As someone with AuDHD... this has been something I've wondered myself if I should try. Because it seems like a lot of my struggles come from ADHD related issues than my Autism. Thank you for taking the time to make this content to help others understand! It's been invaluable!!
I’ll say this much this is weird, but the ADHD meds seem to help with a few basic functions of executive function, but not complicated. Autism related ones don’t seem to help me as much as they would someone with ADD who seems to be like totally helped me face my face like I would see people or go to work I wouldn’t and I couldn’t and the only way I did it before them is copious amounts of coffee. something to do with powering my brain on enough to be present, but I’ll just say that the ADHD meds help me face the world
Interesting maybe that’s what’s happening with me too. I don’t know it help me a lot but sometimes I think when it wears off, you know you’re so exhausted and your brain can’t stand any stimulation and you want proof and you wanna be alone and you can’t discriminate multiple noises I don’t know, like I don’t hyper even more like a terrier I can’t let go like in general, but it’s just really confusing
Without my ADHD medication my brain feels foggy and i have a lot less focus and energy. With my medication things works way better. Also with it i am better at dealing with sensory inputs and other things. The medication is part of a function life but there still a need for a good environment and as little neurotypical madness as possible.
Maladaptive daydreamer here too. Boooy how many hours went into that. Or still go into that, as soon as I have a crush on somebody. This deserves a video too! I think for me it makes me escape reality, as you describe, but also served/s me to rehearse for social interactions. Also binge eating. Thanks a lot for speaking about these rarely spoken aspects!
Thank you for sharing content like this!!! I’ve been on adhd meds on and off for 6 years now and I’ve had a lot of cognitive dissonance about it. I know they really help me with controlling my focus and forming good habits but I also go through periods where I feel a lot of internalized ableism, shame, and a general dislike of taking medications. Recently I started a new job that I’ve really been struggling with mentally and decided I should try taking my medication consistently again and I feel like it’s really starting to help. Watching this video makes me feel less alone and more confident in my decision to utilize this resource again. I feel like I need to reevaluate my relationship to adhd meds and personalize the mindsets/routines I have around them. Thank you Irene!
OMG, I relate so much to "just because you can do it, it doesn't mean you can maintain it every day". Story of my life with jobs. I get every job I apply for because I'm quite gifted and can be extroverted if I slip on my job interview persona, but no way can I go to trade fairs every couple of weeks and talk to strangers. No one then understands when I can't do it any more.
Clinically diagnosed with ASD since 8, but I was never diagnosed with ADHD until seeking out a diagnosis myself at 25, after much apathy and push back from the mental health service. Up until that point, they were completely fine to ply me with anti-depressants and later anti-psychotics which never worked, and nearly made me lose my life. I find that most ADHD meds exacerbate my ASD symptoms (stimming, grimacing, OCD-like physical movements). This was really bad on the Methylphenidate medications (Ritalin, Concerta). I've tried Vyvanse and while I still have that problem to a lesser extent, so far that's been the most effective with the least side effects. It's not perfect, and some days it works wonders and other days it's kind of non-effective. I think diet and water intake plays a huge part. I've also read about not taking Vitamin C supplements as that counteracts Vyvanse (seems truthful, imo). The ADHD medication bringing out my ASD symptoms was really frustrating at first, as I've been masking intensely my entire life to avoid abuse. When I was first being prescribed these ADHD medications and had to be around other people daily, I'm sure people thought that I was very or most definitely on drugs. It was a rough period on finding out what worked and what didn't. I did try non-stimulant medication (Guanfacine) and it didn't work well for me. As always, thank you for talking about your experiences!
I really struggle with food and since i have been on meds ai have seen some changes. Still a work in progress but less desire to binge to get the dopamine
I tried vyvanse and it made my autism symptoms (especially sensory issues) so much worse that I had to stop. The worst part was the one hour wait before it kicked in which would always trigger my PDA. But even though I took it for only a few months, it helped me build some great habits and helped a lot with my self esteem and trusting my own abilities. It was a nightmare but I don't regret taking it at all.
Two ADHD meds used to make me anxious and give me energy and like motivation and presence and focused to be there and even have to exercise and now it’s like they put me in the trance like I don’t know what happened. I mean it’s one I used to take Adderall and now I take it, but I just feel like I’m in a weird trance, what I drink my Starbucks coffee and I used to be like high as a little different but I don’t understand. Maybe I’m going to bipolar depression. I don’t even understand that like it’s all blurred to me. I don’t understand and I’m not gonna go for a job I’m gonna go online like I just I don’t understand anything and I’m going through menopauseif I get up and eat and sleep before 3 AM that’s a good day
i love how you express a mature and comprehensible understanding of the importance of total health (physical and spiritual and mental and emotional health) in your videos in my experience it seems like people are scared to use “spiritual” words when being “professional”, but truthfully yes it is what you described as an afflicted life force energy that leads to burnout and depression
as an audhder, adhd meds have sort of saved me, but haven’t been a silver bullet. it doesn’t help me get through task initiation avoidance, but it does help me get out of functional freeze and makes all the small tasks feel less hazy.
I appreciate this so much. I started ADHD medication after getting diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and I’m so discouraged that it feels like at a 20mg ER dose, I’m not feeling any different. I’m so grateful for people sharing their experiences. Thank you
I have this issue as well. I'm on vyvanse with a low dose of fluoxetine. I'm OK until things became stressful and now my anxiety is becoming unbearable again. Constant struggle between needing help with adhd symptoms or getting anxiety under control. When I got back on fluoxetine after several years, I felt happier I could digest food better, but it ultimately led to having negative consequences at my job.
i'm not diagnosed with autism (highly suspected) but only with adhd, the meds helped me through my last year of highschool and i honestly wish i'd gotten them earlier so that i would not be so nervous about being unable to enter the colleges/universities i want to get into but it really helped so much, i remember things clearer, i have more energy -- it's especially the fact that i was tired no matter how much i slept and the meds made me energized for so long, though the only sort of "downsides" is me forgetting that i can't be taking in too much stimulation because i've overstimulated myself a lot, and the fact that my appetite worsens so severely that the mere thought of consuming any food makes me nauseous, sometimes i don't even eat anything until its dinner time it helps me remember to draw and absorb in information a lot more easily and i've made a lot more progress in art and everything in general, it's worth it but do try whatever helps you the most
So happy someone else relates to the nausea when trying to eat food. For me, I started avoiding and dreading meal times. I had to stop the meds cause my eating became too disordered and not being able to enjoy food is really depressing 😭. But now I'm trying non-stimulants, its too early to say if they are any good, but my appetite isn't affected
I wish you had talked a bit about how the medication interacts with the menstral cycle. i don’t currently take meds consistently but the times when I feel the need to take a dose or maybe even extra is at the luteal phase during pms and during my period. There’s some research showing that adhd challenges significantly worsen at those times of the cycle
There is a great video about that by a UK-based RUclipsr who talks about her experiences with adhd medication. I will try to find it for you. Edit: here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/vw-G8fqC6_0/видео.htmlsi=mXSNEUR5NGptVleQ She starts to discuss it around the 18 minute mark.
There is a lot a lot you would be surprised how much so much of a week go through is hormonally directed like from you know growth hormone to melatonin to neurotransmitter is to thyroid to regulation by your sex hormones and I studied medicine and it’s very complicated web to untangle but these past five years I’ve been on ADD med and premenopausal and I’ve noticed like for half a month. It seems like everything is worse like my med stone work, no amount of caffeine or ADD meds start working the second half of my cycle and the week before I’m even slower and I can’t be with anyone like I drive them crazy or everyone says you need to see your therapist again something is connected to the estrogen for it hurts my head to think about all this. I’m on HRT right now. I’ve also tried my daughter tried, having me on Prozac the second two weeks like right now and then the first two weeks she thinks that will build up so when I’m on my second two weeks, my brain will be technically like bombarded by the 20 mg and then going back down to the 10 will be right for the first two weeks but what’s weird I felt so Depressed when I went back down but now I’m still on 20 and I’m feeling depressed and unable to do anything so I really don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I don’t know how to handle this by the way I’m 120 and 10 Adderall.
It’s scary right now. I don’t know what to do anymore, but I feel like I’m in a dream like a simulation. I feel really scarily detached from myself and the world. I’ve been trying all day to drink caffeine and take my meds like a place where I can exercise and be present, but I’m not and I don’t even know what to do to help myself. You know I see a therapist. I see a psychiatrist, but I honestly don’t know what’s going on Covid.
I've been on them for a few months now and even though they do help a lot with executive functions and energy, I don't feel my concentration improve that much, they make it harder for me to be grounded and in reality and they make my anxieties worse. Update: I switched from ritalin (methylphenidate) to generic lisdexamfetamine about a week ago and it's working a lot, lot better. I'm actually kind of blown away by how much they are doing for me despite taking half the dosage, I'm able to just do whatever I need and want to do now without feeling like the entire world is turning on it's head. Ritalin gave me mood swings but these don't affect my mood which makes it very stable and gives me a lot more control over my emotions.
Irene PLEASE make a video on food / disordered eating & eating disorders and adhd / adhd medication. I've been suffering to find a way to stay medicated and not skip meals / drop weight like crazy lately. I believe I have ARFID and the interplay between my autism and adhd lately is so destructive from a food intake standpoint. ANY kernel of knowledge, advice, support, or even simply shared experience or solidarity would be so helpful to me at this time. thank u for being u ! XOXO 💗
I heard somewhere that they did a study to see if adderall actually reduces appetite and it doesn’t. It just acts as one because it reduces the emotional need to eat. Which seems about the same thing but I guess a true appetite suppressant would somehow chemically reduce appetite. Just something I found interesting.
Yeah that's actually what my theory has been, too. I think it just relieves the need to boredom eat and seek stimulation from food. I found that it felt like my *brain* was already satiated so I didn't *need* to eat a whole bunch of stuff when I wasn't even actually hungry. Cause that's generally my relationship with food. I'll end up eating even when I'm not hungry, just cause I feel restless and bored, or because I feel moody. So without those things affecting me, it takes away the ammunition for the binge eating tendency. I don't think it truly suppressed my appetite. I think I just started eating only when I actually felt hungry, which is naturally a lot less often than my feelings of restlessness would come up in a day. So I think the ADHD symptoms skew your perception of how much you need to eat and whether or not you're hungry. With the proper ability to focus, you can actually pay more attention to your body's natural hunger cues while also having less need to self-medicate your symptoms with food.
Its funny becuase I eat more when I take adderall, unmedicated I will totally ignore my hunger cues and or forget to eat and wont have enough energy to actually make/get food when I actually remember or realize I'm hungry. Im actually hungry and ignoring it as I type rn lol. hopefully this comment will remind me to eat before I get distracted and forget.
Thank you for making this video! You put things into really good perspective, even if meds dont affect all of us the same way, you show how they are a really important, necessary tool. I would not be doing well emotionally if I didn't have access to meds
Anyone here had experience with non stimulant ADHD meds? My 10yr old stepdaughter has AuDHD and is on Prozac, NAC (helped with the skin picking ) and now non stimulant ADHD meds. We went slow before introducing a new medication. She has heart issues which is why the non stimulant was the first choice. It’s only been a month and very minimal change. Her day to day seems such a struggle for her and we will like to make it easier for her. Your video today was super helpful and insightful.
I didn't know why I was the way I was, not even slightly, not till I was almost done with college. I was only able to take half time and I couldn't hold or even try to get a job. If I tried to even take one more class, I would start slipping badly, from As and Bs to Cs and Ds. getting an ADHD diagnosis helped, but even with ADHD meds I struggled so hard and I doubtless would not have graduated if not for my SO and also having some really supportive teachers.
Thank you for your transparency! I am so glad I found your channel. Your videos make me feel seen. I really appreciate how intentional you are about sharing your experience.
YES! 14:11--Completely burnt out by week's end. Can never plan a social event. I just started vyvanse (lower dose since my Autism makes me more sensitive to dosage/meds generally), but HOLAY what a difference. I describe it as a weighted blanket for my brain. I'm 46 and can't believe I waited this long to properly function.
There is no better time for you to post this video. Before I fully watch it, I want to tell about my current situation. I already got my autism diagnosis last year and it still didn't feel like enough, my life has been more chaotic than that to me. I voiced my concerns to my therapist and luckily, I got my adhd diagnosis within 6 weeks, last Wednesday. However, it takes so much time to get my hands on the meds in Germany. Before I can get the prescription from my psychiatrist, I have to get some checkups done at the doc. My doc is on vacation until July so I had to show up at a substitute doctor. I got a few tests done, it's possible that I have a higher risk of developing tachycardia which the meds could encourage, which is why that doctor didn't like the idea of me possibly using them. I have to wait two more weeks to get my blood tests done at my regular doctor (that is, if I actually get an appointment right away..) and only then can I get my meds. I did some research and apparently, heart problems are more likely to occur in people that have adhd- but at the same time, meds are more likely to increase the heart rate as well. This is a life full of contradictions we're living *coughs* the AuDHD experience
Also oh my god the "showing up to school everyday" part is so relatable because this has been my problem for the past 5 years. Before the diagnosis, I thought that it might be only autistic burnout but perhaps, there is more than that. I hope I can find a solution with my therapist because I have so much hope in the meds improving my quality of life
It’s crazy right? There is so much we don’t know. I’ve always needed caffeine or adhd meds or running to barely feel normal and connected- but yea they raise your Bp and heart rate and you wonder if you weren’t making enough dopamine epinephrine, shouldn’t it be ok and just give you an average hr and bp. I still don’t know what’s up w me but reckon after many guests go therapy and psychiatry etc, it is sort of covered by adhd inattentive and depression/bipolar 2… I’m highly suspecting asd high functioning whatever that means. Basically it takes everything Ihave to function as a human being in this world and my brain and energy and with it ness are very very unpredictable and presently dysregulated. I’ve sort of givenup now at 50- and most have given up on me… harder without the structure of school or even part time work and I can’t get back into things since cpvid I was really burned out. Atuck for five years now.
@@visionvixxen I've only turned 20 this year and I feel just as overwhelmed and pretty much hopeless. What other comorbidities might I have next without even knowing? A year into my autism diagnosis and I still have no idea what I can do about it to make life a bit easier. There is so much burocracy you have to get involved with, it's all so overwhelming.
I am diagnosed ADHD. I know I’m autistic too and will be formally assessed in January. And for almost two years I have been in burnout. And it’s getting worse.
I have a weak cardiovascular system, so I can't take any stimulants without feeling like I'm dying. I've tried every non-stimulant medication and all of them throw my body out of balance and make me mentally unwell. So I'm basically doomed to be unmedicated, and it's quite difficult to deal with. I wish there were more resourced and advice on what to do in situations like mine.
Aww im sorry about your situation, what I have found helps is to make a placebo for yourself. Like say take a multivitamin each day and set the intention as you take it or before as you are holding the bottle or the pill, and assign to this pill the ability to help your adhd symptoms. “This special vitamin helps me focus and gives me energy each day” . I did this with my gummy vitamins and it really did help, it will take a bit of consistency but it worked for me. Try it and let me know if it helps you 😊
I often relate to your videos, but this video in particular, I related to every single thing you mentioned. You really helped me decide to stop doubting myself and hopefully get a diagnosis so that I can try ADHD meds. I really do believe I can benefit!
Dear Irene, Yes, a video about Autism & eating disordered is a topic I am deeply interested in. I can totally relate to your experiences around EDs. I am diagnosed ADHD and self-diagnosed (seeking official D) ASD L1. And I now experience my ASD much more intense on ADHD meds. Thank you so much for sharing your insights on this topic. 💊 Very helful 💝
That’s honestly really interesting about the bowel movement piece. As someone who drinks a lot of coffee and vapes, those things make me need to go to the bathroom immediately, so maybe there’s something about stimulants that cause this to happen.
Hrnnng, yeah, I am 24/7 physically in an anxiety state. I feel like my nervous system is in a constant state of panic - feels like electricity zapping me everywhere constantly. ADHD meds never helped me with anxiety, but it did make it possible for me to notice when my brain tried to change the topic on me to avoid something frustrating. Even if I still can't always do anything about it. I gave up on the ADHD meds for various reasons, but the anxiety and my IBS are among them.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this. Having AuDHD instead of ADHD alone adds a layer of complexity that most clinicians aren’t familiar with. I am excited to try switching to IR meds instead of XR to hopefully help with my sleeping issues. All of your story sounds so similar to my own, especially the amplification of autistic traits after being meditated. I know I am in a better place with the stimulants, but I also am encouraged to take breaks as well. ❤️
very insightful video! i have audhd and was experiencing a lot of frustration with my first round of meds (10mg strattera that didn't really do much for me and then i went 2 weeks forgetting to schedule the appointment necessary to refill them) but i’m trying to take it one step at a time and remind myself there will be some trial and error before i settle on the right dose
It’s also super super sad. I don’t wanna go online and have to constantly be telling people what I’m not what I don’t mean that I’m not trying to be insensitive that I’m not trying to be that and I’m not responsible. It’s about time that unless it says I’m a doctor or I’m giving all of advice, it’s about time that we have a General caveat thing you know that us so we can just be honest and talk like that. Another reason I’m terrified of online platform there’s no possible way that I can be sure everything and think of everything. I’m sure I do everything right and have to say every single time. I’ll probably forget.
Suuper insightful video Irene. I would love to hear your story or the relations between food relationships and ADHD. It's really a great think to hear that you've been healing from your eating disorder. Here's hoping I can heal from mine soon. This was very inspiring.
so similar to my experience > I also dont need to take my meds on takes I dont have responsibilities. Or on days i feel regulated enough to get what i need to get done. I think my psych wanted me to have a regular daily dose, but some days I take a morning fast release dose and that gives me enough momentum for my day, sometimes i need a second dose. Some days i wake up with enough momentum and then need a post midday boost. Best thing i found for the food thing was having dense snacks that were smaller in volume which i could make sure i was getting earth energy for my body
My extended release meds allow me to work for 2-3 hrs after I take them. Then I feel sleepy and need to take a nap. After I wake up, I feel super refreshed and ready to work for another couple of hours. But I can't take them consecutively for too many days or I end feeling super anxious and fatigued. So med breaks are important depending on the kind you end up taking.
I prefer elvanse over dex, i take it first thing in the morning and sleep for another hour. Once my second alarm goes off my meds are working and i can immediately start my day with the right focus and energy. I love how subtle it feels, I still feel like myself. But i can do things, conserve my energy. I dont feel exhausted after work or need to lie down. With dex i felt a bit too calm and i would forget to speak sometimes, which is not what you want as a social worker 😅 Im so glad for this medication, only sometimes the focus is very intense on the wrong thing. But i feel so much more functioning and less stressed!
Just got diagnosed w/ ASD, but your experiences are basically exactle my own, so maybe i need an ADHD-Assessment aswell? The medication sounds super helpful i wanna try it regardless tbh :)
As an AuDHD person I had masked my ASD traits so well, at least from myself, that I truly had no clue until I was on my ADHD meds. 😂 My doctor on the other hand. 😒 Yeah he pretty much said he knew for a few years. 😮
I’m not diagnosed with adhd but fairly certain I have it, because my autism just doesn’t look the same as others unless they also have adhd. My psychiatrist seems to agree and I’m now in adderall. It has massively changed my life in just a few weeks. I’ve been on every anti depressant and anti anxiety medicine, been through years of therapy, and nothing helped. Until the adderall. I don’t fully understand it yet but my psychiatrist said she sees this happen a lot for people who finally get adhd meds. That they stop having such a hard time getting out of depressive episodes because they can handle executive functioning things so much better. Same with anxiety. I thought my moderate anxiety would get worse like everyone said it would, but I feel a lot more capable of handling anything life throws at me so my anxiety is less.
I feel you on this one. A lot of my depression and anxiety was attributed to debilitating executive dysfunction. I’m glad you found something that works for you!
currently maintaining the bare minimum. The nt "therapist" in the clinic told me last week, that I was probably just not trying, and that things were "not that bad" for me, so I shouldn't try getting help, as I would anyhow not get any. (was because I asked about an option to apply for social assistance, and what that process would look like).
10 mg? Not nearly enough as audhd for me, to be useful. Especially not for a day. Tried Adderall last year along with guanfacine to try to balance out BP issues. Major side-effects with guanfacine for me. Got to a therapeutic dosage, perhaps a bit too much with Adderall. It amplified my autistic inertia fiercely. Currently not medicated for ADHD, need to resolve high BP issue. If adhd were taken care of, perhaps I'd not have the issue that causes the problem: catch-22!
I’m so glad you’re doing this though because so I’ve been diagnosed with eventually after a lot of things that were nothing but became something because I persisted. It went from depression to bipolar too and also ADD, but I’m really highly suspecting autism. You know very high functioning, autism and just trying to figure out the web between the autism the ADD and the bipolar like sometimes my brain and my energy are just way off, chronic trauma like chronic PTSD and trauma may look like borderline or even autistic or ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria. It’s all confused mass at the moment and I’m actually 50 and trying to figure all this out but the reason I’m no longer trying to have a great job and mehri and do a typical wife Because I know it’s not bipolar and all I’ve tried haven’t really worked and nothing much change with the job and other friends and even HDD med and antidepressants they poop out and you have to start all over so I’m at this point where I saw my cousin and I’m like what’s really going on besides people thinking I’m spoiled honestly what’s really going on with my mind and my inconsistent energy and everything that I tried so hard and I just don’t wanna go back to right now I Just Can’t make myself and I think Covid help me get in this place now I’m in this weird zone of need to make sure I have autism figuring out what to do with that whether I can go back and even even have a dream of a normal job, but I can’t seem to motivate any structure I’m just depressed. I’m traumatized. I can’t even work out like I used to. I’ve always worked out but this past two months something else happened and I can’t so I’m just I have anyone who has online channel like I can’t put my face off. I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’m invalidating myself, but I’m not even sure if I’ve autism or ADD or anything like how do you be sure and I’m not sure if I talk to people about it if I would offend them or they would say I don’t have this or I may not understand them. I’m just I don’t know how to get out of this, but I’m not sure what I’ve been surviving for the past two years. I still feel like I’m in Covid. I never had Covid but I feel like separated from reality like I’m just not in this and I’m not there and alcohol helps me feel more in the zone. I don’t like itmakes me wonder what I’m still more depressed than usual promise I take more antidepressants. I’m bad things happen and I’m not gonna take any antics. I don’t think they’re gonna benefit me so I’m really stuck.
I totally feel the headphones thing and it feels very distressing to me, but I don’t think it’s something I could explain to my parents in a way they’d understand. I feel they take it personally and actually get upset with me if I show any irritation at getting interrupted. I’ve started just pausing when they are in the room and starting again when they leave cause that is a little easier than constantly having to pay attention if they are trying to speak to me
omg xD Maladaptive daydreaming, No. My daydreaming doesn't interfere with my real life. D:< Real life interferes with my daydreaming!! I love my daydreaming. Stories are my life. It's not really about escape per se though. I just want to absorb all the experiences I can - but also I am terrified of getting hurt, so better to experience things vicariously when it's not safe to really experience it! xD
Monotropism and maladaptive daydreaming become a real risk for your child’s well-being or even safety when you become a parent. Because kids naturally interrupt every second thought you have, and are often boring and overwhelming at the same time. In those cases, it may be a good idea to medicate yourself for the sake of your children, you staying sane and live a better family life… In addition of people for support around you of course! Meds can not replace a supportive network for parents, but it can ease the pain if this network does not exist for some reason.
I burn through my Adderall like a gas guzzling car. I takeXR 20mg twice a day and an instant in the evening if I have a lot of homework or a boring evening class. I get six hours out of an XR and four hours from an instant release.
I can only exercise when my meds kick in and I could only exercise before when I had caffeine except for maybe when I was in high school and I’ve never done anything but it’s a loss cause if I don’t exercise as soon as I take my meds, I won’t be able to exercise all day, so I literally have to plan around my Vyvanse
You said something interesting ( if any ASD adult are here feel free to pitch in ) When wearing the 🎧, no one should talk to you and it wrecks your focus. My 7yo can tune me out that way and be frustrated when I give him ANY instruction. I don’t want to interrupt him BUT sometimes it’s time when it comes time for school , or I am rushing to work & I need him to I guess not be in “ flow state “ or not even enter it during the mornings. What advice do you have for a compromise for us both without hindering his needs ?
I have to have food with my vitamins or they come back to revisit me. I have taken ADHD meds but some were way too strong for me. One I took was Concerta and that seemed to work pretty well. My ADHD is a lot like yours, inattentive.
I use immediate release methylphenidate, 20mg in the morning and 10 after lunch. I tried an extended release version, but I HATED how the second dose would just kick in without warning. I felt like my body was being hijacked. I like to know that I put the pill in my mouth and 45 minutes later I will have the effect.
May I ask did your psychiatrist try you on another ADHD medication before this one Adderall? I just got off Concerta and I think it's cause of what we just found medically going on in my body to be safe. I wouldn't mind taking a non-stimulate. It helped for sure in the AM and some other things. Yet being off them the last few days, I have been a disaster.
Are used to set my alarm set my alarm for 7:30. Take my Vyvanse and then it would wake me up at 8:30 or nine. I would drink a tea or coffee go jogging and then go to work that way I could get up like a normal person getting up now I don’t do that and I wake up at like 1030 or 11 I drink two teas and I take Adderall and I still have a very hard time even getting out to like run or even walk or even get out of the house, whatever I figure I’m going through. I don’t know what some out or depressive episode. I don’t even know I dug myself into my knee injury so I haven’t been able to run feel like I’m in a daydream all the time I don’t like it.
Can you talk how medication affects your interfacing with other people? I tried a stimulant medication I was prescribed for one day and was a bit alarmed at how i felt more detached from other people. I wonder if it’s because of how I am with people when I’m not on medication (people really distract me from working and I connect with people and talk to people a lot). The nature of my work is that i have a combination of needing focused time and meetings with others and i was worried that ADHD meds took away my sympathy for other people, or if neurotypical people are more naturally detached from others than people with ADHD. I’m scared of medication (especially bc it’s so stigmatized in my culture) and so it’s been challenging to convince myself of giving it a fair try. I do take non-stimulant medication but i’m not sure exactly how effective it is
I think meds kind of enhances your focus so if your focus is on things outside of people & they’re not moving at your speed then they can be seen as more of an inconvenience at the time cause it’s hard to want to “slow down” to talk and be human
I think I am a person who doesn't have many side effects or i dont notice them. Ive tried many kinds of medications and for ADHD ive tried all the stimulants and currently on a non-stimulant. I stopped the stimulants because I was having night sweats every night for 2 years. I dont know how I even tolerated it for that long, it just didnt seem like there was another option I dont know. the only other side effect I have felt, is a decrease in motivation. I think ive got that one covered thanks doc lol so im on these meds, and I couldnt tell you if any of them are even helping?
Is there anyone here who’s taking ADHD meds and who maybe has bipolar two I don’t even know if I do and it’s been bad when I’ve been on atypical antipsychotic so I don’t take them but my meds poop out big time like I can go from 10 mg 5 ounce to like 56 months, but the 50 makes me too anxious and so does 40 and then I go down to 30 and I don’t know like right now I’m on 10 Adderall and I just had energy drinks and I can barely even walk. I don’t understand it at all likeeverything hurts to move my body and I’m like is this depression like what is wrong with me? This sucks I wonder if anyone I don’t know it’s weird taking a typical antipsychotic for depression because often times they slow you down and truly someone like me does not need to be more slow down. I don’t know what I need.
Daydreamer thing is awful you guys don’t even know I’ve been wasting my whole day and I’ve even been on my ADD meds today and I’m drinking like energy drinks and I’m at the gym but it’s so boring there and I feel fuzzy like I did during Covid and I’m still drinking energy drink plus my Vyvanse and I’m looking for a way out because I don’t feel like being in the dark gym to work out. I’m so bored right now I honestly can’t tell what’s going on. I used to run like 6 miles a day, I’m talking for years and it’s not just burned out. Something else has switched me. I can’t figure it out if it’s switching ADD to the next there’s more than that but I’m just frustrated. You guys are supposed to live and survive in this world when we have no idea what our bodies gonna be doing from day-to-day to week to year, I’ve been struggling since Covid. I really have. I feel like I have to force myself to run but my knee hurts. I just know it’s like you know it’s like there’s an initial energy of activation you need there’s things you need. Tell your brain works and almost sounds like an addict but for me I know it’s like, it’s it’s my ADD and it’s running and if I’m lucky on the day that will last me you know more than half the day maybe close to normal person maybe just a little bit edgy because the ADD meds but those do good days aren’t fine Most days I’m just struggling to do that and get on and by then is the next day and I wonder if these are depressive. And what’s really going on right now I’m on the 20 Prozac 10 Adderall and my asthma meds as well as DHEA vitamin D, multivitamin, fish oil, iron supplements, you know and plenty of water but I just I’m so off. I’m wondering if I just I’ve never been more in my life and my client I had today canceled but anyways, I’m just not in the rhythm or focus and haven’t been since like I don’t know I haven’t been since Covid you guys I’m really suffering here.
You have to find something complex to do an just do it. The human mind evovled to constantly solve problems to survive. That is why our brains are the size they are. Stop bullshitting around and find a task that take most of the day to accoplsh and dont stop until you aredone
It’s supposed to cause bad movements think about stimulation think about flight or fight think about animals pooping when they get up and move their bodies or run think about how you have to eliminate before tiger chases you think about people have bowel movements when they drink coffee I would be concerned if you took a stimulant and this didn’t happen I would be very concerned and think maybe you just came out from under anesthesia
@@thethoughtspot222 i feel it helps a tiny bit and also my emotions are a little bit better controled so it is doing something im just not sure if its quite enough because i still get so exhausted but im also dealing with chronic pain so ....that could be why i get so fatigued
It wasn’t always like this, but I’m on 10 mg Adderall and the energy drink right now and I’m usually a very anxious person for some reason. My stuff isn’t working and they used to make me anxious, but I feel like you could push me off a plane right now and I wouldn’t care might actually make me feel better and you’re talking to someone, turn around on the low diving board. Don’t know what’s going on with me sometimes I really I’m not like awake or alive at this moment. It’s crazy.
just a heads-up since this is not the first video where I came across this sensory hell issue: the audio on your later put in clips with additional thoughts is really bad sounding. I don’t know the proper technical words, is it clipping? whatever it’s called, it’s painful to listen to, even when turning the volume down for these bits. maybe you can have a look on it for future videos? would greatly appreciate it!
what do y'all have the most success with in your medications? I started taking strattera a couple years ago, which is a non-stimulant. I believe it's helped some, but I think I need more help, so I started switching over from strattera to adderall almost two months ago. I've only been on 10mg so far, but I can't tell whether this med is helping me or not. I was expecting the magic night and day contrast that I've heard so many other people experience. as it is, the only real difference that I've noticed so far is the reduced appetite. would vyvanse be a better med to try? also, my psychiatrist told me that I couldn't be on both non-stimulant and stimulant medications to treat my adhd. is this true for others?
I’m starting to think most people report or talk about their meds saving them in the beginning… sometimes we get a boost or responsiveness the first week, months/ if you’re lucky even 6 montha- then you start having to up them, then your system doesn’t respond at all and you go the opposite and go through the cycle of weaning off and titrating up or trying other meds. For me, the victory is short lived and it’s just a period of good to decline and figure it all out again. On top of this is the two weeks of a month wrenchi n the game of my period. It’s exhausting and everything is so unpredictable which I why I have nothing left in me to go do a job or anything anymore.
@@thethoughtspot222get Cacare or statefundedinsurancedepending on where you’re at. I’ve been in blue shield and medical and my docsaid I tried the others and this is th e best . It’s been approved and I’ve been on and off it for 7 years now. 10.00 wBlieshield,free on Medical. Also try Concerta- which I think is related to Ritalin- but it seemed ok for me. There is also a patch- Daytrana- I’m curious if there is less of an initial dose and slow taper with that one- because a more continuous dose- even than vyvanse- would be great. Vyvanse gives me a bit of a anxiety rush- the first hour.
wow you are always so on point, Irene💜⭐️ thank you so much for taking the time to make such informative, honest videos about your experience. I related to basically everything you said about the ADHD medication! that is all true for me to a T as well- Can’t do XR or I won’t sleep/eat, have some days where don’t take it and let me own energy flow, etc. I am currently awaiting if my neuro psych referral gets approved for being tested for autism too. I am much more rigid in my routine and needs now and experience so many of the things you discuss! Anyway we shall see. Last thing I’ll say is, I really wish I could find a med that is similar but lets me eat! Lol ** and that you reminded me to try a lower dose *right* before breakfast🥹ty! 🥲
I dont undstand why some one with "add or adhd" would want meds. I was diagnosed and put on adderrall and it chemically fucked me up. When i got off of it i realized i was not the one with the problem. Looking back as an adult i realize my "adhd" was nothing more then just me falling on the active side of a bell curve. I have probabaly 10 time the amount going on inside my head as your average person. Why would i want to take meds for that. I build shit way better then anyone i know. I fish and hunt fot a living im so good at it. Sure people have a hard time following me ,but i dont care.
You have to remember that ADHD/ADD is also a spectrum. People with more severe and debilitating ADHD might need medication to function in day to day life. Personally, it has helped me a lot. And i am thankful that my quality of life got better! I know people who needs medication to be able to go to their jobs, people who needs it to do their hobbies and their home life! And i also know people with ADHD who dont need the medication! Its all a spectrum! And some people are more severly affected by it than others! I dont judge people like you who dont need the medication, and i would hope people dont judge those who do need it!
I can only exercise when my meds kick in and I could only exercise before when I had caffeine except for maybe when I was in high school and I’ve never done anything but it’s a loss cause if I don’t exercise as soon as I take my meds, I won’t be able to exercise all day, so I literally have to plan around my Vyvanse
It’s supposed to cause bad movements think about stimulation think about flight or fight think about animals pooping when they get up and move their bodies or run think about how you have to eliminate before tiger chases you think about people have bowel movements when they drink coffee I would be concerned if you took a stimulant and this didn’t happen I would be very concerned and think maybe you just came out from under anesthesia
As someone with AuDHD... this has been something I've wondered myself if I should try. Because it seems like a lot of my struggles come from ADHD related issues than my Autism. Thank you for taking the time to make this content to help others understand! It's been invaluable!!
I’ll say this much this is weird, but the ADHD meds seem to help with a few basic functions of executive function, but not complicated. Autism related ones don’t seem to help me as much as they would someone with ADD who seems to be like totally helped me face my face like I would see people or go to work I wouldn’t and I couldn’t and the only way I did it before them is copious amounts of coffee. something to do with powering my brain on enough to be present, but I’ll just say that the ADHD meds help me face the world
+1
can relate to this a lot, got AuDHD too and ADHD meds changed lots of things. made my autism much more intense
Interesting maybe that’s what’s happening with me too. I don’t know it help me a lot but sometimes I think when it wears off, you know you’re so exhausted and your brain can’t stand any stimulation and you want proof and you wanna be alone and you can’t discriminate multiple noises I don’t know, like I don’t hyper even more like a terrier I can’t let go like in general, but it’s just really confusing
Oooof😊
Without my ADHD medication my brain feels foggy and i have a lot less focus and energy. With my medication things works way better. Also with it i am better at dealing with sensory inputs and other things. The medication is part of a function life but there still a need for a good environment and as little neurotypical madness as possible.
Maladaptive daydreamer here too. Boooy how many hours went into that. Or still go into that, as soon as I have a crush on somebody. This deserves a video too!
I think for me it makes me escape reality, as you describe, but also served/s me to rehearse for social interactions.
Also binge eating.
Thanks a lot for speaking about these rarely spoken aspects!
Yup yup, the limerence can be so intense and delusional sometimes 😅 and what we imagined is always better than reality
Indeed😊
It’s very likely that u do not have MD if u have a crush most MD people are not aware of who they are
Please make a video on the last topic you talked about and expand on the issues with food, I'd love to hear you talk more in depth about that
🫡 on it
I could literally sit and crochet all day long.
YES my hands will be cramping but my brain can’t. stop. crocheting.
Thank you for sharing content like this!!! I’ve been on adhd meds on and off for 6 years now and I’ve had a lot of cognitive dissonance about it. I know they really help me with controlling my focus and forming good habits but I also go through periods where I feel a lot of internalized ableism, shame, and a general dislike of taking medications. Recently I started a new job that I’ve really been struggling with mentally and decided I should try taking my medication consistently again and I feel like it’s really starting to help. Watching this video makes me feel less alone and more confident in my decision to utilize this resource again. I feel like I need to reevaluate my relationship to adhd meds and personalize the mindsets/routines I have around them. Thank you Irene!
OMG, I relate so much to "just because you can do it, it doesn't mean you can maintain it every day". Story of my life with jobs. I get every job I apply for because I'm quite gifted and can be extroverted if I slip on my job interview persona, but no way can I go to trade fairs every couple of weeks and talk to strangers. No one then understands when I can't do it any more.
Clinically diagnosed with ASD since 8, but I was never diagnosed with ADHD until seeking out a diagnosis myself at 25, after much apathy and push back from the mental health service. Up until that point, they were completely fine to ply me with anti-depressants and later anti-psychotics which never worked, and nearly made me lose my life.
I find that most ADHD meds exacerbate my ASD symptoms (stimming, grimacing, OCD-like physical movements). This was really bad on the Methylphenidate medications (Ritalin, Concerta). I've tried Vyvanse and while I still have that problem to a lesser extent, so far that's been the most effective with the least side effects. It's not perfect, and some days it works wonders and other days it's kind of non-effective. I think diet and water intake plays a huge part. I've also read about not taking Vitamin C supplements as that counteracts Vyvanse (seems truthful, imo).
The ADHD medication bringing out my ASD symptoms was really frustrating at first, as I've been masking intensely my entire life to avoid abuse. When I was first being prescribed these ADHD medications and had to be around other people daily, I'm sure people thought that I was very or most definitely on drugs. It was a rough period on finding out what worked and what didn't. I did try non-stimulant medication (Guanfacine) and it didn't work well for me.
As always, thank you for talking about your experiences!
I really struggle with food and since i have been on meds ai have seen some changes. Still a work in progress but less desire to binge to get the dopamine
I tried vyvanse and it made my autism symptoms (especially sensory issues) so much worse that I had to stop. The worst part was the one hour wait before it kicked in which would always trigger my PDA.
But even though I took it for only a few months, it helped me build some great habits and helped a lot with my self esteem and trusting my own abilities. It was a nightmare but I don't regret taking it at all.
Two ADHD meds used to make me anxious and give me energy and like motivation and presence and focused to be there and even have to exercise and now it’s like they put me in the trance like I don’t know what happened. I mean it’s one I used to take Adderall and now I take it, but I just feel like I’m in a weird trance, what I drink my Starbucks coffee and I used to be like high as a little different but I don’t understand. Maybe I’m going to bipolar depression. I don’t even understand that like it’s all blurred to me. I don’t understand and I’m not gonna go for a job I’m gonna go online like I just I don’t understand anything and I’m going through menopauseif I get up and eat and sleep before 3 AM that’s a good day
i love how you express a mature and comprehensible understanding of the importance of total health (physical and spiritual and mental and emotional health) in your videos
in my experience it seems like people are scared to use “spiritual” words when being “professional”, but truthfully yes it is what you described as an afflicted life force energy that leads to burnout and depression
as an audhder, adhd meds have sort of saved me, but haven’t been a silver bullet. it doesn’t help me get through task initiation avoidance, but it does help me get out of functional freeze and makes all the small tasks feel less hazy.
I appreciate this so much. I started ADHD medication after getting diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and I’m so discouraged that it feels like at a 20mg ER dose, I’m not feeling any different. I’m so grateful for people sharing their experiences. Thank you
I have ADHD and autism and feel a low dose prozac works best for me. ADHD meds make me very anxious. I know everyone is different ❤️
I am AuDHD and find an SSRI works for me to :) (And Reishi & Lions Mane help to manage my ADHD) xxxx
I have this issue as well. I'm on vyvanse with a low dose of fluoxetine. I'm OK until things became stressful and now my anxiety is becoming unbearable again. Constant struggle between needing help with adhd symptoms or getting anxiety under control. When I got back on fluoxetine after several years, I felt happier I could digest food better, but it ultimately led to having negative consequences at my job.
Please make the food video, would really appreciate it :)
i'm not diagnosed with autism (highly suspected) but only with adhd, the meds helped me through my last year of highschool and i honestly wish i'd gotten them earlier so that i would not be so nervous about being unable to enter the colleges/universities i want to get into
but it really helped so much, i remember things clearer, i have more energy -- it's especially the fact that i was tired no matter how much i slept and the meds made me energized for so long, though the only sort of "downsides" is me forgetting that i can't be taking in too much stimulation because i've overstimulated myself a lot, and the fact that my appetite worsens so severely that the mere thought of consuming any food makes me nauseous, sometimes i don't even eat anything until its dinner time
it helps me remember to draw and absorb in information a lot more easily and i've made a lot more progress in art and everything in general, it's worth it but do try whatever helps you the most
So happy someone else relates to the nausea when trying to eat food. For me, I started avoiding and dreading meal times. I had to stop the meds cause my eating became too disordered and not being able to enjoy food is really depressing 😭. But now I'm trying non-stimulants, its too early to say if they are any good, but my appetite isn't affected
I wish you had talked a bit about how the medication interacts with the menstral cycle. i don’t currently take meds consistently but the times when I feel the need to take a dose or maybe even extra is at the luteal phase during pms and during my period. There’s some research showing that adhd challenges significantly worsen at those times of the cycle
I couldn’t because I have an iud and don’t get my period anymore :( it’s been this way ever since I got surgery for the endometriosis.
I’ve heard so many things about neurodivergency and the menstrual cycle though & how medications can even not work during certain times
There is a great video about that by a UK-based RUclipsr who talks about her experiences with adhd medication. I will try to find it for you.
Edit: here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/vw-G8fqC6_0/видео.htmlsi=mXSNEUR5NGptVleQ
She starts to discuss it around the 18 minute mark.
There is a lot a lot you would be surprised how much so much of a week go through is hormonally directed like from you know growth hormone to melatonin to neurotransmitter is to thyroid to regulation by your sex hormones and I studied medicine and it’s very complicated web to untangle but these past five years I’ve been on ADD med and premenopausal and I’ve noticed like for half a month. It seems like everything is worse like my med stone work, no amount of caffeine or ADD meds start working the second half of my cycle and the week before I’m even slower and I can’t be with anyone like I drive them crazy or everyone says you need to see your therapist again something is connected to the estrogen for it hurts my head to think about all this. I’m on HRT right now. I’ve also tried my daughter tried, having me on Prozac the second two weeks like right now and then the first two weeks she thinks that will build up so when I’m on my second two weeks, my brain will be technically like bombarded by the 20 mg and then going back down to the 10 will be right for the first two weeks but what’s weird I felt so Depressed when I went back down but now I’m still on 20 and I’m feeling depressed and unable to do anything so I really don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I don’t know how to handle this by the way I’m 120 and 10 Adderall.
It’s scary right now. I don’t know what to do anymore, but I feel like I’m in a dream like a simulation. I feel really scarily detached from myself and the world. I’ve been trying all day to drink caffeine and take my meds like a place where I can exercise and be present, but I’m not and I don’t even know what to do to help myself. You know I see a therapist. I see a psychiatrist, but I honestly don’t know what’s going on Covid.
I've been on them for a few months now and even though they do help a lot with executive functions and energy, I don't feel my concentration improve that much, they make it harder for me to be grounded and in reality and they make my anxieties worse.
Update: I switched from ritalin (methylphenidate) to generic lisdexamfetamine about a week ago and it's working a lot, lot better. I'm actually kind of blown away by how much they are doing for me despite taking half the dosage, I'm able to just do whatever I need and want to do now without feeling like the entire world is turning on it's head.
Ritalin gave me mood swings but these don't affect my mood which makes it very stable and gives me a lot more control over my emotions.
Irene PLEASE make a video on food / disordered eating & eating disorders and adhd / adhd medication. I've been suffering to find a way to stay medicated and not skip meals / drop weight like crazy lately. I believe I have ARFID and the interplay between my autism and adhd lately is so destructive from a food intake standpoint. ANY kernel of knowledge, advice, support, or even simply shared experience or solidarity would be so helpful to me at this time. thank u for being u ! XOXO 💗
I did!
I heard somewhere that they did a study to see if adderall actually reduces appetite and it doesn’t. It just acts as one because it reduces the emotional need to eat. Which seems about the same thing but I guess a true appetite suppressant would somehow chemically reduce appetite. Just something I found interesting.
This makes sooo much sense if it’s true!!! If so, it goes to show how many of us are emotional eaters then 😅
Yeah that's actually what my theory has been, too. I think it just relieves the need to boredom eat and seek stimulation from food. I found that it felt like my *brain* was already satiated so I didn't *need* to eat a whole bunch of stuff when I wasn't even actually hungry. Cause that's generally my relationship with food. I'll end up eating even when I'm not hungry, just cause I feel restless and bored, or because I feel moody. So without those things affecting me, it takes away the ammunition for the binge eating tendency. I don't think it truly suppressed my appetite. I think I just started eating only when I actually felt hungry, which is naturally a lot less often than my feelings of restlessness would come up in a day. So I think the ADHD symptoms skew your perception of how much you need to eat and whether or not you're hungry. With the proper ability to focus, you can actually pay more attention to your body's natural hunger cues while also having less need to self-medicate your symptoms with food.
Its funny becuase I eat more when I take adderall, unmedicated I will totally ignore my hunger cues and or forget to eat and wont have enough energy to actually make/get food when I actually remember or realize I'm hungry. Im actually hungry and ignoring it as I type rn lol. hopefully this comment will remind me to eat before I get distracted and forget.
You describing life before meditation is exactly how I am. I'm currently trying to get a diagnosis so I can get on medication to help me.
Thank you for making this video! You put things into really good perspective, even if meds dont affect all of us the same way, you show how they are a really important, necessary tool. I would not be doing well emotionally if I didn't have access to meds
Anyone here had experience with non stimulant ADHD meds? My 10yr old stepdaughter has AuDHD and is on Prozac, NAC (helped with the skin picking ) and now non stimulant ADHD meds. We went slow before introducing a new medication. She has heart issues which is why the non stimulant was the first choice. It’s only been a month and very minimal change. Her day to day seems such a struggle for her and we will like to make it easier for her. Your video today was super helpful and insightful.
I didn't know why I was the way I was, not even slightly, not till I was almost done with college. I was only able to take half time and I couldn't hold or even try to get a job. If I tried to even take one more class, I would start slipping badly, from As and Bs to Cs and Ds. getting an ADHD diagnosis helped, but even with ADHD meds I struggled so hard and I doubtless would not have graduated if not for my SO and also having some really supportive teachers.
Thank you for your transparency! I am so glad I found your channel. Your videos make me feel seen. I really appreciate how intentional you are about sharing your experience.
I would love a full video about how you pushed back against morning’s association with dread
YES! 14:11--Completely burnt out by week's end. Can never plan a social event. I just started vyvanse (lower dose since my Autism makes me more sensitive to dosage/meds generally), but HOLAY what a difference. I describe it as a weighted blanket for my brain. I'm 46 and can't believe I waited this long to properly function.
my symptoms are very similar to yours. very helpful!
There is no better time for you to post this video. Before I fully watch it, I want to tell about my current situation. I already got my autism diagnosis last year and it still didn't feel like enough, my life has been more chaotic than that to me. I voiced my concerns to my therapist and luckily, I got my adhd diagnosis within 6 weeks, last Wednesday. However, it takes so much time to get my hands on the meds in Germany. Before I can get the prescription from my psychiatrist, I have to get some checkups done at the doc. My doc is on vacation until July so I had to show up at a substitute doctor. I got a few tests done, it's possible that I have a higher risk of developing tachycardia which the meds could encourage, which is why that doctor didn't like the idea of me possibly using them. I have to wait two more weeks to get my blood tests done at my regular doctor (that is, if I actually get an appointment right away..) and only then can I get my meds. I did some research and apparently, heart problems are more likely to occur in people that have adhd- but at the same time, meds are more likely to increase the heart rate as well. This is a life full of contradictions we're living *coughs* the AuDHD experience
Also oh my god the "showing up to school everyday" part is so relatable because this has been my problem for the past 5 years. Before the diagnosis, I thought that it might be only autistic burnout but perhaps, there is more than that. I hope I can find a solution with my therapist because I have so much hope in the meds improving my quality of life
It’s crazy right? There is so much we don’t know. I’ve always needed caffeine or adhd meds or running to barely feel normal and connected- but yea they raise your Bp and heart rate and you wonder if you weren’t making enough dopamine epinephrine, shouldn’t it be ok and just give you an average hr and bp. I still don’t know what’s up w me but reckon after many guests go therapy and psychiatry etc, it is sort of covered by adhd inattentive and depression/bipolar 2… I’m highly suspecting asd high functioning whatever that means.
Basically it takes everything Ihave to function as a human being in this world and my brain and energy and with it ness are very very unpredictable and presently dysregulated.
I’ve sort of givenup now at 50- and most have given up on me… harder without the structure of school or even part time work and I can’t get back into things since cpvid I was really burned out.
Atuck for five years now.
@@visionvixxen I've only turned 20 this year and I feel just as overwhelmed and pretty much hopeless. What other comorbidities might I have next without even knowing?
A year into my autism diagnosis and I still have no idea what I can do about it to make life a bit easier. There is so much burocracy you have to get involved with, it's all so overwhelming.
I am diagnosed ADHD. I know I’m autistic too and will be formally assessed in January. And for almost two years I have been in burnout. And it’s getting worse.
I have a weak cardiovascular system, so I can't take any stimulants without feeling like I'm dying. I've tried every non-stimulant medication and all of them throw my body out of balance and make me mentally unwell. So I'm basically doomed to be unmedicated, and it's quite difficult to deal with. I wish there were more resourced and advice on what to do in situations like mine.
Aww im sorry about your situation, what I have found helps is to make a placebo for yourself. Like say take a multivitamin each day and set the intention as you take it or before as you are holding the bottle or the pill, and assign to this pill the ability to help your adhd symptoms. “This special vitamin helps me focus and gives me energy each day” . I did this with my gummy vitamins and it really did help, it will take a bit of consistency but it worked for me. Try it and let me know if it helps you 😊
I often relate to your videos, but this video in particular, I related to every single thing you mentioned. You really helped me decide to stop doubting myself and hopefully get a diagnosis so that I can try ADHD meds. I really do believe I can benefit!
Dear Irene,
Yes, a video about Autism & eating disordered is a topic I am deeply interested in. I can totally relate to your experiences around EDs. I am diagnosed ADHD and self-diagnosed (seeking official D) ASD L1. And I now experience my ASD much more intense on ADHD meds.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights on this topic. 💊 Very helful
💝
That’s honestly really interesting about the bowel movement piece. As someone who drinks a lot of coffee and vapes, those things make me need to go to the bathroom immediately, so maybe there’s something about stimulants that cause this to happen.
Hrnnng, yeah, I am 24/7 physically in an anxiety state. I feel like my nervous system is in a constant state of panic - feels like electricity zapping me everywhere constantly. ADHD meds never helped me with anxiety, but it did make it possible for me to notice when my brain tried to change the topic on me to avoid something frustrating. Even if I still can't always do anything about it. I gave up on the ADHD meds for various reasons, but the anxiety and my IBS are among them.
o.o I wish it worked better for me. Maybe someday.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this. Having AuDHD instead of ADHD alone adds a layer of complexity that most clinicians aren’t familiar with. I am excited to try switching to IR meds instead of XR to hopefully help with my sleeping issues. All of your story sounds so similar to my own, especially the amplification of autistic traits after being meditated. I know I am in a better place with the stimulants, but I also am encouraged to take breaks as well. ❤️
very insightful video! i have audhd and was experiencing a lot of frustration with my first round of meds (10mg strattera that didn't really do much for me and then i went 2 weeks forgetting to schedule the appointment necessary to refill them) but i’m trying to take it one step at a time and remind myself there will be some trial and error before i settle on the right dose
It’s also super super sad. I don’t wanna go online and have to constantly be telling people what I’m not what I don’t mean that I’m not trying to be insensitive that I’m not trying to be that and I’m not responsible. It’s about time that unless it says I’m a doctor or I’m giving all of advice, it’s about time that we have a General caveat thing you know that us so we can just be honest and talk like that. Another reason I’m terrified of online platform there’s no possible way that I can be sure everything and think of everything. I’m sure I do everything right and have to say every single time. I’ll probably forget.
Suuper insightful video Irene. I would love to hear your story or the relations between food relationships and ADHD. It's really a great think to hear that you've been healing from your eating disorder. Here's hoping I can heal from mine soon. This was very inspiring.
14:15 This feels validating. I thought I was just bad at planning, and non-committal and too spontaneous
Yo...too real. I will be back to finish this video. Thank you for sharing and talking about this
so similar to my experience > I also dont need to take my meds on takes I dont have responsibilities. Or on days i feel regulated enough to get what i need to get done. I think my psych wanted me to have a regular daily dose, but some days I take a morning fast release dose and that gives me enough momentum for my day, sometimes i need a second dose. Some days i wake up with enough momentum and then need a post midday boost. Best thing i found for the food thing was having dense snacks that were smaller in volume which i could make sure i was getting earth energy for my body
My extended release meds allow me to work for 2-3 hrs after I take them. Then I feel sleepy and need to take a nap. After I wake up, I feel super refreshed and ready to work for another couple of hours. But I can't take them consecutively for too many days or I end feeling super anxious and fatigued. So med breaks are important depending on the kind you end up taking.
I prefer elvanse over dex, i take it first thing in the morning and sleep for another hour. Once my second alarm goes off my meds are working and i can immediately start my day with the right focus and energy. I love how subtle it feels, I still feel like myself. But i can do things, conserve my energy. I dont feel exhausted after work or need to lie down. With dex i felt a bit too calm and i would forget to speak sometimes, which is not what you want as a social worker 😅
Im so glad for this medication, only sometimes the focus is very intense on the wrong thing. But i feel so much more functioning and less stressed!
This is extremely off topic but ur lipstick color looks great on u
Just got diagnosed w/ ASD, but your experiences are basically exactle my own, so maybe i need an ADHD-Assessment aswell? The medication sounds super helpful i wanna try it regardless tbh :)
Lol vehemently. So relatable.
That shot sounds cool. I’m tired of my tea.
As an AuDHD person I had masked my ASD traits so well, at least from myself, that I truly had no clue until I was on my ADHD meds. 😂 My doctor on the other hand. 😒 Yeah he pretty much said he knew for a few years. 😮
I’m not diagnosed with adhd but fairly certain I have it, because my autism just doesn’t look the same as others unless they also have adhd. My psychiatrist seems to agree and I’m now in adderall. It has massively changed my life in just a few weeks. I’ve been on every anti depressant and anti anxiety medicine, been through years of therapy, and nothing helped. Until the adderall. I don’t fully understand it yet but my psychiatrist said she sees this happen a lot for people who finally get adhd meds. That they stop having such a hard time getting out of depressive episodes because they can handle executive functioning things so much better. Same with anxiety. I thought my moderate anxiety would get worse like everyone said it would, but I feel a lot more capable of handling anything life throws at me so my anxiety is less.
I feel you on this one. A lot of my depression and anxiety was attributed to debilitating executive dysfunction. I’m glad you found something that works for you!
currently maintaining the bare minimum. The nt "therapist" in the clinic told me last week, that I was probably just not trying, and that things were "not that bad" for me, so I shouldn't try getting help, as I would anyhow not get any.
(was because I asked about an option to apply for social assistance, and what that process would look like).
10 mg?
Not nearly enough as audhd for me, to be useful. Especially not for a day.
Tried Adderall last year along with guanfacine to try to balance out BP issues. Major side-effects with guanfacine for me. Got to a therapeutic dosage, perhaps a bit too much with Adderall. It amplified my autistic inertia fiercely.
Currently not medicated for ADHD, need to resolve high BP issue. If adhd were taken care of, perhaps I'd not have the issue that causes the problem: catch-22!
Thank you, this was really helpful
I’m so glad you’re doing this though because so I’ve been diagnosed with eventually after a lot of things that were nothing but became something because I persisted. It went from depression to bipolar too and also ADD, but I’m really highly suspecting autism. You know very high functioning, autism and just trying to figure out the web between the autism the ADD and the bipolar like sometimes my brain and my energy are just way off, chronic trauma like chronic PTSD and trauma may look like borderline or even autistic or ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria. It’s all confused mass at the moment and I’m actually 50 and trying to figure all this out but the reason I’m no longer trying to have a great job and mehri and do a typical wife Because I know it’s not bipolar and all I’ve tried haven’t really worked and nothing much change with the job and other friends and even HDD med and antidepressants they poop out and you have to start all over so I’m at this point where I saw my cousin and I’m like what’s really going on besides people thinking I’m spoiled honestly what’s really going on with my mind and my inconsistent energy and everything that I tried so hard and I just don’t wanna go back to right now I Just Can’t make myself and I think Covid help me get in this place now I’m in this weird zone of need to make sure I have autism figuring out what to do with that whether I can go back and even even have a dream of a normal job, but I can’t seem to motivate any structure I’m just depressed. I’m traumatized. I can’t even work out like I used to. I’ve always worked out but this past two months something else happened and I can’t so I’m just I have anyone who has online channel like I can’t put my face off. I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’m invalidating myself, but I’m not even sure if I’ve autism or ADD or anything like how do you be sure and I’m not sure if I talk to people about it if I would offend them or they would say I don’t have this or I may not understand them. I’m just I don’t know how to get out of this, but I’m not sure what I’ve been surviving for the past two years. I still feel like I’m in Covid. I never had Covid but I feel like separated from reality like I’m just not in this and I’m not there and alcohol helps me feel more in the zone. I don’t like itmakes me wonder what I’m still more depressed than usual promise I take more antidepressants. I’m bad things happen and I’m not gonna take any antics. I don’t think they’re gonna benefit me so I’m really stuck.
Wow soooo many thoughts in this video. I need to rewatch it, then comment…
I totally feel the headphones thing and it feels very distressing to me, but I don’t think it’s something I could explain to my parents in a way they’d understand. I feel they take it personally and actually get upset with me if I show any irritation at getting interrupted. I’ve started just pausing when they are in the room and starting again when they leave cause that is a little easier than constantly having to pay attention if they are trying to speak to me
I love drew 😭💖
me too!!
omg xD Maladaptive daydreaming, No. My daydreaming doesn't interfere with my real life. D:< Real life interferes with my daydreaming!! I love my daydreaming. Stories are my life. It's not really about escape per se though. I just want to absorb all the experiences I can - but also I am terrified of getting hurt, so better to experience things vicariously when it's not safe to really experience it! xD
Monotropism and maladaptive daydreaming become a real risk for your child’s well-being or even safety when you become a parent. Because kids naturally interrupt every second thought you have, and are often boring and overwhelming at the same time. In those cases, it may be a good idea to medicate yourself for the sake of your children, you staying sane and live a better family life… In addition of people for support around you of course! Meds can not replace a supportive network for parents, but it can ease the pain if this network does not exist for some reason.
I burn through my Adderall like a gas guzzling car. I takeXR 20mg twice a day and an instant in the evening if I have a lot of homework or a boring evening class. I get six hours out of an XR and four hours from an instant release.
I can only exercise when my meds kick in and I could only exercise before when I had caffeine except for maybe when I was in high school and I’ve never done anything but it’s a loss cause if I don’t exercise as soon as I take my meds, I won’t be able to exercise all day, so I literally have to plan around my Vyvanse
You said something interesting
( if any ASD adult are here feel free to pitch in )
When wearing the 🎧, no one should talk to you and it wrecks your focus. My 7yo can tune me out that way and be frustrated when I give him ANY instruction.
I don’t want to interrupt him BUT sometimes it’s time when it comes time for school , or I am rushing to work & I need him to I guess not be in “ flow state “ or not even enter it during the mornings.
What advice do you have for a compromise for us both without hindering his needs ?
I have to have food with my vitamins or they come back to revisit me. I have taken ADHD meds but some were way too strong for me. One I took was Concerta and that seemed to work pretty well. My ADHD is a lot like yours, inattentive.
I might try out the method you use because the subtlety of EXR was definitely all but useless for me.
I use immediate release methylphenidate, 20mg in the morning and 10 after lunch. I tried an extended release version, but I HATED how the second dose would just kick in without warning. I felt like my body was being hijacked. I like to know that I put the pill in my mouth and 45 minutes later I will have the effect.
Wowwww I relate so much!
that’s how i always pronounced vehemently too lol
May I ask did your psychiatrist try you on another ADHD medication before this one Adderall?
I just got off Concerta and I think it's cause of what we just found medically going on in my body to be safe. I wouldn't mind taking a non-stimulate. It helped for sure in the AM and some other things. Yet being off them the last few days, I have been a disaster.
Are used to set my alarm set my alarm for 7:30. Take my Vyvanse and then it would wake me up at 8:30 or nine. I would drink a tea or coffee go jogging and then go to work that way I could get up like a normal person getting up now I don’t do that and I wake up at like 1030 or 11 I drink two teas and I take Adderall and I still have a very hard time even getting out to like run or even walk or even get out of the house, whatever I figure I’m going through. I don’t know what some out or depressive episode. I don’t even know I dug myself into my knee injury so I haven’t been able to run feel like I’m in a daydream all the time I don’t like it.
Can you talk how medication affects your interfacing with other people? I tried a stimulant medication I was prescribed for one day and was a bit alarmed at how i felt more detached from other people. I wonder if it’s because of how I am with people when I’m not on medication (people really distract me from working and I connect with people and talk to people a lot). The nature of my work is that i have a combination of needing focused time and meetings with others and i was worried that ADHD meds took away my sympathy for other people, or if neurotypical people are more naturally detached from others than people with ADHD. I’m scared of medication (especially bc it’s so stigmatized in my culture) and so it’s been challenging to convince myself of giving it a fair try. I do take non-stimulant medication but i’m not sure exactly how effective it is
I think meds kind of enhances your focus so if your focus is on things outside of people & they’re not moving at your speed then they can be seen as more of an inconvenience at the time cause it’s hard to want to “slow down” to talk and be human
I think I am a person who doesn't have many side effects or i dont notice them. Ive tried many kinds of medications and for ADHD ive tried all the stimulants and currently on a non-stimulant. I stopped the stimulants because I was having night sweats every night for 2 years. I dont know how I even tolerated it for that long, it just didnt seem like there was another option I dont know. the only other side effect I have felt, is a decrease in motivation. I think ive got that one covered thanks doc lol
so im on these meds, and I couldnt tell you if any of them are even helping?
Is there anyone here who’s taking ADHD meds and who maybe has bipolar two I don’t even know if I do and it’s been bad when I’ve been on atypical antipsychotic so I don’t take them but my meds poop out big time like I can go from 10 mg 5 ounce to like 56 months, but the 50 makes me too anxious and so does 40 and then I go down to 30 and I don’t know like right now I’m on 10 Adderall and I just had energy drinks and I can barely even walk. I don’t understand it at all likeeverything hurts to move my body and I’m like is this depression like what is wrong with me? This sucks I wonder if anyone I don’t know it’s weird taking a typical antipsychotic for depression because often times they slow you down and truly someone like me does not need to be more slow down. I don’t know what I need.
Daydreamer thing is awful you guys don’t even know I’ve been wasting my whole day and I’ve even been on my ADD meds today and I’m drinking like energy drinks and I’m at the gym but it’s so boring there and I feel fuzzy like I did during Covid and I’m still drinking energy drink plus my Vyvanse and I’m looking for a way out because I don’t feel like being in the dark gym to work out. I’m so bored right now I honestly can’t tell what’s going on. I used to run like 6 miles a day, I’m talking for years and it’s not just burned out. Something else has switched me. I can’t figure it out if it’s switching ADD to the next there’s more than that but I’m just frustrated. You guys are supposed to live and survive in this world when we have no idea what our bodies gonna be doing from day-to-day to week to year, I’ve been struggling since Covid. I really have. I feel like I have to force myself to run but my knee hurts. I just know it’s like you know it’s like there’s an initial energy of activation you need there’s things you need. Tell your brain works and almost sounds like an addict but for me I know it’s like, it’s it’s my ADD and it’s running and if I’m lucky on the day that will last me you know more than half the day maybe close to normal person maybe just a little bit edgy because the ADD meds but those do good days aren’t fine Most days I’m just struggling to do that and get on and by then is the next day and I wonder if these are depressive. And what’s really going on right now I’m on the 20 Prozac 10 Adderall and my asthma meds as well as DHEA vitamin D, multivitamin, fish oil, iron supplements, you know and plenty of water but I just I’m so off. I’m wondering if I just I’ve never been more in my life and my client I had today canceled but anyways, I’m just not in the rhythm or focus and haven’t been since like I don’t know I haven’t been since Covid you guys I’m really suffering here.
You have to find something complex to do an just do it. The human mind evovled to constantly solve problems to survive. That is why our brains are the size they are. Stop bullshitting around and find a task that take most of the day to accoplsh and dont stop until you aredone
I found that ADHD medicine made it harder to sleep and I didn't notice much benefit.
It’s supposed to cause bad movements think about stimulation think about flight or fight think about animals pooping when they get up and move their bodies or run think about how you have to eliminate before tiger chases you think about people have bowel movements when they drink coffee I would be concerned if you took a stimulant and this didn’t happen I would be very concerned and think maybe you just came out from under anesthesia
i started taking 20 mg of vyvanse and i can literally just go to sleep im pretty sure i need a higher dose
How does it impact your focus though?
@@thethoughtspot222 i feel it helps a tiny bit and also my emotions are a little bit better controled so it is doing something im just not sure if its quite enough because i still get so exhausted but im also dealing with chronic pain so ....that could be why i get so fatigued
It wasn’t always like this, but I’m on 10 mg Adderall and the energy drink right now and I’m usually a very anxious person for some reason. My stuff isn’t working and they used to make me anxious, but I feel like you could push me off a plane right now and I wouldn’t care might actually make me feel better and you’re talking to someone, turn around on the low diving board. Don’t know what’s going on with me sometimes I really I’m not like awake or alive at this moment. It’s crazy.
just a heads-up since this is not the first video where I came across this sensory hell issue: the audio on your later put in clips with additional thoughts is really bad sounding. I don’t know the proper technical words, is it clipping? whatever it’s called, it’s painful to listen to, even when turning the volume down for these bits. maybe you can have a look on it for future videos? would greatly appreciate it!
I’ll be more mindful of it!
@@thethoughtspot222 thank you so much! 🙏
Sometimes adHd feels like Alzheimer’s…. Constantly refreshing yiur short term memory
as a fellow IBS person, people need to be a LOOOOT less squeamish about Talking about biological functions, seriously.
Off topic but you look so pretty🥰😚
I never tried any😊
Are there recommended otc supplements/meds?
what do y'all have the most success with in your medications? I started taking strattera a couple years ago, which is a non-stimulant. I believe it's helped some, but I think I need more help, so I started switching over from strattera to adderall almost two months ago. I've only been on 10mg so far, but I can't tell whether this med is helping me or not. I was expecting the magic night and day contrast that I've heard so many other people experience. as it is, the only real difference that I've noticed so far is the reduced appetite. would vyvanse be a better med to try? also, my psychiatrist told me that I couldn't be on both non-stimulant and stimulant medications to treat my adhd. is this true for others?
Not sure about your last question but I’ve heard many amazing things about vyvanse. Only thing is that vyvanse is super expensive
@@thethoughtspot222 I wonder if my medicaid would cover it. I'll investigate
I’m starting to think most people report or talk about their meds saving them in the beginning… sometimes we get a boost or responsiveness the first week, months/ if you’re lucky even 6 montha- then you start having to up them, then your system doesn’t respond at all and you go the opposite and go through the cycle of weaning off and titrating up or trying other meds. For me, the victory is short lived and it’s just a period of good to decline and figure it all out again. On top of this is the two weeks of a month wrenchi n the game of my period. It’s exhausting and everything is so unpredictable which I why I have nothing left in me to go do a job or anything anymore.
@@thethoughtspot222get Cacare or statefundedinsurancedepending on where you’re at. I’ve been in blue shield and medical and my docsaid I tried the others and this is th e best . It’s been approved and I’ve been on and off it for 7 years now. 10.00 wBlieshield,free on Medical. Also try Concerta- which I think is related to Ritalin- but it seemed ok for me. There is also a patch- Daytrana- I’m curious if there is less of an initial dose and slow taper with that one- because a more continuous dose- even than vyvanse- would be great. Vyvanse gives me a bit of a anxiety rush- the first hour.
Happy Autistic Pride Day ♾
I was 90% blocked in my right nostril and I can breathe perfectly
wow you are always so on point, Irene💜⭐️ thank you so much for taking the time to make such informative, honest videos about your experience. I related to basically everything you said about the ADHD medication! that is all true for me to a T as well- Can’t do XR or I won’t sleep/eat, have some days where don’t take it and let me own energy flow, etc. I am currently awaiting if my neuro psych referral gets approved for being tested for autism too. I am much more rigid in my routine and needs now and experience so many of the things you discuss! Anyway we shall see. Last thing I’ll say is, I really wish I could find a med that is similar but lets me eat! Lol ** and that you reminded me to try a lower dose *right* before breakfast🥹ty! 🥲
I dont undstand why some one with "add or adhd" would want meds. I was diagnosed and put on adderrall and it chemically fucked me up. When i got off of it i realized i was not the one with the problem. Looking back as an adult i realize my "adhd" was nothing more then just me falling on the active side of a bell curve. I have probabaly 10 time the amount going on inside my head as your average person. Why would i want to take meds for that. I build shit way better then anyone i know. I fish and hunt fot a living im so good at it. Sure people have a hard time following me ,but i dont care.
You have to remember that ADHD/ADD is also a spectrum. People with more severe and debilitating ADHD might need medication to function in day to day life. Personally, it has helped me a lot. And i am thankful that my quality of life got better!
I know people who needs medication to be able to go to their jobs, people who needs it to do their hobbies and their home life! And i also know people with ADHD who dont need the medication! Its all a spectrum! And some people are more severly affected by it than others!
I dont judge people like you who dont need the medication, and i would hope people dont judge those who do need it!
I can only exercise when my meds kick in and I could only exercise before when I had caffeine except for maybe when I was in high school and I’ve never done anything but it’s a loss cause if I don’t exercise as soon as I take my meds, I won’t be able to exercise all day, so I literally have to plan around my Vyvanse
It’s supposed to cause bad movements think about stimulation think about flight or fight think about animals pooping when they get up and move their bodies or run think about how you have to eliminate before tiger chases you think about people have bowel movements when they drink coffee I would be concerned if you took a stimulant and this didn’t happen I would be very concerned and think maybe you just came out from under anesthesia