Ask Our Expert - Time It Takes for ADHD Medication to Take Effect

September 06, 2008

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Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.


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Ask Dr. Needlman Time It Takes for ADHD Medication to Take Effect

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Needlman, My 12-year-old son was just put on Adderall, because he is ADHD, with impulsivity. When will I see a change in his behavior? — Concerned & Loving Mom in USA

ANSWER	July 23, 2001


Dear Concerned and Loving Mom, One of the good features of the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD (including Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, and others) is that they take effect quickly. You should see effects within a day or two, and certainly within a week at the longest. One very helpful thing that comes of this "quick action" of stimulants is that it makes it easier to adjust the dose. So, if your son starts at a low dose (as I always recommend), if there really is no effect at all, certainly within a week, it's a good bet that the dose could be raised a step. But definitely don't make dose adjustments without talking with the doctor who prescribed the medication. As safe as stimulants are when used properly, they are powerful medications, and can cause problems if used incorrectly. — by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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