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Original poster

Late diagnosis ASC and ADHD( fears about ADHD medication)

28 replies

Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 07:10

I’m 55 and have recently been diagnosed with autism and adhd. I think I’m more autistic than adhd however I find the disorganisation, procrastination, holding things in my brain during meetings/ conversations, brain leaping etc hard. I have a lot going on in my life atm and both conditions impact it hugely. I struggle a lot with anxiety from the autism.Could tick off literally everything on the NHS adhd list. Both diagnosis are nhs and I was referred for adhd diagnosis after my autism diagnosis. My Dd has both too.

I knew medication would be part of the conversation but didn’t realise how soon. I should have probed other coping strategies but didn’t. I have the prescription and the person who diagnosed me thought it would really help. He also said it wouldn’t treat the anxiety but alleviating the adhd symptoms might have a knock on effect with the anxiety. However I’m too scared to take the medication or try it.It might be the autism anxiety.I’m scared my brain will change forever and of my heart racing, being out of control, reliant on drugs , that I’m not trying hard enough, that it might increase the anxiety etc I guess too. I really would like to see if they help out of interest but irrational fear is stopping me.

Has anybody else been late diagnosed and tried the medication? Is there any balanced advice anywhere? Has medication helped anxiety as a knock on effect?I have the number of the person who diagnosed me but it’s for medication monitoring. The time for discussing these worries was in the assessment and I didn’t think.

OP posts:
F0RBIDDEN · 16/08/2023 07:16

You do not have to take medication for autism and adhd. Just don't take it.

MenoMess · 16/08/2023 07:19

What medication have you been prescribed?

I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago aged 52 and have been given Concerta and I am also stressing about taking it.

I was told I need blood pressure and physical check before I should start to take them.

I was planning to take one on a quiet work day to see if had a positive impact but I am also very worried about taking it.

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 07:33

I know I don’t need to take it but I do find it all very hard and if the medication would help I think I’d like to take it. I’m not sure there is anything else that would help the adhd.

It’s Xaggitin XL

OP posts:
Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 07:51

MenoMess

I’ve had all the heath checks. Still terrified.😂

OP posts:
Tippley · 16/08/2023 07:53

I've been taking medication for ADHD for the best part of a decade, it's changed my life. Everyone is different but for me I am still vert much myself, it just gives me the chance to organise my thoughts and cope better day to day in my own head. Personally I'd try it, if you find it doesn't work for you then there's no obligation to be on it forever, it can take a short while to start working though so give it a good go.

Mabelface · 16/08/2023 07:55

I love my meds and they have a huge impact on the anxiety. They don't change who you are, they just help. Your brain actually quietens and you actually get some peace from the continual chatter. If you don't like them, you stop taking them. I'm also a very late diagnosed audhd in my 50s.

StopStartStop · 16/08/2023 07:57

My diagnosis is autism, though I'm adhd too. And a lot of other stuff. I don't have meds, but I'm retired so not under pressure to perform in the workplace.
My dd, in her forties, went for adhd diagnosis, so she could try the meds. They are effective for her. She is able to work effectively, without adhd interruptions.

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 08:32

Mabelface

How do they help the anxiety? Do they help procrastination?

OP posts:
BustAMove · 16/08/2023 09:00

I never post, but read your message and just had to! I was on Prozac since age 14. Turning 50 and my son was diagnosed with autism. I wondered if that was me, so went to a private psychiatrist. Chatted to him in the initial appointment, filled in questionnaires etc and he said I actually scored very high for ADHD. Long story short, I have since had a diagnosis and am on medication. I found it easy to decide that one to be honest due to being on Prozac long term, May as well try something that could be more effective. Difference is night and day! Anxiety and irritation have pretty much disappeared. Mind is clear, I can follow conversations, read books, watch films. Honestly, it is amazing! So, I would obviously advise try it! I think you would know quickly if it was for you or not. I’m still the same person btw, just less muddled. I’m also now thinking I possibility don’t even have autism I feel so “normal”. Sorry, that was a total essay!

BustAMove · 16/08/2023 09:02

Should have said NHS wait is 4 years here, I’m having to pay for private prescriptions, but it has been life changing

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 09:25

BustAMove

Thank you so much for posting that’s really helpful.

Bit of a long shot but do they help with the hideous daily procrastination, catastrophising and dread of things say off in the future, anxiety kicking in as you wake up etc?Not being able to focus for long, whirling and continual noise in my head is annoying and being so disorganised is really hard but it’s the former I hate most.

OP posts:
BustAMove · 16/08/2023 10:00

I have absolutely found, yes! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a magic cure, the medication wears off through the day, but I can rationalise it much better for what it is, and I know I’ll feel better the next day once I’ve taken the medication again. I worry a lot less about my children, and am just much more present without the total chaos going on in my head

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 10:06

Snap!!!
I worry a lot about my children too and dealing with professionals, meetings, paperwork etc..

OP posts:
Deathbyfluffy · 16/08/2023 10:08

Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 09:25

BustAMove

Thank you so much for posting that’s really helpful.

Bit of a long shot but do they help with the hideous daily procrastination, catastrophising and dread of things say off in the future, anxiety kicking in as you wake up etc?Not being able to focus for long, whirling and continual noise in my head is annoying and being so disorganised is really hard but it’s the former I hate most.

They might do, they might not - dealing with ADHD via meds is very hit and miss (with some working wonders for some people but not at all for others).

All you can do is try it, keep a log of how you're feeling then potentially try another medication if it doesn't help.

Mabelface · 16/08/2023 10:20

My anxiety just disappeared as that negative voice in my head actually shut up. I've more focus and procrastinate much less. It's not perfect and doesn't get rid of everything, but it's a huge improvement. I was able to come off my ads and beta blockers completely. I'm back on them at the moment, but that's situational due to bereavement and won't be forever.

CatMattress · 16/08/2023 10:24

Also you need to remember that they don't work like anti depressants or SSRIs. They're not cumulative, they're day by day. There's no build up or tolerance or withdrawal. You could just take one on a day when you have a lot of stuff going on, but a quiet weekend day you could choose to abstain. I found that understanding this really helped with my decision making when it came to meds for my son.

One of these days I'll get round to sorting it for myself, but I can't face the paperwork...

Rob3bob · 16/08/2023 10:27

Yes, I didn’t like the overall experience of Elvanse and Concerta, Amatoxine works for me.

What’s the worst that could happen? If you trial it and don’t like it you can stop or change meds.

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 10:48

Do you know the best time to take them? Have just been told morning.

OP posts:
BustAMove · 16/08/2023 12:39

Mine is slow release throughout the day, so morning. I’m going to speak with the psychiatrist next time to see how flexible that is. For instance, if I’m doing something in the evening, can I take them later on??

gamerchick · 16/08/2023 12:43

I've heard nothing but good things about ADHD meds tbh. It's been described as a stillness in the mind, can think clearly type of thing.

Try them. You don't have to take them if you don't get on with them.

Soontobe60 · 16/08/2023 12:43

Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 07:10

I’m 55 and have recently been diagnosed with autism and adhd. I think I’m more autistic than adhd however I find the disorganisation, procrastination, holding things in my brain during meetings/ conversations, brain leaping etc hard. I have a lot going on in my life atm and both conditions impact it hugely. I struggle a lot with anxiety from the autism.Could tick off literally everything on the NHS adhd list. Both diagnosis are nhs and I was referred for adhd diagnosis after my autism diagnosis. My Dd has both too.

I knew medication would be part of the conversation but didn’t realise how soon. I should have probed other coping strategies but didn’t. I have the prescription and the person who diagnosed me thought it would really help. He also said it wouldn’t treat the anxiety but alleviating the adhd symptoms might have a knock on effect with the anxiety. However I’m too scared to take the medication or try it.It might be the autism anxiety.I’m scared my brain will change forever and of my heart racing, being out of control, reliant on drugs , that I’m not trying hard enough, that it might increase the anxiety etc I guess too. I really would like to see if they help out of interest but irrational fear is stopping me.

Has anybody else been late diagnosed and tried the medication? Is there any balanced advice anywhere? Has medication helped anxiety as a knock on effect?I have the number of the person who diagnosed me but it’s for medication monitoring. The time for discussing these worries was in the assessment and I didn’t think.

My adult nephew was recently diagnosed and medicated. It’s fucked him up!

Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 12:46

In what way?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hi11Bi11y · 16/08/2023 13:29

And is that possible if it doesn’t stay in your system?

OP posts:
Begsthequestion · 16/08/2023 13:51

Soontobe60 · 16/08/2023 12:43

My adult nephew was recently diagnosed and medicated. It’s fucked him up!

Show quote history

Can you please elaborate? I've never heard of someone being "fucked up" by prescribed ADHD medication.

Usually if the side effects outweigh the benefits you can just stop taking it, and it's out of your system by the next day.

Justanything86 · 16/08/2023 13:57

I still procrastinate with the best of them but I'm 12x more mentally stable on medication. It's worth a go op you can always stop if you don't like it.

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