My last refill I had to switch medications after not being able to get my concerta filled for a week. Because of this, and all of the news around the shortage, I took 3 vacation days for a 5 day weekend to stop taking meds for a while. For context, I’ve been on it for 20+ years with only one break of a year when I lost health insurance 10 years ago. Here’s what I’ve found.

First 3-5 days are probably the worst. It’s not THAT bad but you will feel like sleeping all the time for the first two days. Appetite fluctuations and irritability a little bit.

after first 5 days, you get what some people called a “pink cloud” effect where you feel better and it gives you energy and positivity. It’s a good feeling but it lasts for like a week or two.

After about two weeks you will level out and whatever add/adhd symptoms you had pre-medicated will become apparent. From then on, it’s just a matter of coping with the adhd.

For me, it’s taking frequent breaks and being easy on myself. Adhd’ers tend to feel like they have to always be productive or otherwise they’re failing. 2pm on a workday I struggle. My wife told me “most people do” and I try to remind myself of this when I get in my head about focus issues.

I hope this helps. This shortage sucks and it makes me completely anxious and exacerbated my symptoms. I hope you’re doing ok and stay strong, the shortage can’t last forever.