Has anyone tried ADHD medication?

[ADHDS]

When I first started school, my family was told I seemed developmentally delayed and should be tested. I was diagnosed with dyslexia, but ADHD was also suspected. I was referred to a doctor, but my mum chose not to follow it up at the time because they were pushing Ritalin, which she felt uncomfortable with. After that, I was just treated as dyslexic.

Even with a lot of extra support at school, I struggled badly. My reports always said I needed to concentrate more, get organised, stop fidgeting, and pay attention. I also found friendships hard and always felt different, so I copied other people to fit in.

As an adult, I still struggle with overwhelm, forgetfulness, disorganisation, impulsiveness, and sensory issues like certain textures in food and materials. Since having a baby, everything has felt much worse. It’s affecting my relationship as although he tries to be understanding
he’s found it difficult I’ve recently found my childhood notes and I’m now looking into getting a formal diagnosis.

If it does come back as ADHD, has anyone found medication helpful?

Yes, concerta. Now that I got the right dose (54mg) it changed my life. The lower dose didn't work. Tried elvanse also and it was really good, but I had side effects. My 2 teenage DSs take it as well, but I waited until they were 13 to start. (They are followed by doctors, of course)

lisdexamfetamine or Elvanse

Thanks for the replies about mediacation. Im
still waiting for my assessment through “right to choose”.
Does anyone feel less emotional and anxious after starting medication. I’m post menopausal and have intense low mood. Taking Sertraline at the moment, but was wondering if ADHD meds could help with my mood?

Yes, since earlier this year...calmer, more motivated, tidier and sleeping better.

I tried everything available on the NHS, and unfortunately, none of them showed a noticeable difference for me. They do help one of my DD's, though. Worth a try!

They did used to think that it was something children grew out of, and your mum might have been told this was the case. We know better now. The UK is unfortunately very behind on ADHD diagnosis and treatment. We seemed to spend all of the 80s and 90s ignoring it or seeing it as a made up American thing whereas doctors in the US were getting on with researching and treating it. It's extremely frustrating if you look at the timelines. We are easily 20 years behind the US in attitudes.

Medication also had a lot of stigma and terrible press in the 90s/00s which is perhaps when you were diagnosed.

Essentially though there is very little risk from trying it. It is out of your system within a few hours and the effect completely wears off. It is effective for most people with ADHD, even if you need to spend a while tinkering with the dosage, timing, formulation or which medication (there are two main stimulants and a non stimulant in the UK). It is usually worth trying the stimulants first as it is the most effective with fewer side effects than the non stimulant option. Non stimulant can be worth trying if you don't get on with the stimulant or have contraindicating factors e.g. heart problems.

However not much use asking random people on internet forums which exact medication they had success with, as the differences are very individual, you will need to work with a doctor to find the right one for you.

Yes. Life changing.
started with elvanse then tried concerta - I don’t take it everyday because some days I need to rest! But on the days I take it I get a lot done, I’m organised, the house is tidy and my mood is brighter.