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Make Sure the Diagnosis is Correct
Not all people who are hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive haveADHD. These behaviors can also be caused by anxiety or a variety of other psychological conditions, aswell as by learning disabilities. Toconfirm an accurate ADHD diagnosisbefore prescribing medication, the characteristic behaviors must be shown tobe chronic (to have existed before age 12 and for at least 6 months) and pervasive (to have beenobserved in at least two life settings — at school, at home, with peers,and so on).
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Your Doctor Should Closely Monitor the Medication
You may want to find an ADHD specialist, such as a psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician,or neurologist, who may offer greater experience, knowledgeof the newest medications, and more one-on-one timewith you. A doctorshould see a new patient with ADHD at least every two to fourweeks for the first few months.He should ask:How are the meds working? Are there any troubling side effects?
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Expect to Try Several Different Medications
Some people respond well to methylphenidate and others to dextroamphetamine/levoamphetamine. Others fare better on a non-stimulantmedication, such as a tricyclic antidepressant, an alpha agonist,or atomoxetine. Theonly way to tell whether a particular medication works for you or yourchild is through trial and error. [Free Download: 13 Questions to Ask Before Starting Any ADHD Medication]
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Start at the Lowest Dose
Doctors start at the lowest dose to establish a baseline and increase as necessary — a method called titration. For example, you might start with 5 mg., review within three to five days, and move up to 10 mg., then 15 mg., and, if necessary, 20 mg. At signs of unusual irritability, tearfulness, or being in a cloud, the dose should be reduced. Did You Know: Doctors typically adjust medication dosages every three to seven days.
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The Correct Dose is Unique to You
With stimulant medications, the dose is based not on gender, age, orbody mass but on the rate at which the body absorbs the medication.The only way to find the correct dose isthrough trial and error.Because everyonehas a unique response to medication and metabolizes it at a differentrate, your physician may need to adjust the dose to find the correct one.
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Note the Medication's Impact on Behavior
Track the effectof the medication on behavior closely both at home and, for a child, at school. The SNAP-IV Scale and the Conners' Rating Scales gauge physical symptoms and emotionalbehaviors at home and in the classroom. Scales can help parentsassess a child’s behavior throughout the day and detect patterns and problems with medication. Download the SNAP-IV here.
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Be Patient. Avoid Side Effects.
William W. Dodson, M.D., a Denver-based psychiatrist specializingin ADHD, says, “Getting ADHD medsto work to their optimal benefit requires patience." Stimulants can cause sleep problems, loss of appetite, headache,and stomachache. A very uncommon side effect is motor tics. The doctor should work with you tominimize any side effects that occur. If side effects cannot be controlled, another medicationis needed. [Free Expert Resource: Is It ADHD or a Misdiagnosis?]
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The Medication's Duration Is Unique to You
Just because a pill is listed as controlling ADHD symptoms for a certainlength of time doesn’t mean that it will. A four-hour pill mightwork for only three hours. An eight-hour capsule might last for six to10 hours, a 12-hour capsule, 10 to 14 hours. Observe your own or your child’sbehavior to determine how long each dose lasts.
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Take Medication According to Symptoms
Although some people need medication all day, every day, others need coverageonly for certain activities. Adults are likely to need coverage at the office and children are likely to benefit during the school day. How about homework time? What about leisure activities? While you're driving? Onceyou determine when symptoms dictate coverage, your physician canwork out a suitable medication regimen.
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Food Affects ADHD Medication Effectiveness
A high-fat breakfast and juices rich in vitamin C can hinder the absorption of methylphenidate, compromising medication's effectiveness. Did You Know: Asthma medications, certain supplements, steroids, and cold/sinus/hay fever medications that contain decongestants may cause a mildly unpleasant “buzz” in people on ADHD medications.How to Treat ADHD in Children: Next Questions
