Will my son’s personality change with ADHD medication?

[MoSalahsBeard]

My son was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, he is 14. I’ve been reading up a lot and I’ve ended up feeling emotional today. I read that he most likely is 2 or 3 years behind with his emotional development and it made me upset. I’m beating myself up for not realising it was this earlier and not handling certain situations better over the years which looking back were caused by his adhd.

Hes going on medication as he struggles to concentrate at school. I feel emotional about that because he’s such a character, just so funny, such a hilarious silly person, and I’m worried that he won’t seem like himself anymore when on them, is that true?

My daughter’s didn’t

Mine didn't. I'm still a hilarious delight 😃

My son’s personality didn’t change but initially the medication heightened his usual anxiety it didn’t last long and apparently it was normal but it was upsetting. What I will say as someone who’s ND son is roughly the same age as yours and who is young for his age, they still get the surge of hormones and that does change things and it’s all normal. My boy is still the same person as ever but he’s growing up. And that’s hard for him at times and by extension me and the rest of our household. And our poor neighbours.

I was worried about this. He only takes it for school so tbh he’s on it when we don’t see him, but if I thought it was going to stop his incessant talking I’d be wrong…he doesn’t seem at all different on it. Teacher just says he focusses better at school, and he fidgets less.

No

My ds is very much himself on them

It depends on many factors. Medication was not right for my son, but he is asd/adhd. So medicating was difficult. I will say that you don't know until you try it. And that you should try it now, before he reaches adult hood.
My son is now 22 and very happy. He was suicidal at 16, he's come a long way. I paid for private therapy, it wasn't cheap, if you're able I would recommend some private help.

Same. I’d go as far as saying I’m even more hilarious now, as my brain actually works better.

In all seriousness OP, no, his personality won’t change. He’ll better be able to regulate himself, (emotions, behaviour, attention) so he might seem calmer, but he’s still the same.

I’d say watch for the crash when the meds wear off. It “can” in some cause a temporary worsening of symptoms for an hour or so. I usually remedy that with food, some protein and carbs (not sugar or caffeine).

Make sure he drinks plenty of water too.

Good luck!

I used to be very anti this medication. I used to see students almost zombie-fied and listless.

30 years later, medication has come on in leaps and bounds. Now I see it like anti depressants - helping to calm the unwanted behaviours and letting the true personality come through.

It does take time sometimes to find the right dose etc. but it is much more positive now.

Hi OP. Not a child I grant you but my husband’s best friend went on medication for ADHD and he is still himself. Still funny, clever, interesting, talkative and kind. But it saved his marriage!

My personality is as awful as ever!

So relieved to read these responses. Thank you!

It can be a long slog to find one that works. My son is 9. He also is asd. We have found that some medication makes his autism much worse such as isolation stimming, meltdowns etc but his concentration is better. Hard to say without trying different ones

No. It will simply give them a new enthusiasm for life

Nope, and if it does it will be the wrong medication and/or wrong dose. The meds are great but different ones suit different people and the prescriber really has to get the dose right.