SIDE EFFECTS: The ups and downs of mental health medication

[@nentendomofo]

Y'all are so real for that poop story. Being an adult and losing control on your body in public is the juice of life we do not talk about lmao.

[@thetravalanche]

I have a very addictive personality, but I cried the first time I took Adderall prescribed last year when I was first diagnosed at 35. I cried because I experienced a calm mind for the the first time I could remember. I hope one day I dont need the crutch but I feel so far behind. I'll take any help I can get for now.

[@jamyllemendes8588]

Day by day you will make more progress. ❤ so happy your looking for help my friend. Keep on going.

[@amystern123]

I also take Adderall. I’m gonna modify your analogy to a prosthetic leg, and hope one day I can walk on mine skillfully enough that I’m not always worried I’m going to fall. That’s my metric for success. I’m not gonna bother hoping to grow a natural leg. It wasn’t there when I was born, when I was a teen, a young adult, or a middle aged adult when I finally got diagnosed with ADHD and started taking meds. We each only get one “me”, and the me I got is never going to be neurotypical.

[@trueXMotionFitness]

They won't try me on anything other than Atomoxetine because I have a history of addiction. 😢 I stopped going altogether. I'd already been taking the Atomox & noticed no improvement.

[@thetravalanche]

@amystern123 I can appreciate that and understand the pain of trying to fit a square peg in a round whole most of my life and all the internal (and external) negative programming that comes from that. Since I'm still learning so much about myself I have hope I can use this knowledge to validate and work with the ways my neurodivergence creates struggles with basic tasks. That being said I'm keeping my eye on expecting miracles. I don't know where the middle ground is yet.

[@HelloThereIAmAlice]

I know of someone who had several addictions, drugs and alcohol, and they were really helped by ADHD medication aka stimulants :)

[@ChrisAbbott-r1k]

I love the realness of your podcast. I'm 58 years old and only now realize that I've had ADHD all my life.they have treated me for anxiety and depression. It's such a relief to know it's just how my brain works❤

[@ADHD_love]

So happy that there is more awareness now and that future generations may get better treatment / diagnosis that we didn't. 🩵

[@marypoppins2023]

Ditto here. Was not until age 49ish that perimenopause wreaked havoc on my hormones and uncovered my ADHD. What a horrible & crazy few years it’s been & still struggling to understand it all. Growing up in 70’s&80’s, labeling a girl with ADHD rarely happened. Wish I had known about it my whole life so I would have gained a better understanding of my brain functioning rather than internalizing all of the outside & internal negative feedback as character flaws, developing a lifetime of shame & humiliation & no self worth. Wishing you luck on your discovery journey!!

[@ChrisAbbott-r1k]

@marypoppins2023 thank you so much .yes your right growing up in the 70s noone talked about this . I was a kid when hyperfocus on something I couldnt hear my mom call my name. I remember watching tv and mom slapping me across the face and she said I have screamed your name 3 times and I know you heared me. I didnt hear her I was shocked .I'm finally giving myself grace for feeling like a failure. I have been married 5 times and alot of things that I didn't realize goes along with ADHD.

[@amystern123]

@@marypoppins2023I’ve also had ADHD all my life, but wasn’t diagnosed until perimenopause. Did you find anything particularly helpful for this situation besides the same treatment they’d give us at a younger age? I’m taking Lexapro and Adderall now. I don’t know if this is also an issue for you, but I also have a circadian rhythm disorder (delayed sleep phase syndrome), and I’m still struggling regulating my schedule though I used to be able to do it by regulating light input and sticking to a schedule.

[@Susan_F]

Same here. Diagnosed as depression. Quiet girls and women were never properly diagnosed.

[@ajmastel]

Thank you for being so open about a difficult subject. You said you don’t want to talk about whether you are on meds for ADHD, but you spoke about it in such a measured and careful way. I am on meds, but you didn’t make me feel like I am wrong - instead you did a great job explaining how personal the choice to medicate is, and how there is no one-size-fits-all solution (and there shouldn’t be!) I’m very much enjoying the podcast. While I’m not a hugger, I wanted to give you a big (virtual) hug when you were talking about your mom. I love that you each have found such a supportive partner in each other. My partner is the same for me and he makes all of the bad stuff in life so much more bearable. It makes me happy to see others that have that same support.

[@freyacrow4223]

I never knew what was wrong with me for a long time. My childhood was so fucking hard, we didn't have ADHD in girls back then. When I was 14 the overwhelm was so much my thoughts got dark. I was put on a higher mg antidepressant than my mum who has bpd, and muscle relaxants at 14! I found out I had ADHD in the lock downs. I'm 39 this year. I don't have much faith in drs. But I'm so fucking glad both of you are here sharing your story, it helps and means so much. ❤

[@Susan_F]

@@freyacrow4223 Apparently there are a lot of us! Girls and women are so under-diagnosed for ADHD.

[@devonrevell1857]

The doctors said I wasn't allowed to try and mental health medication until I was 18. I went to the doctors at 15 explaining how I was feeling etc, I had started self h'ing and had always had troubles with emotions, school, home life etc. Was given butterfly stitches and sent away. Was given some medication at 18 think it was Mirtazipine to start off with, it didn't do anything for me except make me incredibly tired. I then tried another medication (I can't remember the name) again it wasn't helpful. At 25 (after going back and to still to the doctors trying my best to survive) I was put on Sertraline and wow it knocked me back so much I was even waking up having panic attacks it was awful I was SO SO depressed. I saw a brand new doctor who had looked at my record and was qualified in children's ADHD, she then began my ADHD journey I remember when she first said ADHD I was insulted I was like oh here we go again I'm severely struggling and you keep putting these random labels on me . I am now 29 diagnosed with combined type ADHD having been previously diagnosed with depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I have been on ADHD stimulants for the last year or so and have found they can be hit and miss (especially when there are shortages etc). They helped me stop smoking, they help me have some parts of the day that are functional they enable me to watch things and comment on videos like this. I also applied to volunteer yesterday (again, thanks to my medication). It isn't all my medication that is helping me, I still have bad days with my meds and wonder why they don't work, I just try to cuddle myself and say it's ok we go again tomorrow. I went on a bit of a waffle there but the point is some medication works for some and some doesn't for others, you have to find the right one for you. My mum was on the wrong medication for years and it made her incredibly ill.

[@jjjooooey]

I relate. Thankyou ❤

[@CampingwiththeAlsops]

You wonder if your hormones play apart in that. When you say sometimes you feel they don’t work

[@devonrevell1857]

@ Thank you for your reply. You know I'm not sure because I have been having the contraception injection for 2 years now and so I'm not sure when my cycle and everything is anymore.

[@lavernebell6274]

I was prescribed a medication called Ariprizole(Abilify), a mood stabiliser. One of the rare side effects is that it causes a neurological condition called Cervical Dystonia. The brain sends the wring signals to all the neck muscles and they seize. I got it in 2017. I’m having to have a brain operation to help manage it. They implant nodes and a mechanism on the chest. It will help give me as much movement again. I cannot drive, walk anywhere by myself as I cannot see far in front of me. If the operation works the muscles will relax and I’ll get about 70% movement back. I was given the medication to help with depression. This there it’s gets really sad. They kept telling me my depression was treatment resistant. Got diagnosed with ADHD last yr and a lot of that so called depression was masked ADHD symptoms.

[@misterwinkybluff]

Aripiprazole*

[@janesimpson8590]

I am so sorry. So many are misdiagnosed. Abilify: The negative effects are so bad, is it really worth taking it, even? Is depression an illness or something else? Metastudies reveal anti-depressants have no clinical benefit over placebo and a net negative when accounting for effects such as sexual dysfunction. Non-toxic alternatives and therapy should be explored first (but it's all about $$ so the meds are prescribed in a 10 minute consult). The drugs trials are for short term use and they are usually used long term. Even worse trying to come off.

[@lavernebell6274]

@@misterwinkybluff Thank you for the correction.

[@victoriamartin1995]

So the dystonia remained even after quitting the med? I feel like one of the meds I'm taking ( not this one) is giving a similar, but less severe neck pain symptom.

[@lavernebell6274]

@ Yes. The time I had been on it until I got diagnosed did the permanent damage

[@megmckenzi87]

This was GREAT yet again! The shit story totally made my day 😂 and we SO very much appreciate you Rox, being as vulnerable as you are sometimes, I think that aspect truly helps many of us 🥲🩵🩵

[@ADHD_love]

Thank you! 🙏 🩵

[@Mindywright27]

I appreciate Rox, you speaking about the pain pills and how “checking out” of human life can be so enticing sometimes. I do try to stay aware of all the ways in which I might try to escape (food, alcohol, binge watching a screen, etc) and choose not to or to at least curtail or delay it. I’m getting better at just being with life everyday, I’d say. I’m loving your podcast! Thank you and best wishes for continued success! ❤

[@PurpleHat026]

I was prescribed Sertraline by a doctor at uni when my mental health was plummeting. It didn't really do anything for me so when I later found out I had ADHD, I realised I didn't have depression, I was feeling depressed because I was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. The Sertraline was at best numbing my emotions but it wasn't addressing the root cause I now take stimulant medication for my ADHD and it helps me a lot. I understand why you don't take it and it definitely isn't right for everyone but it's changed my life My advice is talk to your doctor about ADHD meds if it's something you're considering. It's okay if it isn't right for you but for anyone without a history of addiction, I do think it's worth trying if you're struggling with your ADHD

[@annipsy2185]

im the same i found out after i was 31 or so ....its so annoying being late to find out and understand yourself and how and why things go the way they do because of how our brain works

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

Rox, it is absolutely a GP's duty to listen to, and advice patients seeking help for mental health issues. When I was on the waiting list for my current therapist, my GP made sure I saw him every week for check and a chat.

[@riverdeep399]

I had the same experience as Rich on the same meds. I felt so disconnected from everything around me. Just watching things happen, no anger but no joy.

[@riverdeep399]

I took Modafinil for M.E. sleep episodes, it was a useful tool to help me worked and keep intense focus but it would give me horrific migraines which lasted years longer than me taking the medications and it would accumulate to give me a terrible anxiety attack. I just deal with the fatigue instead now of the meds.

[@ADHD_love]

Just numb. 😔

[@Alicia-Faye]

Same, I was out on 500mgs of Certraline when I was 17 at the same time as being in a mental health camp, was the most Zombing experience ever, I often search for adrenaline highs and I couldn't even find that, eventually I did exactly what rich did and stopped completely, the emotions hit me like a bus, but being able to feel something made me so unbelievably happy.

[@TessaCoker]

Dumbed me down totally it did

[@i2iFX_Colleen]

Thanks for your honesty and 'down-to-earthness' guys... Rich, I am particularly thankful to you because I have JUST now realised that I might be suffering the same side effect... a lot less badly though I will admit! I am very grateful and off to the doctor

[@Invisiblegirl109]

Medication saved my life, it took about 5 months and 2 hospitalizations but we finally found the cocktail of medications that made me want to be here. I once tried to ween myself off of them but I had a very severe sh relapse that ended with me back in the hospital so I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop taking them which is okay, they keep me here and happy, they make me want to be around my kids instead of just tolerating their presence.

[@annipsy2185]

hey, i would suggest you consider a long long tapering off (like 1.5 year) and basically taper off in micro amounts

[@polae5975]

Oh my gosh I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only ADHDer who doesn't handle stimulants well. I've had multiple other people with ADHD tell me I can't have ADHD (despite being formally diagnosed twice by two different doctors) because my experience with stimulants is different than there's. I'm currently on stimulants but want to work towards weaning myself off because as I get older they trigger my anxiety more and more.

[@victoriamartin1995]

Do you mind saying more? I am having this issue and I myself am going through doubting my ADHD dx bc I dont get that magical wow effect others have mentioned. One med made me sleepy at one dose and anxious when it wore off. Another made me feel ragey, not immediately, but midway to the point of my body excreting it ( or using it up?). I can take a teeny dose and feel some small motivation effect without accompanying anxiety, but it's super underwhelming bc it's basicaly a microdose, lol. Atomoxetine made my hair fall out.😢

[@amystern123]

@@victoriamartin1995Atomoxetine made me feel like a zombie, but luckily my hair didn’t fall out. Adderall works for me but I split the dose (1 when I wake up, the second midday) which helps avoid the excessive high and crash you mentioned. There’s also a timed release version. (Ps the word for our body using up the drug is “metabolize.”) We may discover one day that there are a few different genetic pathways that all give rise to ADHD symptoms, but have different biochemical causes, so they need different treatments? That’s just a guess. But whatever the case, if you have the symptoms, then you probably do have ADHD, you just haven’t found the right drug or combo of drugs to treat it. Maybe an ADHD coach who works on nonmedical strategies would have helpful guidance for you.

[@gabbyjohnson]

i’m in the same boat as you!! i’d rather deal with my adhd raw than experience the med induced anxiety

[@Jenny-un2hw]

I love you guys so much! I talk about your podcast to all my late bloomers friends 😊 I am 37 years old and I am so glad to ear that I am not the only one blooming so late and living my best life so late. Sorry for my English , I am french-canadian. 🇨🇦 love you love you love you !

[@ADHD_love]

Thank you! Isn't this community lovely, we can all be spicy late bloomers together! 🩵 (your English is great!)

[@lorettascott5477]

I'm really late bloomer at 52.

[@PurpleHat026]

There is non-stimulant meds available in the UK now. My partner has ADHD and he takes the non-stimulant ADHD meds because the stimulants made his anxiety worse. I also have ADHD but take stimulant meds because they've worked well for me

[@stuartroberts4544]

I stopped taking my medication. Not entirely sure it was a good idea, but walking around like a zombie wasn't doing me any good either

[@stuartroberts4544]

The more I listen to Rich the more I relate. Even the drug was the same

[@riverdeep399]

​@@stuartroberts4544 I hear you. I felt disconnected and empty.

[@BlueberryIce096]

I can relate so much I felt numb, couldn't feel emotions just complete zombie, then when I went complete cold turkey as doctors mucked around with my prescriptions then had a break down 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@wendywalkin4803]

How ‘bout lowering the dose n finding a happy medium?

[@stuartroberts4544]

@@wendywalkin4803 don't you go bringing logic into it /s

[@kathrinewatson6321]

Two of my boys, my daughter and I all have ADHD. My one son and I take Concerta. My daughter's health due to abuse of stimulates has had the doctor refuse to give her medication but therapy to learn the tools. Now that she is a lot healthier and able to take it she is happy without it and for now willing to stay off it. My other son was on Concerta. Showed him what it is like focusing better and went to therapy to learn more about ADHD. Now he wants to be in the military, and you can't be on ADHD medication to be in the military. My son lived a year without the medication. Using his tools from therapy and his now in the military. It is a personal choice.

[@amystern123]

This might be a dumb question, but what type of therapist teaches you the tools? I’m on stimulant meds, but wasn’t diagnosed till middle age.

[@kateadetunji1950]

Great podcast. Love you guys 💕 I had my adhd epiphany coming up for 2 years ago after watching your videos 🙏❤️ and was undecided whether or not to do anything about getting diagnosed. Fast forward over a year later my mum was dying, I thought we were losing my dad, and at the same time I left my husband after 24 years together, whilst in a huge financial mess. Oh and post menopausal to boot. Understandably I was overwhelmed and struggling to cope so I went to GP. Was given an adhd questionnaire to fill out and prescribed sertraline! Suffice to say I didn't even pick up the prescription as my feelings were real and as an holistic health and wellbeing practitioner, I'm one for working through the feels not numbing them out, no judgement on anyone taking meds, I know they can be a lifesaver. . So I returned home filled the form scoring ridiculously highly and couldn't motivate myself to return it to the surgery. Then over time lost the form. Lost my mum, a couple months later, had and continue to go through a very difficult separation and returned to GP a 2nd time this week, another form (filled out there and handed in this time 😉) returned home only to be told I have to write a letter of symptoms before they can refer me 😮 still to do! The wait list is sooo long so considering a private diagnosis, not that I want meds but to hopefully get some support?! I'm so so grateful to you guys for your content and helping me understand myself and why my life has been how it was. I'm really up and down with all I'm going through but feeling today, at least, like I will come through it all stronger and wiser. Love you both, and thank you again for sharing all you do and bringing lightness and humour to a serious subject affecting so many lives ❤❤🙏🙏😘😘

[@dancinginmaltesers]

The way you described doing the essays was exactly how I did them (without using effadrin (?)). That was the only way I could do essays was to stay up all night and do 3 months work in a night, also whilst shaking. It was bloody horrible. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. It helps so much.

[@KepaTairua]

Thank you guys for sharing and normalising talking about this stuff, even the pants sh*tting. I'm currently tapering off my antidepressants after about 4 or 5 years on them. Have been a bit scared to but I'm in a much different place than when I first started taking them. As you say, always seek medical advice around this stuff to be safe. And Rox thank you for sharing your grief journey also. Losing my mum was the single biggest trauma I've experienced.

[@rettesvanlife]

Your openness is refreshing and allows othersvto not feel so alone.

[@KarlSandor88]

Been looking forward to this all week you pair of legends!

[@ADHD_love]

That's kind, thank you! 😃 🩵

[@anja4740]

I have a similar story as rox. My mom died when i was 18. Rox and i are roughly the same age. I'm a big cuddler with adhd as well. My dad was dealing with it by verbally letting his frustration out on his children. He does it till today. He takes pride in that he takes care of his family financially but everything else is a mess, but only his children are seeing this. I decrease the level of contact with my family to a minimum. Life is pretty heavy on it's self but with this kind of backstories... I think I'm in a sort of burn out situation right now. It feels like there is nobody really in my corner and everything is so exhausting! Thanks Rox and Rich for your good content.

[@imjustjules]

I’m loving this podcast! I’ve tried a ton of meds throughout my life, adhd meds too. And I’ve had bad reactions to so many of them. A med I tried for nightmares/ptsd last year made me faint the next morning! I just got my POTS diagnosis last week, so I’m sure that’s why it happened. I’m not against meds at all and still take a few PRN ones, for sleep & medical appt anxiety. But daily use meds had the worst side effects for me. My psychiatrist said I’ve tried more meds than any client she’s met. I think with autism (like for rich) that can make us more sensitive to medications and it’s not really studied / discussed as much as it needs to be. Many of us have tons of trauma. We need more access to what’s called a ventral vagal state (per polyvagal theory). As I’ve discussed with my psychiatrist, meds don’t do that. I hope more of us can access effective trauma healing and support ❤

[@rockcollin1580]

Thank you! I love these podcasts. I'm 42 and just got diagnosed. You have been a big help in understanding my brain. Your transparency is humbling and I love your hearts

[@MsMaggieNolia]

Y'all are awesome! I love your honesty. ADHD meds are the reason I know how to repair drywall. One I was on at the time caused violent mood swings. The experience was so bad I have not taken another ADHD med since. I am in my 50s now. I go to therapy every week and I am in the process of getting official assessments and diagnoses to try and figure out what is really going on with the tangled up Charlie Brown kite string that is my brain instead of just throwing pills at it. P.S. Rox, I completely understand how your earlier experiences make you want to avoid stimulants. I too had some wilder days in my 20s. Now a morning coffee is a strong as it gets for me.

[@victoriamartin1995]

Was it Vyvanse that caused the mood swings? That one made me rageish

[@Tuggie2]

Rich sorry for your tummy troubles on the meds but thanks for the mid morning chuckle. Rox they have non stimulant meds that are pretty good, not to tell you what to do, I'm taking non stimulant meds because I had a stoke 6 years ago and can raise blood pressure. Anyways thanks for all the hard work both of you have done to help people learn and understand ADD/ADHD.

[@amystern123]

The nonstimulants and stimulants don’t always work the same, like, some work better for some people and some for others. I tried a nonstimulant (atomoxetine) and it made me feel like a zombie. Then I tried Adderall and still felt like myself but more able to focus. I’m glad a nonstimulant is working well for you.

[@jahbloomie]

You kids are adorable. I wish I’d figured this stuff out at your age. I had a plantation mentality about ADHD, and was masking myself to invisibility. I was rawdogging myself to perform up to impossible standards. The internet and programmers like you have helped me tremendously. You’re doing great. Keep it up.

[@vaultlife7110]

Thank you for being so honest and empathetic all at the same time

[@brendatomlinson]

Fascinating! I’ve been sick for a while and didn’t realize you’d started a podcast. I’ll look for past episodes. RICH: I experience poo dumping all the time! I’ve been on antidepressants for 20ish years and never knew it is a side effect of the meds. I take Imodium regularly but it still happens, usually at the worst times. OT: your set is so uniquely you! Feels very Alice in Wonderland. I adore it.

[@blackraveness]

I was diagnosed with ADHD a few months before my 18th birthday in the 90s. It was difficult. One doctor (for children) refused me help because I was too old, the other (for adults) refused to help because I was too young. I found one who only was eager to help me get meds. (In the retrospective I find everything very fishy. I never ever saw one of the doctors in persona. Only my mom talked to them. The test I took was filled from me at home.) First I was given Ritalin. It was so bad. I felt like suffering under massive OCD. Everything around me had to be very symetrical. I had to go exactly in the middle of stairs etc. The second one was amphetamine. That doesn't helped neither. I stopped every medication despite my mom who wanted to shame me into taking the meds (because how bad SHE suffers under my condition). Since then I had to develope strategies by myself to function as a human.

[@amystern123]

If you think you might be struggling with something, you could always go yourself as an adult. Unlike when you were a child, you’d have the option to choose a doctor who listened to you, only take medication they prescribe if you think they’ve understood your problems, and make your own choice about whether to continue or try something else.

[@blackraveness]

@amystern123 Yes. Thank you, you are definetely right. At the moment I am fine and the best self I have ever been. I have the luck that my ADHD is not as worse like my brothers.

[@amystern123]

@@blackraveness That’s wonderful. 👍 It’s great to hear that.

[@helenfrancis6505]

I love so much that you’re putting yourselves out there and being unapologetically yourselves, you’re creating a space allowing all of us late bloomers (44yr old mum to a 3 and 7 yr old with a 46yr old husband) to be ourselves and walk our path of experience with pride (and that’s it’s ok if your shit yourself every now and again 😅)

[@annajohansson5290]

I just want to thank you for your raw honesty and openess that has very fast become my breathinghole during my week. When I saw the headline I first sighed internally. I thought it was all gonna be about how important it is to take your medication and how (especially) ADHD-medications saves lives. Since that is the general oppinion that is brought forward in social media these days it seems. So when this episode was NOT about that I was thourgouly surprised and relieved. I particular loved that you both very clearly emphazised that this is OUR journey. We are not doctors etc. Love you guys and can't wait until next episode!

[@SpectraStarShooter]

I totally get where you’re coming from on ADHD medication, I did the same thing in high school with adderall, used to lose weight and discovered suddenly I knew everything in class, also dealt with horrible crashes and jitters and the like. Then in my late 20s I also developed a love of coca-cola, so after giving all that up it was scary for me to do stimulants. I just started my first stimulant tor ADHD and it has been life changing, but I had that fear for a long time. I didn’t get medicated for it until about a year ago and they gave me non-stimulant and it didn’t work for me, at 39 I’ve now been on Vyvanse for a couple months now and it’s been really helpful. The first few days were terrible, took me back to how I felt in school, but once I got used to it, it’s helped immensely. Thanks for sharing your experience, I feel like a lot of people with ADHD are prone to self medicating and attracted to stimulants, and they aren’t for everyone. It’s so important to have these conversations!

[@victoriamartin1995]

Could you say more about the process of getting used to Vyvanse? I tried it one day but it gave me such a ragey feeling like a few hours after I taken it. I wonder now if I needto give it more time

[@SquierMarr]

I watched this as soon as it came out but forgot to comment that i am super excited for this podcast! I could honestly listen to you guys talk about anything so keep going ❤

[@Mrs.WyldRice]

My daughter was prescribed that exact drug. She HATED it. Said she felt like she was watching her life from outside her body. She felt like a walking zombie. Poor girl is slowly weaning off now. She said she’d rather find other methods to cope than use that drug again. It’s been tough for her.

[@Ilovebirdgag]

Wishing her a nice recovery from that❤ when drugs like these don’t go well with you it certainly is so bad that puts you off from other ones that could help. I also took sertraline (for three weeks) and within two hours of taking the first pill I went into the most scary and painful moments of my life due to severe serotonin syndrome. My doctor went on holiday and couldn’t check on me to see the effects so I thought I had to endure it until I got hospitalised because of the mad fever and stupor plus other neurological problems it caused me. It took me months to fully recover and I believe it left me scarred. It’s always a gamble with pills. All the best for her❤️❤️

[@ADHD_love]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that she finds a way that works for her. 🩵

[@Mrs.WyldRice]

Thank you. Me too.

[@MsDeeVee]

I had to change meds a few years back bc it was no longer working and I was a wreck. Been feeling better ever since. Plus I began taking stimulants for my ADHD, which further improved my mental health. Thx Rox and Rich for your honest talk about medication. ❤

[@meghaffer]

Side effects from medications can be so real. They can be amazing for some people and terrible for others. Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@TheOneTheyCallTim]

I'm a full believer in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and not taking meds. It takes work though, and being real with yourself. Meds have their place to help you get started on healing, but I don't think they should be depended on for long use. Meds are a neurotypical solution to a neurodivergent issue. For me, it's not so much raw-dogging ADHD as it is understanding that your life has to have a certain structure and boundaries. Give yourself grace when you have bad days and stay aware of when you start wandering from your structure. I also allow myself a weekend day to just let ADHD take the wheel. When I have nothing important to do.

[@Seevawonderloaf]

I love that you guys are so honest. Sometimes it feels like we’re the only ones who are losing it at life even when we’re actually kind of ok

[@emilybelzer5773]

I like to describe my medication as, like, when I have a depressive or anxiety attack, without it, it's like getting washed down into a storm drain, and the meds are kind of like putting a grate over the drain. So I might still get drenched when the rain comes, but I won't fall into that pit and get stuck. I have been on meds like Rich describes, that just sort of bring down the emotional dynamic range, and the therapist I was with at the time would check in with me to determine when my baseline was high enough that the meds were, like, cutting off more of the positive than negative. That was basically how we decided when I'd gotten the benefit from it and it was time to wean back off. That was when I was dealing with some acute grief; my current meds do a little bit differently.

[@latianicolasa]

Oh Rox! I am the same age as you. I took that questionnaire. Almost 20 years later and I haven't managed to stop taking the drugs I was given that day. I have often thought what I needed was a hug and a chat and a week off. I know it's not an uncommon story, but it's one we tend to live in isolation, so thank you for letting the light in xx

[@paulbassinder72]

I'm a late bloomer too. I was diagnosed in my late 20s. I opted not to take ADHD meds at the time because of all the stigma attached to it (particularly Ritalin). I had some help from a nurse specialist that I tried to follow (and failed). With some self directed help, listening to podcasts and a little better support from my now wife I made some small progress. I decided to try meds after reading around the better options and support available and have been on them for the past 18 months +. They work for me,but are definitely not for everyone. There are symptoms but I find them manageable. The podcast is great btw, keep up the good work. I can't wait to see you both at the Big Retreat in May 😃

[@thatgirlwiththecrazyhair2067]

I often take my medication for a month or so, and then fully forget the routine I've created and fail to take them for months at a time. This time ive found an antidepressant that works for me and the come down from forgetting has been the worst. Gotta find a way to remember 😬

[@ADHD_love]

So hard to remember every day. 🩵

[@hisk7263]

This might be something you already tried or won’t work for you, it works for me. I have an alarm clock going on my phone at a time that I’m usually awake and at home to help me remember. I just have to be really careful when I start to use the snooze button cause then I sometimes not sure if I took it already or not. But mostly it works for me. Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but maybe it helps….

[@Briana-Mars]

These podcast episodes are so great!! Appreciate your insight and vulnerability. Looking forward to more episodes. Thank you ❤

[@demielle4939]

Absolutely love these podcasts your both just so real and open and its nice to relate to people about certain struggles in life ❤️

[@dratatianacostella7985]

I love my ADHD meds, they changed my entire life for the better, I recently had a near death experience because of multiple pain medications for my Back interactions and developed a dopaminergic hypersensivity and that is making the reintroductiom of my medication very hard and challenging because I have vibration sensation on my whole Body and this is the worst experience I could ever imagine a person can have, I miss my medication so much… It feels like I got to taste chocolate ice cream and now I Will have to be with lemon flavor for the rest of my life… Recently we are being able to reintroduce it very slowly and in low doses but I am very hopefull that I Will get the dose I need once again We are a family of 4 tremendously impaired ADHDers and medication made our lives and self steem so much better, I am a big defender of medication because I know how hard my life was until I found it, I would never let my children without it because I dont want them to have the terrible self steem that I have besides being gifted I allways felt like I am lazy , stupid and not worth of love

[@WelshAl]

I loved your honesty and frank relating of the facts. I respect your integrity. Thank you for your experiences, they must surely help others avoid the horrors you had to endure. If you've never soiled yourself, you'll never know the visceral panic. And yay for hugs, nature's best gift. Can't get too many of them!

[@puck6380]

You talking about getting no hugs (even though you are the biggest hugger) after your mom died, is exactly my story in the years after my mom died, when I was 15. It completely messed me up. I feel so seen by you having this EXACT same experience.

[@a-ms9760]

Thanks for sharing your stories. I think there's nothing to be ashamed about in retelling past stories about addiction. It is what it is. Having concerns about ADHD stimulant medication triggering a relapse is common and it's ok avoid something that you think might derail your recovery progress.

[@janineharding3306]

Great content and totally relatable. I think your approach and how real you are is definitely your drawcard. Thanks for being real!🎉

[@spookeesarah]

I love you both!!! Diagnosed BPD PTSD and it's fun...but the late bloomers shall blossom!

[@Jai-zh9qs]

Love this podcast! You guys are so great and normal (to me) and relatable. Thank you so much for putting yourselves out there, it's so meaningful for a lot people💜

[@hdushshs3263]

Thank you for speaking about such personal topics. Both of you are so so brave and strong. We’re all here out of respect no judgement from us. I hope you don’t regret it.

[@hanakaye1682]

Very true. Thank you both for your honesty. It is so strange when you tell a doctor you want to “end it” and they just hand you medication that you could “end it” with… that is my biggest fear with medication. Great talk! I cannot wait to hear more! ☺️

[@Gvelly]

I could listen to you guys for hours.. something soothing about ur voices.. thank you for the videos

[@silverbackentertainment237]

Thank you for being honest about your experiences and it's a comfort to know I'm not alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed emotionally. I was put on antidepressants at 17 and wasn't prepared for one of the possible side effects being a huge increase in appetite. I went from not eating properly to feeling hungry pretty much all of the time and have been struggling massively with weight issues for almost a decade now, so while the tablets helped in terms of coping better with day-to-day life the side effects have led to even lower self-esteem and almost constant anxiety around weight and how others perceive me compared to when I was thin. Anyway this podcast is very entertaining and has a chilled vibe which I love and can't wait for the next one.

[@alkahinat4558]

The way Richard told the poop story…I was in fits of laughter because it’s so relatable, the level of panic you’d feel if something like this happened in a work situation 😳🫣😢😩 I’d pass out from the stress of it

[@roxannebrousseau5805]

"can you tell us....everything" (thank you for asking the question)

[@ADHD_love]

😂 😂

[@Stephanie-q2i]

😂

[@twijinx]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with stimulants, Rox! As an ADHD individual with substance abuse issues (who just quit smoking start of this year & stopped drinking 4/7 nights a week) I am also piss-scared of my own experience with apodexamphetamines and how that, coupled with stress (and other mental issues) sent me into a 6 month psychosis, leaving me... now rawdogging things, so hardcore, and too scared to try other stimulants 😅 so thank you for showing that you don't need ADHD drugs to be happy/successful, especially with your artistic talents... it gives me hope :)

[@jasminambord]

I am SO thankful for your podcast! (Following on the tok for some years, you guys are absolute rocking!!!) Looking forward to every single episode😍

[@br8979]

I absolutely adore you two! You are so real and honest, it's very refreshing! Thank you ❤

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

About 20 years ago my GP would prescribe things like Temazepam , Diazepam and antidepressants against insomnia, anxiety and depression....I stopped them fairly early as I was feeling like a zombie. Years later I was treated with EMDR for PTSD (two years) which helped a lot. Only in 2022 I started doing more guided mediations on KZbin (Trauma, inner child) and found that there was still a lot of raw pain inside. Clearing some of that also led to other breakthroughts, I'm not fully there yet. I wouldn't medicate myself for anything "depression" related anymore, kind of facing it head one was a lot more helpful.

[@numinous2506]

Stuff sucks life's a B and then you die, but at least we have these moments together. Special moments.

[@terrafallow]

I'm on sertraline, it's very helpful for my anxiety, my pms is mild in comparison now, I'm able to deal with my four kids with a level head, and I've lost about 25 kg since I'm no longer eating my feelings. I'm still able to experience joy, but sometimes, I find it difficult to access my anger when necessary. I'm saddened to hear of your symptoms of total apathy and disassociation. You've reminded me to be mindful of those symptoms. Thank you

[@PeachesLove75]

I relate to Rox a lot, especially with " Coke Cola." It's a whole reason why i don't and will not take adhd medications. I have that same little devil on my shoulder. Im into 4 years clean and sober for everything, including alcohol as of March 28th. Ill be 40 on March 31st and im finally getting my sh*t together with the last year. You both are really strong people, and I'm truly blessed to hear about your lives that you both share ❤ completely inspiring and way to rock on with amazing accomplishments! ❤❤

[@RandiMarie_1983]

Love this, explained so accurately. I am on a medication that keeps my rage under control, like literally saved all my familial and personal relationship BUT I'm numb and not productive at all. I have been on and off mental meds since 14 and I'm 41. I have gotten off most but this one i can't kick or i would literally break everything in my house at the smallest of arguments. It's a terrible thing to battle

[@joannaconway3476]

I’m trying to read your book Rox atm Dirty laundry I’m only on page 14 as keep crying my eyes out after I try to read another paragraph yrs & yrs of feeling a total numb skull complete failure being blamed not fitting in losing things all the time not finishing tasks but in when other s talk forget what other person has said to me ect ect I’m 55 awaiting diagnosis this yr after a 2 year wait I can’t thank you both enough for sharing your personal experiences . And helping others show more compassion & less judgement towards others Thank you both very much for doing what you do 🙂❤️ xx

[@scarletmontana7]

I love your podcasts so honest and true and very informative 👍

[@flutterbyfluster]

Medication isn't for everyone So it's perfectly okay to take it or not take it What ever suits you personally . Your voice Rox would be great reading books on podcasts / stories etc Great podcast 👍

[@LadywatchingByrd]

But at least you guys bloomed!!!!! You are a wonderful couple ❤ thank you for sharing everything.

[@karennewton6588]

I’m so pleased you have started this podcast. Rich, your story is hilarious, we call that a “shart” 😂, nice recovery by the way 😅

[@alexoglitter2700]

i am loving this podcast its amazing

[@ADHD_love]

Thank you, happy you're enjoying it! 😍 🩵

[@zb2363]

Thanks for the poo wee story! I’m crying laughing while listening, not at you but completely in solidarity! 😂 Laughter is the best medication after all ❤

[@dratatianacostella7985]

Loving the podcast by the way, allways wanted to know more about your story, I see a lot of myself in Rox and was and still am curious , your songs were the playlist in my journey out of hell of dopaminergic hipersensivity and I listen to them all the time , you gave me the strenght to believe that all that I lost will be restored Thank you so much for making so much diference in my life, sorry about the english, brazilian here

[@zetzet13]

You two are like my wife and I just scrambled together differently. I have taken ephedrine for the same reasons. I stopped when I understood that I was craving it more and more.

[@keepi9887]

You are amazing! Didnt expect such personal stuff. But personally i admire the decent way and language you did it with. I love hearing you and i do it without scrolling or reading the comment section at the same time 😉

[@Viviebby]

Really enjoying your episodes you are both doing great. For future episodes, I am curious if Rox struggles with codependency because it is so difficult to function with an adhd brain and how she has managed this in her life

[@Alice_Walker]

You guys handled this tricky topic so brilliantly 💜

[@marypoppins2023]

Thank you for being open, honest , and raw 🐶 about everything!🤣. You guys make me feel so normal. Love you both!! ❤️🤗🤗🤗extra🤗🤗 to Rox! I’m a big hugger and did not have that growing up either. I get you!

[@EJguitar1]

I love your channel, shorts, and podcast videos so much. I love the way you ask Rich questions, it’s the love i can hear in your soft voice I just love the way you talk with him on the podcast. I adore both of you. I had trouble with antidepressants, I took setraline at 15 when my dad died, and I felt it “didn’t do anything” but maybe made me more sad because I did feel like I was just going through motions. So I quit those maybe 6 months later. And I swore off those medicines thinking they didn’t work. Well through my 20’s I too enjoyed a myriad of drug addictions including alcohol, I went to rehabs and got sober, long journey. So I’m 35, I’ve been sober 7.5 years, and I just recently started taking medicine to treat my adhd and for me, it has felt like wow this is something I needed my whole life. Mines not stimulating medicine rather a combo of 2 that can manage adhd. Since being on the medication it has helped me tremendously with being a functional adult in life and parent to my young son. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason as well, and I’ve learned to not let myself develop rash opinions on things I’m not an expert on either and to keep an open mind. Anyways I love you guys and appreciate your time and energy you pour into this gift you give to the world. ❤

[@ADHD_love]

Congratulations on being sober for 7.5 years, that a real achievement. I' happy that you've found peace with yourself now and meds that work for you. So sorry about losing your dad so young. That's so tough. Sending love. 🩵 🩵

[@victoriamartin1995]

Do you mind saying which 2 adhd meds are helping? I've tried several with no decent results

[@KZesty]

The Body Keeps The Score is a really heavy read, but discusses the history of treatments, medication and therapies. I recommend reading it but with caution. The thing that has helped me the most is intensive trauma therapy, EMDR for PTSD. I can manage better most days, and I have a gentle anxiety medication that I can take as needed.

[@samanthaoddsweb]

Absolutely brilliant podcast.. great stuff..

[@melanielafrance6779]

What you are sharing help many of us...and for your book.Thank you so much😊

[@cmorgana666]

Ive had really bad experiences on medication and some good, the doctor who's care your under makes all the difference! Thanks for sharing your very relatable experience, laughing WITH you hahaha.

[@REBEKAHJOHNSON-lh6xh]

lol. The poop story!! 😂 I’m dying!!! I was diagnosed with chron’s and before I got my diagnosis and got off the foods I’m now allergic to, this was the story of my life. lol. I would be going up to 20-30 times a day. It was terrible. lol. But I’m so glad you’re beyond it now!

[@leezy1212]

I don't know the last time I had a fit of giggles like that 😂😂 Fantastic both of you Thank you 🙏💞

[@naolucillerandom5280]

I'm really loving these podcasts. Weird to say it in the poop story episode, but yeah, it's been great. I'm on my second failed college try and I'm a bit scared for my future, so being reminded that things going wrong now doesn't mean I can't get it together eventually is reassuring. I'm 21 and very strongly suspect I have undiagnosed ADHD, but I'm currently dealing with the "it must be just depression" stage with my professionals. After a few bad antidepressant trials, I had to literally engage in a staring contest to be allowed to try an atypical antidepressant (NDRI), which is going quite well, and may be my jumping point into discussing ADHD medication directly.

[@lorettascott5477]

I did the same thing driving to school and work. I called work and everything! Incredible how similar. My heart was beating thru the windshield that day it was crazy! 🙏❤️😊

[@linzibingbong]

You described setraline the way I felt, taking it, too. I felt like a zombie. I found it hard to concentrate or plan or think forwards like i was in a fog. It took away all feelings and I missed the feeling of having fun. I dont want to ever take that stuff again.

[@delwicheromain2759]

I take meds, they've changed my life for the best, so much so that I fear what would happen if I ever lost access to them; knowing you manage without meds, I feel like I could make it work, too, if it happens. Thanks a lot!

[@beautybeagles6982]

I love your podcast. It is so relatable and honest. I can imagine sitting down with the 2 you and just chatting for hours about our experiences. I'm diagnosed ASD but 99% sure I'm also ADHD. I used to work for a major high street bank (i think possibly the same one as Rich from things he's said), but did my 11 years there before I had any idea I was Autistic. I also have various traumas from my past and have been on various medications, although thankfully sertraline didn't make me shit myself!!

[@shannon485]

Im glad you spoke about why you personally don't take ADHD meds but say specifically that it is the best choice for you but may not be a good choice for others. I feel like you advocate for good mental health, however that looks for you as discussed with your medical team (or at least that's how I took it).

[@alfelker]

Love your show and this one especially about taking meds or not. My wife and I both take Wellbutrin for wife's ADHD & my autism/depression. It is very hard to go without, I have tried. I guess by zombie u mean not having any ambition or goals. Thanx to both of u for sharing.

[@veggiet2009]

Sometimes I wish I had a doctor to just say "here take meds" ... every doctor or therapist I've gone to initiates the conversation like "do you want to go the medical route?" And there's still a stigma in the culture I'm in, and truthfully I don't want to take them, unless I need them, and I'd like a doctor to either say "you need them" or "you don't need them" and not a wishy washy "well, maybe, idk"

[@sineadvandenberg3494]

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and depression at the age of 22 (11 years ago now ) and tried coming off my anti depressants MANY times, mostly at a very inopportune time. Its almost a year now since i quit the for the last time and although the timing still wasn't great, ive been able to keep myself more or less together and on track. It's definitely not for everyone, 1 medication doesn't fit all so you have to do what is right for YOU and your lifestyle.

[@stephanietellier7819]

I love you two! Rox, the only way I got though college was popping lot’s of caffeine pills and staying up all night. Feeling like garbage and having horrible migraines from the caffeine. So many things make sense to me now that I got diagnosed with adhd at 42!

[@MelliaBoomBot]

That was awesome. Thank you. I’ve also been a bit of a mess. It’s taken me YEARS to sort myself out. Anyway. I’m good now. So I can wholeheartedly suggest that folks go to the Doctor with a chaperone/ buddy so they are not fobbed off. I honestly sometimes think that GP appointments ought to be recorded..can’t help think that’d iron things out 🧐. If you can ever afford it, I suggest see a private psychiatrist though I know a lot of us could never do that ☹️. Thank you again. I love these podcasts..❤