Any ADHD Adults on Meds?

[Oxfordblue]

That's it really, wondering if anyone takes meds, what they take & how it makes them feel. Does it make a difference to your focus?

My dd has just being diagnosed & through the research into this, I feel like I'm ticking all the boxes.

I'm keen to try her meds, to see if it makes a difference to me, then I would pursue a diagnosis. In fact I'm & DH are so convinced I have ADHD, I've just been to my GP who has referred me. Like most impulsive people I need to know now TODAY though!

If they did make a difference, I'd probably go private because I'm so tired of being such a busy non achiever.

I'm am however extremely cautious & (slightly dramatic) & don't want to spend 12 hrs in a hyped up state that scares the wits out of me.

Dd is doing quite well on here...

Hi,

I've not been on MN for a long time, and only really came back because of an article I read. Anyway, I stumbled across this, and can answer with a yes!

I have a dual ADHD and autism diagnosis. I'm currently on Concerta (a Methylphenidate, so basically Ritalin.) It doesn't make me hyper: if you have ADHD, it will calm you down, however, it will help with motivation and staying on task if you have inattentive type.

I will say: Do not take your daughter's meds as a test. Although my reaction to the meds cemented my diagnosis, I (and other adults who are placed on stimulant medication) had to have an ECG before they could be prescribed. Regardless of the difference in our brain chemistry (which is why we don't get 'high' from stimulants) our cardiovascular systems are still like other people's. Therefore, if you have a high resting heart rate, it is dangerous for you to be on stimulants. There are also numerous other side effects which need to be monitored, so it's imperative you only take them under guidance and support from a doctor.

Medication is also not a magic fix. My executive function is still horrific compared to neurotypical people, however it's better than it was.

Thanks for reply.

We have a blood pressure monitor, which also shows pulse. My blood pressure is pretty much perfect (DH's word as his is not).
When DD was checked, the consultant took her plus & listened to her heart with a stethoscope. That was it.
I've always thought I was a bit odd, very busy achieving very little etc & having read all the ADHD, it's me to a tee.
GP has referred me to NhS but am thinking of paying privately. I'd just like my brain to shut up - I'm exhausted!

I feel a diagnosis would also help me to forgive myself for (IMO) being a bit of a failure or realising why i struggle.

Just re-read your info about executive functioning - my daughters is severe & mines not great. She's now got plans to help her at school, which is great, but who will help us?!

I'm sorry, I really suck at MN. Do you still want an answer?

Yes if you have one or opinions!

Okay, so I get my ADHD help from a psychiatrist within the community mental health team. I think this is because they have more knowledge of the condition than GPs, despite it not being a mental health condition.

I also get (some) support from the integrated autism service, though this isn't as intensive as I need. My executive function is so poor at the moment, it's caused me to become physically ill (unable to maintain gluten-free diet with coeliac disease) and owe tax credits money with a potential fine (misunderstood then forgot the process for something, only got reminded when I got the renewal through). There isn't really anything out there to help with this, but meds help somewhat, and I'm certainly worse without them.

Honestly, I felt like a failure before my diagnosis. I didn't understand why people (particularly other women) could do things that I couldn't, and that those things were also labelled as "natural" for women. Cooking, cleaning, school run, etc - most people just see one job under each category. Not me. At last count cooking is 16 different steps; it's exhausting, I can't do it, and I then feel like shit for it (though technically I'm a really good cook.)

Though having the diagnosis hasn't magically meant I can do these things, it means I feel marginally less shit for "failing" so much. Meds also help greatly with thoughts being faster than your brain can process them, though the racing seems worse when the meds wear off.

I got my diagnosis from an adult adhd team, and now I’m settled on methylphenidate I just get them from my GP. They help me focus. I’ve been on them a few years now and I wouldn’t be without them in work days or when driving.

Thanks

I fly by the seat of my pants in everything. I'm always late or teetering on the edge (better for work) I get up at the last minute, spend hours packing & preparing. Evening is last minute. I buy stuff & then don't bother to open the boxes - until the day before it's due back.
Do you think meds would help?

At the moment I'm just about keeping my head up above water. Either on the go or flat out in my bed!

They might help, but they're not a magic fix. You do need to make sure you have them under the care of a medical team though, and there are alternatives if methylphenidate isn't right for you.