How do you know if medication is working??

I have been on 40 mg. "Strattera" and their web site says the dose is usually increased 3 days after you start it and then it's ajusted depending upon response.
My question is: How do you know when you are at the correct dosage?
I'm in between Psychiatrists right now and I have to see the new doc in a couple weeks. Meanwhile, on Tuesday I am having surgery; "Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement"! OMG!! I am still freaking out over this!!
I won't even be able to type!!...for about 6 weeks!!!
Shalom, Hannah

Hannah,

Good luck with your surgery!
Re: Strattera or any other ADHD med:

What are your most persistent ADHD symptoms? Do you see any improvements? For example, if it's been hard for you to follow through on household chores, is your house any better organized? If it's hyperactivity, do you feel calmer? If it's having problems initiating tasks, do you now find yourself better able to start on things?

The idea behind ADHD meds is to increase the dosage until you find an improvement in symptoms, but not so high that you're having unbearable side effects or going higher than the recommended dosages (though some docs recognize that there are some people who simply need higher dosages).

Also, people with ADHD tend to have a tough time monitoring themselves and figuring out whether there's been improvement. Ask someone close to you if THEY notice a change.

Hope this helps-

Terry Matlen, ACSW

My PNP would use survey-instruments to assess my symptoms where you rate each question on a numerical scale. That way she could compare my symptoms from before med to after and to different doses, etc. It's not completely accurate but seemed to provide her with some useful information so she could make dose change recommendations.

Sorry I've not been back here. I had the shoulder replacement done on 5/12/09. The PAIN (!!!!!!) is better but now I have a "Jones" from the narcotics 24/7 the last 2 months. So, I'm having w/drawals....the last 3-4 days. I haven't slept but it IS getting better. Now the pain REALY sux!
Shalom, I can't type much..... oy vey...."We CAN rebuild her!"

...Oh, and I do need a higher dose...such a spaz...like in my avatar, here...NEVER sitting still!

Generally, it takes medications 4-6 weeks to start working. You may want to speak to your therapist or even a pharmacist.

I wish you the best!

ADHD1956

Thanks everyone! Again, sorry I haven't been back but my shoulder hurt too much for me to type much.
Well, I'm up to 60mg. Strattera now and it does seem to be helping. People around me have noticed and I'm not quite as spacey as "usual". My house cleaning is a tad better....but only I would notice it! "Hurricane Hannah"!
I got a book called "The Disorganized Mind" which is a self coaching manuel. I have alot of hope but it's asking me to do things ...like gain "structure"...that I have had NO clue how to start. I'm still reading!
Looks like I'm cut off the Lortab I was taking 4 pain...my shoulder surgery.....heh, heh....good thing, really!