Upon the diagnosis of ADHD, the question of the next step has much room for doubt, particularly regarding medication and the medication process.
Med management may sound a bit robotic, yet it is a personalized, flexible, patient-centered process that is a joint effort. The following is what to expect.
What Does Med Management Actually Mean?
Medication management involves the patient and psychiatric provider collaborating to help the patient optimize the medication and dosage that the patient responds to best and which they can maintain as a long-term treatment.
In managing adult ADHD, the medication management involves:
- Conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, and to identify any co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation)
- An evaluation/assessment of symptom expression, function, sleep, and how the person may live day to day
- Actively taking part in the decision of what medication class to initiate
- Regular checkups are performed to assess the drug’s effectiveness and the patient’s tolerance
All these are done by personalized, evidence-based practice.
What Medications are Prescribed for Adult ADHD?
First-Line Treatment
The most researched medications for adult ADHD are stimulants!
It is claimed that these drugs increase the activity of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the Prefrontal Cortex region of the brain.
This part of the brain is the most directly connected with the executive.
Some examples are:
- Anorexiant-psychostimulant drugs
- Medications that contain methylphenidate
Within days, most adults will show improved attention, reduced impulsivity, and increased task initiation.
Non-Stimulant Options
There are non-stimulant alternatives that take medical history and/or preferences into account.
- SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)
- Viloxazine is a relatively new non-stimulant with a mechanism of action similar to that of the noradrenergic system
Two (guaifacine and clonidine) agonists may be of assistance regarding emotional dysregulation and hyperarousal that accompany ADHD.
What Are Follow-Up Appointments Like?
Medication management is done here. Your provider will check:
- Symptom response – do you feel that you are experiencing a significant change in ADHD symptoms (inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity)?
- At an early stage, appetite loss, insomnia, heightened heart rate and emotional blunting are typical.
- Functional outcomes – do you feel more functional at work, in your relationships or in your everyday activities?
The time you take your medication can be important.
Your follow-up appointments will be shorter than your initial assessment and often can be completed via telehealth.
How Long Does It Take to Manage Meds for ADHD?
There is no way to define an endpoint.
Some adults have been able to establish a routine in a matter of a few months, while others may need to titrate or change medications over a longer duration.
Changes in medication efficacy may come from a variety of new life circumstances (i.e., stressors, alterations in sleep, other hormonal changes)
This is why it is important to stay in contact with your provider for the long term.
The objective is not just to reduce symptoms. The aim is to help you function at your best, and do it in a sustainable way.
Get Support
Medcanvas Psychiatry in Minot, ND, focuses on psychiatric medication management for adults with ADHD and other mental health disorders.
We use an evidence-based, patient-centered approach rather than a uniform protocol.
Before anything is committed to, we provide a 15-minute introductory call at no charge.
You can call us at 701-963-6917 or book your intro call on our website.
FAQs
Can I receive ADHD medication without going to therapy?
Yes, medication management can be its own service.
What if the first medication trial for ADHD is not successful?
This is very common and perfectly understandable.
From your feedback, your provider will either increase your dose or change your medication.
Is it safe to take ADHD medication for a long time?
Yes, usually for adults, and as long as it is monitored appropriately. Your provider will conduct regular checks and assess your overall health to determine whether it is safe to continue.