ADHD and medication

[ianrfife]

Hi Everyone. New person. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD as an adult but likely had it since I was a child. I am trying to find a way to live my life without medication so I'd be interested in hearing about the pros and cons of taking the medication. Any resources you found helpful woudl also be appreciated. TIA

[Wasted71years]

Hi Ianrfife

The choice about whether to use medication or not is something that only you, with your doctor/psychiatrist's advice. However, here is the way that I thought about it and why I chose medication.

I am nearsighted. I make use of glasses to help me see as if my vision weren't impaired. If I couldn't walk, I would use a wheelchair.

There is nothing wrong with needing medication all your life to correct a problem. I will wear glasses all my life.

The evidence seems to be strong that the risks of being unmedicated are higher than any risks from medication. The rates of impulsive risky acts, the higher rates of car crashes and other accidents, the impact on relationship, jobs and happiness - these are what I offset by taking medication.

Most research claims that the risk of addiction to the medicine is very low if it is taken by someone with ADHD to treat the ADHD. In fact, people with untreated ADHD have a medium risk of becoming addicted to things, ranging from relatively benign like very high consumption of caffeine to drinking or abusing other drugs.

I personally believe that medication for ADHD lessens the risk. It certainly has converted me from someone that had 3-4 coffees and over 120 ounces of caffeinated soda every day, pre medication, to someone that may have two sodas or one coffee in a day now. The caffeine was an unconscious attempt to self medicate because my brain knew it had a bit more neurotransmitter and worked a bit better while drowning in caffeine.

It is a long process to try out and find medications that work for you, where the benefits are highest while any side effects are small. Usually the dose is slowly increased over time to figure out the balance, but if that medicine isn't so effective for someone then they start over on a different type. There are also expenses to consider, both the cost of the medication itself and the costs of seeing health care professionals to help find the right drug and dose.

[StanleyThyroid]

I would say in the first instance do try the medication and make your own choice. I have always been anti meds of any kind but they do work. I have a low level of side effects now. There are supplements like l-tyrosine that are meant to help. Also cold water swimming is apparently good for a dopamine boost.

[tmason2024]

I don't take it but I'm really considering it because man life is a challenge!