Will it work for me? The ADHD experiment begins.

This is going to be an update on my ADHD journey. Do skip this if it isn’t your jam, and I’ll catch you next week.

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My diagnosis was in October 2022. Lots of things fell into place. I was sure I had ADHD before I was official, but it was nice to get the diagnosis, the validation, and the explanation that goes with that.

Since then, I’ve looked back at my life differently. So many things make sense.

The doctor offered me medication, but because I had a heart murmur when I was pregnant, I needed to undergo some checks before trying stimulants. Finally, after all the referrals and appointments, it’s happening.

On January eighth, I began titration. Perfect timing because the kids were going back to school. I wondered if my personality would change. I like who I am and what I’m like, the way I interact with my friends and family, and all the ideas I have.

My spark- I didn’t want to lose it.

Titration

Between me and my prescriber, we figure out what the best medication is for me, and the right dose. During this time, there is a weekly check-in, where I input my blood pressure, pulse, weight, side effects and whether my symptoms have improved. Even though it’s all done online. I can send a quick note to my prescriber and she will answer my question. I feel cared for even though it’s virtual.

Whilst in titration, I’m not supposed to have any caffeine. I thought I would struggle but I haven’t. I’m on decaf, herbal teas, and lots of water now. My skin feels amazing. No alcohol allowed either, which I don’t miss. I’m not a big drinker these days.

I started on 18mg, which I found was great for the first three days. Kind of amazing tbh. By the fourth day, I could feel it wearing off sooner. This is the lowest dose and perhaps to be expected.

The following week, I went up to the next dose, 27mg, and it felt only a little different from the 18mg. I’m blaming hormones. There’s lots of anecdotal evidence about how ADHD medication seems to stop working at this point in a woman’s cycle. I’ve always struggled during this time. It was naïve of me to expect the medication to gloss over that.

Week three, and I went up another dose to 36mg. Again, I think it was hormones, but it didn’t feel that much different from the 18mg.

Week four was 36mg again. This brings me to now and I’m getting sleepy by lunchtime. I think it’s because it’s a higher dose, so the comedown is more noticeable.

Current verdict

Thankfully, my personality is just the same.

My brother is mega cute in this photo, you just have to believe me.

I can see how these meds can be life-changing for many people, myself included. It’s just getting the dose right. And there are so many shortages at the moment. Will I be able to get hold of it?

I know some people who medicate with coffee. But it’s not a consistent feeling. Read more about the effects of caffeine on your body here.

The Case Against Caffeine

My sleep is fine as well. I was worried that being on stimulants, I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but I keep having to tell myself, that my brain doesn’t behave in that neurotypical way.

The medication works; it improves my symptoms, but will I find a dose that suits me long-term? I can’t say yet.

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More from me about this topic;

• A Neurodivergent Journey

• ADHD: Change Your Desk, Change Your Life

I’d love to hear about your experience with medication for ADHD. Let’s chat in the comments.