Uh-oh. Because I rely on the anxiety and the idea that I might disappoint my wife if I don't do the thing and even then I fail to do the thing a solid 30-40% of the time. When medicated how tf am I going to do the thing ?
Well… If you get on the right meds that help manage the executive dysfunction and task paralysis part of ADHD, you’ll be able to function closer to what a normal non-ADHD person does.
It took a good year for me to find one that works for me. And it’s not perfect because I still have to, I don’t know how to put it, but it helps keep me unstuck. I still have to talk myself into doing the thing, but it’s a lot easier when there’s some motivation ready to do it, if that makes sense. But I get it, I do also rely on panic and threats as motivation, which I’m working through.
I once explained to my friend (who is incredibly empathetic) what I thought was a normal solution to needing to get tasks done - fear that I will disappoint my wife if I don't- and the friend was like 🥺 "that must be so incredibly stressful living all the time like you're going let people down" and I was like "but... that's normal, right? Like I've lived my whole life being told people important to me are disappointed"
What was it like for you in that journey to find the right meds? I’ve been on Vyvanse for 8 months and I heavily relate to the OP where I no longer am motivated just by stress, but I still find it incredibly hard to do pretty much anything.
That’s my dream for finding a medication that works. Right now it feels like I’m trying to push against a brick wall, I would be quite happy if all the effort could actually do something. Feels so hopeless and frustrating to try and try and have it amount to nothing, and to have the entire battle be invisible to everyone around you.
Strattera for the anxiety and executive dysfunction (I can’t take stimulant ADHD meds because of the anxiety disorder). Plus I’ve been on Wellbutrin for probably 20 years for depression and anxiety.
I tried a couple of other non-stim ADHD meds but one made me sonnauseated I could hardly move, and the other turned me into a sedated zombie and I don’t remember much from autumn 2024 to June of 2025. Yet I still went to work and “functioned”…
Strattera was a godsend because I only get a wee bit nauseated about an hour after I take it and eating a piece of cheese manages it, and other than that I just suddenly feel like doing things. Not dramatic at all; I’ll just be sitting at the table thinking about a task I should do but instead of “I’ll do it later” or sitting even longer until hours have passed and I haven’t done it, I’ll suddenly stand up and just go do it. My mind quiets down, and I feel more present and focused but it’s subtle.
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u/MeanWinchester undiagnosed but peer reviewed 11h ago
Uh-oh. Because I rely on the anxiety and the idea that I might disappoint my wife if I don't do the thing and even then I fail to do the thing a solid 30-40% of the time. When medicated how tf am I going to do the thing ?