Getting a prescription is not the end of ADHD treatment. It is the beginning. Medication management is the ongoing care that helps you find the right medication and dose, and stay safe while taking it.
The first few weeks
Most clinicians start with a low dose and adjust slowly. This is called titration. It helps you find the dose that gives the most benefit with the fewest side effects.
During this time, expect:
- Follow-up visits every few weeks
- Small dose changes
- Questions about sleep, appetite, mood, and focus
What your clinician checks at each visit
- Benefits: Are you more focused, organized, or calm?
- Side effects: Trouble sleeping, headaches, appetite changes, mood changes
- Vital signs: Blood pressure and heart rate, which you may be asked to check at home
- Daily life: How things are going at work, school, and home
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Start assessment →How to track what is working
Keep simple notes between visits. Each day, rate from 1 to 5:
- Focus
- Mood
- Sleep
- Appetite
Also write down any side effects and what time you took your medication. These notes help your clinician make better decisions.
When things are stable
Once you find a good fit, visits are usually every one to three months. Your clinician will still check how you are doing and whether anything has changed.
When to reach out between visits
Contact your care team if you notice:
- Chest pain, a racing heart, or fainting
- Big changes in mood, including feeling very low or agitated
- Trouble sleeping that does not improve
- Side effects that make it hard to function
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Medication management at Anora
Our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners provide medication management by secure video. In your patient portal, you can see your prescriptions, appointments, and documents in one place. Medication management is billed separately from your evaluation.
The bottom line
Good medication management is a partnership. You share how you are doing, and your clinician uses that information to fine-tune your care.
Common questions
How often are ADHD medication follow-up visits?+
Early on, visits are often every few weeks while your dose is adjusted. Once you are stable, visits are usually every one to three months.
What should I track between visits?+
Track focus, mood, sleep, appetite, and any side effects. Simple notes on your phone are enough.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own health. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
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