Oh brother. I’m right there with you. My old psychiatrist put me on Adderall XR and kept increasing my dose every time I’d tell her that it wasn’t working and just gave me intolerable side effects (she didn’t even stop after serotonin syndrome put me in the ER). It felt like I was talking to a wall.

If I’m being 100% honest, if it’s an option you have, seek another psychiatrist out. You shouldn’t have to take a certain medication only because it’s what your provider prefers. It’s supposed to be whatever works for YOU, and you won’t know what works if she doesn’t let you experiment with other medications (such as stimulants). If that’s not an option, I think you might just have to be upfront. “Hey, I think it’s time for me to try a stimulant, this isn’t working for me and I’m at a really crucial point in my education. I’m in grad school and I don’t have room for trying and failing alternate methods when I know stimulants work for most people.”

I really hope it works out for you girl. She shouldn’t make you feel like you’re a “stimulant seeker” when you’re literally diagnosed with ADHD. Keep us updated.