Well sadly I think a lot of it comes down to body chemistry/metabolism. I have a pretty slow metabolism. If you can, I would suggest taking the weekends off, and whenever you are on vacation (activity permitting). This can help to reset your tolerance and get you back to baseline. I know there are also a bunch of non-stimulent medications that have come out, which are likely to reduce/eliminate the tolerance factor. I tried 2, both were a nogo for me. But that doesnt mean that one wouldnt work for you.

I have been on / off of stims most of my life (37). Yes, once i inevitably build up a tolerance I will eventually move to 10MG AM, 5MG afternoon. It usually takes 6 months to get there. I have never had to exceed 15MG daily on Focalin. On Adderall, I was taking 20MG AM, 10MG in afternoon.

Previously Ritalin - made me super jumpy in afternoon before my second dose.

Methylphenidate/Concerta - Made my hyper-focus to the extreme. I had trouble disengaging with whatever I was doing.

Strattera- Made me super tired, I couldn't get past the first week.

Provigil- wanted to give this non-stim a chance. I took for 6 months but found it just wasn't a strong enough effect.

Eventually ended up on Adderall and Focalin. Both work equally as well for me but I preferred the lower dose of Focalin.

I cant do XR, the extended release stays in my system too long and keeps me from sleeping. So I take 5mg in AM and Afternoon during the week. Dexmethylphenidate (focalin) is closer to Ritalin then Adderall (chemical structure).

Focalin is usually a little stronger, I would suggest trying lower doses of dexmethylphenidate. I used to take 20MG of Adderall, but when i switched i found that 5-10mg of focalin worked. Best of luck!

RIP BRU. My commutes will never be the same.