ADHD meds are not miracle drugs that instantly get rid of all ADHD symptoms. There can be side effects or the meds may not work properly. It can take time to find the right levels and types of meds to use to bring about good results. The following are five tips on how to best work with the doctor to get the most from ADHD meds.
Tip #1: Find a Good Doctor
It is necessary that you find a doctor that is eager to supervise the medication and your child. To ensure that the treatment given is appropriate and that you find the right type of treatment or ADHD meds you have to find a specialized doctor in treating ADHD or mental health disorders.
Second thing to do is to commence with lowest does and adjust as needed.
The prescription of ADHD meds is not based on age or weight. The lowest dose possible and then adjust it up if needed is the best way to start for a good doctor. Doctors will usually allow three to seven days to elapse between adjusting doses and run an adhd test.
The side effects of increased doses are the reason why the giving of the lowest does possible is important. And also the parents will avoid over medicate in giving their child the medication in order to prevent zombie-like state.
Third Tip: The need to use daily medication consistently.
Some parents tend to give the meds to their child during the week only and not on the weekend. This method of dosing will not bring about good results.
It used to be common for doctors to recommend parents do this, but new research suggests that not giving the medication consistently can cause the medication to not work as efficiently. It can also lead to problems with getting the child to take the meds or resent going to school because they have to take the meds.
Fourth thing to do is to ask everyone to get involved in watching for side effects of the meds.
Most children are diagnosed with ADHD due to combined efforts of teachers, doctors and parent. It only makes sense to medicate as a group effort. Everyone should watch for how the medication affects the child. Having teachers, doctors and parents on the lookout can greatly improve the chances of ensuring the right meds are found and used.
Fifth Tip: Recognize the effects of diet on ADHD meds.
Child’s foods affect some meds given for ADHD. High fat diets can reduce the efficiency of meds. Ritalin can not be absorbed into the body properly by drinking acidic drinks or drinks with a lot of Vitamin C. You should also watch on any add symptoms with other possible interactions.