Can I give ADHD meds to my child immediately when he wakes up each morning?

[Anonymous]

DS has always had morning issues. His ability to focus enough for me to even get him dressed (he is 7 and simply cannot stay focused enough to get dressed even with short sets of instructions). We now also have a rule that nothing can be brought into the kitchen b/c DS forgets to eat with any and all distractions. He gets up at 6:30 and we are out of the house by 7:15. Normally he gets his meds at 7 while eating breakfast. I'm wondering if anyone gives meds upon wakeup and how much it helps (or not)?

[Anonymous]

In my experience, taking certain ADD meds on an empty stomach can really cause stomach upset. Of course it depends on the type, but I would definitely talk to your doc before doing this.

[Anonymous]

I know several parents who swear by this. They wake the child a bit early, give them meds, then let them snooze for 20 minutes.

[Anonymous]

For me the real question is how long do I want my son's medication to be effective. That's how I gauge when to give them. Even with extended release, I don't give them before 7 am (he gets up at 5:30) because they would wear off before the end of the school day. And, as a PP pointed out, they are not immediately effective, so you have a time gap between giving them and them starting to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me the real question is how long do I want my son's medication to be effective. That's how I gauge when to give them. Even with extended release, I don't give them before 7 am (he gets up at 5:30) because they would wear off before the end of the school day. And, as a PP pointed out, they are not immediately effective, so you have a time gap between giving them and them starting to work.

I agree - which is why we do a booster at school. We give DS his meds in bed, with a couple of graham crackers, and then let him sleep another 20 minutes or so. Makes a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

I have ADHD and I take my medication as soon as I wake up. The medication can take awhile to kick in. I have a very sensitive stomach, and never any issues. However, I always eat right after I take it, or at least within 30 minutes of doing so.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone. I am going to pass this by the devel ped. DS takes Focalin XR. the devel ped told me it takes abouty 30 minutes to kick in.

[Anonymous]

Another person who gives dc his concerta as soon as he wakes up. Have never had any issues with it upsetting his stomach. It allows him to eat breakfast and get ready for school with more focus.