ADHD medication can be confusing, safe, and effective. ADHD specialist William Dodson (M.D.) answers 12 common questions about ADHD medication side effects, dosage, precautions, and how to make adjustments to ensure optimal treatment results.
ADHD medication: Types, Side Effects, and Dosages
ADHD medications are amongst the safest and most effective psychiatric treatment options. Research has shown that ADHD medications have many benefits, including stimulants and non-stimulant. This is support by decades of research.
- What is the most common ADHD medication side effect?
- Is there a best ADHD medication?
- How can we determine the correct dosage?
- How can we be sure that the ADHD medication is working properly?
- Is ADHD medication able to change your personality?
- Do you think ADHD medication should be use by anyone?
- How long do you need to keep it up?
Here are 14 questions caregivers and adults with ADD have about ADHD medication.
How do ADHD Medications work?
ADHD stimulant medications are some of the most effective medicine. They “stimulate” the brain’s production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are key neurotransmitters in ADHD patients.
29 stimulant medications have been approve by the FDA for ADHD treatment in the United States. They all deliver only two molecules, methylphenidate or amphetamine. The methylphenidate-based stimulants include Ritalin, Concerta, Qullivant, Quillichew, Jornay PM, and Adhansia XR.
What is the best ADHD medication?
Finding the best ADHD medication can be a long and challenging process. This requires careful timing and dosage adjustments. It depends on the patient’s past, genetics, side effects experienced, and unique metabolism. ADHD medication often comes with behavioral therapy and other non-pharmacological treatment options for children and adults. ADHD medication allows you to use behavior management or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Patients who cannot tolerate stimulant medication or don’t see their benefits will often be prescribe nonstimulant ADHD medications.
What is the optimal dosage of ADHD medication?
There is no universal dosage for ADHD medications. The best dose will be determine by each individual. The therapeutic window for stimulant ADHD medication is a range of doses. Amounts that are too low, too high, or both are ineffective. There is no way to predict a person’s best medication class or dosage. Dosing must be determine base on target symptoms. This assesses the impairments that the person would like to treat. Each person will have their own list.
How can we adjust the ADHD medication dosage?
Begin with the lowest possible dose of stimulant ADHD medication. Your clinician will guide you in increasing the dose as needed. The previous dose is now the optimal dose.
This allows clinicians to compare the patient to other children of the same age and gender who do not have ADHD.
What is the average time it takes for ADHD medication to work?
The blood-brain barrier is crosse within 45 to 60 minutes. Adults can adjust the dose of stimulant medication every day, determining the best dose in just one week. Children often cannot tell their doctor how the medication affects their mood and functioning.
What are the most common ADHD side effects of ADHD medication?
These are some of the most common side effects of ADHD medication in adults and children:
- Diminished appetite
- Sleep problems
- Headaches and stomachaches
- Tics
- Irritability and moodiness – especially as the medication wears off
- Growth delayed
- Dry mouth
ADHD Medication Could Make My Child a Zombie
The “Zombie Syndrome” is a flat, unmotivated expression almost always indicates an ADHD medication dosage is too high. Talk to your doctor about lowering the dose.
Are ADHD Medication Side Effects Going Away?
Side effects of stimulant ADHD medication should disappear within three to five working days, except appetite suppression. To ensure the success and long-term use of ADHD medication, the parent and the patient must have a positive experience. Side effects should be promptly addresse.
Does Appetite Suppression Suggest that the Dose is Too High?
Not necessarily. Not necessarily. Appetite suppression is one side effect of ADHD stimulants. Appetite suppression is more common in children who are already thin or picky eaters. Children who experience severe appetite suppression for over two months or continue losing weight may need additional medication.
What happens if you stop taking ADHD medication?
The stimulant ADHD medication has a minimal cumulative effect. The benefits of ADHD medications quickly fade if you stop taking them. Usually, it is a matter of hours, not days. These medications are safe and effective for life.
Does Vitamin C Affect ADHD Meds?
If other organic acids are present, stimulants can’t be absorbed into your bloodstream. High doses (1000 mg.) of vitamin C, in pill or liquid form, can accelerate amphetamine excretion in the urine.
Are Stimulants Good for ODD?
Up to 40% of ADHD-prone children have Oppositional Deficit Disorder (ODD). ODD is rare in those who don’t have ADHD. The treatment of ODD has been a matter of preference for decades. Amphetamine or methylphenidate have been the preferred medications.
My ADHD Child Refuses ADHD Meds – Now What?
ODD children are hardwired to beat authority figures, usually parents. Children with ODD tend to spit out the ADHD medication from their cheeks. I prefer Vyvanse (amphétamine), which can be dissolved into water. QuillivantXR is a liquid methylphenidate that can be administered to recalcitrant children.
How can you treat ADHD plus a mood disorder?
ADHD and mood disorders are the most common co-occurring conditions. Most doctors will determine the most challenging situation and treat it first. The clinician will first treat the mood disorder if the patient has suicidal thoughts or cannot get out of bed. Most clinicians will treat ADHD first if there is no urgent need.
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