#boywhothought

[actuallyadhd]

Hi! I'm 33, UK based, and just got diagnosed with inattentive ADHD. I've got a follow up appointment in a few weeks to look at how to progress re medication with the doctor. I'm a bit intimidated by what's out there. On the NHS the main three options for an adult are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomexetine, and I was wondering what sort of change I can actually expect if any of these meds work for me, and if there's anything that is useful to know when making the decision.

Sent October 22, 2018

Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in Ritalin, Biphentin, Focalin, and Concerta. It’s also in the Daytrana patch. Some of these are long-acting, some are short-acting, and some are available in both. It’s a stimulant medication and you should see some changes pretty quickly since it doesn’t build up in your system or anything.

Lisdexamphetamine is  marketed as Vyvanse or Elvanse. It is also a stimulant medication and is long-acting, so you would take it once a day. Again, it doesn’t build up in your system.

Atomoxetine is marketed as Strattera. It is an SNRI, which is simiar to an antidepressant. It needs to be taken every day at the same time, and will need to build up in your system over time before you see any changes. Missing doses is generally inadvisable due to how it affects you and the need to maintain a constant level of the medication in your system.

Effects vary depending on the person. Make sure you talk to your pharmacist about potential side effects of whatever you try first, so that you can ensure that you know what to look for. Aside from that, benefits of medication include:

being able to direct your focus;

being able to control your behaviour better; and

being able to follow your own train of thought.

There may be others; I’m sure my followers will have some thoughts to share!

Things to be aware of with all of these:

Medication is not a “cure” for ADHD; even with a medication that works well, you will probably still have to deal with some symptoms.

If the side effects are making your life hell, you should talk to your doctor about them and see what your options are. You don’t have to feel miserable. Even if the medication helps with your symptoms, if you feel like you’re going to throw up all the time or are triggered into an eating disorder, you have the right to request a different medication or a different dose.

If your personality gets flattened or you feel like a zombie, your medication is either at the wrong dose or it’s the wrong medication in the first place. You need to talk to your doctor about that and make some changes.

It’s rare to find the right medication and the right dose on the first try. Typically you will go through a couple of different doses on each medication before determining that it’s not a good choice for you.

If you have a menstruation cycle, are under a lot of stress, aren’t eating well, aren’t sleeping well, and/or aren’t exercising regularly, your symptoms will be worse and you may think your medication is not working anymore. Hormones, stress, and overall health impact how difficult your symptoms are to manage, which means that if your symptoms are “bigger” you will feel like your medication isn’t working as well. Always assess and consider whether you can make changes to help your medication work better before you ask for a higher dose.

Followers, do you have anything to add?

-J

#boywhothought #ADHD #Actually ADHD #asks #meds #location #UK #stimulants #SNRI #side effects #efficacy #newly diagnosed #treatment options

[stickyfrogs]

I drew a picture of Voigt doing a sphere for @boywhothought’s birthday as he enjoys the Sticky’s antics and it’s something we share. I thought you might like to see

Hello! 😀🐸

Spherical Voigt says hello, thank you for sharing your wonderful drawing! 😊🐸😊

Voigt hopes @boywhothought had a great birthday! She sends you both a big happy squawk! 😀