Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Titration WorksYour First DoseMedication EffectsDosage AdjustmentsIs It the Right Dose?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Titration Works
Your First Dose
Medication Effects
Dosage Adjustments
Is It the Right Dose?
Close
What’s the most important information I should know about titrating ADHD medication?Stimulants are often the first choice to help people manage their ADHD traits. These medications can have side effects and carry a risk for dependence and withdrawal.Keep track of any side effects as your doctor titrates your dose and alert them if you experience any concerning reactions.
What’s the most important information I should know about titrating ADHD medication?
Stimulants are often the first choice to help people manage their ADHD traits. These medications can have side effects and carry a risk for dependence and withdrawal.Keep track of any side effects as your doctor titrates your dose and alert them if you experience any concerning reactions.
Medication is one treatment option that can help you manage characteristics of ADHD, such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. How do doctors know how muchADHD medicationsomeone needs? It’s usually a process of trial and error. Titrating a dose is a process doctors use to find the most effective amount of medication for a person.
Keep reading to learn more about the titration process, potential side effects of ADHD medication, how adjustments are made to your dosage, and how to know you’ve found the right dosage for you.
What to Know About Medication Titration
To figure out your proper dosage, a doctor will factor in your height, weight, andADHD characteristicswhen titrating ADHD medication.
However, a doctor’s first estimate may not be ideal for you because biology is an inexact science, and every individual is unique. They must titrate the amount for the greatest effect with the fewest side effects.
TitrationTitration is the process of determining the medication dose that helps you manage your ADHD traits to the greatest possible degree while minimizingside effects.Titration helps your body adapt to the medication and also helps you and the doctor find the optimal dose to improve your daily functioning.This gradual increase usually occurs every one to three weeks.
Titration
Titration is the process of determining the medication dose that helps you manage your ADHD traits to the greatest possible degree while minimizingside effects.Titration helps your body adapt to the medication and also helps you and the doctor find the optimal dose to improve your daily functioning.This gradual increase usually occurs every one to three weeks.
Titration is the process of determining the medication dose that helps you manage your ADHD traits to the greatest possible degree while minimizingside effects.
Titration helps your body adapt to the medication and also helps you and the doctor find the optimal dose to improve your daily functioning.
This gradual increase usually occurs every one to three weeks.
Doctors will often start you on a lower dose of medication and increase it over time if your ADHD characteristics don’t improve.This process may be rather quick, or it could take some time.
What Is the Purpose of Titration?The purpose of titration is to find the perfect balance of a particular medicine for your body.The goal is for the medication to do its job and produce the desired effects of helping to manage your ADHD traits. At the same time, the doctor wants to reduce or eliminate any adverse effects.
What Is the Purpose of Titration?
The purpose of titration is to find the perfect balance of a particular medicine for your body.The goal is for the medication to do its job and produce the desired effects of helping to manage your ADHD traits. At the same time, the doctor wants to reduce or eliminate any adverse effects.
The purpose of titration is to find the perfect balance of a particular medicine for your body.
The goal is for the medication to do its job and produce the desired effects of helping to manage your ADHD traits. At the same time, the doctor wants to reduce or eliminate any adverse effects.
Assessing How You Respond to the First Dose
Once a doctor provides you with aninitial prescription for ADHD medication, there should be a process of determining whether or not your dose should be increased or decreased.
The doctor will also determine whether the medication they’ve prescribed is overall the best medication for you based on any side effects you experience.
Potential Effects of Your ADHD Medication
You and the doctor will be working together to determine whether you’re experiencing any of these effects from your ADHD medication:
What happens when the dose of a medication such as Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is too low? In such instances, you might experience inadequate relief of behaviors that interfere with your ability to function. If your dose is too high, however, you might develop intolerable side effects or unwanted changes in mood and behavior.
Pay Attention to How the Medication Is Affecting You
If you’re beginning a trial ofstimulant medication, the doctor will likely start with an initial low dose of stimulant.
At this point, it will largely be up to you to watch carefully to determine whether or not the medication is helping to alleviate your ADHD characteristics, whether and to what degree you’re experiencing side effects, and whether any of these side effects increase or decrease over time.
Keep a Journal to Log the Effects of the Medication
Consider keeping a diary to record any improvement you notice from the medication and any side effects you experience. You might ask trusted friends or colleagues that you see on a regular basis whether they notice a difference in your behavior ormood. They may be able to provide helpful details or observations.
If your child has ADHD, you might ask their teachers or people that interact with them on a regular basis whether they’ve noticed any changes in your child’s behavior as a result of theirADHD medication.
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
With stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD likeRitalin (methylphenidate),Concerta (methylphenidate), Quillivant (methylphenidate),Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), andAdderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine), there are some potential side effects you should watch for.
Stimulant ADHD medications have a risk for dependence. Always take your medication as prescribed and talk to your doctor if you experience any concerning side effects.
The doctor prescribing your medication may add more side effects to this list, so write them down if needed. It’s also a good idea to read through the information you receive from the pharmacy and ask any questions you may have.
Common Side Effects of Stimulant MedicationDecreased appetiteDepression or increased anxietyDifficulty sleepingIrritabilityor agitationNewnervous tics(twitches, unusual blinking, odd facial movements)Unusual physical sensations orhallucinations
Common Side Effects of Stimulant Medication
Decreased appetiteDepression or increased anxietyDifficulty sleepingIrritabilityor agitationNewnervous tics(twitches, unusual blinking, odd facial movements)Unusual physical sensations orhallucinations
If stimulants are not a good fit for you, non-stimulants and antidepressants are also options. Some examples of other medications that may be prescribed for ADHD include:
Non-stimulant side effects can include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, increased blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping.
Antidepressant side effects can include dry mouth, sexual side effects, abnormal bleeding, vomiting, and cardiovascular issues.
Antidepressants carry a black box warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults.If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
When to Speak to Your Doctor
You can wait to share any mild side effects with the doctor at your next visit, but you should report any significant issues or strange symptoms immediately. Some side effects may decrease or even go away with time as your body adjusts to the medication.
Any problems you experience may be due to the dose or an unusual reaction indicating that the medication is not right for you.
Don’t stop taking (or have your child stop taking) the medication without talking to the doctor first since doing so can be dangerous.
Signs ADHD Medications Are Not Working for Your Child
ADHD Medication Dosage Adjustments
Assuming that the medication you’re trying is reducing your ADHD traits with few or no side effects, the doctor will carefully and gradually adjust (titrate) the dose upwards to adequate levels.
Medication dosage adjustments might look like the following:
How to Tell You’ve Found the Right Dosage of ADHD Medication
The optimal dose of ADHD medication is one with which your daily function is significantly improved and side effects are minimized.
While finding the best dose can be frustrating and it may seem like nothing is working, it’s important to remember that medication management is a very individualized endeavor that’s based on your personal needs and responses. This is why closecommunication with a doctoris vital.
Think of your relationship with your doctor as a partnership. Be open and communicative about your needs and experiences, and together you will arrive at the most beneficial outcome.
As you work with a doctor to find the best dose for you, remember you can talk to amental health professionalto help you manage the changes in your behavior,emotions, and mood.
Summary
ADHD medication affects everyone differently. That’s why it can take some adjustments to figure out the dose of ADHD medication that is right for you.
The goal is to find a dose that helps you manage your ADHD effectively while keeping side effects to the minimum. To do this, your doctor will prescribe a low dose and slowly increase it over a period of several weeks.
Keep track of your ADHD traits, the impact of medication, and any side effects you experience—and alert your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe reactions.
Vyvanse vs. Adderall: Similarities and Differences
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Huss M, Duhan P, Gandhi P, Chen CW, Spannhuth C, Kumar V.Methylphenidate dose optimization for ADHD treatment: Review of safety, efficacy, and clinical necessity.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:1741-1751. doi:10.2147/NDT.S130444Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Taylor E.ADHD medication in the longer term.Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2019;47(6):542-546. doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000664American Psychiatric Association.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Parents' medication guide.King SA, Casavant MJ, Spiller HA, Hodges NL, Chounthirath T, Smith GA.Pediatric ADHD medication exposures reported to US poison control centers.Pediatrics. 2018;141(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3872Gregoire-Bottex M, Soe K.Adverse effects of non-stimulant adhd drugs: atomoxetine, alpha-agonists.CPSP. 2018;7(1):11-14.Wang SM, Han C, Bahk WM, et al.Addressing the side effects of contemporary antidepressant drugs: a comprehensive review.Chonnam Med J. 2018;54(2):101.Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Huss M, Duhan P, Gandhi P, Chen CW, Spannhuth C, Kumar V.Methylphenidate dose optimization for ADHD treatment: Review of safety, efficacy, and clinical necessity.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:1741-1751. doi:10.2147/NDT.S130444Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Taylor E.ADHD medication in the longer term.Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2019;47(6):542-546. doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000664American Psychiatric Association.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Parents' medication guide.King SA, Casavant MJ, Spiller HA, Hodges NL, Chounthirath T, Smith GA.Pediatric ADHD medication exposures reported to US poison control centers.Pediatrics. 2018;141(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3872Gregoire-Bottex M, Soe K.Adverse effects of non-stimulant adhd drugs: atomoxetine, alpha-agonists.CPSP. 2018;7(1):11-14.Wang SM, Han C, Bahk WM, et al.Addressing the side effects of contemporary antidepressant drugs: a comprehensive review.Chonnam Med J. 2018;54(2):101.Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Huss M, Duhan P, Gandhi P, Chen CW, Spannhuth C, Kumar V.Methylphenidate dose optimization for ADHD treatment: Review of safety, efficacy, and clinical necessity.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:1741-1751. doi:10.2147/NDT.S130444Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Taylor E.ADHD medication in the longer term.Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2019;47(6):542-546. doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000664American Psychiatric Association.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Parents' medication guide.King SA, Casavant MJ, Spiller HA, Hodges NL, Chounthirath T, Smith GA.Pediatric ADHD medication exposures reported to US poison control centers.Pediatrics. 2018;141(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3872Gregoire-Bottex M, Soe K.Adverse effects of non-stimulant adhd drugs: atomoxetine, alpha-agonists.CPSP. 2018;7(1):11-14.Wang SM, Han C, Bahk WM, et al.Addressing the side effects of contemporary antidepressant drugs: a comprehensive review.Chonnam Med J. 2018;54(2):101.Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
Huss M, Duhan P, Gandhi P, Chen CW, Spannhuth C, Kumar V.Methylphenidate dose optimization for ADHD treatment: Review of safety, efficacy, and clinical necessity.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:1741-1751. doi:10.2147/NDT.S130444
Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02
Taylor E.ADHD medication in the longer term.Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2019;47(6):542-546. doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000664
American Psychiatric Association.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Parents' medication guide.
King SA, Casavant MJ, Spiller HA, Hodges NL, Chounthirath T, Smith GA.Pediatric ADHD medication exposures reported to US poison control centers.Pediatrics. 2018;141(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3872
Gregoire-Bottex M, Soe K.Adverse effects of non-stimulant adhd drugs: atomoxetine, alpha-agonists.CPSP. 2018;7(1):11-14.
Wang SM, Han C, Bahk WM, et al.Addressing the side effects of contemporary antidepressant drugs: a comprehensive review.Chonnam Med J. 2018;54(2):101.
Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
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