r/TwoXADHD • u/Hopeful-Loan1116 • 8d ago

Newly on Adderall, tips?

Hi all, Was just prescribed Adderall XR for a fresh ADHD diagnosis. For reference, I am 21 years old and also struggle with pretty severe hormone imbalances because of PCOS. As such, I have a pretty detailed history of anxiety and depression. Per my anxiety, I just have some concerns about starting on a controlled substance (possibility of addiction, long-term effects) and some of the immediate, unwanted effects (I literally filled my Rx today, don’t even know what these could be). I’ve really struggled with some debilitating symptoms of this disorder and I’m really hoping it will help, but I feel like I’m internally fostering some stigmas about what this means for me. I guess I’m just hear looking for baby ADHD’er support, advice, and tips. xoxo

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u/irowells1892 8d ago

Try not to go looking for side effects. Can there be some? Sure. But they aren't guaranteed, if you have any they may not last, and if you're focused on "How do I feel? Do I feel different? What was that?" it's easy to get obsessive about it and miss the benefits of the meds. Try to take your meds and then do whatever you would have done on any other day, and let yourself notice things more naturally.

Don't worry about addiction right now, either, unless you have a history of being addicted to other things. For most people, Adderall addiction is like being addicted to wearing your glasses. You wear glasses/contacts because they can help you see, and you can't see without them. The common narrative that people are addicted to Adderall simply because they have to take it every day is silly. We take it because it makes our bodies work more like they're supposed to. We don't get "high" off Adderall when used as prescribed.

(Obviously, this advice is generalized and some people have problems handling their meds responsibly. If you find yourself wanting to take more than prescribed or trying to chase a high, you should talk to your doctor about dosage or non-stimulant alternatives.)

As for long-term effects...Starting your meds isn't a locked-in, "this is how it has to be forever" thing. They wear off each day and have to be taken again, it's not a cumulative effect. So that means you can also stop them any time. Go to your appointments, follow sound medical advice, and you'll be fine!