Do you take medication for your ADD/ADHD?

[thelegohooverer]

If you take medication for your ADD/ADHD what do you take and how have you found it?

Posts on here really resonate with me but I’m not sure that it would be worth my while or money pushing for a diagnosis.

Ive found it life changing to change my attitude about myself and accept that my brain is wired the way it is and work with that instead of beating myself up for things I can’t help.

And I’ve found some great strategies and organisational tricks in add/adhd resources that have helped on a daily basis.

I’m not in a position where I need accommodations, so aside from accessing medication, I don’t know if there’s a point to pursuing a diagnosis (although validation would be nice)

I’m cautious about medication in general because I’ve had bad side effects to things in the past. But I’m not sure if this is something that I should consider which is why I’d appreciate hearing the good and the bad from those who have tried it.

DS1 takes methylphenidate (is moving to slow release) and says it helps him concentrate. He's 8.

How did you guys get your diagnoses? Because I definitely need one.

I’m also thinking of pursuing a diagnosis, and reading this is really helpful.

To get a diagnosis you discuss this with a gp and request a referral to the neuro-psychology service.

I was diagnosed as a teenager, living in America at the time. I dismissed it when I was younger, as it seemed to me my doctor was a bit too free and easy with diagnosis back then. Giving kids meds was very popular, and even at 14 I was dubious. As a result, I've never taken medication for it. I'm in my 40s now, and have found ways to function OK. I can't concentrate with a dirty kitchen, the buzzing in my head slows down with a glass of wine (so I try to be careful of forming a habit), etc etc. I definitely have rejection sensitive dysphoria but I never knew it had it had name until recently!

Loved ones and colleagues describe me as a "dynamo" and I do think my ability to hyperfocus and come up with solutions benefits me, but the flip side of that is I'm boring as hell, can't talk or think about anything else, watch the same shows and movies on a loop, and crash and burn HARD when I lose steam. Being in my head is exhausting, but I dont know how to slow down.

When I accepted this about myself as an adult, I stopped beating myself up for perceived faults and failings, and looked for ways to mitigate the difficulties I experienced.

I am interested in how asd and adhd are considered part of a neurodiverse spectrum, as I have dc with diagnosed asd - I wonder if that's due to my genes.

@ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba

And honestly the more I read about meds the more I'm unsure about them in terms of brand, dosage, duration etc. again, it seems very trial & error. plus it all depends on which country you live in.

sorry if it sounds vague and apologies if it's unhelpful

It does sometimes feel like this because some medicines suit or have more beneficial effects than others. It all depends on the individual (and what meds are on offer) And it is often trial and error finding the most effective type of med and titration/dose which gives optimal benefits with fewest (or no) side effects.

PsychiatryUK assessed me. I can't communicate with GPs, so I had to go private. I can't afford the treatment though as you have to pay for the meds privately and the Atomoxetine I think it was, was £80 a box, plus the prescription fee on top.

I have had a private assessment but GP has agreed shared care for meds. I have to pay for annual check up with private psych and a few more appointments over the next few months to get the meds right.
I have had terrible mental health experiences with the NHS and didn’t even want to have a conversation about this. So I went for the assessment first and contacted GP once I had the report. He has been great actually.

@mybrainhertz
I feel your pain - I did an econsult initially so didn’t have to talk. GP had then read all the information when he rang me ans was just prepared to go ahead with prescribing. I was pleasantly surprised!

Im on elvanse. I tried methylphenidate but i didnt like how it made me feel. Elvanse i get on better with but it hasnt been as lifechanging as id hoped for but it definitely helps me function better.
My son takes methylphenidate but not every day, whereas i take mine most days. Been on it months but still only on 20 or 30 mg as im.quite sensitive to meds