3/30/20 ADHD Medication Answers with Laurie Dupar, PMHNP, RN, PCC Nurse Practitioner, ADHD Life Coach & Founder, International ADHD Coach Training Center iACTcenter.com The International ADHD Coach Training Center Class # 5: Cracking the ADHD Medication Maze: 13 Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Tools and Strategies for Making Sure Your ADHD Medication is Right for You, How to Get, Afford, and Refill Your Prescriptions with Minimum Hassle 1 Medication Maze 2 1. Review - How do you know if your medications are working 2. What every person taking ADHD meds ought to know 3. Avoiding the pitfalls 4. 13 key questions to ask your prescriber 5. Cracking the ADHD Medication Maze: How to get, refill and afford ADHD medications. 3 1
3/30/20 • You can sustain focus on things normally less interesting • You get things done • Less impulsive behavior • You “feel” calmer • You have more energy • You notice details • You can filter out distractions • You notice increased memory • You sleep better and feel more motivated • Less “dopamine seeking” behavior • Increased executive function 4 Sleep Appetite ↑ Dopamine = ↑ Brain Action “Rebound” Inconsistent effects Common time limited side effects: Agitation/anxiety Headache/Dry mouth The HARDEST part of taking medication for ADHD…??? 5 ü You must be your own advocate ü “Medication log/checklist” ü Eliminate variables ü Medication reminder systems ü Have an ADHD medication specialist on your team 6 2
3/30/20 • Classes • Webinars • Teleclasses • Support Groups • Conferences • CHADD • ADDA • Publications • Tools 7 ü Rating Scale 1-10 ü Keep track of dosages ü Track key symptoms ü Share with your prescriber 8 § Consider changing one variable or medication at a time. § Consider doing a “blind” test Try and minimize § “placebo” effects 9 3
3/30/20 Medication Reminder System: How to Remember NOT to Forget • Pill case • Alarms • Calendars • Backpacks • Wallets • Attach it to a current habit • Write it down 10 Not All Prescribers are Created Equal Medical Doctors Psychiatrists Neurologists Pediatrician Family Practice Internist Nurse Practitioners Physician Assistants (under the supervision of a physician) 11 Key Questions to Ask Your Prescriber • What type of medication is this? Stimulant or non stimulant? • How does this medication work in my brain? How does it help my ADHD? • What negative side effects are normal with this medication? • What health monitoring checks need to be done, if any? • Are there any side effects that would warrant me to call you or stop taking this medication? • How will I know if this medication is working? What will I notice that is different? • When do I take this medication? Does it matter if I take it in the morning or at night? • Do I need to take this medication every day? • If I want to stop taking this medication, how do I need to do that? • Do I take this medication with or without food? Does it matter? • How long will this medication take to start working once I take it? • How long do the effects of this medication last after I take it? • What is the plan with regards to following up and adjusting the dose of this medication? When is our next appointment? 12 4
3/30/20 ADHD Medications as a Schedule ll Substance 13 ADHD Medications and Pharmacists A pharmacist is required to exercise sound professional judgment when making a determination about the legitimacy of a controlled substance prescription. 14 What to Know About Filling Your Prescription Do a “ TSA Prescription Pre check ” Review. Is it: • T otally filled out • S igned • A ccurate Practice being your pharmacy and pharmacist friendly. 15 5
3/30/20 Insurance & Your Insurance Company’s Role with Medication 16 Money-Saving Tips for ADHD Medication • Payment Assistant Programs (PAP) – www.NeedyMeds – www.rxassist.org – https://www.rxpharmacycoupons.com • Drug makers discount Cards/Prescription discount cards Good RX.com • Ask for samples • Go generic • Tell your prescriber that cost matters • Non pharmacological interventions • Flexible Spending Accounts(FSA ) 17 In This Fifth Class… 1. Review - how do you know if your medications are working 2. What every person taking ADHD meds ought to know 3. Avoiding the pitfalls 4. 13 key questions to ask your prescriber 5. Cracking the ADHD Medication Maze: How to get, refill and afford ADHD medications. 18 6
3/30/20 www.iACT center.com 19 7. When specifically do I take this medication? If once a day, does it matter if I take it in the morning or at night? 8. Do I need to take this medication every day? 9. If I want to stop taking this medication, how do I do that? i.e. slowly decrease the dose, simply stop taking it, call you? 10.Do I take this medication with or without food? Does it matter? 11.How long will this medication take to start working once I take it? 12.How long do the effects of this medication last after I take it? 13.What is the plan with regards to following up and adjusting the dose of this medication? When is our next appointment? 20 7
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