I think all you can do is try the next higher dose and try to get input from him about how much more it helps. If it doesn't help much more, go back to the lower dose. In terms of the appetite issue, you might want to ask about going to a short-acting dose of ritalin. That way it would wear off around lunch time. He could take the second dose around lunch time, and then it would wear off before supper. But then you have the issue of either needing a third dose or him not being medicated for homework. The long acting doses are terrible in terms of sleep/appetite. But short acting are a pain because then he would need to go to the nurse, remember to take a pill multiple times per day, etc.
