which meds to choose?

[Sunnyskies2023]

I’m 50 with ADHD that I haven’t been treating. I have zero energy, my house and life are totally disorganized and I can’t sleep and have anxiety. I think a stimulant would help but I’m afraid of my anxiety and sleeping issues already. Any suggestions from people who have similar symptoms? Thank you!!!!!!!!

[STEM_Dad]

It is quite common for people who have ADHD to also have anxiety or depression.

First of all, taking a medication to treat you ADHD might help reduce your anxiety, if much of the anxiety is due to the results of ADHD struggles in your life. Then again, stimulants can cause or increase anxiety as a side effect (but that doesn't mean they will).

I take a non-stimulant ADHD medication called atomoxetine (generic of Strattera). It works continuously, similarly to how antidepressants do. It is a selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), and I believe the serotonin benefits help with my anxiety.

But for the last several months, I've also been on an SSRI for depression which I was previously treated with for anxiety (escitalopram, aka Lexapro).

~~~~~

Mindfulness also helps me, and I know research studies say that exercise can help a lot with both mood and with ADHD.

[Sunnyskies2023 in reply to STEM_Dad]

Thank you so much for your kind reply and experience. I really appreciate it!!!

[Slmndrs]

I'm in my mid-forties, diagnosed in my late thirties and experimenting with meds since then. I also have a life time (and an apparently genetic inheritance) of sleep issues.

I have found stimulants tricky for sleep. The right amount/combination actually helps me sleep better because (in addition to helping me get stuff done that reduces my anxiety) it helps me actually get into bed and turn off the light. But too much and it eats into my sleep and I start to get worse.

Currently I'm taking 27mg concerta in the morning and should be taking 5mg ritalin in the afternoon. Sometimes I need to dial that back to 18mg concerta to avoid sleeping issues.

I hope this is reassuring that stimulants won't necessarily hurt, and can even help. But I do find I need to be sort of aware and 'nimble' and it makes a huge difference to have a psychiatrist that is open to working with me on it and changing things up.

[Sunnyskies2023 in reply to Slmndrs]

Thank you!!! I so appreciate your input.

[Alexandra57]

You sound a lot like me a few months ago. I’ve had issues with sleep forever and my anxiety was, now I look back on it, pretty off the scale. And the exhaustion that came with all that, ugh. One of the worst things for me was the constant need to nap, it felt like my brain would just go on strike and there was nothing I could do about it.

Soo… After my diagnosis I went on Elvanse (Vyvanse in US) and it immediately calmed me, helped me stay focussed, plus the anxiety was halved. My sleep has improved no end too because the constant thoughts and restlessness has stopped. My house is a lot tidier too and emotionally I’m much more able to deal with life’s ups and downs. I recently tried switching to Concerta, just in case it might give me the extra boost of productivity I crave but it completely knocked me out instead! Needless to say I quickly went back to Elvanse but that was just my response to that particular med.

Everyone is different of course, and it takes time to find the right medication and the right dose, but maybe try be not to be worried that stimulants will increase anxiety/make sleep issues worse as they can also have the opposite effect.

Good luck!

[Sunnyskies2023 in reply to Alexandra57]

Thank you!! Your symptoms sound so much like mine. I’m a mess—can’t get organized. I’m anxious. I don’t sleep at night but all day long I’m so tired and just want to sleep. It’s impossible to do anything on my days off because I just want to nap for hours and it takes me forever to fail asleep. I do not like having ADHD but it is really nice finding people who have it too. It’s like finding family. I appreciate you. Thank you for sharing what works for you.

[LuisBarcelona]

I may not be able to offer my experience because I'm currently without medication. It's important to remember that each person's experience with ADHD is unique, and there are various factors that come into play. Maintaining a strong connection with a psychiatrist for proper guidance and medication management is crucial. Additionally, practices like mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and practicing self-compassion have been very helpful for me. I'm aware that some days may bring chaos, while others allow me to accomplish more in just a couple of hours than I did the entire previous day. Hugs!

[Sunnyskies2023]

thank you 💕