From the Guidelines
Recommended Adult Dosing for ADHD
For adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the recommended dosing for stimulant medications includes methylphenidate (Ritalin) 5 to 20 mg tid and dextroamphetamine (DEX) 5 mg tid to 20 mg bid 1.
Key Considerations
- The dosing may vary based on individual response and tolerability, with some studies suggesting that higher doses, such as up to 1.0 mg/kg of MPH or 0.9 mg/kg of DEX/AMP, may be necessary for some adults 1.
- Adults or older adolescents may be started on doses of 5 mg of MPH, DEX, or AMP, with titration upward in 5- to 10-mg intervals each week until symptoms are controlled 1.
- It is essential to carefully evaluate adults with ADHD before initiating stimulant treatment, especially those with comorbid substance abuse disorder 1.
- The treatment should be monitored regularly, with assessments of efficacy, tolerability, and potential side effects, such as loss of appetite, insomnia, and anxiety 1.
Dosing Strategies
- The starting doses of stimulants are typically 5 mg for MPH and 2.5 mg for DEX/AMP, given in the morning after breakfast and around noon after lunch 1.
- The minimum effective doses should be used to initiate therapy, with a minimum starting dose of 5 mg of MPH or 2.5 mg of AMP 1.
- The dosing schedule may need to be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability, with regular monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: Administer in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Maximum recommended daily dosage is 60 mg.
The recommended adult dosing for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is 20 to 30 mg daily, administered in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, with a maximum recommended daily dosage of 60 mg 2.
From the Research
Adult Dosing for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The recommended adult dosing for ADHD varies depending on the medication and individual patient needs.
- Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults 3, 4, 5.
- The dosage of methylphenidate can range from 10-60 mg daily, with some patients requiring higher doses, such as 200-378 mg daily 3.
- Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, are also effective in treating adult ADHD 6, 7.
- The recommended dosage of atomoxetine is 60-120 mg daily, with some studies showing efficacy at doses of 90 mg daily 7.
- Antidepressants, such as bupropion, and other compounds, such as guanfacine, may also be used to treat adult ADHD, although the evidence is less extensive 6.
Factors Influencing Dosing
Several factors can influence the dosing of ADHD medications in adults, including:
- Individual patient response to treatment 3, 4
- Presence of co-occurring conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder 3
- History of substance abuse or diversion 4, 7
- Cardiovascular risks and side effects 4, 5
Monitoring and Adjustment
Regular monitoring and adjustment of medication dosing is crucial to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize side effects 3, 4, 5.