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Original poster

Some help with ADHD medication

37 replies

Bruisername · 20/08/2023 20:36

Hi. I was just wondering if anyone could advise how quickly you see if the meds are working or not? Dd has only had one dose and felt no different and I suppose I am wondering if it’s too early to tell if it is wrong/too low for her?

OP posts:
Twospaniels · 20/08/2023 20:46

I used to work as a medical secretary for a child psychiatrist. She used to prescribe and then see the child one month later to see how things are. i really don’t think you will see any change after one dose!

itscomplicatedagain · 20/08/2023 20:54

Depending on the age of the child they may not even notice a difference but you might notice changes in their behaviour.
My DS has been on medication for 10 years and he is still occasionally comments that he doesn't need it but his life is so much more difficult when he doesn't take it. His impulsiveness is off the scale, he's argumentative, a huge risk taker and can't sit or stand still! His medication is not cumulative so I could tell after a day or two if that particular medication was working or not.

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 21:01

Ok great. Hers isn’t cumulative.

may not have been the best time today but on the plus side nothing bad happened either!

She has a music lesson so I will see if her teacher notices anything.

we have an appointment in a month but I was hoping to bring it forward if it doesn’t seem to be working.

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Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 21:32

she is 13

OP posts:
MetaverseMavis · 20/08/2023 21:34

likely she will have started on a low dose, perhaps it is too low.

StuntNun · 20/08/2023 21:35

It took a while to find the best dose and formulation for DS1.

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 21:37

Yes seems likely - it’s 5mg

ill give it a few days and then email the prescriber

thank you

OP posts:
SugarPlumpFairy3 · 20/08/2023 21:38

Ds medication isn’t cumulative so it’s quickly in his system (around 30 mins to see full effectiveness) and it’s out of his system by the evening.

Your dd has likely been started on a very low dose and it will be gradually increased.

GerbilTrainerExtraordinaire2 · 20/08/2023 21:42

ADHD medication - basically need to note how she manages focused activities after medication - for how long and what intensity of focus before her behaviour returns to normal. It may take a few consultations over a number of months before she’s on the right amount.

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 21:46

Ok. So over this week I will sit down with her around half an hour to an hour after taking and do a task she normally loses focus on quickly and will see if I see may improvement.

I suspect the dose is too low but will see!!

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Bigbus · 20/08/2023 21:50

What medication is it OP? I diagnose and treat adults with ADHD and I always have to start on the lowest dose (eg 18mg of methylphenidate slow release) and I always tell my patients that they might not see any benefit at that dose but we have to start there. Some do see a benefit and some need higher doses.

Toptipsneeded · 20/08/2023 21:53

You may notice that they are not as tired ( as not having to internally fight so much/ exhausted)
they may start to ‘ want thier meds’ before things as they notice it’s impact

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 21:55

She’s on the one you mentioned (which I can’t spell!!)

how long should I try it - do we need to go the full month before changing dose?

OP posts:
Bigbus · 20/08/2023 22:03

If she’s in 5mg then likely it’s the immediate release rather than slow release. It can be increased at weekly intervals but in reality it’s quite hard to do that as it’s not easy to see someone every week to assess them and increase the meds. In adults I would always check their weight (as reduced appetite is a side effect) and also pulse and BP before increasing the dose so wouldn’t increase it without seeing the patient but that’s not so say that’s the protocol everywhere.

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 22:06

Mines online and I do the bp etc to keep the record for them

It is the immediate release

i will keep an eye this week and then email and see if the prescriber has time earlier or otherwise will just wait for appointment in a month

OP posts:
Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 22:07

She took it and went hyper for about 10 mins but I guess that’s psychological!

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barbie3 · 20/08/2023 22:14

5mg is low. My son is younger than your dd and takes 30mg (slow release though). He started on 5mg and I don't think I could see a difference then. I don't even notice a massive difference in them now but it's v noticeable for certain activities which require sustained attention for example, handwriting.

HoppyOne · 20/08/2023 22:17

We were told the initial dose is so low it will be unlikely we will notice an effect but it will flag if their are negative side effects.

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 22:21

Ok - that’s a good point on side effects. I will monitor this week

thanks

OP posts:
PostageAndPackaging · 20/08/2023 22:22

My eldest was started on methylphenidate 18mg in Feb this year, when aged 15.

It's actually normal to feel something particularly the first time, but it'll be noticeable if the dose isn't enough, after a few days, a week.

I was started on it 9 years ago this fall, began at 18mg and worked up to 36mg (did higher than that but eventually started smelling colours so came down).

I believe this period where they try to get the right brand and dose is what is called titration - have a Google (the nurse/ doctor who commented with their experience would be better to correct me if I'm wrong)

Original poster
Bruisername · 20/08/2023 23:19

Thanks. I’ve been so stressed about her going back to school and hopeful the drugs will make a difference that I felt panicky when she went hyper instead and then seemed to have no change!!

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sillyuniforms · 20/08/2023 23:43

5mg is tiny dose. My DD says she doesn't feel different but is aware her behaviour is different on meds. Also 13. She can't 'feel' it

sillyuniforms · 20/08/2023 23:46

They start low doses to check for adverse reactions. My DD has breaks from it in longer school holidays so she eats more, but does get mild headaches / tummy ache when we re starts although generally no effects

AndrewGarfieldsLaptop · 20/08/2023 23:54

Hi. My son started on 10mg and we noticed after 3 days.

dearanon · 20/08/2023 23:55

It's too low. You should see results within 30 minutes really.

Is she on a prolonged release or instant?