8 Signs ADHD Medication Dose Too High

ADHD medications are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They may also be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and insomnia.

There are also natural ADHD supplements out there as well.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 7% of children between ages 6 and 17 suffer from ADHD. This number has been steadily rising since 2000.

In addition to causing problems with focus and concentration, ADHD symptoms include fidgetiness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

There are two types of ADHD medications available: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulant drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs, such as Strattera and Concerta, are used to treat ADHD in adults.

OTC Adderall alternatives are also available.

While these drugs can be effective, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and sexual problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.

8 Signs Your ADHD Medication Dose and Treatment is too high

Here are eight signs that your ADHD medication dose is higher than necessary:

#1. You Feel Tired All Day Long and feel like you have a Physical Dependence

If you find yourself feeling tired most days of the week, your ADHD medication dose may be too high. This can happen when you take too much medicine, or when you don’t adjust your dosage properly. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

#2. You Find Yourself Getting Angry Easily

If you find yourself easily irritated, angry, or frustrated, your ADHD medication dose is probably too high. This can occur when you take too much medication, or when you don’t adjust your dose correctly. Talk to your doctor immediately.

#3. You Can’t Concentrate on this Dose of Stimulant

If you find that you can’t concentrate, focus, or pay attention, your ADHD medication dose might be too high. This occurs when you take too much of the drug, or when you don’ t adjust your dose correctly. Speak to your doctor about lowering your dose.

#4. You Get Stressed Easily on this Dose of Medication

If you feel stressed out, anxious, or worried, your ADHD medication dose could be too high. This happens when you take too much, or when you don ‘t adjust your dose correctly, or when you stop taking your medication altogether. Talk to your doctor.

#5. You Have Trouble Sleeping

If you find yourself waking up often at night, or sleeping poorly, your ADHD medication dose should be lowered. This can happen when your dose is too high, or when you don ‘t adjust your dose correctly or when you stop taking the medication. Talk to your doctor for advice.

#6. You Experience Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

Anxiety is another common side effect of taking too much medication. People with ADHD often suffer from social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and depression.

Medication can worsen these conditions. Talk to your doctor about reducing your ADHD medication dose if any of these symptoms occur.

#7. You Experience Nausea with Stimulant Medications

Nausea is one of the most common side effects of taking ADHD medication. Some people experience vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. He or she can adjust your ADHD medication dose to alleviate these problems.

#8. You Find Yourself Acting Out Of Control on the Medicine

Some people who take ADHD medication say they act out of control. They become impulsive and irritable.

This is yet another sign that your ADHD medication dose is excessive. Speak to your doctor about lowering your dosage.

How do I know if my Adderall Dose is too low for Adults?

If you’re taking medicine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s important to know whether your dose is effective enough to keep your symptoms under control. You can do this by keeping track of your symptoms over time. One way to do this is by completing the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self Assessment (ASDA). This questionnaire helps you identify the specific behaviors associated with your ADHD and allows you to monitor your progress as you adjust your dosage.

The ASDA consists of three sections. Section A asks questions about your behavior and problems. Sections B and C ask about your feelings and thoughts. Each section includes five items, one of which addresses each symptom listed in the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD. For example, the first question in Section A asks about impulsiveness, while the second question asks about concentration difficulties.

You can complete the ASDA online or download a printable version. When you finish the assessment, you’ll receive feedback based on the responses you gave. Your score will indicate the severity of your symptoms, allowing you to compare your current level of functioning against your previous levels.

A high score indicates that your symptoms are severe and require increased treatment; a lower score suggests that your symptoms are milder and less frequent. A score of zero indicates no symptoms.

Am I taking the right Adult ADHD drug medication?

If you’ve been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you know how frustrating it can be trying to figure out which drug might help you most effectively treat your symptoms. You may be wondering whether you’re getting the best possible treatment based on your individual needs, and whether there are certain types of drugs that aren’t working as well as others. While there are several different medications used to treat ADHD, each of them has its pros and cons. If you’re looking into starting on a prescription medicine for ADHD, here are some things to consider:

• How do I choose the right ADHD medication?

There are multiple factors to take into account when choosing a specific medication for treating ADHD. Your doctor will likely want to start with a trial period to see how the medication performs in your body before prescribing it as long-term therapy. This process is called titration, and it involves gradually increasing the dosage of the medication while monitoring your response. During this time, your doctor will look for improvements in your behavior and functioning. Once the proper dosage level is achieved, your doctor may recommend continuing the medication indefinitely.

• What are my alternatives to ADHD meds?

While there are a number of effective treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), diet changes, exercise, and sleep hygiene, there are also natural remedies that may provide relief without causing harmful side effects. Some people use nutritional supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, and L-theanine to address ADHD symptoms. Others turn to herbal remedies like kava kava, valerian root, chamomile tea, and passionflower. Still others try complementary methods such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage, chiropractic care, and aromatherapy to help their body.

• Are there any risks associated with ADHD meds?

Although there are no known negative side effects related specifically to ADHD medications, some people experience unwanted side effects during treatment. These include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and difficulty sleeping. Because most of these side effects are mild, however, they usually resolve themselves once the medication starts working.

How is your initial dose of ADHD medication determined?

A doctor will look at several factors when deciding how much medicine to prescribe you. These include:

• Your age

• Whether you have medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, thyroid problems, or heart disease

• How severe your symptoms are

• If you’re taking other medicines

Doctors will consider each patient’s individual situation when determining the best starting dose. They’ll take into account things like your age, medical history, the severity of your ADHD symptoms, and whether you’ve been diagnosed with another mental health disorder. The goal is to find a dosage that works for you while minimizing side effects.

The most common side effect of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is insomnia. This can be caused by too high a dose. If this happens, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose. Other possible side effects include stomach upset, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting.

Getting the Adderall Dosage “Right”

Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While it is commonly prescribed to children, adults use it too. But how much do you take? And what does the number mean?

The answer to both questions is complicated. First, there is no “right” or standard Adderall dose for ADHD. Second, even the dosage numbers mentioned above—10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg and 120 mg—are ballpark figures. Third, your age, height, body mass index (BMI), gender, the severity of your impairment, among other factors, have no correlation with the optimal Adderall dosage. Fourth, there are a few things that have a major influence on your optimal Adderal dose: metabolism and neurochemical activity.

• Metabolism

Your metabolic system breaks down drugs very quickly. This process begins within seconds of taking the pill and continues throughout the day. If you don’t metabolize the drug fast enough, it can build up in your bloodstream. When this happens, you’ll experience side effects like nausea, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, sweating, shakiness, muscle cramps, tremors, headache, irritability, confusion, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, agitation, aggression, hostility, impulsivity, aggressiveness, impaired judgment, memory loss, mood swings, mania, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, heart palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision problems, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision, blurry eyesight, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, decreased appetite, and many others.

• Neurochemical Activity

There are three types of neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Dopamine is involved in pleasure; norepinephrine in wakefulness, alertness, and energy; and serotonin in sleep, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing. Your brain produces all three, but certain areas produce one type more than another. For example, the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for executive function such as planning, organization, decision making, impulse control, and self-awareness) produces more dopamine. Conversely, the amygdala (responsible for emotions like fear, anger, stress, sadness, and happiness) produces more noradrenaline.

When you take medication, it affects each of these systems differently. Some medications affect multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously. For example, amphetamine increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which increase both dopamine and norepinephine levels. In contrast, methylphenidate, sold under brand names including Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, and Daytrana, primarily targets dopamine receptors.

Conclusion: Knowing if your ADHD medication dosage is too high

In conclusion, if you notice any of these signs, we mentioned: talk to your doctor immediately. They may have changed your medication dosage without telling you, which could cause serious side effects. And remember, if you feel like you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have ADHD. Talk to your doctor first before taking any action.