ADHD - Answering your Q's | mood on meds, NON-DRUG treatments, does medication change who you are?

[@HG-ok5jh]

I see what you mean about dealing with comorbidities before the adhd, but one thing I would mention is that a lot of adhd people have depression and anxiety that is caused but their adhd symptoms, and the negative impact the symptoms have on their life. That was the case for me. In cases like this it can be better to treat the adhd first or treat all disorders together like you said.

[@rachelanita]

Yes, definitely! My route is definitely not for everyone -- but I do think I avoided some of the side-effects people get due to my having treated the depression and anxiety differently-- even though I do wish my ADHD had been treated way long ago...it's complicated. People should definitely collaborate with their doctors to go the route best for them. Thank you so much for your comment! Other perspectives are so important!

[@HG-ok5jh]

@@rachelanita of course! You’re content has been super helpful, I just got diagnosed with adhd recently so I’m trying to learn as much as possible

[@itsjessinaz]

I downloaded Finch after hearing you talk about it in another video and it’s a GAME CHANGER. I use it everyday, it helps so much. Sponsor her, Finch!!!!!! 💖

[@rachelanita]

Ahhh right, I love it! I got their PR email -- I'll be sending them an email -- wish me luck!

[@lauralinsevelasco8053]

I also have verbal ticks!! Be it with repeating phrases, making random word-associations out loud, or just making unconscious sounds to express myself. I also repeat movements a lot, my movements are very distinct and noticeable haha. I get teased for it a lot (though not always in a bad way), I guess it's an ADHD quirk and not necessarily a bad thing!

[@rachelanita]

Right!! The verbal ticks are so random. It is definitely not a bad thing-- just a quirk :) It makes us more interesting I think!

[@el_2904]

Thanks for another great video Rachel, loved learning more about your experiences with ADHD 😊 I’d love to join a livestream but I’m in Australia so not sure if the time difference would work haha. Just to add about ADHD and addiction, it’s different for everyone but I know many ADHD researchers believe that often undiagnosed ADHDers turn to substances for a dopamine hit because we have less dopamine, that and many ADHDers use drugs/alcohol as a coping mechanism for their struggles being undiagnosed ADHD. This is why most experts say that there is a very low risk of ADHDers abusing stimulant medication because often we are so relieved to feel better and function better in life that we are less likely to abuse drugs. However, like you said everyone will be different. I also agree that some people do really need to treat their other mental health conditions first, but I know that for many ADHD people we have these conditions due to undiagnosed ADHD that causes us to be depressed or anxious. So sometimes people find treating ADHD treats these other issues too. However, I’m someone with bad health anxiety and so it was really important for me to treat this first before starting ADHD meds, because otherwise I would have been extremely anxious about taking a new med which would have made me worse not better. So it’s definitely different for everyone :) Sorry for the essay lol, this was a really interesting video! Hope you are well 😊

[@rachelanita]

Thank you for your detailed comment :) I completely agree with you on all of that -- there is SO much research tying ADHD and substance abuse -- it totally makes sense... I did just want to flag the possible addiction side-effect as I want people to know of it before they start. Something to consider in case their doctor doesn't mention it for some reason! Yes, everyone goes different routes -- definitely best to work with our doctors and collaborate to find the best route... I'm glad mine worked so well with me. I hope you are well too. Thinking of you!

[@cholote313]

Yo love your vibe! Definitely an advocate for mental health. Myself had those questions before getting diagnosed worried not being myself but now that I heard your answer. Im going to see the doctor. Have been watching all your videos on your mental health glad you can really get in depth with your own self. Definitely subscribing and sending that follow on IG!

[@rachelanita]

Seriously! Were you able to see your doctor yet? Yeah, I have some more mental health videos coming out soon -- especially since I relapsed recently... I have a lot to say!

[@mansoor3159]

Thank you so so so so Rachel for the video because I was waiting for this only and I really love your vlogs so so much and I wish you reach 3K Subscribers very very soon!🌸✨💞

[@rachelanita]

Thank you so much for being a great supporter! Hope you're well :)

[@lilianka3943]

Girl, I would be SOOOO grateful if you did a video on the brain fog. How did it start, how did the medication change it, etc. it‘s been my issue for 4 years and I just can‘t anymore. I got diagnosed a few weeks ago and just started with 10mg Medikinet (like Concerta in my country), so far no changes, but I am really wondering if and how it can come from ADHD. That would be super rad, especially because I know a lot of people suffering from brain fog. I‘ve also tried every method under the sun and still have it.

[@rachelanita]

Ahhh -- I don't know if I could do a whole video on it.. I have no idea how it started (i just always remember it there), don't kno how the medication changed it... just that it was definitely muted (not exactly gone) -- maybe I'll research the science behind it but I feel like i'm just going to find that our brain chemicals are affected by our genetics and environmental factiors... sometimes I feel like brain fog is a protection/coping mechanism against what we have experienced in our lives -- a sort of "muting" of our brains so that we aren't totally present -- but that's just how I feel about it due to my trauma. Is 10mg a low or high dose?

[@sz3880]

@@rachelanita 10mg is quite low, as far as I'm aware! The lowest dose of Medikinet is 5mg and the highest 60

[@asmrmess]

OMG "object permanence"! I never knew what the hell that was but I do that all the time. Especially with people. Thanks, that was new to me.

[@rachelanita]

Right!!! Yeah, I recently learned of it to and it hit what I was doing spot on!!

[@aprilhassell1747]

Stress is definitely a trigger to making the concerta not as effective. I thought of 12 things in the last 3 year that stressed me out so bad and being a mom at 40 is hard enough. Especially my son is a night waker. My mom getting injured and my hips feeling worse ultimately made my anxiety take over. So i stopped stimulates because instantly i get brain buzz vision off. Im a zombie. Im slowly life down taking supplements and hydroxine if i get to dizzy. I should start foam rolling my belly cause thats the second brain.

[@rachelanita]

I'm so sorry you're having trouble with your son's sleep. I hope things get easier for you!

[@aprilhassell1747]

@@rachelanita hi. Ive actually been at my moms all week still withdrawing from my concerta. Today i felt some more energy. But nerve now im going back. Withdrawing is some serious stuff.

[@ryliejillian890]

of course go live!!! the community will follow✨

[@rachelanita]

Ahh thank you!

[@Aleatoire9]

I was taking almost all of those supplements without knowing why - turns out I likely have ADHD 😅 I'd just add that St John's wort interacts with birth control so just be mindful if you're on it too!

[@rachelanita]

LOL -- we were trying to fix our problems. Thanks for sharing that info -- I appreciate it :) Do you think you'll seek out a diagnosis?

[@phylr3983]

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you!❤️

[@rachelanita]

I'm so glad!

[@chrisjevan5276]

I got diagnosed 3 months ago at 44 after a life of failing at everything once I got my masters degree in computer science ( miracle I got that) and started real life. Never knew why I was the way I am. No focus, LOTS of hobbies ( running, cycling, photography, darts, tennis, archery,...... ), lots of stress for nothing, feeling restless all the time, not performing at work as I should be able to,.... Long list. After a very stressful period, I went to a therapeut and after a couple of sessions, she told me a probably have adhd. Did some diagnostic sessions with an adhd specialist and the result was very clear: adhd combined type. I scored very high on almost all points. After 44 years I finally know what's "wrong". I still have to wait until October before I have an appointment with a psychiatrist who can subscribe meds but I'm not sure if I will be able to take them because I had a hearth surgery 2 years ago. Not sure what my cardiologist would think of me taking stimulants. At this moment I'm not sure what to do as therapy and trying to change things in my life to manage my symptoms do not seem to work. 😢 I'm pretty lost with this one.

[@rachelanita]

Thanks so much for your detailed comment. It really is a miracle when we get degrees -- I feel that lol! I'm so glad your team was able to identify your issue and test you for it, that seems to be so rare. I would definitely speak to your cardiologist and see what they think, and look at scientific studies! Is there anything at all that works for you?

[@chrisjevan5276]

@@rachelanita not enough sleep and alcohol ( I try to drink not too much ) I know have a big impact on my symptoms. The problem is, whatever I try, I can't seem to get enough quality sleep. Planning things in advance also seems to help but this works with ups and down. I make a plan but then stick to it is another issue. Another thing is my perfectionism. For me, if I do something, I never can do it with the quality I want and this frustrates the hell out of me. I'm working on this some time now and my therapist says that what I see as not good enough, the rest of the world sees as really good. This perfectionism blocks me in every aspect of my live. I can't get my head around it.

[@rachelanita]

Yeah, sleep can be such a huge issue! I take something called quetiapine (originally given for panic attacks) that helped me so much with sleeping through the night. I'm sorry about the perfectionism... Do you not think therapy is helping much with coping with this?

[@chrisjevan5276]

@@rachelanita therapy is helping but very very slowly. 2 years now and I am more aware now to how I react to things and how to avoid those reactions. But it's not working all the time and the restlessness stays. Continuously. It drives me crazy 🤪.

[@rachelanita]

Yes, therapy is a huge long process. I've been in it for years. It has really helped me though. I think it was about 4 years in where I had a breakthrough and everything started sticking. It was after I got sober!

[@Macxermillio]

How I got my diagnosis is a sad, sad story but it was quick. I was being treated for depression. I was in therapy and on meds for over a year. I had a breakdown (almost did something permanent to myself). I was admitted to the psychiatric hospital the next day. I stayed there for a month and half. During my time there they really tried to figure out what was behind my severe depression, despite it looking like I don't have that many issues. They contacted my family and asked for my history, asked about my childhood etc. On my last day, the doctors sat me down and said, "We believe you have untreated ADHD on top of your depression. We are going discharge you and give you Ritalin" I was so scared. Didn't think I was ready for the real world. The next morning in my dorm, I remember skeptically taking my first dose of Ritalin. I didn't think it would work and I thought there were crazy for letting me out without knowing if this treatment will work. What if I do the permanent thing? I took it and I remember walking to class that morning and my world making sense for the first time in my life. I couldn't stop smiling and my day just got better and better. It's one of my fondest memories. That was ten years ago.

[@rachelanita]

Thanks so much for sharing your story with me. I truly appreciate it. I'm so sorry to hear about everything you've gone through, and the steps it took for you to get to this diagnosis. I'm so glad to hear that the Ritalin worked well for you. Medication can truly be such an amazing aid when it works properly. How is the medication working for you 10 years later?

[@Macxermillio]

@@rachelanita I guess the medication worked too well in the first five years. They worked so well I started believing maybe I didn’t have ADHD. So, when I had financial trouble, I decided to cut them. I was fine for like the first couple of months for reasons you mention (learned behavior) plus the previous years in therapy. But it was a mistake. I regret it a lot. During that time, I lost 80-90% of my relationships. I nearly lost a gig I was doing. It was a work incident this year that found in a position where I had no explanation for an error, except to admit I have ADHD and it’s out of control. I started re-educating myself and I realized a lot of the pain I was going through the past five years was ADHD related. There was a lot of pain, both phenomenologically and in tangible ways. I lost too much I don’t like thinking about it. I regret that decision a lot: I traumatized myself. That was cruel and stupid of me. It was during this time I came across one of your videos (ADHD: 6 months after…). Your experience was similar to mine in many ways but there were differences. So, as soon as I had the money, I went back to the doctor I saw last. I was so miserable I was crying in the waiting room😂😂. They were happy to see me, I remember saying, “If I go on like this, I will lose everything. I just want my life back.” Without hesitation they prescribed the meds. Same dosage. In the first three years of my diagnosis, I took 40mg a day. Then that was dropped to 20mg (no reason, except to try and I was open to it). Since then, it has not changed. So, I was given the 20mg Ritalin LA. It’s been awesome. I know people worry about tolerance, but for me it’s never been an issue. The first few days you “feel” the Ritalin. Then you don’t anymore but the benefits are there: -low barrier to initiate tasks -less irritable -working short term memory -ability to listen -not feeling overwhelmed -no anxiety(RSD) -hyperfocus controlled -brain fog/fatigue gone -ability to socialize and keep plans -general calmness/togetherness The danger is if you continue to experience life this way you might forget you have a problem. As I did. I don’t want to go back there again.

[@rachelanita]

Thank you so much for responding. I'm so sorry you experienced such a hard time when you stopped the medication. It really can be so hard when you feel the trauma is caused by yourself -- I have traumatized myself so much in my alcoholism, and it was hard to forgive myself for a long time. What I've realized is that I have to love that person I was regardless -- because that person led me to who I am now. It's all a part of my story, and I'm grateful I was able to recover, you know? I'm so glad my video helped you, and that you were able to have the financial means to get back on medication! I'm glad to hear about the tolerance not being affected -- it's a big worry for me because I feel like it happened with my Concerta 36mg dosage and now I'm at 54mg... but I will say that the amount of stress in my life greatly increased, so maybe I needed a higher dose because of that. I believe in you! We have to continue our success. A lot of alcoholics (and myself) sometimes think "I'm better now.. maybe I can drink" -- so I get the danger of thinking you're "better now". I just remind myself there is a reason I went through the effort to get better -- because the alternative was so bad. I also don't want to go back there again! Thank you :)

[@Macxermillio]

@@rachelanita Thank you for responding. You bring up a couple of interesting ideas. The first is the importance to forgive yourself for essentially self-inflicted wounds. Not only that but to do it with love. I think this is a good point and I need to grow into it. I have to build that, or it will be my undoing. How can I be happier and have more fulfilling relationships if I don't? I think some of my problems stem from an inability to forgive myself. It’s something I need to work on. It’s definitely harder the older I get(30 years now). And it’s been conflated with grief and all the other losses of the past two years as a result of COVID. You have helped me gain an insight into an aspect of addiction that I wasn’t aware of. It seems I have fallen for it as well: thinking I don’t have a problem anymore. I think your point on needing to increase your dosage with stress is accurate, at least for me. My doctor has told me on very busy days I can take two doses as I was previously prescribed. There have been days this month where I have done that. It was on unusually busy and long workdays. I think I was on 40mg precisely because it was a tougher time then and as things evened out 20mg worked just fine. I like my current arrangement and don’t foresee increasing the dose permanently. If work drives me toward that direction, maybe it’s a sign I need a better work-life balance than the other way around. I want to thank you for your content, and for being so open with us. It’s very brave💜

[@nicolefaith9972]

I definitely have some vocal tics/stims. I find myself making the same noises I witnessed my dad making growing uo.

[@rachelanita]

What are some of the noises you make? I love to hear what other's are. My current one that my husband hate is "personally..." and "physically" I'll go "Personally... I hate that" "I don't want to do that, personally or physically." "Personally and physically, I'm going to have that for lunch." Drives him crazy but I love it. Also, everymorning i hold my dog in my arms, look in the mirror with him, bow slightly at myself and go "Hemlo." lmao

[@nicolefaith9972]

@@rachelanita I guess the best way to describe it would be putting your lips together and blow to make a squeaky noise. Almost like when people make an elephant noise.

[@rachelanita]

oooh good description -- i just tried it. i like it.

[@AGENT_ORANGE_MK]

A note about people’s personality changing once they are on meds: your dose may be too high if you feel off. A high dose turned me into a zombie.

[@rachelanita]

This is a good point!!

[@aprilhassell1747]

Maybe its not the high dose. Its just using it over time.

[@AGENT_ORANGE_MK]

@@aprilhassell1747 perhaps; we all have similar but different biologies. I personally have only experienced this with a dose that was too high for me.

[@aprilhassell1747]

@@AGENT_ORANGE_MK yes i experienced this when i went up in dose and when i had too much stress hit me at once and became anxious and then the stimulate medication made it worse. I never would have thought that would happen...ive been withdrawing since julyish.

[@shaunava5242]

Hi , I commented not long ago, but now I have an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor decided to keep me on phentermine because my other doctor had started me on a low dose to help me lose weight. He mentioned Wellbutrin but since I had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue so many years ago and am so tired all the time, we decided to go the stimulant route. He had me increase my dose of phentermine over the past week and now just started 37.5 mg the last couple days. But I've been really stressed because of the things I've had to do, computer work that takes concentration. I have had headaches and felt like I had a harder time thinking actually. I didn't have my coffee, because I didn't want to make it worse, but maybe not having it caused it, I don't know. He might switch me to Adderall when I see him in September, but was going this route because I was already taking phentermine. I don't know if it's normal to get headaches when you first start taking meds, or if it's because I was stressed, or the kind of medicine, or what? Not having my coffee? I just know I want to concentrate better not worse... It didn't affect me this way until the last couple days. If you have any feedback please let me know. Thank you!

[@rachelanita]

Thank you so much for coming back and commenting! I really, really appreciate it. Questions: 1. What did he recommend Wellbutrin for? I'm on it for depression. 2. Do you feel like you had headaches prior to the dose increase or just after the increase? I would say keep taking it til you speak to your doctor -- I don't know much about phentermine or whether there is a danger to stopping it suddenly -- definitely bring up these symptoms to him and hopefully you can either adjust dosage or try something else. I would definitely try a few things. Some days, I do get a headache and will just take a tylenol -- but overall, the medications have IMPROVED my symptoms, not made them worse... So try to aim for that, be patient, and collaborate with your doctor! You've got this! Please keep me updated :)

[@shaunava5242]

@@rachelanita Hi, thanks for the reply. I hope your parents are doing well, my dad was sick this year also, I wasn't able to stay to help as long as you, that is awesome that you can do that. To answer your question, he mentioned Wellbutrin as an option to treat the ADHD. He said some adults prefer to try it first. Did you start taking it before your ADHD diagnosis? I wonder if you noticed if it improved your symptoms? I didn't get headaches until I increased the dose. I think I may know why I couldn't think as clearly possibly.. the previous doctor also had me taking topamax to go with the phentermine for weight loss. I found out that people sometimes call it dopamax because it can cause cognitive deficits as a side effect. ( Just what I need) So I am taking myself off of that. I also took a half of my phentermine pill today, I might go back to a whole tomorrow, but I was feeling over stimulated in my chest, like I had to keep taking deep breaths and had trouble sleeping so I wanted to try cutting back for a day or two then trying it again. I also read that phentermine only effects dopamine at higher levels, so I'm not sure it's going to do the trick. I can't remember what you take? My doctor will be on paternity leave for 6 weeks after this week, so I might be stuck with this until then..

[@rachelanita]

Thank you so much. Yes, I'm lucky my job is flexible and the bit of extra money I'm making from KZbin ads has helped with the expenses of living two different places. I have actually been taking Wellbutrin for almost 2 years, so yes, well before my ADHD diagnosis and medication. I would say it greatly helped with my depression, but not the symptoms that were ultimately fixed by ADHD medicine. It might be worth trying first! I totally ge the feeling of feeling over stimulated in my chest -- especially if I'm not managing my anxiety well. I take Concerta!

[@sarahfrith1984]

They can’t get my anxiety and depression and fibromyalgia under control so I’m being tested for ADHD now at age 38, in the UK, I have chronic fatigue but raging anxiety making me fidgety and unable to calm my racing thoughts

[@rachelanita]

Wow Sarah! Thanks for commenting. Have you been able to get seen?

[@sarahfrith1984]

My psychiatrist has referred me for ADHD and autism testing. I’ve been looking into both conditions and have a lot of the traits even ones that seem incompatible with each other

[@rachelanita]

Wow, super interesting! Thanks for letting me know. Yeah -- something to consider though is that lots of people with autism have ADHD too. It is all very strange!

[@sarahfrith1984]

I feel nervous about it but also that diagnosis would explain a lot and I could then get the correct treatment and understand myself better 😊

[@rachelanita]

Yes, I totally get the nerves but I did view it as discovering more about myself and being able to improve my life with the information. It's scary to get answers sometimes-- but it can be so freeing too!

[@catherinemelendez7081]

OMG GUYS THE BRIAN FOG !! YESS I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY

[@rachelanita]

Right!!! It's like the worst thing to deal with lol. It's so much better for me now.

[@asmrmess]

When it comes to weird stuff I do, it's mostly when I'm really excited. I start "flapping" my hands really quick and hard, hitting my shoulders with my finger tips. Looks like I'm trying to fly or something... Works as an energy release. If anyone saw me doing that it would look extra freaky, so I try not to do it in public 😅

[@rachelanita]

I totally feel that! We do such weird stuff lol. I can't stop saying "personally" right now lol. It's driving my husband crazy haha

[@lauralinsevelasco8053]

FINCH IS THE BEST

[@rachelanita]

IT IS!!

[@kikitauer]

The tic you are talking about might be echolalia. It is one of the important features of autism but it can also appear in Tourette's or ADHD 😄 I have it too 😊

[@rachelanita]

Yes, echolalia! I definitely knew that word, must have forgotten during the video! I thought it was just me haha.

[@kikitauer]

@@rachelanita Don't worry, it is a lot of people! 😄 And I think your story about your brother and you how you talk to each other by the sounds or quotations is particularily endearing 😉

[@rachelanita]

Yes we have a lot of fun spewing nonsense at each other lol!

[@aprilhassell1747]

Evening primrose might help.

[@rachelanita]

I'll look into it!

[@youssefkhezami7623]

Hi, I am transferring to the US as a masters student. I wanted to ask if it is hard to find a partime job?

[@Halomans]

No it shouldn’t be hard working part time actually

[@rachelanita]

I think it should be alright as long as you have a proper work or school visa that allows you to work :)

[@asmrmess]

Ahh, not an easy video to watch with ADHD. It should be: question - answer. One is done, now to the next. It's still informative and interesting, I still watched a lot of it but it needs to be more concise and you can talk as fast as you can, trust me 😆 Extra pictures in the video - 👌

[@rachelanita]

I agree! Not an easy video to follow -- BUT, as someone with ADHD this is how my thinking goes -- distracted, etc... going off topic. And this was me trying to stay on topic lol!! Fun YT fact -- longer videos get more and longer views, which is good for the algorithm -- so I tend to keep my videos longer!

[@asmrmess]

@@rachelanita KZbin algorithm is not ADHD-friendly, got it. 😄 Monetization and stuff. KZbin pays more for the adds if the video is over 8min long. But the algorithm also checks "retention" - how much of the video people have watched. So with the ADHD crowd, attention deficit and stuff... long videos might be not the best option.

[@rachelanita]

Yes-- it's been hard haha and I do consider these things.. but my watch time for my ADHD videos is actually longer than my other videos lol! I think it's because if an ADHD-er is looking for an ADHD video -- they are interested (and we know ADHDers can hyperfocus on what they're interested in) and so hyperfocus on my videos. But yeah-- I don't know lol!

[@bobsmith1292]

I started a low dose of Ritalin twice a day. Frustrating it’s not working for me at all.

[@rachelanita]

I'm sorry to hear that. What's the dose?

[@jst6r]

I repeat things all the time and never thought about why lol

[@rachelanita]

LOL right! It's so weird. My husband hates it but it brings me comfort!

[@jst6r]

@@rachelanita lol same!

[@senghiuo4609]

You are so smart and pretty!!

[@rachelanita]

No you are!!

[@TheSilverMeridian]

Dr. Gabor Mate explains trauma

[@rachelanita]

love him!

[@tatymac21]

Has anyone ever told you look just like Salma Hayek ?!

[@rachelanita]

Yes lol! I've gotten it quite a bit :)

[@mhardy5982]

🙃 p̷r̷o̷m̷o̷s̷m̷

[@rachelanita]

don't know what this means!