Finding the right medication for ADHD can be a very frustrating and time-consuming task. Whether you’re treating symptoms of ADHD in yourself or your ADHD child, there are many possible side effects to medications, and it can be tough to know if the benefits outweigh those side effects. Treating adult ADHD can be easier than treating a child. It becomes quite difficult when we’re relying on children to communicate side effects or improvements from medications, because they simply don’t have the same self-awareness.
Note: This blog is based on personal experience and opinion. I am not a medical professional but believe that we can all benefit from each other’s experiences and life challenges!
Deciding to Try ADHD Medication
Deciding to go on medication for the treatment of ADHD is a personal choice. Some people are strongly against it, and that’s okay. For other people like me, I knew fairly early that my son needed medication for his ADHD (or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) symptoms. It was a matter of falling behind in school, being disruptive in class, and having impulsive behaviors at home.
The truth is, it can be extremely frustrating to deal with ADHD symptoms. I’ll be the first to admit that I would lose my cool and yell at my child for his behavior. I think when you aren’t the one with the symptoms, you forget that what they’re doing is not controllable. The result? A child with ADHD can have very low self-esteem. This can come from their own observations or from being reprimanded for “bad” behaviors, as we regretfully did.
I urge people who ARE against ADHD medicines to take a hard look at their situation. If your child is constantly “in trouble” for behavior they have no control over, then you either need to change your response to those behaviors or look at other treatment options. You may be doing more harm than good, creating insecurities and low self-esteem that will follow them through adulthood.
Finding the Right Medication for ADHD May Take Time
Once we decided to give medication a try, we quickly realized it wouldn’t be very simple. ADHD meds, like most medications, come with a variety of different benefits and side effects. Prepare to go through a little (or a lot) of trial and error here when you’re looking for the best medication. Your doctor should educate you on what to look for in terms of improvement and side effects, but as I always say, do your own research. If something changes as a result of medication, notice it and write it down if you need to.
It will also take time to get to the proper dose of ADHD medication. When symptoms weren’t properly managed in the beginning, I remember going back and forth, thinking, “Is it just a low dose that needs to be changed?” The reality is that dosing looks different for everyone. One person might metabolize a higher dose much quicker than the other, and their dietary habits can play a part as well. So know that trying a new medication and then adjusting the dose is just one step to finding the right medication for ADHD. This alone can take weeks before you get a clear picture of any medication.
ADHD Medication Side Effects You Shouldn’t Have to Deal With
Listed below are some of the most common side effects that come from stimulant medications. Keep in mind that each person is unique and there can be many other side effects beyond what’s listed here. You should also take into account that other medications could interact with ADHD medication, so it could be a combination problem as well.
- Decreased or Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Irritability
- Moodiness
- Headaches
- Dry Mouth
- Tics
- Sleep Problems
Our child became very irritable and moody on different medications and doses. His behavior was also confusing and sometimes inconsistent when monitoring it. For instance, if he stayed up too late, played too many video games, or ate certain things, it would increase these side effects. If something made him nervous and he took his medication, it was almost as if he was paralyzed with fear. He also would suffer from nail-biting, which he does do anyway, but some medications would make this SO much worse!
Finding the Right Medication for ADHD – Medication Examples
Below is a list of the most common types of medications that may be offered to you for ADHD. Some of these types of drugs are considered “stimulant” medicines. Stimulant drugs are often the first medications offered to people with ADHD because they work immediately. Non-stimulant medications take time to build up in your system, and you’ll have to wean off of them if you decide it’s not the right fit.
- Methylphenidate: Brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana
- Amphetamines: Brand names include Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Evekeo, Adzenys, and Dyanavel
- Atomoxetine: Brand name is Strattera
- Clonidine: Brand name is Kapvay
- Guanfacine: Brand name is Intuniv
- Viloxazine: Brand name is Quelbree
Don’t Leave it All Up to The Doctor
Often, doctors want to “stay” in the same class of medication if something is “kind of” working for you. Don’t be afraid to push back and ask for a different class of medication entirely. It wasn’t until we jumped from methylphenidate to amphetamine/dextroamphetamine that I realized I was putting up with things I shouldn’t have been, and therefore, my child suffered.
In retrospect, I wish I had had an ADHD specialist who was more thorough on potential side effects and what finding the right ADHD medication looks like. I feel extremely guilty when I think about the moodiness and irritability my son went through. He’s already emotional to begin with, so the wrong ADHD drugs amplified things even more. Again, it controlled the hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which is why we stuck it out, but that’s simply not good enough.
I think we ended up trying 4 or 5 medications and several different doses before we tried Adderall XR. We also added in a small dose of Adderall IR as a booster in the afternoon. Not only did this medication make a big difference in his daily life and ADHD symptoms, but he is still his amazing, bubbly, and silly self while he’s on it. That’s the key to a good option right there. Your personality SHOULD NOT CHANGE, so know this for your sake and your child’s! Remember…
- Don’t put up with an unhappy version of yourself or your child.
- Don’t be afraid to do your own research about medications and serious side effects.
- Don’t be afraid to push back at the doctor about medication choices.
- Don’t be afraid to change doctors completely. (especially if you’re using your primary care doctor)
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself and your happiness first when looking at your quality of life.
- Don’t be afraid to try medication, lifestyle changes, behavior therapy, or holistic ideas that may improve ADHD symptoms.
Never Settle
Regardless of what medication you try, don’t settle. I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this article, you’re likely frustrated with trying medications yourself. I spent too much time settling for bad medications because I thought it was at least helping in other ways. I was told by a healthcare provider that “All medications have side effects,” which made me believe I would just have to deal with some of it.
Regardless of what medication you try, don’t settle. I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this article, you’re likely frustrated with trying medications yourself. I spent too much time settling for bad medications because I thought it was at least helping in other ways. I was told by a healthcare provider that “All medications have side effects,” which made me believe I would just have to deal with some of it.
Lastly, when you’re going through this process, I recommend having another set of eyes on it. It could be you for your child, or a spouse or friend for you. Not to smother someone, but to keep an eye out for behavioral changes that we may not notice ourselves. Above all else, do what works best for you. What works for one person often won’t work for another. Give it time, but not too much time, and be confident there’s something out there that will be a good fit.
I wish you all the very best of luck in finding an ADHD treatment that, simply put, makes life better and improves your mental health overall.
Remember friends, just as the great Ice Cube once said… Chickity Check yo’ self before you wreck yo’ self.