“I’m terrified to titrate the dose of ADHD medication up. Isn’t less better?”
When it comes to ADHD medication, some parents are just terrified to titrate. What I mean is, they’re afraid to go up on the dose of medication to a level that might be ideal for treating their child’s ADHD because they’re bumping up against a glass ceiling of fear when it comes to side effects.
An ADHD physician who knows what he or she is doing isn’t afraid to go up on the medicine, because they are also not afraid to go right back down if you experience side effects. Keep in mind that most patients have their ADHD undertreated because of this fear.
We would never do that with a diabetic patient. We’re going to get the blood sugar normal, even if it means placing the child on four shots a day or an insulin pump, because normal blood sugar is in the child’s best interest.
We don’t settle for “pretty good” for our diabetic patients, and we shouldn’t settle for “pretty good” for our ADHD patients, either. We want optimal. That means the child has good self-control, and when it’s time to be silly or age-appropriately fun-loving, they can do those things. But, also, when it’s time to get the work done, they can do those things.
So, if we arrive at the “just right” dose, we’ll be very happy over the long haul with ADHD treatment. But to get there requires a little bit of titration, and that can be terrifying. Find a doctor who knows the medicine and is willing to help you get through that fear so that you find the “just right” dose.
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided on this site solely at your own risk. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with a physician.
James Wiley is the founder of Focus-MD. Focus-MD is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and related problem patients. They provide objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies to help or patients transform from frustration to focus. To find a Focus-MD clinic, click here.
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