I was recently diagnosed with Mild ADHD, I also have depression and anxiety. I am currently taking a low dosage of Ritalin (Methylphenidate) 10mg for my ADHD along with an anti-depressant. I have the Inattentive ADHD, I struggle mainly with all of the executive functioning. What I have been struggling with is knowing how to evaluate if I need a higher dosage? The issues I thought the medication would solve are still present. The reason I got tested for ADHD is because I was struggling in my Masters program to the point that I have failed 2 classes now. I failed the first before I was diagnosed and the second one a few weeks ago. My focus has improve a lot sense being on the medication but it isn't consistent.
Does anyone have any experience or tips that could help?
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literarydiva
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I take Concerta (another brand of methylphenidate) and the doctors put you on a low dose to start since ADHD meds are controlled substances. Now I’m on a dose that helps me, but causes my appetite to feel suppressed. Well, I have been having a bit of a rough time lately and then I started having lots of anxiety and wondering if my meds were still helping, but I was concerned about upping my dosage since I’m already losing weight, well I think I just had a sprout of worry. But I suppose my advice is listen to yourself and talk to your doctor. My meds help me cope with the feelings and symptoms of ADHD. But that’s just me.
When your Dr prescribed you the medication, they should have automatically set up check-in visit a certain amount of time after the first prescription so that your dose could be evaluated. At the check-in you would discuss with your Dr. what, if any, difference you have noted, any side effects etc. Your Dr. would provide their feedback on what they think, and you could have the discussion about whether you want to try a higher dose or not. It's reasonable that if you don't think that you're noticing any difference, to try a higher dose.
If the dose changes (or even not), your Dr. should still be suggesting a follow up visit to check in again in a certain amount of time. If you don't leave an appointment with a solid understanding of what the next steps are when you've been prescribed a medication, then you need a follow-up appointment set (if the Doc doesn't bring it up by the end of the appt, ask). If you're satisfied with your dose at the end of a conversation with the Doc, and there are no "next steps", then and only then would you not need to set a follow up appointment.
Strong Suggestion: don't start your conversation with the Doc with "I think I need a higher dose" or "I want to try a higher dose". Set up the appointment as a request to review your ADHD medication, and when the Dr. asks you why you wanted to see them, say that you're not sure if the current medication or its dose are working to help with your ADHD symptoms, and go from there. I'm blessed that my Dr. is not like this, but it sounds like some Drs. assume people are pushing for stimulants (i.e. to abuse), and get their backs up right away against the idea of increasing the dose, so I that's why I'm adding that suggestion.
I likewise have mild inattentive ADHD (+depression) and have gone through the various dosages of Methylphenidate and after that didn't work, am now on Amphetamine and at the highest dose. I have likewise struggled with knowing whether it's working or not. My Dr. keeps saying at each appointment that medication isn't going to solve all my problems, that all of these other steps need to be taken as well (CBT, coaching, implementing measures etc.). I don't expect medication to solve all my problems, but from what I hear about how stimulants work for ADHD, I do expect them to help me with things like being able to concentrate, being able to pause when I need to pause, etc., and so far they're not really doing that. I'm continuing at this highest dose of amphetamine for now though because I have seen marginal improvement in my alertness, but essentially nothing else. lol. I sympathize with the struggle.
How do you know if it's too much? "Starbucks Syndrome", you feel like you're jacked up and super wired.
How do you k now if it's not enough or not the right type of medication? It doesn't make any difference you can notice in your life.
If you find something that works but the side effects are not reasonable or manageable, that's also justification for a switch or a dose reduction.
Don't forget, your medication management is all about you! Put you first!
Ritalin only lasts 4 hours. If you're only taking one a day then after the 4 hours you will have problems concentrating. If you just started taking it the doctors have to follow a standard schedule. So they start off with small dosages and work their way up depending on your symptoms. That is why you have to see them so often.
the Psychiatrist always start with a low dose of the medications . I too have primarily inattentive ADHD . I frankly prefered to take Adderall XR and one time a day- XR meaning it is long acing and slow release- for one things have issues with remembering to take evening or late PM meds and any stimulant I take after 11 AM or so will keep me awake- I already have insomnia issues. And If you also have some depression/anxiety might suggest you look up Wellbutrin- primarily antidepressant - but off label use for ADHD was best med I was ever one- too bad I developed an allery to it ! And also suggest ASAP you get into therapy- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is great for ADHD- and you qualify at school for specail support with note of diagnosis from MD - more time to take tests etc. Do reading abojut ADHD- I do not say I have a mental illness because I am not ill- I have a brain disfuncation- or my brain is wired a little differently than others and I was born that way. USe tools- Make list of to do - estimate time to get it doen and then double time- we have poor ability to judge time- break tasks down into small nieces- Get exercise every day- do ten minutes of more of mindfulness meditation- KNOW YOUR MEDS AND GET HELP!
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