What Are Signs That  Your ADHD Medication Dose Is Too High? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that impacts both children and adults. While one of the most effective methods to resolve the problem is prescribing treatment, finding the right ADHD medications can be challenging.

It is commonplace to see individuals with ADHD dealing with side effects as a result of the wrong dosage. Determining whether the dosage is appropriate is essential because there are different kinds of ADHD to deal with. They include:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Type. This form of ADHD is characterized by the inability to stay focused, forgetfulness, disorientation, and disorganization. People with this type of condition struggle to complete tasks or even follow instructions.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. This type of ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity, such as restlessness and fidgeting, and poses a threat to mental health.
  • Combined Type. This subtype of ADHD is commonly experienced and is characterized by a combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. People dealing with this type of ADHD have to face a wide range of symptoms, including restlessness and an inability to complete tasks.

It is essential to note that ADHD is a complex medical condition. This article explores the signs of ADHD medication dose being too high and what you can do to remedy this situation.

But first things first:

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects adults and children. It is commonly associated with a consistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsion.

While the exact cause of the disorder is not fully understood, medical research suggests that it is a result of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. ADHD can be successfully diagnosed by a medical professional, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, through a series of cognitive assessments, behavior rating scales, and interviews.

Remedying the situation includes prescribing treat ADHD medication and behavioral therapies. Some of the treatment includes stimulant meds and nonstimulant medication.

Basically, with adequate treatment and support, adults and children with ADHD can manage their symptoms and perform activities with ease.

What Are Some ADHD Symptoms?

The symptoms of ADHD can be generally classified into 2 types:

  1. Inattention symptions
  2. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms

Inattention symptions

Some of the major signs to watch out for includes:

  • Trouble staying focused on tasks and activities. This is most evident in conversations or while reading or listening to instructions.
  • Difficulty with arranging things accordingly.
  • Forgetfulness
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty paying attention to details
  • Making careless mistakes
  • Disliking and/or avoiding tasks that require mental effort
  • Frequently misplacing personal items.

Hyperactivity symptoms

Some of the ADHD symptoms to look out for include:

  • Intruding or interrupting others
  • Difficulty in engaging in quiet activities
  • Mood swings
  • Inability to deal with stress
  • Talking excessively
  • Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet
  • Running and climbing excessing in inappropriate situations

These symptoms associated with ADHD can lead to a significant impact on daily activities, resulting in academic, social, and even occupational issues. It is also essential to note that not everyone who experiences these symptoms has ADHD.

Thus, it is highly recommended to see a doctor who will recommend ADHD medications after a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis have been conducted.

How is Your Initial Dose of ADHD Medication Determined?

The initial dose of ADHD medications is determined based on several factors. They include:

  • Age. The recommended medication dosage may vary depending on the age of the patient. For instance, children may require little starting dose compared to adults.
  • Weight. The weight of the patients also plays a role in the dose of medication. For stimulant medications, the starting dosage is typically between 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day.
  • Genetics. Some persons have genetic variations that may impact how medications will be metabolized, which may impact the initial dose.
  • The severity of symptoms. The severity of the ADHD symptoms can also influence the initial dose of medication. Individuals who experience more severe symptoms may require a higher starting dose to achieve relief.
  • Family history. The family and medical history of a patient also determine the optimal dose that they will receive. If a patient is struggling with existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, they may require a lower starting dose.
  • Other medications. Some medications counteract ADHD medications. Thus, it is essential to identify the medications they are ingesting to determine the starting dose of ADHD medications.

Another essential fact to note is that the initial dosage is not necessarily the final dosage. Your doctor will introduce you to an initial dosage and check in a few weeks later to discuss the side effects and adjust the dosage accordingly.

What Are The Common Signs That Your ADHD Medication Dosage Is Too High?

While medication can be essential in remedying this neurological condition, finding the right dose can pose a challenge. You are going to experience some side effects. They include the following:

1. Feeling Tired All Day Long

It’s okay to wake feeling tired, but if you find yourself feeling weak and drained throughout the days of the week, your ADHD medication dosage is likely too high.

It’s essential to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose when you begin to notice your tiredness.

2. You Get Angry Easily

Do you catch yourself getting irritated and angry easily? Do you feel frustrated for no reason? This is likely because your prescription drug dose might be too high.

This symptom can be experienced when you take too much medication or do not adjust your dosage according to the healthcare provider’s prescriptions.

3. Can’t Concentrate in Class or at Work

Losing concentration at work may likely be a result of too much dosage. This hampers your performance, as you begin to feel restless or have panic attacks and can’t complete individual or group tasks.

The same problem will likely arise in the classroom if the ADHD meds dosage is too high.

4. Feeling Constantly Stressed and Uptight

If you constantly feel stressed and uptight about everything or have a decreased appetite, the dosage of your meds may be too high.

This could happen as a result of not taking your medications when you take them too much or do not adjust your dosage according to your doctor’s directives.

5.Having Insomnia or Trouble Falling Asleep

Do you find yourself waking up too many times at night or having trouble sleeping? The reason could be your ADHD meds dosage may be too high.

More so, it could be you didn’t adjust your dose. You should see your doctor immediately and talk about adjusting your dosage.

6. Increased Anxiety

Feeling anxious is another common effect of too much ADHD medication dosage.

Whenever you worry too much about trivial issues, find it difficult to engage in social interactions or experience panic attacks, it could simply be that your dosage may be too high.

7. Feeling Nauseous After Taking Your Medication

Another common side effect of too much dosage is nausea. You may experience dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or diarrhea.

You should contact your doctor to adjust your medications and dosage accordingly.

8. Medication Significantly Changes Your Behavior

Do you have less impulse control after taking ADHD medications? This may happen because your dosage may be too high.

You should speak with your healthcare provider, who will adjust your best starting dose.

9. You Experience a “Comedown” After Taking Your Medication

A comedown is a period where the effects of your dosage wear off, and you begin to experience a wide range of negative symptoms.

Comedowns are typically associated with stimulant meds like Adderall, which is used to treat ADHD. Some of the symptoms you may experience include depression, low mood, agitation, headaches, increased or decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and exhaustion.

The severity of comedowns depends on the individual or the medications being ingested. You should note that this condition can be very severe. If you experience this, reach out to your doctor, who may change a particular medicine.

10. Craving Your Next Dose Of Adderall, Concerta, or Vyvanse

Craving your next dose of Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta could be a sign that your dosage may be too high. This is because stimulant medications used in treating ADHD can be addictive.

When taken in high doses, these meds could give you a rush or a ‘high’. As a result, this could lead to craving for the medication – even more than what is prescribed.

It is essential to contact your doctor to monitor your side effects and adjust the dosage where necessary.

11. You Experience Tics

You may experience situations such as motor or vocal tics, such as throat clearing or twitching, as side effects of improper stimulant medication.

What Should I Do if My ADHD Medication Dosage is Too High?

Taking an ADHD medication dosage that is too high can lead to the side effects mentioned above and may significantly impact your mental health.

Here are some tips you can carry out if you believe that your stimulant medication dose is too high.

  1. Talk to your doctor. Contact your doctor prescribing the drugs and dosage as soon you experience those symptoms. You should express your concerns about the dosage and how they are impacting your daily routine. Your doctor will adjust your dosage, change your medication entirely, or recommend other treatment options, such as herbal remedies and non stimulants.
  2. Keep track of your symptoms. You should monitor and document your symptoms and how they change with regard to ingesting your medications. This information may be helpful in guiding your healthcare provider to make the much-needed adjustments.
  3. Follow your prescribed dosage. It’s recommended to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. You should avoid increasing or decreasing your dosage without due consultations with your doctor. Ending your medication or switching your doses is bound to cause complications or the symptoms mentioned.
  4. Seek support. If you’re struggling with ADHD medication side effects, you should consider seeking support from a support group or mental health expert. They may be able to provide support in navigating the physical and emotional symptoms you may be experiencing.

It is essential to work closely with your doctor, who may adjust your Adderall dose and monitor the effectiveness of your medication.

In conclusion, taking ADHD medication is an effective way to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, it is essential to find the right ADHD medication dose that works for your needs. It’s recommended to seek professional consultation and follow their instructions to achieve the best results.