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I don't think medication "treats" ADHD in the sense of solving it completely. For one thing, we're living through an Adderal shortage, for another it doesn't la
by bbor 2y ago
I don't think medication "treats" ADHD in the sense of solving it completely. For one thing, we're living through an Adderal shortage, for another it doesn't last all day, and, most importantly, it isn't a cure-all, especially at the low dosages required for responsible long term use. As another commenter rightfully said, the downsides are also significant, especially in terms of exhaustion -- headaches are also a commonly reported one for methamphetamine.
It's a lifesaver, but it's kinda like Ozempic: it enables you to follow through on your self-improvement goals, it doesn't do them for you.
Also, some people don't have health insurance. We do exist, sadly -- 25 million of us, as of 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240618.htm https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/... Typically, a diagnosis/new psych appointment costs $250-350 OOP, and the monthly checkups cost anywhere from $100-200 (unless you can find someone willing to break the rules for you and prescribe without 30d checkins). The baffling coupon system does mean that the refills themselves are cheap, somehow, but I've paid $60 before just because the coupon wasn't working and I couldn't be bothered to go home and figure it out and go without meds for X days.
Of course that all becomes easier if you're willing to stick with non-controlled substances, but still
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- Dilettante_ 2y ago>non-controlled substances Could you elaborate? The ones I know of are St. John's Wort(though that's more for depressive symptoms) and Phenylpiracetam.
- hypatiadotca 2y agoGuanfacine and clonidine are two non-controlled meds approved for ADHD. They are second line treatments; all the first line treatments are stimulants, because they have the best evidence behind them.
- astrange 2y agoThe stimulants also have fewer and simpler side effects. But they don't work 24/7, At least not if you want to sleep.
- astrange 2y agoStrattera and Intuniv are ADHD medicines that are not controlled substances. Do not take St. John's Wort! That's got all kinds of side effects.
- herbst 2y ago> Do not take St. John's Wort! That's got all kinds of side effects. That's to simple, but be aware of the side effects when you take it. I still prefer it to any other antidepressants, especially for short time use. Except maybe 5htp.
- christalwang 2y agoYeah, medication does not solve ADHD at all. Medication is like glasses, it gives you the ability to see clearer (focus, etc.) but doesn't teach you how to read or give you direction. A lot of our members come to Shimmer after getting a diagnosis and the right dose of medication, or even with a therapist. And from that more calm, ready place, can they engage in the thought processes around planning for the future, building skills, etc.
- devmor 2y ago> Yeah, medication does not solve ADHD at all. Some really great discussion going on in the replies here but this is where you’ve lost the plot. For millions of people, medication does in fact solve ADHD. Making misrepresentative blanket statements about the efficacy of medical treatment to promote your product as more necessary is not okay. If you are looking to have your program eventually treated as a covered therapy under insurance, this kind of messaging can really hurt you.
- christalwang 2y agoSorry, maybe I should have reworded. I meant to say "medication does not solve all of ADHD", "medication does not solve ADHD for all". Hm, still thinking of the right wording. I use medication myself, so by no means am I anti-medication. I think the point I'm trying to make is that it's not a magic pill. And there are side effects as well. If you can layer in foundational lifestyle medicine and good, healthy choices, that makes the world of difference and can potentially allow you to take less medication. The reason I say this is because we get SO many people who come to us feeling dejected that they put all their hope on medication and when their life didn't immediately get to where they'd like, they felt like there was no hope, like there is no other alternative. I don't need people to use Shimmer, I just want people to know there's hope if your meds don't work, and there are other solutions beyond meds. This could be therapy, coaching, self-management, and other tools!
- devmor 2y agoThat’s a much better outlook, thank you for clarifying!