Unfortunately sleeplessness is a side effect of many stimulants. His doctor can prescribe something for that (like Clonidine). The rage you are talking about is probably happening at the time when his Concerta wears off. Is your son seeing a child psychologist or child psychiatrist? Has the doctor not told you about the side effects (possible loss of appetite, sleeplessness etc.)? I find more and more that doctors do not inform parents about all of the possible side effects and what can be done about that. I don't think giving Benadryl is a good idea in the long run, because if your son really needs it some day, it may not show any effectiveness.

Both of my sons have been diagnosed with ADD-one hyperactive, one inattentive. My older son (inattentive, 27mg Concerta) never has a problem sleeping, except for when his little brother (age 7 and hyper, 20 mg AdderallXR) comes & gets in his bed at night. My younger son NEVER sleeps, and he tends to keep my older son up all night. Neither of them will sleep without at least the TV on, and usually the bedroom light stays on all night too. I've tried all kinds of night lights as an alternative to the light from the TV or bedroom lights, but it never worked. My younger son never slept well even before he was put on meds. He never would sleep in his own room either. I can put my 7 year old in bed at 9:30 (which I know seems late) and he still stays up until midnight or later. Of course, ,we have world war 3 when it's time to get up for school the next morning. I hate to put him on something so severe as Clonidine. He's a very picky eater, so even though I've checked into dietary information in this area, it's pointless because he won't change the very few things he does eat. I'm pretty much at my wits end in this particular area. I know (as I'm sure we all do), that I have to pick the battles I can win, and this just doesn't seem to be one of them. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Rebecca