this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2026
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ADHD

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Fear of taking medication- thoughts? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 week ago by ZERONOVABLOSSOM@sh.itjust.works to c/adhd@lemmy.world
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Do y’all ever feel anxious about taking medication and just stop for prolonged periods of time?

I’ve stopped my meds for 6 months for reasons I’m struggling to discern… And I also have a tendency to skip doses and save my pills in a stash I never touch. I’m not even sure if most of them are useable because they’re so old… For some context, I’ve been using Adderall XR 20mg for 10 years now so I have a pretty good idea of how it affects me.

I finally took one of the newer pills today and I feel unbearably anxious about it, even before doing so. And it’s not like I’m anti-medication or anything, I’ve encouraged others to get tested and medicated because it substantially increases quality of life but there’s something about it that personally is causing distress.

Just looking for some insight with others that have felt the same.

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[–] rmrf@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago

Stimulant meds are correlated with a reverted risk in dimentia compared to unmedicated ADHD pop, which itself has 3x the risk of genpop.

I was a little hesitant to take meds for a while thinking I could just overcome it with effort and whatnot, but there are some things like that you can't will yourself through.

They also have negligible risk as a whole. Yeah, you'll probably have a heart attack if you start them with elevated risk, but you probably would anyway in that situation, too. On another hand if they help you work out regularly, you'll probably lower your risk overall.

It's your right to decide what's best for you. Your treatment, whether it includes meds or not, should help you live the life YOU want.

[–] early_riser@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

I hated taking ADHD meds (Adderall etc) as a kid. They made me feel emotions that I knew weren't my own. For the first hour after taking the meds I'd feel euphoric. Around midday I'd start getting a headache, and around 3 I'd get really quiet. I got all existential about it. I felt like a different person when on meds but not in a good way. I kept wondering which one was the real me.

After trying all the different stimulants available at the time I concluded I'd rather live with ADHD than suffer the side effects of the meds. Now I'm on another med that was supposed to treat my ADHD. It doesn't, but It works great as an antidepressant so I keep taking it anyway.

[–] rowinxavier@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago

Yes and no. I had a heart issue a couple of years ago and stopped taking my meds during that process because they can interfere with heart function in theory. That said, I think I am living up on part of your anxiety. Are you afraid that if you get used to them, get used to functioning with them on board, and then they get taken away you will be unable to function but be expected to based on recent performance?

I have had some of that anxiety and it is reasonable. People do tend to see your "new normal" and "normal" after a fairly short time. Their expectations change and their tolerance for you struggling goes down in some ways because they start relying in your performance at that higher level.

It is really unfair but that is something that happens. I have however found some ways around this anxiety. I have built better systems while using my meds that work better for off my meds too. I have automated some things, make others easier to do, and honestly stopped doing a bunch of things I used to do at all. By doing this I have reduced the demand on me on the other days.

If you can use your meds to make life easier for when you are off the meds I think you will feel the anxiety lessen.

Also, depending on where you are and local laws, stockpiling a very small amount, maybe one month ahead or something, can be very helpful. I try to buy my next dose as soon as I can and have ended up with about one month of buffer. Now if my meds are unavailable at the pharmacy I can just not stress and use my backup. Because I rotate through they never get stale and I am never holding more than two months of meds, so I am not in a weird situation of having years of meds to explain away. Be careful of your local laws and so on, it is legal here but may not be there, so don't get yourself in trouble.

Also, consider non medication supports. For me that is heavy work like weight lifting as well as eating far less sugar. Consider having a reasonable source of caffeine available and keeping your usage down so you don't built a tolerance to it. If you are out of meds caffeine can help for some people such as myself, nowhere near as good as meds but much better than nothing.

[–] sixtoe@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 week ago

stims cause anxiety. you've Pavloved your nervous system. even if the anxiety is low, if its a consistent pattern your body will react regardless if your awareness. its a pattern ive seen thru the years in my friends and family with many meds. you can develop a phobia thru no fault of your own. its a CNS response. i got my degree from a cracker Jack box so take it as you will. I hope you can get the peace and headspace you need soon. 💜

[–] Jessicat@lemmy.world 15 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I have felt anxiety about pill rationing after my meds were unavailable for a while. I definitely keep a little stockpile just in case but do limit its size because like you pointed out meds expire.

Have you tried different kinds of meds? Vyvanse is more mellow as it kicks in. It’s also easier on your heart. Might be worth talking to your doctor about it, I think it also is a bit easier anxiety wise.

I don’t take my meds every day, I take them when I’m trying to get stuff done or for work. In that sense I look forward to it because working without meds is a nightmare. Wishing you luck!

[–] ZERONOVABLOSSOM@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I guess it is a stockpile from medication availability now that you say that… My ability to get it has always been uncertain since I started it.

Regarding getting different meds it’s not possible for me unfortunately. My family doctor writes my prescription and they’ve been clear that they can only continue what I’ve already been given previously without adjustments.

I sought out a psychiatrist as per their referral but all have stated they do not treat ADHD and won’t entertain the idea. The psychiatrists wont even treat my anxiety because I have ADHD, it’s a pretty immediate “get out of my office” reaction I’ve gotten when trying to get assistance…

I did at one point have the opportunity to try pretty much everything on the market and concluded that Adderall XR was the best simply because it’s the most affordable on low income.

I do remember Vyvanse feeling smoother but the cost was prohibitive…

There was also a blood pressure medication I can’t remember the name of that was tried as a non-stimulant but it caused distressing side effects so that was stopped.

[–] Zarobi@aussie.zone 1 points 4 days ago

You're probably thinking of Guanfacine, it's used off-label for ADHD because it seems to help some people but the mechanism is unknown.

If you're in Australia like me, they recently passed a law that makes it so your GP can finally prescribe ADHD medication... So it might be worth asking again. Just a guess though because not many places are this brutal for diagnosing or treating our condition.

Also I had similar pill anxiety. I didn't like how the meds affected my heart or mood, it felt like I was slowly dying. In my case even though I stopped the meds, I've had a taste of what being "normal" is like, and can feel the shape of ADHD and how to adjust for it if that makes sense. I also found a job which is more suited to my condition and less reliant on memory and task management.

[–] Jessicat@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Assuming you’re in the US otherwise please disregard the following.

Nurse practitioners can also prescribe ADHD meds so that widens medical professionals to consider and their appointments also generally cost less. In terms of provider availability many states allow telehealth appointments so that’s another thing to consider.

To avoid surprises you can ask when you schedule the appointment if the healthcare provider treats ADHD with stimulants. They should generally know or can find out what that policy is. Last time I moved I did have to call around for a bit but then found a practice that does my refills with a nurse through telehealth.

Availability is nothing to trivially disregard. I know that it was stressful for me to not know when I would be able to refill. Try to keep the meds in the right bottles though so you know when they’re expired. I used to combine pill bottles but then I didn’t know which ones were which age and yeah it was not helpful.

[–] ZERONOVABLOSSOM@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

If I was in the US this would certainly be helpful! But alas…

I appreciate the effort anyhow! Something I can mention to the american friends in my life :)

[–] Jessicat@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

Arf. Hope you’re able to sort it out :)

[–] Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world 14 points 1 week ago (3 children)

Still not medicated. Tried to start the process, but my doctor said I just wasn't trying hard enough. Broke my spirit.

It took a lot to get to that point and I occasionally think of trying again, but I completely understand what you mean. It's scary and I don't know why.

[–] applebusch@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 1 week ago

it really fucking sucks when a doctor just refuses to believe you. sadly they arent all good people. what finally got me medicated was contacting an organization specifically interested in ADHD and they were able to refer me to some people to get evaluated and diagnosed. it might be worth trying that. id go straight to a psychiatrist if you can since they're the ones who can actually give a prescription. its worth trying to find a psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD because some of them will be huge cunts about it too. theres a fucked up gate keeping they do to prevent "drug seeking", which might make things harder if you go to a psychiatrist who doesn't see a lot of patients with ADHD.

[–] jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago

but my doctor said I just wasn't trying hard enough. Broke my spirit.

That's how you know you're talking to the wrong doctor. "Just try harder" is not a solution to executive function disorders. If it were, I would have been a "straight A" student instead of a barely passing one. Stimulants revealed, among numerous other things, that I actually can do math and I'm not a complete and utter moron. My brain just has a physical defect whereby some parts of it are unable to sufficiently absorb neurotransmitters.

Through my extensive experience with doctors, I have learned that generally speaking -- not always, mind you -- doctors are familiar with their own narrow field and nothing outside of it. They also often have as much hubris than the average person and, much like the rest of us, tend to feel threatened by the unknown.

You need to find a doctor that that is either familiar with ADHD and how to effectively treat it, or one who is at least willing to work towards improving your quality of life and is willing to do some serious trial and error to that end.

[–] Jessicat@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

I find doctors intimidating but had to learn to step up due to health issues. Sorry your doctor was rude, that’s just such a shitty thing to say to someone coming with a medical question. It’s a common apprehension. I wish you luck in your process though I would probably try a different doctor or nurse. Few things are worse than having an appointment with a doctor that doesn’t believe in ADHD and they probably won’t prescribe anything for it. I ask upfront if they treat with uppers before making my first appointment. I don’t know if they are available to the general public but there are tests that you can take online that test your reflexes and detect ADHD patterns somehow - my psychiatrist prescribed one to satisfy insurance requirements. I’m sure a diagnosis needs more than just that but might be a starting point.

[–] jaschen306@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago

I had the same issue. I didn't want to depend on meds my entire life. But honestly. After taking it regularly, I'm a better husband and a even better father. I am truly not following my father's footsteps.

[–] hoover900@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Have you talked to your therapist about this?

[–] ZERONOVABLOSSOM@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Huge waitlist for therapists in my area and the ones I tried to speak to said they do not discuss ADHD AT ALL so it’s been a wash on that front @_@ Hence my reaching into the lemmy void for some ideas.

[–] surewhynotlem@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

You're not discussing ADHD. You're discussing anxiety induced reluctance to follow medical protocol.

Many therapists avoid discussing ADHD as a way to avoid people seeking stimulants. It's a cop out, but maybe it's necessary wherever you live.

But no, I don't get anxious about my meds, but I'm not on stimulants. Those made me MORE anxious than the ADHD alone.

[–] hoover900@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/

Try finding a therapist that does this

[–] OriginEnergySux@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Is there a reason for the anxiety like it came out of nowhere? I have ADHD and have started to get anxiety before taking certain things like coffee or going to places that i used to be totally fine with. Like massive anxiety attacks outta nowhere.

[–] ZERONOVABLOSSOM@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

I’ve been told my anxiety is caused by the ADHD in the first place. The untreated symptoms cause me problems and that makes me anxious on top of anxiety helping me to compensate for my shortcomings.

So if I have to do something at a specific time I’m anxious the night before and day of so I don’t forget to do my task. I’m also anxious because of a history of failure and the consequences of such being severe at times.

Now for the meds specifically I know they help and I don’t feel shame in taking them, but I also don’t want to for some reason… It could partially be the fear of running out of meds but uh… I’ve squirrelled away so much of it that it’s expiring from sitting around so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Trying to articulate what it feels like… I guess I think about the fact that I should take them whenever I recognize my symptoms are causing me problems and my brain does a big “I don’t want to. Nope.” So I go okay, then we don’t have to right this moment but we need to try to start using them again. Think of all the stuff you’re able to do! It’s so nice to not struggle to do basic things all the time. So then I try to acclimate myself to the idea to make the stern NO voice quiet down.

Step 1. Grab a drink then the pill bottle. Nope. Don’t want to. Okay, retry tomorrow.

Repeat until holding bottle is not causing immense distress.

Step 2. Grab a drink then the bottle. Open the bottle. Nope, close it. Okay, back to step 1. If I can do it, move onto the next step.

Eventually get to the point where the pill is at my lips and I just need to shove it in and swallow.

Get overwhelmed, give up after a while. Stopped trying entirely for many months.

And now we’re here where I woke up incredibly anxious, shut my brain off and snatched the bottle out of my drawer and tossed the pill in my mouth. Swallowed. Done. Cool but uh… how do I keep taking them now? Sure the momentum might keep me going for a while but this pattern of behaviour that seems to happen every few years.

[–] jdr@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 week ago

Yes, but I haven't solved it except that I sometimes can bring myself to under-dose

[–] NeatNit@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 week ago

The only thing that works for me is to take it every single morning together with my other daily pill. I take Ritalin LA in the morning and it keeps me mostly functional.

Every time I tried to "only take it on days I needed it", I ended up not taking it ever. But once I've accepted that I'm ALWAYS taking one every single morning, that's not been a problem. Or at least much rarer. If it gets too late in the day before I take my meds (past 14:00 or so), I skip the Ritalin because it could interfere with sleep. But other than that, I always take it.

If I have a day off that I know I really don't need to do anything, I might take 20 mg instead of my normal 30. Luckily I get prescribed both for this purpose, my doctors are awesome.

For context, my other daily pill is an antidepressant, but the same could apply for anything: blood pressure, medicine to control chronic illness, or simple vitamins. Even if you don't take anything else daily, you could start the habit with the adhd meds. The biggest hurdle for me was to accept that I have to take it every single day, and not try to "optimize" my usage of it.

[–] queerlilhayseed@piefed.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 week ago

I have a similar struggle. I grew up in a family where taking psychiatric medication was a matter of deepest shame. Even long after I consciously rejected the idea, the underlying shame (and accompanying stress) was still very present and would sometimes be enough to convince me that I should be strong enough not to rely on crutches like medication just to get through the day. That impulse has never guided me wisely and it's been a decades-long process of not letting it affect my behavior.

Talk therapy helps. Addiction peer groups help, sometimes.

[–] Auster@thebrainbin.org 1 points 1 week ago

Anxiety may have many sources, and the way you write, it sounds like you're not sure yourself what the source is for you, so I'd suggest looking for a psychiatrist.

And if for whichever reasons you cannot or will not take meds, maybe you could seek to train behavior and discipline instead? Or even, meds + training together, if you figure out why you're concerned.

[–] SuiXi3D@fedia.io 1 points 1 week ago

Only when it’s had a measurably negative impact. I have to limit how often I take a multivitamin or else I end up with kidney stones and/or gout.