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Treatment & Dose Titration

You have your diagnosis.
Now what?

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a significant moment — one that often brings relief, clarity, and sometimes a flood of questions. One of the most common is: "How do I actually start medication, and what happens next?"

Available after your Diagnostic Package  ·  ₦50,000 per monthly appointment

The Process

Your Titration Journey, Step by Step

No surprises. No confusion. This is exactly what happens from your first appointment to finding your stable dose.

1
Step 1

The Conversation Before the Prescription

Before any medication is prescribed, your Unmask ADHD clinician will review your full diagnosis and symptom profile, discuss your lifestyle, work demands, and daily challenges, and ask about your medical history — including heart health, blood pressure, sleep, and anxiety.

This is your opportunity to ask everything on your mind.

No question is too small. Medication is a tool — and you deserve to understand how it works before you start.

Full diagnosis review

Symptom profile, ASRS scores, and clinical notes all reviewed together.

Medical history check

Heart health, blood pressure, sleep, and anxiety factors assessed.

Lifestyle discussion

Your work demands, daily life, and personal goals shape the recommendation.

Your questions answered

Bring every concern. Nothing is dismissed.

2
Step 2

Choosing the Right Medication

Your doctor will recommend either a stimulant or non-stimulant medication based on your individual profile — your symptom presentation, medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences all factor into this decision. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and your clinician will explain the reasoning behind their recommendation clearly.

Stimulant Medications

Fast-acting, well-studied, and effective for most adults with ADHD. Options include methylphenidate-based and amphetamine-based formulations in immediate-release or extended-release forms.

Non-Stimulant Medications

Recommended when stimulants are not appropriate due to heart conditions, anxiety, substance history, or personal preference. Takes longer to build effect but provides steady, consistent coverage.

3
Step 3

Starting Low — Your First Month

Your first prescription will always be at the lowest recommended dose. This is intentional. Starting low allows your body and brain to adjust gradually, and helps your clinician identify how you personally respond before any increase is considered.

Your job at this stage

Observe and note how you feel — morning, afternoon, and evening. A simple notes app on your phone works perfectly. You will share this at your first monthly check-in.

What to track daily
Focus and concentration levels
Energy and motivation
Mood and emotional stability
Sleep quality
Appetite changes
Any physical side effects
Overall functioning at work or study
4
Step 4

Ongoing Monthly Titration Appointments

At Unmask ADHD, titration check-ins are held once every month. Each titration appointment is ₦50,000. These monthly appointments are a dedicated space for you and your clinician to review your progress carefully and make any necessary adjustments.

Review your symptom diary

Your notes from the past month shape the entire discussion.

Assess functional improvement

How is work, focus, relationships, and daily life actually changing?

Evaluate side effects

Anything uncomfortable or unexpected is addressed directly.

Adjust dose if needed

Increases only happen when it's appropriate and safe.

5
Step 5

Gradual Dose Increases — Month by Month

If your initial dose is well tolerated but not yet giving you the symptom relief you need, your doctor will increase it gradually at your monthly review. This continues month by month until one of the following happens:

Symptoms well managed

Your functioning has meaningfully improved and your goals are being met.

Maximum dose reached

You've reached the maximum recommended dose for your medication.

Side effects at a dose

A lower dose is maintained or a different medication is considered.

There is no universal "correct" dose — the right dose is the one that works best for you specifically. Most adults reach a stable dose within 3 to 6 months.

6
Step 6

Stabilisation — Finding Your Dose

Once you have found a dose that improves your symptoms without causing unacceptable side effects, you enter the stabilisation phase. This typically happens between 3 and 6 months into your titration journey, though it can take longer — particularly with non-stimulants or if a medication switch was needed.

At this point your clinician will confirm your stable dose and formulation, transition you from monthly titration appointments to routine ongoing care reviews, and discuss lifestyle strategies that complement your medication.

At stabilisation, your clinician will:
Confirm your stable dose and formulation
Transition to routine ongoing care reviews
Discuss lifestyle strategies that complement your medication
Talk through what to do if symptoms shift
Guide you on periods of high stress, hormonal changes, or major life transitions
A Common Question

What If the First Medication Does Not Work?

This is more common than people realise — and it does not mean medication will not help you.

Switch Stimulant Subtypes

From methylphenidate to amphetamine-based, or vice versa.

Try a Non-Stimulant

Atomoxetine or other options for those who can't tolerate stimulants.

Adjust Formulation

From immediate-release to extended-release, or a different delivery method.

Combination Approaches

In some cases, considered alongside lifestyle and coaching strategies.

Finding the right medication can take time.

It is not a failure — it is part of the process. Your clinician will stay with you through every adjustment, for as long as it takes.

Ready to begin your titration journey?

Your diagnostic report is the starting point. From there, your clinician guides every step — at your pace, on your terms.

Titration begins after your diagnostic package is completed.