I’ve always been ADHD (autistic too), and have tried many ways to overcome it. However, solutions like body-doubling aren’t always accessible. I tried atomoxetine recently, and it help immensely for the first 4 days, then somewhat for 2 weeks, but eventually had no noticeable helpful impact. I finally got prescribed methylphenidate a few weeks ago, and picked up the script yesterday. Since I started taking it this morning, I have worked on sooo so many things I have been neglecting and even went to the dog park for fun rather than as a chore. Is this what NTs feel like all the time? Just able to decide what they are going to work on and actually put it into action without needing someone else around or the guilt of letting others down?? No wonder they rule the world! lol
But seriously, for those of you that have tried methylphenidate, what was your experience? Did it continue to help weeks later? Did it work better if you took it routinely or as needed? Any other comments or tips?
Oh hey bonus Methylphenidate super power… I mentioned I was feverish above, I’m sick at the moment and curled up in bed and Methylphenidate XR (concerta specifically) has some serious withdrawal effects. The first day is awesome because your body essentially says “fuck this being awake thing, I want my stimmies” so if you’re sick as fuck you just skip meds for a day and you’ll just “be unconscious” and get to skip the miserable day full of hacking coughs, runny noses, and utter fucking boredom.
It’s actually pretty sweet!
Second day of withdrawal is just a world ending headache though, so be careful about that one.
Good to know! About how long do I have to take it daily for me to start worrying about withdrawals?
A while, months at least, maybe a full year. And if you’re coming off the medication you’ll usually have a step down plan to avoid them.
ugh, sorry you’re going through that 🫤