ADHD- Considering medication as adult

[Whattotrynow]

I’m waiting for NHS appointment for ADHD consultation ( a number of family members have already been diagnosed and my traits are similar).

At first I was reluctant to medicate, but am at the end of my tether and now want to try it.

considering going private. What would people suggest?

how much does it cost a month? Does it make a difference?

Just me then? 😁

I'd recommend it. It's transformed my child's life. You don't need to do it every day.

I'm in two minds about it. Diagnosed in 2020. Fought really hard for meds. Finally got them this Feb. On them for 2 months. They didn't help as much as I'd hoped, and they caused heart problems. Back off them again and waiting for the next one to try. Heart problems haven't gone away in the 3 months since I stopped the medication. I'd say proceed with caution as what never gets said is that these medications are fairly serious shit with a range of side effects that you need to keep an eye on.

@coodawoodashooda @pinguins thanks for the perspectives.

do you pay for the meds? Or call under NHS?

it’s interesting as experience of medication seems to fall into these two camps.

have heard particularly with children that it’s life changing, but the side effect problem is one to watch.

I suppose my biggest worry is the drugs don’t make any difference and it turns out I’m just a lazy procrastinator!

The drugs quieten my brain and hugely reduce my anxiety. I can focus for longer periods and procrastinate much less.

I’ve been meditated for 3 years. I just feel like a drug addict. If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t have started.

Meds have completely changed my life. Obviously I can’t recommend for everyone but for me they made an unbelievable difference.

they do have side effects and risks, but so do most medications. There are also many different types.

They aren’t a magic cure. They are a tool to help but don’t expect them to be life changing.

i started privately before NHS. They are around £75-150 a month depending on meds. Concerta is cheapest and elvanse more expensive. Shop around pharmacies too. Some charge more than the NHS tariff cost.

I’m on meds and it’s been life changing. Everyone is different and will get different side effects, or react differently to meds. Or they might not work at all. Concerta made my migraines worse, so I went onto Elvanse and it’s been amazing. More energy, more focus, less impulsivity practically and emotionally, better task initiation, less anxiety, quieter mind. All round just brilliant. You have to get the right med and the right dose, so it’s trial and error but when you hit that sweet spot…!

Cost wise, Concerta starts around £40 a month for 18mg and is around £80/90 for 56mg. Elvanse is more expensive. I pay £90 a month for 40mg. However, now I’m settled and stable I’m about to go onto shared care with gp, which means they will take over prescribing from private clinic and I will get my prescriptions on the NHS, with 6 monthly follow ups from the private clinic. I paid £895 for my assessment, and £125 for monthly follow ups, and I’ve had 5 of those. Cost of medication on top. I also had a QB check on top for £175.

Having said all that, you can go to the GP and ask to be referred via right to choose, and they will refer you to one of their private partners (prob psych uk) and the wait list will be hugely shorter than NHS (6-8 months instead of 3-4years) and all cost covered by NHS. I wish I’d known this before paying to go private!!