Concerta and fevers, any experience with this? or suggestions

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My daughter is 9 years old and has been on 36mgs of Concerta for about a year and a half. She finished 3rd grade in June. She had 2 weeks off from school and her meds, then she started summer school the beginning of last week. So last Tues she popped a low grade fever, 99.5 up to 100.2. and it is here again this week. This kid slows right down. Now this happened to her before, but once she took the meds for school she was fine. She was then taking it 6 days a week. I remember I talked to her pediatrician before, and when I mentioned fever as a side effect he said he treats thousands of patients and has never seen that before. When I told him it is mentioned as a side effect for the medicine, he told me that "lawyers write those things, not doctors!" So I called our PCP. They were more concerned about her nto gaining weight. And they don't consider her as having a fever until it is over I think 99.5. OK, PEOPLE OF MEDICINE, My kid is lying around, acting very lathargic, and crying because she doesn't feel good! So now what? Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences you can tell me. Do you think I should just give it to her every day so she doesn't get these symptoms??. I really like for her to be able to get outside and run around, and when on the meds, she is much less active. I have depression and severe anxiety, and this is really working on me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance

Weezie

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UPDATE: I spoke with the nurse at the Dr's office on Friday, and she told me that she thought that it is the heat doing this to her! she thought she might be having heat related fevers because of not getting enough fluids and getting overheated. Well, I am journaling her temps at different times each day, indicating the weather and trying to keep her well hydrated. If she pops another low grade fever, then the nurse is all wet! I must admitt that I like this nurse very much and I think she is very competent, but I think she may be wrong on this one. The last time this happened to my daughter, was in July of last year!! That is why she thinks that may be the problem.
thanks, Weezie

Weezie,
You might also want to check out millermom's website ( millermom.proboards107.com/ ). They have a lot of good information there with well informed people. They've devoted an entire section to Medications for ADHD.

Weezie,
I wanted to add that I know from talking to other parents, that what works great for one kid, may cause bad side effects with another.

I have had times dealing with doctors, that I have not felt comfortable that they were taking my input seriously. I generally went with my instincts and went to a different doctor. I don't need a doctor to agree with me, but I do need one that listens and takes me seriously. If you feel your doctor (specialist) is dismissing your daughters symptoms without cause, you might want to look for another doctor. If nothing else, a second specialist opinion would do wonders for YOUR stress level.

I wish you and your daughter the best and hope she is feeling better soon.

thank you buckaroo. I have been doing some research. Fever is listed as a possible problem with overdose. that scares me. I moniter her meds carefully, and she doesn't really like to take it. she also complained that she felt dizzy. I would love to take her off of it for the summer, but she is going to summer school 4 days a week for half a day. She does have the whole month of August off though. Hmmm, things to think about. Thanks,
Weezie

My daughter is also on Concerta (same dosage). We are taking the summer off, however, as a recent visit to the doctor suggested that since she is not needing it for day to day summer activities, it would be best to vacation from the drug. She was on Concerta all last year without problems. I even had her off (to confirm that it DID make a difference) for a while and back on again with no ill effect. Outside of a bit of weight loss no problems.
The doctor suggested the "vacation" as he said there could be some issues with growth (or lack there of) if she is on it ALL the time. He also mentioned the possibility of heart issues and said they are just beginning to recommend having the heart checked periodically.
While I'm happy she is off for the summer, I must add the Concerta did wonders for her concentration with the only effect being a slight loss of appetite.

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