9 Questions to Ask Before Starting an ADHD Medication

Considering ADHD drug therapy for yourself or your child? Ask your doctor the right questions.

Symptoms that suggest ADHD. ADDitude Magazine

Before agreeing to start yourself or your child on attention-deficit drug therapy, be sure to get answers to the following questions:

  • What is the diagnosis?
  • What is the medicine, and how does it work?
  • Have studies been done on it?
  • Which tests need to be done before starting the medication?
  • How soon will I see an improvement?
  • How often do you have to take the medicine?
  • How will the decision be made to stop it?
  • What are the negative side effects of the medicine?
  • What will happen if we miss a dose?

From Making the System Work for Your Child with ADHD, by Peter S. Jensen, M.D. (© 2004 Guilford Press, reprinted with permission.)

TAGS: ADHD Stimulant Medications, Nonstimulant ADHD Medications, ADHD Medication and Children

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