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submitted 2 days ago by coffeebeans@lemmy.cafe to c/adhd@lemmy.world

I've been on slow-release methylphenidate for a while but am starting to question whether it's right for me.

The positive effects became apparent very quickly: It helps me getting started with things and finishing them, as well as being more aware of what needs to be done (i.e. taking out the trash). Instead of making me wanting to put chores and errands off it makes me almost eager for tasks and responsibilities, I suddenly want to get things done and be more reliable than I usually am.

So far so good. But I have also noticed that it sort of "untangles" my emotions in general. It makes me feel more "emotionally confident" as in: Instead of ignoring things that I need to work on regarding my mental or emotional state I'm able to perceive / feel more clearly how I feel and it also makes me less reluctant to tackle more difficult emotional matters.

Sometimes it feels like a light is being switched on inside of me and I feel like I can suddenly be or become more easily the best possible version of myself.

Which sounds great but I've also noticed that it makes me want to take my meds more often than I should. I'm on 2x20mg atm but I've noticed that I'm starting to develop a craving for my meds because of the good feeling they give me.

This makes me worry if these meds are really a good idea for me or if I should switch to something else. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

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[-] NoTagBacks@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 2 days ago

I'm not a doctor. You absolutely should speak with your prescribing psychiatrist as soon as you can about your concerns.

Most everything sounds normal outside of the euphoria. I'm not a doctor, but from my understanding of reading adhd studies, people with adhd usually don't experience euphoria when taking stimulants, especially compared to neurotypicals. And people with adhd also experience a lower risk of addiction when specifically on stimulant medication. However, I think it's important to point out that while these things are statistically unlikely, they are not impossible, nor should this be ignored. If you are concerned, that's reason enough to bring it up with your doctor sooner rather than later. Before you jump ship entirely on stimulants, I would consider an extended release, as stimulant medication is extremely effective for adhd. However, again, I'm not a doctor, and I would defer to your psychiatrist's advice.

Since you did ask about experience, I don't think I've ever experienced a euphoric reaction to stimulant medication myself, especially not methylphenidate. I currently take vyvanse and it does elevate my mood, but more in the sense of clarity rather than euphoria. I've never experienced a craving for medication, and have forgotten to take my stimulant medication multiple times. I have wanted to take more of my stimulants than prescribed before, not because they make me feel good, but more out of desperation to continue being able to do things. That's about what I can think of for my own experience.

[-] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 day ago

On Vyvanse, I experience mild euphoria for about 2 days when I start (I take breaks on vacation), then it evens out and I don’t have euphoria, just productivity.

[-] EldenLord@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

For me it was about 2 weeks of euphoria when I first started. But I also made the mistake of drinking a coffee with it back then, which resulted in major euphoria with a horrible crash inbound for the evening. (1-2 Coffees 8 hours after intake is fine for me though.

I‘m not a doctor and YMMV.

[-] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I tried quitting coffee. I should try again. It is a lot of stimulant for me.

[-] EldenLord@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Coffee withdrawal headache is soo bad.

All I‘m saying is, you might not need to quit it entirely. Just reducing it based off the reason that it‘s not a good stimulant for treating ADHD.

Right now I‘m really happy with my 4pm coffee, work‘s done by then, Vyvanse wearing off and a mental down / headache / tiredness creeping in…BOOM: Chief Crema comes barging in and saves the day.

this post was submitted on 15 Apr 2026
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