how long does intuniv last?

[Anonymous]

Plan to start DS on intuniv. DS is primarily hyperactive/impulsive and this seems to be a good med to try. DS currently takes ritalin, though it would be great if we could drop that if the intuniv works (recognizing intuniv might not work, or we might still need the ritalin).

I’ve read where intuniv lasts all day, but also read it doesn’t. Ideally we’d like something that covers the bulk of the day and into the evening. Since intuniv can make you tired, giving it in the evening seems to make sense. But does that mean it won’t work for much of the next day?

I know I can ask the doctor, and will, just trying to feel things out.

[Anonymous]

DS takes Kapvay, a different but similar type of non stimulant. It lasts all day, but to get the smooth effects of a full day coverage, we divide his dose between am and pm. It essentially means he has nonstop coverage and no peaks or valleys. He also takes a low dose of stimulant, but much lower than he needed to take when he was on stimulant alone.

[Anonymous]

My son (in college) takes Ritalin and intuniv. He’s taken the two together for about 7 years.Takes both in the morning with breakfast. They work well together. I will say that in order for the intuniv to fully work, he must never skip a day. He can sometimes skip Ritalin.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I think we'll start out with morning, and see how that goes.

[Anonymous]

I remember our psy saying it is at its highest concentration 4 hours after taking it. That said ive never been able to tell the difference and think of it as an "all day" med.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember our psy saying it is at its highest concentration 4 hours after taking it. That said ive never been able to tell the difference and think of it as an "all day" med.

Thanks. Do you use it alone or with a stimulant?

[Anonymous]

We use it with a stimulant and take it at night. Did a trial during the day and it seemed better for us at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We use it with a stimulant and take it at night. Did a trial during the day and it seemed better for us at night.

Do you feel like the intuniv lasts the whole day even if taken at night?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We use it with a stimulant and take it at night. Did a trial during the day and it seemed better for us at night.

Do you feel like the intuniv lasts the whole day even if taken at night?

Oh, and why do you think it was better for you at night? (too sleepy during day, effectiveness, etc?)