Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Pharmacological Treatment
Medication is one of the most common support measures for ADHD, though there are definitely other options and each person has unique needs.
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of any medications. Medication is like a pair of eyeglasses. It simply helps you to tap into the potential that you already have.
Stimulants: These are typically the first line of support for ADHD. Prescribed stimulants at the appropriate dose with a doctor’s guidance help to balance levels of chemical messengers in your body called neurotransmitters. Remember that if you don’t have ADHD, these medicines will not help you. Unfortunately, people sometimes try to access these medications so they can “study better” but this is not okay. It undermines the experiences of people with ADHD and it will certainly not boost your scores.
Other medications: Non stimulants and certain antidepressants. These usually work slower than stimulants do, but these may be good options if you can’t take stimulants because of health problems or if stimulants cause side effects.
Medicines are not a permanent cure for ADHD as you’re born with it and it doesn’t just “go away”, but they may help someone cope better with any challenges they face. The right medication and dose varies among individuals. It may take time to find out what's right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effects, and only take medications if prescribed by your doctor.
Importantly, some people with ADHD don’t want or need medication. Taking medications or not taking them: both are fine so let’s respect each other's choices. There’s nothing wrong with it. In relation, let's not forget the neurodiversity movement - some see a positive side to their ADHD and that's valid, as is finding it disabling for example.
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Tagging some people who might be interested in reading this post: @wonderfulRainbow817 @AriadneLove @azuladragon34 @calmsoulmeet @artisticCoconut81194 @GrahZeymahzin @ouiCherie
Edited by jovialButterfly6752 on December 8th, 2021 to make change words and formatting slightly.
@HealTheHealer
Thank you for posting this awareness, Heal 💜 Yes, to each their own. And everyone knows what is best for them.
A friendly reminder, please use medication as prescribed by a Doctor. Some meds are not OTC for a reason 🙏
@ouiCherie
Thanks for the reminder. I thought I included that in my post edit but I did an ADHD and forgot xD
❤️
@jovialButterfly6752 😁🙌💜
@HealTheHealer
😮 I used to take meds for my adhd, only because I got distracted so easily during school, but because I graduated nearly a month ago, I said no more to them because they made me feel so bland and they literally took my personality away 😛 and I got to the point where I said no more.
@emotionalTalker2260
And that happens to some people! Your choice is totally valid :) Please do what works for you.
@HealTheHealer
What a great post! I really like how you mentioned that medication isn't a cure for ADHD. I've had so many people come up and tell me "Oh why not just take medication and it will go away". In reality the symptoms one may have with ADHD could become more manageable with medication. For me personally though, medication did the exact opposite. It is so true how ADHD affects people in different ways and sometimes medication isn't the answer. Other times it is.
Living with ADHD isn't always easy. Some days I see the positives of it and then other days I see the negative sides of it. I think it is just based upon each individual's experiences and challenges through their daily lives with ADHD.
@wonderfulRainbow817
Couldn't agree more 🙌 sometimes it's a blessing, other times the struggle is "fantastic".
Medication necessary when it has came to a point where it's difficult to function well. And if your doc deem it necessary, it would be best to build skills while under medication. It is easier with the help.
You got this Rainbow! We got this! 🙌💜
@HelaHeals,
Hey, I have a question. I’ve been taking ADHD meds for a year and a half now, and they have helped so much. However, recently they have been making me feel really anxious. I’ve never heard of going down in dosage after a long time, is that possible?