General Question About Meds
So for anyone taking ADHD meds: Do you find that you crash in the mid-afternoon? When I take my meds in the morning, I find that I usually feel them wearing off around 2 or 3 and I get tired and stop being productive. Anyone else have this experience?
@lovelyllama13 This can happen and is normal, but there are ways to minimize or eliminate this. Certain changes, like switching to a different formulation or adjusting the dose, can sometimes help. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about this.
I'm interested in alternative ways to treat ADHD. What works aside from meds? Anyone have anything that's been particularly helpful for them?
@Subaru13 i have never taken adhdh meds but i know relatikn techniques help you stop overthinking. I didnt think i have problems until i realized my symptoms match what adhd is. K hate pills but i take them if i have to, im going to talk to a specialist who can help me decide what the best kind of medicine for me. Adhd is not good for the heart but i read effects children not adults. Sorry i didnt say what type of relation helps, there is so many things you could do like take naps in the day or listen to calming music, songs can really give you dopamine which adhd people lack.
@Subaru13 Hi Subaru, Im not sure if youll see this as your post was quite a while ago. My partner and oldest daughter(adult) both have ADHD. Before my partner started meds, we had introduced a strict AIP diet at home and this did improve his organization and focus but only mildly. Its also a big lifestyle change for most people. The biggest changes involved in this diet were cutting out all processed foods, gluten, and dairy. Another benefit of this though is that while it did only provide some benefits for my partner - when he did start medication, he ended up doing quite well on a fairly low dose. I firmly believe this is due to the fact that we have also implemented the diet changes at home.
My daughter on the other hand does not have any interest in altering her diet but has started taking high doses of omega 3 supplements and has seemed a fair bit calmer. She does not take medication and she is also pregnant so hard to tell if the change is due to her pregnancy or the supplements.
@Subaru13 I've used medication in the past but I prefer natural solutions. After I was diagnosed in 2015, I did about 20 sessions of Neurofeedback and I definitely noticed a difference. Eventually, I dscovered essential oils (EOs) and how effective they can be. Highly recommend trying vetiver essential oil from a certified therapeutic grade since not all EOs are made equally.
Why am I feeling such a big shame for feeling like I need a higher dose? I was getting by fine but now I feel like it is not enough.
@warmPudding59
It takes A LONG time to get use to the idea that hey i am someone who needs to take medication every day to be ok. I have been on medication for a long time and at present I take about 4 different perscription pills every day, and not going to lie it can still be really hard sometimes. But I like to think of it not as something I need but as a tool. This is a tool for me to use to make my life livable, and its ok to use this tool in fact it makes sense to use this tool. At the end of the day having to take meds and needing stronger dosages, thats ok, you are simply using tools and adapting the tools so that they work better for you.
Do I really have to take meds? What is it gonna do? And would it be bad if I take ADHD meds with anxiety and depression?
@XMatchaX i think the severity of you adhd will tell you if you need pills. I hate pills but as an adult i realize i need pills, nothing can make me focus or lose anxiety. Anxiety makes you so hesitant you dont even want to try. I struggle so much being social when im with my friends, i cant only talk to people i know. If you want to lose the anxiety listen to calimng music, if you always forget start writing long lists.
@Janey510 @XMatcha
So speaking from one who has been on meds for the past 15 years, medication can be a blessing but also a curse. As janey says, it all depends on the severity of your symptoms. And if you do decide to go the medication path, just be aware that the first or even 4th medication you try might not be the right one for you and thats ok, there are plenty of options out there. ADHD meds and anxiety/depression is a tricky thing, for some people, going on ADHD meds improves their anxiety/depression and makes them feel great. For other people (like me) the meds increase anxiety, but I also take some meds for my anxiety so it sort of balances out. Honestly it is all about finding the right balance.
@XMatchaX that is something a Dr would review with you. There are meds that are preferable to use in the treatment of ADHD when anxiety is also a concern such as non stimulants and these typically have antidepressant properties as well. Its important to disclose as much information as you can to your Dr ( regarding your day to day functioning and symptoms) or Psychiatrist in order to assist them in making the best choice for what would be an appropriate medication for you.
Also, why its so important to never take a medication that hasnt been prescribed for you. As all of these kinds of details can impact how a med effects someone.
@lovelyllama13
So this actualy has a name it is called rebound, and it can be really anoying. There are many different things you can do to decrease the effect of rebound. For example you can take a small dosage of a imediate release ADHD med a little before you usualy experiance rebound (or have some coffee). Another good thing to do is literly take a nap, on the days when I donot take my afternoon dose, I always take like a 40 min nap.
