Even though using ADHD medication may be necessary and highly beneficial, there may be some things about this type of medicine that your doctor might not have revealed to you. Continue reading to learn more so that you can make the right decisions when it comes to your health and the medications that you choose to take.
You Should Be Monitored Closely
If you are going to be using ADHD medication, you should locate a psychiatrist or neurologist, or a developmental pediatrician for your child who will be taking ADHD medicine, so that you can be monitored closely by someone who has a lot of experience with the latest medications. Doctors should see patients every two to four weeks during the first few months of taking the medicine to see if it is working and if there are any unwanted side effects.
ADHD Medications Can Cause Side Effects
Like any other medication, ADHD medicine can cause side effects, but your doctor may not reveal all of the side effects when he or she prescribes the medicine to you. For example, you may end up suffering from a loss of appetite, headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems. Though highly uncommon, another side effect of ADHD medication is motor tics.
The Dose You Will Need Is Unique
When it comes to stimulant medicines, your doctor will determine the dosage on your body’s absorption rate, rather than on your weight, age, or gender. Therefore, when you start taking an ADHD medication, be prepared to start at the lowest possible dose and go through a period of trial and error until the right dose has been found. Everyone metabolizes medicine at a different rate, so your doctor will likely be unable to guess at the right dose on the first try.
Your Behavior and Emotions Will Change
When you, or your child, are on medication for ADHD, you should closely monitor for any changes in emotional balance and overall behavior. Tracking changes is the best way to note problems and patterns that are being caused by the medicine. Report these changes to your doctor so that he or she can determine if the medication is appropriate for you or if another medicine should be tried instead.
Now that you know a bit more about using ADHD medication, you can really talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of these medicines and make the right choices for your specific needs.