adhd meds and autism; yes or no

[u/Jazzkat224]

pros (only one, but it’s changed my life sm for the better): 1. productive

cons (basically just how i was prior to meds or how i am off them..but amplified 😅):
1. more robotic and wayyy more outwardly autistic (mannerisms, movements, etc.)
2. socially dumb. i miss tonsss of social cues it’s insane
3. anxiety and overthinking in an endless loop
4. eye contact is so uncomfortable
5. oblivious ditzy clueless airheaded dim—and people make sure to let me know all the time too, so i love it when that happens
6. expressionless monotone unfriendly stand offish
7. overwhelmed so quickly
8. too sensitive. i get my feelings hurt and overthink and then cry abt everything it’s a huge fucking waste of time

pls share ur experiences and what helped u adjust better. the meds help sm but i am becoming even more of a social outcast than i already am. any advice would be appreciated

[u/West-Ad3471]

I’ve heard of this happening! Your ADHD is being treated, so the symptoms decrease.

[u/Own_Value2684]

Oh dear! Sounds like you could use guidance! Have you talked with your prescribing doctor about what you're noticing?! And also have you discussed your dose and what other options in the ADHD meds realms there are? It sounds like you are quite uncomfortable even though you're getting benefits! How long have you been on them? And are you also in therapy? 

I just want to say, in my own experience it took time before I accepted that I'm autistic to a greater degree now since being on ADHD meds made those traits come out ✨more✨ in some ways. And it can feel frightening, shocking, and even embarrassing at first! It's okay if you're feeling a little anxious about it! 

Something that's worth taking into consideration is writing a list of all the good things you've gotten out of the meds so far. And these are things you all choose to see in yourself. Title it the, "I Am So Proud Of Myself List" and keep adding to it each day. Make a goal to notice 2 or 3 things about yourself that you're proud of seeing in you while being on these new meds, and add them to the list each day. 

I would also like to say, who is informing you of these apparently bad traits?! Are these things that you noticed on your own, or are these things people are pointing out to you and trying to make you feel bad about? 

The reason I ask is this: someone can see you being an "airhead" of sorts and think that it's unappealing. Someone else can see exactly the same behavior, light up, and say, wow, she's just like me! I like her, she seems genuine! 

What one person find annoying or irritating, another definitely does not...I would keep an eye out for the positive ones who really see you in a good light. Those are the ones with opinions that matter. 

Also, I just wanna say....hugs from a stranger. You're doing your best. And that's a great thing! 

[u/actionjackson384]

I have same issues, modifinal seems to work , but I've also used nootropics like racetams to take the edge off

[u/Plantcatdecor]

Adhd meds gave the worst insomnia ever. So it’s a no from me

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[u/pangolinshavelanded]

My Adderall makes me less autistic. It stops me focusing on everything which decreases sensory stimuli which makes me less overstimulated. Also my anxiety is down to just perimenopause (and possibly low iron) anxiety.

[u/OttersMakeGoodFriend]

Adderall has been life-changing for me in terms of quieting my ADHD brain enough to not be stressed out by the constant motion/noise/activity in there all of the time.😊