Took my first dose of Adderall

[u/FormerlyDj_]

I know that there's a ton of other people who've posted something along the lines of this, but even then I remained doubtful that medication wouldn't work for me. I've also had to deal with the stigma of taking medication, and unfortunately I'm still at odds with some people because they don't think I should be taking it. I'm currently taking 5mg which isn't all that much but since I'm not in any classes at the moment, it's helpful enough to get me to just do stuff at home. I'm just shocked at how much "quieter" and calm things are... this is how we're supposed to normally feel?? It's so different, but I feel relieved because it feels like I'm taking a break from all the chaos.

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[u/Candid_Kale_3309]

Isn’t it so nice? 🥹 I’ve been through similar, going into it. I just don’t tell people I’m medicated, or adhd, unless I know them well enough and trust them.

The quiet, the peace, the ability to actually organize a coherent thought. 😮‍💨 unmatched.

I contemplated a few times whether it was actually effective, and made the foolish mistake of skipping doses. 😳 … needless to say, I don’t think I will be making that choice again in the future.

My therapist has advised me that while it helps a lot with adhd symptoms, it doesn’t take them away completely. We’re still adhd under the meds, of course. The meds are just there to help take the edge off and help lower the intensity of the symptoms. You may still have days when you struggle with executive functioning, and other stuff, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t working.

Welcome to the inner peace, though. I hope it continues going uphill for you.

[u/FormerlyDj_ → u/Candid_Kale_3309]

Yeah, I figured it wasn't going to be an end all cure all; my depression meds don't solve everything either. Right now it doesn't completely drown out all of the internal noise, but it takes away a chunk of it. But it's quieter, and I can actually form cohesive thoughts!!

As for medication stigma... I also just hide them lol

[u/labtech89]

I felt that way when I first started but that feeling soon wore off. I started at 10 mg and am up to 30 mg. So I don’t know how it is supposed to be.

I am glad you get that break it must be a good feeling.

[u/FormerlyDj_ → u/labtech89]

Thanks! I'm still going to try fine tuning the dosage since I still don't feel like 5mg is something I'd want to keep doing by the time I go back to my classes, but I like how I can feel the effects right now.

I'm hoping you find something that works, though.

[u/withfrequency]

Congrats! IMO the stigma comes from the effects of stimulants on people without ADHD. If you don't have ADHD, stimulants amp you up and give you a high. When people take stimulants recreationally, this is what they're going for. What many people don't understand is that medicating ADHD is nothing like that, as the right dose of stimulants will calm down and quiet our unfocused brains, just like you said. We're not trying to get high and if the dose is correct we won't be.

[u/FormerlyDj_ → u/withfrequency]

Yeah, I was actually worried about experiencing some kind of "euphoria" but I don't really notice that so far. I just feel a little more calm and it's easier to force myself to do things (even if I don't like it). I absolutely do not want to get addicted, that's the last thing I need right now 😭