How to Monitor Blood Pressure 

Connect your blood pressure (BP) cuff to the monitor and turn it on by pressing the power button. Once the monitor is turned on, put the cuff on your arm just above your elbow.

It is best if your arm is bare or covered with a light shirt, but do not push up a sleeve. Rather, if your shirt is too thick, take that layer off. Adjust the cuff to fit by tightening the velcro.

Once the cuff is comfortable, rest quietly in a comfortable place, sitting up with your cuffed arm raised on a pillow or armrest and your feet flat on the floor.

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Conditions for a Good Reading

• Comfortable, distraction-free environment

• Without talking or moving

• In the sitting position with back supported

• Legs uncrossed with feet flat on the floor

• Arm bare with lower edge of cuff 3cm above elbow

• Arm supported with middle of cuff at heart level

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When Should I Take My Blood Pressure Measurements?

• At least one hour after taking your BP medication

• If you are checking to see your body’s response to a new ADHD medication or a change in your medication, take the measurement 2-5 hours after taking your dose

• At least two hours after a meal

• After emptying bladder and bowel

• One hour after drinking coffee or smoking

• Thirty minutes after exercise

• Always after resting five minutes, without talking

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Blood Pressure Limits

For most people, target BP should be less than or equal to 120/80 and heart rate should be less than 100 beats per minute.

If your BP is regularly 140/90 or above (either the top or bottom numbers) or your heart rate is regularly above 100 beats per minute, you should visit a physician in person.

If your BP is 180/110 or higher or your resting heart rate is 120 beats per minute and you are experiencing shortness of breath, you should visit an urgent care or emergency room.

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Instructions on Taking Your Medication

Take your first dose in the morning when you wake up. Your medication may last 12 hours so you do not want to take it late in the day or you may have difficulty falling asleep at night.

Take your BP around 1 hour after taking your medication.

  • Send the BP number to us by secure message via the Freddie patient portal.
  • If the top number is more than 140 or the bottom number is more than 90, please wait for us to respond to your message before continuing to take the medication.

Try taking your medication at the same time every day and your BP on a weekly basis.

  • Send the BP number to us by secure message via the Freddie patient portal.
  • If the top number is more than 140 or the bottom number is more than 90, please wait for us to respond to your message before continuing to take the medication.

What Should I Do After Taking My First Pill?

  1. Schedule your follow-up appointment around 14 days from your first dose. You can do so by visiting: https://gofreddie-adhd.as.me/ 
  2. After you've taken your medication for 10 days, complete the ASRS & Medication Response forms. You can find them in your appointment confirmation email.

Common Side Effects of Medication

Here is a list of common side effects for your medication. Most side effects will settle down within 2-3 weeks of taking medication.