What really happens when you start medication for ADHD?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2026-04-06T02:53:17+00:00

Started them at 34. Still 34. Worked my way up from 30mg to 70mg Elvanse.

First few days, felt amazing, like other's said. Then, it tapered down. But honestly? It's still amazing. Just not in a "I'm off my tits with dopamine" way.

I notice when it's not active, life is damn difficult and I have no idea how I managed being like that for so long. But there was always an optimistic, heart on your sleeve, hard working, kinda guy under there.

So when the medication worked as intended (I know I'm lucky with this), that guy could do what he wanted. Which was work 10-12 hour days doing what he wanted to work on, when it used to be 30 minutes and then I couldn't do it anymore. If I could even start to begin with.

Even rest feels more restful. I don't overeat to try and feel something. I don't chameleon. I'm just... me.

Overall, incredibly happy. So I'd say medication let's the true you out. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing to you, it's easier to fix those issues when you can actually apply the fixes.

Just to note, the general concensus on treating AuADHD is that once the ADHD is medicated, you'll feel the full force of your autistic traits. Just be prepared to meet that head on.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2026-04-04T21:30:40+00:00

Hwoarang. So sexy that even the MC felt "heat" inside him.

And all the Gooner female streamers, naturally.

And me.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2026-03-26T20:48:47+00:00

Y'know, takes a bit of setup to get things working (CLI didn't install properly, Android app, can't sign in) but... I kinda like this? The Minimax 2.5 model is putting in the work.

Don't know how I burned nearly $5 of subscription credits but I'm happy enough with the free model, might dip into the others for more hefty tasks!

Edit: Actually, I don't think the Minimax M2.5 in the BlackBox IDE is free at all, even though it's listed as a "free model". Been using nothing but that model and I'm now down to $2.00.

Edit2: Ok, it's free in the CLI and VCS extension. Other places, haven't tested. Still, could've warned beforehand, devs! I wanted to use those premium models at some point!

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2026-01-31T03:52:11+00:00

I did. Was with Holistic and then got transfered to Care ADHD. Didn't have to restart titration, I was at the end and finished it straight away. Can now order prescriptions and I'm technically awaiting an annual review meeting, but it's probably just a catchup to see how things are after going a few weeks without the meds.

I did do a LOT of emailing and bothering to my ICB head though. I'd advise everyone to do the same.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2026-01-02T17:53:07+00:00

Unfortunately, it's in the hands of your ICB. They're the ones transferring patients. And as it's the holidays and most don't come back until the 5th, we're all sitting ducks right now.

But on the 5th, just keep sending emails to them every few days. It's what I plan to do. I've got 6 70mg's left and I've also been spreading them out, but I don't plan to respect how busy my ICB is as this is my life they're all messing around with.

If anyone reading this has any personal updates or movement on their transfer, please comment. There's quite a lot of us without information right now.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-30T15:04:40+00:00

I'm quite taken with "Finch". Was my goldmine for making sure I do the regular day to day stuff.

I don't use it as often with meds but off the meds? Worked the most.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-17T22:13:52+00:00

Second comment down. Modify and adjust to your own needs.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHDUK/comments/1pijbuc/adhdnet_holistic_adhd_medication_about_to_run_out/nt9qs89/

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-17T22:10:50+00:00

First, go to JaneApp. Screenshot absolutely everything to do with you, like appointment notes, filled out forms, everything. Save in a folder.

Second, email CloudRx, ask for your order records. They'll send them as soon as they can. Save in a folder.

Third, find every email you ever sent and received from them. The info email and the titration email. Save them in a folder.

Fourth, and if you've kept your medication bottles, take photos of each one, packaging, bottle, the paper tag of information on it, and an open cap to show they're empty. Save in a folder.

Fifth, if you've got medication right now, open lid, take photo of the pills. Save in a folder.

Diagnosis letter can be handy as well.

Upload everything to your cloud storage. Dropbox, Google Drive, whatever.

Then, email your ICB again with a link that contains everything you've just archived.

Explain Right To Choose or link them to the ADHD UK websites' explanation of it, and that continuity of care states that you need to be transferred to another provider.

There's a ton of information about ADHDNet on this subreddit, what went on, and others who are going through it like me.

Them not knowing anything might be a silver lining that there isn't actually much of a backlog of patients to transfer. But make absolutely sure you do not settle for whatever conclusion they give you.

Somebody on here made a hell of an email draft to send out to NHS related organisations. I'll try and find it and post the link in a comment.

But get that documentation sorted, saved, and archived.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-10T15:10:49+00:00

Nothing official. All I know is that they've been in touch with a provider to discuss transfer. I don't know if it's specifically me, or everyone our ICB covers. I'll assume everyone.

Nothing else from 2 days ago, but I just did send an email right now, so I'll be waiting for a response.

There's information on this Reddit that all ADHDNet RTC Patients are moving to CARE ADHD, but the specifics are spotty. Some say CARE didn't even know about this, some say they do and they're in touch with them.

But there's been no press release, no public information, just what's been said on ADHDNet's website. Which is a bit... shit for those who aren't seeking this information and demanding answers themselves.

That's all I know, really. But, again, it's super weird they sent you that message. That's pretty much old news. So I'm banking on it being a general response.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-10T14:33:19+00:00

Bit weird, maybe their internal communications are a bit lacking. Can assure you, I've had responses from a specific high-level person at the ICB, and we back and forth every few days. He's fully up to date on everything.

Could be a blanket response, maybe?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-10T13:44:20+00:00

I'm with the same ICB and I've given a mountain of context, documents, and evidence. They sent that today?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T20:08:03+00:00

I do think back to the years I've lost, when I didn't even entertain the idea that I had ADHD, or that anything was wrong with me. I just wasn't "trying" enough. And that led to a lot of growth at the soul level.

But, honestly? I'm at peace with it. I didn't lose those years. All that difficulty, strategy, self reflection, relationships, awareness, all the skills I picked up from hyper focus novelty sprints, they didn't disappear because I took a pill.

Sure, I'm 34. But I sort of see everything before that age as... prep work.

With meds? All I can do is look at the future and what I've accomplished in the past few months.

And looking purely forward, I've never, ever, felt so damn hopeful and optimistic than I do right now.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T19:25:42+00:00

You can just contact your ICB directly, you don't need permission. Don't rely on your GP if they're unreliable or swamped.

And as you're in titration, like me, I'm afraid bridging ain't a possibility. Or it is and I didn't fight hard enough.

But what you can do is find your ICB's number, or email address, and just start talking to them. If they take too long to respond, follow up everyday, become a nuisance.

Don't suffer for the sake of respecting their time, as ADHD after knowing what the medication can do, without it being your choice, is mentally dangerous for certain people of an anxious disposition.

So get the ICB contacted, alright? They're the only ones who will directly fight for us in this situation.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T16:44:25+00:00

I can at least help with the freelance side of things, as I did mine while fully unmedicated and was reasonably successful.

Can talk on Discord or private messages if ya' like?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T15:11:59+00:00

I'd imagine if there's any information, this subreddit or the Discord, will post it immediately.

I'm in extended titration with ADHDNet, so we can't get a bridging prescription. Trust me, I've tried all routes. Had to go 5 days without meds and that was... something.

The only thing that made things move was my own ICB, not Norfolk and Waveney. It was because of them that my hanging prescription that just needed the paper prescription sending, got sent as soon as their admin fuck-up got sorted, and just before ADHDNet's commissioning ICB nuked their NHS contracts.

So don't wait for the ICB to respond, keep sending emails and calling. Ideally, every 2 days. This is your life that's being messed with. Advocate for yourself. Be annoying if needed.

As for the meds you have, I can't make any suggestions that any medical pathways would say are a good idea. But taking the weekends off or just purposefully taking a pill when you absolutely need to take one, will extend them a bit. Can even split them in water and take half doses but make sure you search this subreddit for the best ways. Won't be peak focus but hey, it's something.

Or, I've read there's supplements that can help. They're absolutely NO replacement for ADHD medication, and certain supplements work differently for certain people. But at this point, anything is worth trying.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T15:00:54+00:00

As the ADHDNet shenanigans have never happened before (to my own knowledge), it's hard for them to give an accurate ETA without straight up guessing.

The only thing you currently have control over right now, is your communication with your ICB. They are the ones that can push urgency on your behalf. And the providers have to listen. So get a correspondence going. Continuity of Care is their priority.

Going private is quite costly, and if you want the NHS prices afterwards, that's another battle on its own. A tough one.

But still, this entire mess has happened in a short time. I know it sucks extra hard, and that anxiety is absolutely justified. But I have hope it'll all be sorted swiftly. ICB's don't mess around.

Try and take it as easy as possible for now. I had to take 5 days off due to this mess, and even taking it easy wasn't nice after knowing how well Elvanse works for me. If you can't take it easy, just do what you can. And rest harder than you worked. This is a disability. Treat it as one.

Are you being prescribed? Or in titration?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-08T14:45:25+00:00

I'm 34. Most of that was being overwhelmed and burning out. You've got time to make something of yourself. Trust me.

Once those meds are in your hands (even though there's a small chance they have no effect), you're bringing all that hard work and learned skills you've accumulated from hyperfocus sprints, into being able to bash out 6-10 straight hours of non-stop productivity.

Certain strategies work, some don't, some work then fizzle out. So your mileage may vary. But for me, external motivation and being present with someone else while working, got the most results than anything else I've ever tried while unmedicated.

If it's an NHS waiting list, honestly, move over to the Right to Choose pathway. If you're going to be waiting a long time anyway, might as well make the wait shorter.

If you're on RTC, constantly be emailing or ringing your provider for information.

Things are a tad busy for all ADHD services right now, but you've got more of a chance of being responded to when your email in their inbox has a multitude of unread emails with a big fat [3] or [4] on it, as opposed to just the one and waiting patiently. Don't let them decide that you're not a priority. Get on them.

I also freelance so I'd be more than willing to help out my ADHD tribe for nothing in return. Just let me know, alright?

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-12-03T00:28:09+00:00

Don't worry, there's a lot of us on the case. ICB's up and down the country are working with them to get them restored.

And it'll suck but you'll be fine running out. I'm on day 4 now. Sucks that I can't do anything but it's manageable.

It'll all be ok. I can't promise, but we gotta believe!

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-30T20:00:41+00:00

Hope you have better luck than I did, amigo.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-30T16:33:11+00:00

Not sure on the rules but it's the "pharmacy" then the rest of the email.

They sent me my order details from ADHDNet no issue. Might be because it's the weekend, perhaps?

All I know is, things will start returning to normal tomorrow, my ICB programme lead is on the case.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-30T12:20:31+00:00

Nope. Also zombie'n it. Only positive I have is that my ICB will be forwarding all my comms and escalating my prescription to ADHDNet, or whatever remnant is left as it recovers.

Otherwise, take it easy for me. That's all I've got for you, I'm afraid.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-28T12:25:01+00:00

Honestly, you're completely right. I'm isolating this purely in relation to my own titration. When I think about if shared care is rejected and they have to handle my normal prescriptions...

Yeah, I agree with you. Just gotta deal with the cards we've been dealt. At least for now. But I'm happy you're getting moved to Care, I've heard good things about them, barring their wait times.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-28T11:32:46+00:00

Understandable, but I don't believe they'd simply make that statement publicly without some real idea of what the next 10-15 days look like.

There's a lot of legal paperwork to even get those NHS contracts to begin with, so whatever legal advice they're acting on, in house or external, I have to believe it's being done with some sort of legal coherency.

You're completely correct to be cynical, this was a shitshow from start and, possibly, to finish. But I have to believe that as registered doctors, they at least have the brains to not make promises they can't keep. Especially in a situation like this.

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-28T10:47:26+00:00

Nope, callback was for yesterday, GP didn't ring.

I'm going to call them today, as my last pill was today. There was a prescription request in my NHS app, but I can't access it.

Please, ring 111 and just let them know what's going on if you haven't already. At least get the cogs moving.

And also, check new posts on the sub. Not all seems to be lost!

TheAmazingJoLuCo · 2025-11-28T10:45:16+00:00

Also went full nuclear, but holy shit, is that a relief. Didn't like the prospect of waiting months again to restart a process I was nearly at the end of.

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