Most of you have probably heard negative things about ADHD medication and prescribed medication in general. Things like – “my medication made me feel like a zombie,” “I didn’t recognize myself on my medication,” or “side effects of my medication were just too much.” Others’ experiences planted the seed in my head that nothing would work for me when it came to medication, and anything I tried would have a negative impact.
On top of the fear I experienced based on what other people have said, I had other worries. My most significant fear was that it would change how I thought or may change my personality entirely. Over the years I subconsciously developed several coping mechanisms to help me get by daily. I felt relatively successful with where I was in life, and I didn’t see how medication could improve or change that. I thought I knew who I was and didn’t want anything that would change my personality. I loved jumping from topic to topic or switching from one project to another relatively quickly. I enjoyed being spontaneous. I had a fundamental fear that this would all change once I started medication. That I would lose myself if I started taking medication.
The physical aspects were also a concern. How would it interact with other medications? Could I keep up my coffee addiction? How would it affect my heart rate? These were all legitimate concerns, well, maybe not the coffee. These were more reasons I was nervous about starting medication (anxiety and ADHD is not a fun mix).
The moment I finally made my decision was when I was frustrated, once again, that I couldn’t complete something. In this case, it was painting a birdhouse. I decided enough was enough and needed something else to help me work through my day-to-day struggles. I talked to my doctor, and they prescribed medication.
Guess what happened the first day on medication – all the background noise stopped in my brain. I could focus. That first day was a game-changer for me. Instead of thinking for hours about how I needed to get a chore done and feeling bad about it, I just got up and did it when it came to my mind. Crafting became more fun because I started finishing projects and discovered that I enjoyed other things, such as drawing and watercolours. Things that I could never make time for before because setting up was too much effort. The most significant change was my ability to start a course and stick with it (I won’t go into how much money I have wasted on unfinished courses or hobbies). I have stuck with the current course I am taking for a year, which is a massive achievement.
ADHD medication changed my life. Yes, I keep an eye on the physical side effects still. Sadly I drink less coffee, but the sacrifice is worth it. Going on medication was my choice, and this is my experience and opinion. I respect and understand why people may choose not to take it. All I can say is that I am still the same person I was before, but with more focus and success.
This is an eye-opening article for me. I did not realize that you had posted this. I remember us talking about medication and maybe this is some thing I need to talk to my doctor about also thank you sweet woman.
Hi! I am really glad you found this helpful.