Some individuals do benefit substantially for the treatment of their ADHD with stimulants. HOWEVER, many individuals are overly prescribed resulting in high anxiety, mood swings, "crashes" at the end of the day, withdrawal days they don't take it, sweats, palpitations and other side effects, that can be significant.
If a patient truly has ADHD, decreasing that individuals dose can result in symptom improvement, and a significant reduction in side effects. Dr. Pagnani has seen individuals prescribed 60 or even 90 mg of adderall (amphetamine salts) come in, and say that 5 or 10 mg twice a day (after they were tapered down) was more effective for the treatment of their condition, and all of their side effects dissipated. Be weary of prescribers that quickly increase doses, or start with higher end doses of these medications.
Dr. Pagnani is the Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates in Philadelphia, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital. www.RittenhousePA.com or visit @RittenhousePsych for 100's of educational mental health videos.
