Try, Try Again: Stories of ADHD Medication Trials and Errors
The trial-and-error process of searching for an individual’s optimal ADHD medication and dosage is often frustrating, but indispensable. Here. ADDitude readers share their personal experiences with fine-tuning treatment.
With dozens of different ADHD medications on the market, it’s likely one will work well for you — but it may not be the first, or second, medicine you try. On average, children try 2.75 different medications and adults try 2.56 prescriptions before finding one that works for them, according to a recent ADDitude survey of more than 11,000 readers.
Adults and caregivers reported that the process of searching for the right medication — the one with highest efficacy, fewest side effects, and covered by insurance — is often frustrating, but essential. Persevering through the often confusing, time-consuming, and inconvenient process leads to better management of ADHD symptoms in the end for most. Here, ADDitude readers share their experiences, both the bothers and benefits of trialing medications.
“There was one person in an ADHD support group who made a comment that changed my life. She mentioned that the seventh medication she tried was the right one for her. That made me decide to give medication a second chance, and try a few more. I could not have finished my Ph.D. without it.” — Heather, Canada
“Trial and error is generally a nightmare. School is not the best place to observe how a new med is or isn’t working; teachers usually don’t have the time, energy, or patience to report back accurately. We also had to change formulations several times due to the whims of insurance.” — An ADDitude Reader
“There are not enough resources to help people navigate going on and off medications while trialing. How long should I be on it? What about side effects? How does this relate to hormone changes throughout the month for women?” — Madeline, UK
[Download: Free Guide to Hormones & ADHD in Women]
“Medication trials have taken so long because our doctors are scared to do anything. It’s something that should be done quickly to find the optimal dose but they keep us in limbo because they’re not confident in their ADHD knowledge. We’re having to wait and wait and wait while our kids are struggling. It has a ripple effect on our entire household.” — An ADDitude Reader
“The process of trying out one medication after another slowly and methodically is very difficult to manage for most people who have ADHD.” — Tyler, California
“It was 10 years before I found a medication that helped me more than it made me feel worse. It’s important to kick a medication if it’s not working, even if it has worked previously.” — Juniper, Oregon
[Read: The ADHD Medication Stopped Working! How to Troubleshoot Treatment]
“Trial and error is hard. Then you find a medication that works and the manufacturer stops making it or the generic version, and you have to start the whole process again. So frustrating.” — An ADDitude Reader
“Finding the right match for children takes time and clear communication with schools and caregivers, which is sometimes very difficult.” — An ADDitude Reader
“I don’t feel that I have found the right medication yet. I’m very sensitive to medication and side effects also make it difficult to try different ones.” — An ADDitude Reader
“I have a really hard time tracking my symptoms and noticing changes on my own.” — Ashley, Minnesota
“The process of finding the right one can be very frustrating, but it’s worth being patient.” — Ali, North Carolina
“I wish there were easier ways to find the right medications for people with ADHD rather than trial and error.” — An ADDitude Reader
“Be patient. Give the medication time as you adjust dosage. Try other types if you need to. Everyone is different, and when you find the one that works, it is life changing in a fabulous way!” — Marcia, New York
“I’m hopeful that neuroscience will someday be able to treat ADHD without endless failed attempts with medication.” — An ADDitude Reader
Medication for ADHD Trial and Error: Next Steps
- Read: How Do We Know the Treatment Is Working?
- Read: Time to Switch to a New ADHD Medication?
- Watch: How to Optimize ADHD Medication – Achieving Better Symptom Management
- Learn: ADHD Medication Options – Stimulants, Non-stimulants & More
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