Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Updated On: August 30, 2024
Overview
Most people living with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have questions about starting or changing their meds to help control symptoms. Knowing how to get ADHD medication means understanding as much as possible about the diagnosis and assessment process, how to find a mental health professional or doctor who can help, and the different options available for treatment.
When recommended by a psychiatrist or doctor, ADHD medication can be an effective part of a treatment plan.
Read on to learn more about how to get ADHD meds that work for you and your symptoms. You don’t have to struggle with this condition — it’s highly treatable, and you deserve to have all the information about finding an effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosing ADHD is the first step in treating it. Without that, your efforts to reduce symptoms and treat your condition can be stressful. Finding a skilled and experienced healthcare provider or a psychiatrist who can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide an accurate ADHD diagnosis is key to starting medication.
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Finding a Healthcare Provider
Figuring out how to get medication for ADHD starts with your healthcare provider. You need someone – your primary doctor or a licensed psychiatrist – who can create a treatment plan and legally prescribe ADHD medicine. To find a qualified provider, you can:
- Reach out to your primary care doctor
- Ask a friend or family member for a referral to a psychiatrist — one who‘s an ADHD specialist is going to be helpful
- Use an online mental health professional directory
- Connect with an online psychiatrist with Talkspace
Once you’ve found some providers you think you might want to work with, the following tips can help you narrow down your search:
- Check credentials: Look for an expert with experience in treating ADHD. Someone specializing in this condition will be up to date with all the latest research, studies, and treatment options.
- Schedule a consultation: Many licensed clinicians and psychiatrists offer consultations before you commit to working together. These are great opportunities to ensure a good rapport that will foster open communication and trust, which are vital to your treatment’s outcome.
- Ask about insurance: Finding a provider who takes your insurance and is in-network can save you a lot of money.
Who can prescribe ADHD medication?
Finding the right provider is important, but remember that not every mental health professional can prescribe medication. Typically, licensed psychiatrists or doctors are qualified and legally able to write prescriptions. However, depending on state law, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) working under a licensed doctor’s supervision can sometimes recommend medication.
How to find a prescriber for ADHD online
The process of finding a doctor who can dispense ADHD medicine online might seem complicated, but most people find it’s worth the initial effort it takes in the long run.
Online platforms like Talkspace make finding a licensed psychiatrist fast and straightforward. An added benefit of online treatment is convenience – no waiting rooms, no travel time, and you can often find same-day appointments, all from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection.
The Evaluation Process
If you’re wondering how to get prescribed ADHD medication, you should know it starts with a psych evaluation to make a diagnosis. A mental health professional will usually conduct a series of ADHD assessments during the evaluation. These tests are used to gather data about common ADHD symptoms you might be experiencing, including things such as:
- Impulsive behavior
- Difficulty focusing
- Insufficient problem-solving skills
- Restlessness
- Struggling with organization
- Finding it hard to complete tasks
- Being easily distracted
- Low self-esteem
- Time management challenges
Expert Insight
“A detailed psychiatric evaluation assesses all areas of life and functioning. Difficulties, challenges, and any impact on life’s day-to-day routine are evaluated — mood and anxiety disorders, when present, can complicate ADHD symptoms. ADHD presents differently for children and adolescents versus adults. Gathering information from the family, work history, and patterns of relationships gives a more in-depth understanding of a patient’s ADHD symptoms.”
The results of the evaluation process help determine if there’s a need for medication as part of a treatment plan. A doctor will assess if ADHD symptoms interfere with daily life and relationships. They’ll also look at the severity and frequency of symptoms and other factors, such as personal and family history, any comorbid conditions, and the efficacy of previous treatments.
Possible Treatment Options
After an ADHD diagnosis, multiple paths can be taken when treating the condition. The plan that works best will depend— what works for one person may not work for another.
Treatment can be different stimulants or non-stimulant medications, therapy, or a combination of solutions and coping strategies. Natural remedies for ADHD also exist for those who may not want to use medication. Online treatment at Talkspace is a convenient and affordable way to manage symptoms of ADHD effectively and get some types of prescription medication. Note that any prescribed medication from a Talkspace provider will be a non-stimulant.
Stimulants
Stimulant ADHD medication — like Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and others — are generally the first-line prescribed medication treatment for ADHD. These drugs work by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, which helps with focus and attention.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulant ADHD medication like Strattera and Intuniv target another neurotransmitter in the brain, norepinephrine, which plays a significant role in the ability to use executive functioning skills. Regulating norepinephrine levels can also improve concentration, attention, and impulse control over time.
Therapy
ADHD treatment is most effective when therapy for ADHD — like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — is paired with medication. Research shows a stark difference in outcome when CBT for ADHD is used in combination with drugs vs. when it’s used alone to treat symptoms like low self-esteem and organizational skills.
Holistic treatment approach
Numerous holistic approaches can be a beneficial part of an effective ADHD treatment plan. Some herbal supplements, like Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been found to help children with ADHD who have low DHA and EPA levels. While more research is needed, many studies suggest that using Omega-3 supplements in combination with therapy can provide optimal results.
Additionally, lifestyle changes like working out, keeping a positive sleep schedule, and eating healthy can all do wonders in improving symptoms of ADHD.
Paying for ADHD Medication
As you explore the process of how to get prescription medication for ADHD, you can’t ignore the cost. The price of any medication can vary widely based on things such as dosage, type of medication, insurance, where you fill the prescription, and if you use a brand name or generic form of a drug. Don’t be afraid to pharmacy shop. It’s not uncommon for the same ADHD drug to cost significantly more or less at two different pharmacies, even in the same town or city.
If you have insurance, but the price for your ADHD medication is too high, ask your doctor for medical advice about trying a different medication or trying a generic form. You can also look into online or mail-order pharmacies, discount cards, or manufacturers’ coupons to help offset the cost.
ADHD Medication Prescribed Online with Talkspace
Talkspace simplifies the process of managing ADHD with online therapy, prescriptions, and medication management. Our online platform provides easy, convenient, and affordable access to psychiatrists who can assess, diagnose, and develop an effective treatment plan so you can get ADHD medication that can enhance your life.
After being expertly evaluated, a licensed Talkspace psychiatrist will determine if medication might help you manage your ADHD. From there, you can get a prescription for a non-stimulant medication as part of a comprehensive approach that will best suit your needs and address your condition.
We understand that everyone’s experience with ADHD is unique. That’s why we take the time and care to develop individual treatment plans. We work closely with you to craft the most personalized strategy, combining therapy and medication when it’s deemed appropriate to be effective.
Talkspace’s commitment to you doesn’t stop at prescribing ADHD meds. We’re there every step of the way, offering coping techniques and strategies to help you manage the symptoms of ADHD or any other condition you’re living with. We’ll help you on your journey toward a healthier mind and happier life.
Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about how to get the right medication for your ADHD.
FAQ About Getting ADHD Medication
Is it hard to get prescribed ADHD medication?
Getting prescribed ADHD medication typically requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist or primary care doctor. The process involves a detailed assessment of symptoms, medical history, and sometimes input from family or teachers. While the process may seem rigorous, it’s necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis and to tailor the treatment to the individual’s needs.
If diagnosed with ADHD, getting prescribed medication is generally straightforward, but obtaining stimulant medications, such as Adderall, can be more challenging. These medications are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependency. Because of this, healthcare providers may be more cautious in prescribing them, requiring regular follow-up appointments to monitor their use and effectiveness. In some cases, providers may also start with non-stimulant ADHD medications before considering stimulants. This careful approach ensures that the medication is used safely and effectively for those who truly need it.
Can I get ADHD meds without a diagnosis?
No, you cannot legally obtain ADHD medication without a diagnosis from a healthcare provider. ADHD medications are controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, so they require a prescription. A formal diagnosis is essential not only for legal reasons but also to ensure that the treatment is appropriate and safe. Attempting to get these medications without a diagnosis is both unsafe and illegal, and it’s important to undergo proper evaluation and follow the guidance of a healthcare professional.
See References
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Cherkasova MV, French LR, Syer CA, et al. 2016;24(6):889-903. doi:10.1177/1087054716671197. Accessed September 20, 2023.
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Pei-Chen Chang J. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health. 2021;16:100310. doi:10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100310. Accessed September 20, 2023.
Muhammad Munir
Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA, has over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, and ADHD. Dr. Munir believes in “back to basics” the therapeutic alliance between the physician and patients. The hallmark of this alliance is the emphatic process whereby the patient is not only enabled, but educated and encouraged, to take an active role in their psychiatric care and wellbeing.
