Just diagnosed son, starting with ritalin

My son (6, almost 7) was just finally diagnosed combined adhd and he has started taking Ritalin 5mg quick release on Saturday (so we’re on day 5 now). Our doctor is only in office Wednesdays so I have questions and just need to vent about how it’s going so far.

Day 1:

Pill at 7:50

Baseball practice at 9:30, noticeably difference in listening and running around

Noticed he was back to his normal around 1:30

Day 2:

Pill at 7:40

Noticed better listening

Heightened emotions

Normal activity back around 2ish again

Day 3:

Pill at 7:40

Noticed a difference while playing at the park with other boys (good difference)

11:30 huge emotional fit (hitting, scratching, pinching, trying to bite me, screaming and crying), have never seen a fit like it before

Didn’t have a large appetite at dinner

Day 4:

Pill at 7:20, first day of meds at school

Had a meeting at his school and he was calm, quiet and played nearly with toys in their waiting room (positive behavior)

Teacher noticed a good difference in behavior until 10:30

2:50 massive fit again, same behaviors

Now noticing high irritability and sadness if provoked, not his normal type of fits

Lots of snacking at home and ate his whole lunch at school

Day 5:

Pill at 7:20

Bumped arm while walking to school and seemed noticeably more sad about it than he usually would be

Haven’t picked up from school yet

We’ve been giving him his pill 30 minutes before eating, has anyone noticed a difference in giving Ritalin with or after breakfast? Is that okay?

When did you start giving a second dose? (We will not start until we have clarification from our doctor on when we can)

If the teacher is noticing it wearing off at 10:30, would 10 be a good time to take another pill? Or is that too close to his first?

I know this is a long road ahead for us and I still have so much to learn, feeling a little isolated in our journey since our families think we should not medicate. We just want to help our son succeed in school and overall. I know the first thing you try isn’t going to be the answer so any advice or just words of encouragement are greatly appreciated!