If you were recently diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor may have suggested taking medication for it. Common drugs used to treat this condition include Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Strattera. While these medications can help you manage your symptoms, they won't cure ADHD.

Here are a few tips for taking medication for ADHD.

Inform Your Doctor About Other Medications You Take

Before your doctor prescribes you medication to treat ADHD, he or she will want to know about any other medications you currently take. Certain medications can have negative reactions to each other. For example, ADHD medication might make certain blood pressure medications less effective.

If you take any vitamins or supplements, you should let your doctor know about those as well.

Educate Yourself About Possible Side Effects

Like many other medications, drugs used to treat ADHD can come with side effects. It is important to learn about these side effects before you agree to take the medication. People who take this medication may experience symptoms like stomach pain, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness.

Do not hesitate to ask your doctor how to reduce these side effects. For instance, if you deal with insomnia, you should not take the medication too close to bedtime. If you experience stomach aches, you may want to take the medication with food.

Eat Breakfast Before Taking the Medication

ADHD medications are known for reducing your appetite. To avoid missing out on nutritious calories, you should eat breakfast before you take your first dose of the medication. The medication should wear off by the evening when it is time for dinner.

Adhere to Your Doctor's Instructions

Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about when and how often to take your ADHD medication. To improve the effectiveness of the drug and reduce side effects, you should carefully follow your doctor's orders.

Ask About Dose Adjustments

It is common for doctors to prescribe their patients the lowest dose of ADHD medication in the beginning. If you find that a low dose does not improve your ADHD symptoms, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible. He or she may increase your dosage amount so that you experience the desired effects.

If you follow these helpful tips, you should have more success with ADHD treatments. If you ever experience very unpleasant side effects, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible.