Scared about taking stimulant for first time in my 40s for ADHD

[Anonymous]

I'm 44 and I'm considering taking ADHD meds for the first time. Was recently diagnosed with ADHD.

Is taking stimulant meds something that people ever regret? I'm scared about cardiovascular side effects (though my blood pressure is good and I was cleared by a regular doctor, etc). I'm clearly also just nervous.

Anything that I should be thinking about?

[Anonymous]

My husband and I both started stimulant medication for the first time in our early 50s. It took some time to find the right medication and dosage but we have no regrets.

While it isn’t a panacea, I feel much more together/productive and not so overwhelmed all the time. As a bonus, I’ve lost quite a bit of weight over the past year, going from a size 10/12 to a 6/8, with no effort—just less appetite.

That said, i’ve heard that long-term use could impact your metabolism such that you could end up heavier if/when you decide to stop taking it. There has also been some suggestion that long-term use of ADHD meds could increase the risk Parkinson’s disease, although on the flip side, it may decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s (for which, ADHD is already a risk factor).

[Anonymous]

I started at 48. Same concerns. It’s been pretty good though. It’s not a medication that accumulates in your blood. Nor does it need to be taken everyday. Just try it one or two days and see if it helps.

[Anonymous]

I'm 42 and started Strattera this year. It's a non-stimulant. It's been life changing. Definitely discuss your concerns with your doctor. You can always start on one and move to another. Some stimulants are harder to find these days as well.

[Anonymous]

The half life of many stimulant meds is short. If you don’t like how it feels, you can lower your dose or discontinue immediately.

[Anonymous]

I started at 50. I took it for 3 years and I loved the effects. I started to have a number of heart issues. I feel strongly that adderall caused them, but I could be wrong. I, of course, no longer take them.

[Anonymous]

If you have been cleared by your doctor, mine did some cardio testing, should be ok.

I found that the combo of meds + an executive function coach helped me the most. Also, having an organizer come in and set up systems and come back once or twice a year for tweaks. Life changing for the whole family to have order and relaxation rather than scrambling to avoid chaos.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Following. I'm 53. My psychiatrist really wants me to try it. I've resisted it for quite a while, but my career has shifted and I'm going to be working from home a lot and I'm worried about my ability to do it.

[Anonymous]

The doctor will start you off on a super-low dose, so it's very low risk to do just a trial. I understand feeling nervous, but suspect you'll ultimately wish you'd tried sooner. For me, it's been truly life-changing.