Mental Health If you have ADD/ADHD what happens if you don't take your medication?

[PriestTheyCalledHim]

THIS IS NOT A DEBATE ABOUT WHETHER ADD/ADHD EXIST OR NOT. If you just want to post something like "ADD/ADHD are made up, duuur meds are BAD!!1" don't even bother replying.

For those people here who are adults have ADD or ADHD what happens if you do not take your medication? Both in the short term, and long term?

Which medication(s) are you on for it? Do they have any bad side effects for you, or do you just ignore them?

Which medication(s) if any were you on in the past? Did those have any negative side effects for you?

What are the positive aspects of the medication that you are currently on?

Do you take the medications daily?

What happens if the medication stops working for you?

Is it safe (both in the short term, and long term) to take low doses of stimulants for your ADD or ADHD?

Does caffeine effect you differently if you have ADD or ADHD?

 

[hunter1]

Um... Diagnosed ADHD age 9 ish. Parents chose the no medication route.
Thankful for that.
Now 32 and after years of major depression, GAD ect... And no meds working to help any of that arrived back at ADHD. ADD now. The hyperactivity disappeared long ago.

Take Ritalin. Have been on it now 12 months.
Took a while to get the dosage right. 80 mgs IR is about right but the roller coaster of instant release and multiple dosing and doing so responsibly was not feasable.

On Concerta 72mg now. Extended release ritalin. Same drug but only take it once in the morning. Meant to last 12 hours. After 3 months of this dose id be lucky to get 6 hours. Ideal dose would be 108mgs but my Psych won't go above the MIms guidelines so it is what it is.

If I miss a day I'm useless. 2 days more useless. Drug holidays are recommended, ie don't take it on weekends but I don't do that.

Ill be straight up. It's the only medication that has had a positive effect in treating the ADD, depression and anxiety.
It's addictive though. There's no denying that. You will always want to take a bit more and that is the bad side.

Taken as directed daily and provided I drink lots of water and have small meals it allows me to function as a normal person. I can wake up each day and know that I can do whatever I have to. Try and do most things before 2pm as I crash moderately about then and it's day over.

Resist the alcohol temptation. Drink caffeinated beverages in moderation not chasing the last of the ritalin and you'll be fine. As long as you're ok with being dependent on stimulants.

Peace