are about one-half those of Ritalin.