How Are Dosage Levels Set?

Doctors usually set dosage levels by starting off with a low dosage and gradually increasing it until the treatment goal is reached (a process called titration). The dosage may vary depending on whether the goal is to help the child control his behavior or to do better at school. Apparently smaller dosages help children’s learning more, while larger dosages help their behavior more, but impair their learning.

Children typically take tablets of five to 10 mg; however, 20 mg may be prescribed for children who are severely hyperactive. Anything more than this should be questioned. Also, a child who looks phased out, sedated, slow, or lacks affect should have his medication adjusted. These are signs of over-medication.