What to ask when prescribed a new medication for adult ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain develops and functions. People with ADHD can experience difficulties related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Symptoms begin before age 12 but can continue into adulthood, and ADHD affects people of all ages. There are many people who do not receive a formal diagnosis until they are adults, due to symptoms being missed or overlooked during childhood.

It’s also worth noting that symptoms of ADHD can change over time and diagnosing the condition in adults can be challenging. The core symptoms of ADHD can be easier to recognize in a school environment. Adult symptoms may manifest as procrastination, low self-esteem, and mood swings, and ADHD frequently occurs alongside conditions like anxiety and depression. Diagnosis requires symptoms to be present before age 12, requiring a person to look years or decades into the past as they work with a healthcare provider.

Treatment for ADHD in adults

ADHD is treatable. Treatment in adults often includes medications, which can be combined with patient education, behavioral therapy, and skills training. Treatment plans vary from person to person, depending on symptoms, needs, and what treatments they respond to.

The most commonly used medications for adult ADHD are stimulant medications. These medications work by increasing the activity of specific neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. In people with ADHD, this can help improve focus and impulse control. Short-acting and long-acting formulations are available.

There are also several non-stimulant medications. Non-stimulant medications also act on neurotransmitters but work through different mechanisms, and these may be an option if stimulant medications are not effective or are causing side effects. Some non-stimulant medications can also be paired with stimulant medications.

Finding the right medication and dosage can take some trial and error, and it helps to know what to ask when starting a new prescription.

Questions to ask when starting a new medication:

• What is the name of the medication?
• What dosage am I being prescribed?
• How does this medication work to treat ADHD? Is this a stimulant or non-stimulant medication?
• How do I take this medication? How often do I take this medication?
• How long will it take to notice a difference in symptoms?
• How should I expect to feel while taking this medication?
• What are the potential side effects? What will we do if I experience side effects?
• Is there a risk of serious side effects?
• Do I need any monitoring while taking this medication, such as regular checkups or blood pressure checks?
• Can this medication be habit forming? Is there a risk of misuse?
• What steps can I take to avoid side effects or reduce risk?
• What things do I need to avoid while taking this medication? For example, alcohol and recreational drugs.
• What options do I have if this medication is not effective or if I need to stop taking this medication?
• What will this medication cost? What can I do if I have concerns about the cost?
• How will we know if this medication is working? How long will it take before the medication works? What options do I have if this medication does not work?

It’s also important that your healthcare providers are aware of all medications you are taking. Create a list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal products) that you are taking, and share this list with each of your healthcare providers. This can help you avoid unwanted drug interactions. Your pharmacist is also a valuable source of information.

For information about diagnosis and treatment options for ADHD as an adult, your healthcare provider will be your best source of information.