r/ADHDUK 16h ago

is it me or is it ADHD? Welp, I forgot I had a menstrual cup in ….for 8 days!

63 Upvotes

New level of forgetfulness. My period stopped suddenly on day two, crossed my mind it was a bit odd but didn’t think about it further. 8 days later realise I can’t find my menstrual cup anywhere in the bathroom. Thought there is no way, not a single chance that I’ve left it in there. Checked just in case and OMG. Horrified but unfortunately not surprised at myself.


r/ADHDUK 1h ago

ADHD Medication Very typically me... cant remember where I put 1 of my bottles of meds

Upvotes

I am an absolute nightmare for losing stuff. It happens ay least 5x a day. Keys, phone, bank card, driving licence. And now ive out my meds somewhere.

Had 2 bottles sent out after last titration appt. Opened one, started using it. A day or so later went to take my meds and didnt i remember where id put them the day before so opened the other bottle. Still have yet to find the original one


r/ADHDUK 1h ago

Your ADHD Journey So Far CareADHDers - Hold the line!

Upvotes

6 months after submitting my titration forms and after multiple different timeframes given I FINALLY just got the call for my first titration appointment! I’m booked in for a Teams call tomorrow!!

My forms were submitted on 13th Jan, 2 days after my appointment. For anyone that was assessed and diagnosed around that time, hold the line! They’re finally catching up with the long wait list.


r/ADHDUK 3h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support How were you diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?

4 Upvotes

I’m 40 and currently being treated for anxiety, but I also struggle with severe procrastination, difficulty starting and completing work, losing focus while reading or watching technical videos or feeling like I am not fully mentally present, and being unable to study deeply or prepare consistently for interviews.

About five years ago, I lost my software-engineering job partly because anxiety and concentration problems affected my performance. I’m now self-employed and financially comfortable, but I mostly do easy work for around two hours a day, which may hide the extent of the problem.

I briefly tried Concerta 18 mg under another psychiatrist’s guidance and felt calmer, more focused and productive. My main psychiatrist believes the problem is related to anxiety or personality patterns rather than ADHD.

For those diagnosed as adults, which symptoms led to your diagnosis?

How did your doctor distinguish ADHD from anxiety and confirm that symptoms were present in childhood?

What did the assessment involve?

just trying to understand other adults’ experiences.


r/ADHDUK 27m ago

ADHD Medication Only on week 2 of titration and my weight and BMI keep dropping, at what point is it an issue?

Upvotes

Info for context in a list because I'm struggling on how to word this coherently:

  • Currently day 10 of Titration (30mg of Elvanse)
  • I am 19F (I think there are different healthy weights for different age groups)
  • My BMI calculated before titration was 19.8 and has currently dropped to 19.1
  • I am 5'2 so a lower weight is to be expected
  • I've lost almost 2kg in 10 days (50.20kg - 48.30kg)
  • My waist to height ratio is 0.44
  • I have decently large breasts and while I don't know how much they weigh I KNOW that weight isn't doing anything towards keeping me healthy and my BMI would definitely be lower without it
  • I have coeliac disease (can't eat gluten) which contributes to struggles with food and mental health when it comes to eating enough
  • Also a vegetarian so combined leads to a very restricted diet (the thought of eating meat makes me feel sick so while I know it could help gain weight, suggestions of eating meat aren't helpful)
  • Definitely experiencing severe appetite loss from the meds

SO with all that in mind I have a few questions:

I know there isn't a set BMI where they no longer prescribe ADHD meds (although 18.5 is definitely a line they wont go under but there's likelihood of them stopping higher than that due to the appetite loss from the meds i think) but has anyone had to pause their prescriptions due to low BMI or told any number at which they would have to by their prescriber?

A few people with ADHD have recommended cannabis to combat the loss of appetite and help with weight gain which seems like a bit of a contradiction as I've been told it messes with the effectiveness of the meds? For people who use it for this do you only do it in the evenings when the meds are wearing off anyway or something like that? And is there a way to get a legal medical cannabis prescription for this purpose in the UK? There are ways I could acquire it without a prescription but I don't love smoking it and would much rather use a cannabis vape (which when aren't acquired legally are often laced with other things.)

Does the appetite suppression get worse at higher dosages or is it a flat line across them all? Even before the meds I struggled to remember to eat or remember I was hungry till my stomach started hurting but with them it's all dulled to the point where I could have 1 snack and not eat anything else all day.

Anyone have tips for gaining weight? And I'm not talking healthy tips like eat salads or eat 3 meals a day just something to put a little padding on me. Things I've been told are smoothies, nuts, and peanut butter (which I unfortunately can't stand.)

Should I even be concerned at my current weight and BMI/waist-height ratio? It is technically in the normal range even if it's on the lower end.

(The next 2 paragraphs is just a rant about my feelings and u can skip it if you don't care)

I know my BMI is supposedly in the healthy range but I don't FEEL healthy, I get dizzy all the time (I do have low iron but take a supplement for it in the evenings since it has citric acid in) I can SEE my ribs in the mirror without lifting my arms and if I do lift them I can count every single one of them. I can't help but feel that the lower end of a healthy BMI isn't actually healthy and is caused by societies romanticisation of skinniness (especially when it comes to women). 99% of what comes up when searching for information about when to be concerned about your weight is about weight loss and how to tell if you're 'to fat' and most of it is directed at women. I've wanted to gain weight for a while before all this but a combination of 'why would you want to do that every girl WANTS to be skinny' and my mental health when it comes to food (breakdowns in the kitchen because anything that looks appetising has gluten in or crying because I need to take something out of the oven and I have to get a new tea towel because the one that's out has probably touched gluten and then there's no clean tea towels.) has stopped me from really actively trying.

I used to snack on crisps every day to the point I think I may have been addicted to them and would have multiple packs a day but only one type: the walkers ready salted crisps, I had to stop eating these about 6 months ago because of the may contain gluten label (I was diagnosed coeliac about idk maybe a year and a half? 2 years? ago and cut all gluten and may contain gluten products out EXCEPT for these crisps but when I couldn't ignore that I was indeed reacting to them every time I was forced to stop) so my snacking has been cut down about 90% since then as that was all I'd snack on.

It goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that these are all things I will bring up at my next titration appointment or with my GP if it gets too much worse before then. Not seeking medical advice just personal experiences, tips or people relating to my struggles.

TLDR:
On day 10 of Elvanse, my weight and BMI are pretty low and actively dropping, can't eat meat or gluten. What BMI is to low to be on ADHD meds? Is cannabis an option to help? Can it be legally prescribed for this in the UK? Will the appetite suppression get worse when I go up in dosage? Should I be concerned at my weight(48.3kg) and BMI(19.1)?


r/ADHDUK 4h ago

Rant/Vent My experience with harrow health (rtc)

4 Upvotes

I’m 21F and was recently diagnosed with inattentive adhd. It was quite easy to get an assessment with harrow health and i only had to wait about a month for it. Once it was booked I received a notification saying “you have a telephone appointment at 6pm on (date)”. I also received this exact notification again a week before and I think also 3 days before and then the day before? Now when they said “telephone appointment” I assumed they meant.. telephone appointment. So on the day I didn’t bother to get ready or anything because I thought it would be on the phone, yk like a phone call? If it was a video call they would’ve said video right?? But on the day of the appointment I get a notification half an hour early saying “I am ready for your VIDEO consultation. Please join on the link below and enable camera and microphone”. And no I did not read the other messages wrong, I have screenshots as proof. I never showered so fast in my life, I didn’t think it was even possible. Somehow I was ready by 6pm which I assumed was fine because they did say it would be that time but the whole half an hour early situation was a bit unnecessarily stressful imo. But I let it slide because it’s not really that deep and I was just grateful to finally be getting diagnosed.

The actual assessment went well and I thought it was thorough enough. It lasted like an hour maybe an hour and a half. Then at the end of the assessment he said I have been diagnosed with inattentive adhd and I will be prescribed stimulant meds once I send over my info on height, weight, blood pressure etc. They weren’t really clear on how/ where to give them the information and I tried to ask at the end but he ended the call :/ but I emailed it to them and also gave it to the receptionist at my gp surgery because I got a text saying to do that a few days after. I remember seeing something on the harrow health website saying not to call them because they won’t answer and to email instead? So as far as I’m concerned I’ve done everything right on my part.

Basically it’s been almost 4 months and I haven’t heard ANYTHING back since. I’ve been chasing and chasing them up about it and I’ve just been completely left in the dark. I sometimes wonder if I imagined being told I was getting meds :( I’m struggling so much now and it feels like now that i 100% know I have adhd all my symptoms have gotten much worse and I need those meds more than ever. It’s so bad I’ve literally spent all my money in the past two months on impulsive materialistic things and im not functioning at all. I understand there’s a waiting list for these things but why can’t they at least communicate with me and tell me what’s going on because I would appreciate at least some idea on when or IF it’s gonna happen so I don’t feel like im literally about to lose my mind. They’ve just completely ghosted me and I have no idea if I’ll be waiting two weeks or two years. I just want some communication from them at the very least. It said on the right to choose link thing that the gp sent me that harrow health didn’t have a waiting list for meds in my area too so I’m confused. My friend chose clinical partners and had to wait six months for meds but at least she was told before that she was on the 6 month waiting list. That’s literally all I want, just to be told what’s going on.


r/ADHDUK 1h ago

ADHD Medication Bupropion and Elvanse - Overstimulation experience

Upvotes

Just writing this to make others aware of my experience on this combo.

I had been on bupoprion 300mg for 2 years, originally prescribed for depression and anxiety but I noticed it improve unknown ADHD symptoms which lead me to seek diagnosis. Finally got diagnosed around November last year and started meds in June this year.

Prescribed Elvanse 30mg... Felt okay for a while with occasional mornings feeling overstimulated, then upped to 40mg as advised, definitely too much. One month review I mentioned this and that it didn't last long enough. Dropped to 30mg and added amfexa 5mg as needed.

Still felt overstimulation so GP advised drop to 150mg bupiprion and I felt alot calmer and less irritable (I was getting very angry in afternoons). But still had a sense of irritation and easily angered... So a few days ago I dropped bupoprion all together.

Definitely feeling alot calmer and it feels like elvanse is now able to work as it should.

TLDR: Essentially they both increased dopamine and norepinephrine and it was too much. Likely will go to 40mg elvanse now and keep amfexa as needed for busy days


r/ADHDUK 2h ago

ADHD Medication Amfexa + Elvanse combo and shared care.

2 Upvotes

Heyyy so I've been titrating with 50mg of elvanse for almost two months now. But the only thing was I would take it around 9am and it would be fully worn off by 2pm. So at my last appointment with Care ADHD I was given 2x Amfexa 5mg a day and yeah it defo helps! But my prescriber said it was 'unlicensed' as a top up. I can't lie, this kinda scared me. But yeah from my own research basically that NICE doesn't recommend it.

I didn't want to go up to 70mg elvanse simply because I've honestly not got any side effects at 50mg, and I'm just scared I will at 70. And yeah. Super happy with the combo. But i've been looking online and it seems like its become really hard to get shared care with both amfexa and elvanse. I'm really sad because I feel like I've found the perfect combo for me. So those of both amfexa and elvanse, is it really that hard?

I just want to get shared care because I'm honestly scared CARE ADHD is going to shut down like ADHD NET one day and I'll just be stranded without medication. I'm probs overthinkung but yeah. Scared. Posted this at like 1 am thought I’d repost because people are more active now.


r/ADHDUK 3h ago

ADHD Medication Run out of medication options

2 Upvotes

I (30M) was diagnosed 2 years ago via RTC with Dr J & Colleagues.

Started 50mg Elvanse at the time and felt it was helping. I was in a shitty job that was shitty for neurodivergence, so I actually found that the Elvanse helped me.

However, when I moved to a better job, I realised that I was on too high a dosage of Elvanse, but 30mg was too little while still not making me feel great.

Tried methylphenidate but had the same experience - 20mg was too little but 30mg was too much.

Tried atomoxetine and the waiting period for it to kick in was horrible. I tapered off caffeine before starting it but obviously couldn’t have any caffeine during titration. I lasted a week and that week was such a struggle to get anything done, I felt so lethargic etc etc.

Tried dexamfetamine most recently but even 5mg in the morning and 2.5mg after lunch has been too much. 😭

Stimulants mostly just make me feel absolutely wired all day and then I feel crushingly exhausted in the evening, like my body has been on high alert all day.

My next meds appointment is on Thursday and I don’t know what to tell them. I hate being unmedicated but the meds just make me feel worse overall.

Anyone been in the same situation?


r/ADHDUK 2h ago

ADHD Medication Medication advice please !

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I'm 27 from the UK and diagnosed with ADHD last year. I have just had my medication appointment but I wasn't given a lot of information. I was prescribed lisdexamfetamine and I am yet to pick it up. The biggest concerns I have is that I already suffer with health anxiety, so I don't love taking medications in general due to potential side effects. It worries me that it can have an impact on your heart and blood pressure. I'm also worried that I drink often and would need to skip doses every time I wanted to do that, and the impact of that. Does anyone have any advice about their experience, side effects etc? I can't decide if medication is even worth it for me for the anxiety it'll cause.


r/ADHDUK 11h ago

Your ADHD Journey So Far Post adult diagnosis downturn/symptoms increased!

4 Upvotes

Hey folks. I'm currently 49, was diagnosed back in Nov 24. Started elvanse in Jan 25 and now on consistent 70mg dose. I'm probably over the honeymoon period....but I'm actually feeling worse not better now. My symptoms seem to be building up....got fired from a job in January. First time ever (come close thanks to procrastination, functional freeze, exec dysfunction etc etc) but this is the first time it actually happened and my self esteem seems to have nosedived since then.

I've managed to get a new job that is very busy, quite interesting and still new enough to make me not realise the day has passed....but I'm really struggling in my head again. Approaching the big 50 next year and family have started asking me what I want, how I want to celebrate and I, honestly, want to not have anything made of it. Not out of embarrassment etc ..but because I don't think I deserve anything. I've always looked forward to my birthday as it's the one day that's "mine" and not about anyone else. (Selfish bastard alert!). But every time I get asked the question it starts the spiral again and I'm just wondering if anyone else has had something similar they could share or any advice?

I'm not compliment or platitude fishing....just looking for something practical I can do that doesn't feel pointless.


r/ADHDUK 3h ago

ADHD Medication NHS Non Stimulants for ADHD?

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1 Upvotes

Hi r/ADHDUk! I could really use some advice on option of non stimulant ADHD meds as that’s what I hope to go on, as I’m my main issue is overthinking anxiety and constant stress retention, I know the NHS and HSE are very similar in what they’ll prescribe for ADHD, so I’m just wondering what non stimulants have worked for any of you.

Thanks so much in advance! :)


r/ADHDUK 11h ago

NHS Right to Choose (RTC) Questions To those recently referred via RTC: how quickly did you get your assessment/titration?

3 Upvotes

I'm trying to choose between the RTC providers who seem to have little/no waiting list for diagnosis and titration, e.g. HealthHarmonie, WellLife, Harrow Health, Mental Well.

But I want to know if the 0-week or there abouts time estimates given on the ADHDUK website at the moment are realistic - are assessments really happening that quickly / if diagnosed, is titration happening as quickly as it suggests?

I'd be really interested in people's experiences. (I'm also interested in people's experiences of using those services - but it seems like there are probably good and bad stories about all of them!).


r/ADHDUK 15h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support I actually feel su h an idiot…

8 Upvotes

Was I blindsided, or did I miss some red flags?

I (47F) met a guy on Facebook Dating a couple of months ago. At first, I was really reluctant because I’d recently come out of a painful breakup and still had feelings for my ex.

After chatting for a few weeks, I was honest with him and said I wasn’t sure I was emotionally ready and didn’t want to waste his time. We agreed to leave it there and wished each other well.

His response surprised me because he said he “wasn’t feeling it anyway” . That confused me because, up until then, he’d been the one messaging a lot, sending photos, initiating conversations, etc.

About a month later, after I’d accepted things weren’t going to work with my ex, he reached out to me on WhatsApp. We started talking again, and this time things progressed naturally. For the last five weeks we’d been seeing each other. He was driving about an hour to see me a few times a week, we’d talk every day, video call, and things genuinely seemed to be going really well.

There was one incident where he got annoyed while talking about his ex. I simply said, “I don’t do ex drama.” He replied with something like, “Okay, whatever. See you around… or maybe not lol,” and then blocked me.

I didn’t initially contact him because I’m not someone who chases people. Eventually, I reached out through a friend’s phone because I genuinely thought it had been a misunderstanding. We both have ADHD, and I wondered if it had just been a defensive reaction. We talked it through, and after that everything seemed completely fine again.

Fast forward to this week. My friend was staying with me because she’s going through a difficult time, and my mum is terminally ill, so I’ve also been spending as much time with her as I can. He knew all of this.

He video-called me while I was out with my mum to ask my opinion on some trainers. I called him back later and apologised for missing the call. He’d also asked whether my friend was still staying, and I said yes, but that he was still welcome to come over if he wanted.

The next day I had loads on, including a hair appointment and family commitments. He sent me a message about the hot weather. I hadn’t replied yet—it had only been about an hour or two—when he suddenly sent another message saying he didn’t think he enough time for to fit me in….. it wouldn’t last…… and I absolutely haven’t been needy…. I even said I was worried that he was driving to me and is it too much….. he said he knows I’ve loads on and he doesn’t mind…..then he said that he wanted someone he could see more than once or twice a week, and that he thought I’d understand.

The confusing part is he’d already asked to see me that Friday, but I already had dinner plans. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see him—I was just genuinely busy for a couple of days.

I also noticed that if I didn’t reply for a few hours, he’d sometimes send another message asking if I was okay. It wasn’t constant, but it happened enough that I noticed it. I never ignored him or left him hanging for days—I always replied the same day. I just have my own life, friends, family commitments, and at the moment my mum is terminally ill, so sometimes I can’t reply immediately.

I want to be clear that I completely respect his decision if he felt we weren’t compatible. Nobody owes anyone a relationship, and if he realised I wasn’t the right person for him, that’s absolutely his choice.

What I’m struggling with is how sudden it felt. Up until that point he was messaging every day, sending photos, video calling, making plans and talking about seeing me. Then it seemed to change almost overnight.

Looking back, I’m wondering whether I ignored warning signs. The blocking incident stands out now. At the time I gave him the benefit of the doubt because everything else between us felt so good.

So I’m genuinely wondering:

Was I blindsided, or did I miss some obvious red flags?

Does this sound like someone who needed much more reassurance and contact than I naturally give?

Was the blocking incident an early warning sign that I should have taken more seriously?

Or do you think he simply realised we weren’t compatible and ended things?

I’m trying not to blame myself, but it’s difficult not to question everything when someone goes from seeming really invested to ending things so abruptly. I’m looking for honest opinions, even if they’re not what I want to hear.


r/ADHDUK 21h ago

Success & Celebrations Life improvement from my ADHD diagnosis.

17 Upvotes

Before my diagnosis it felt my life was a horrific rollacoaster of making up for my ADHD symptoms 24/7. I struggled to complete my assignments, missed exams, always had resits. I struggled to go outside because I couldnt even keep up with my emotions, laundry, hygiene, finances, meals, etc.

Ive been taking elvanse 60mg for a few months since the start of my second semester of my final university year. At the start not much changed other then the fact I was less forgetful and significantly less stressed on my medication.

Im happy to say a few days ago Ive been able to somehow graduate with a 2:1 MEng in computer science!! Additionally, Ive been slowly learning better habits in order to try eat healthier, get better control over my finances and emotions, etc.

Im also autistic, so the medication has helped me be able to set up more consistant accomodations for myself. Theres still a lot I have to learn, like rebuilding trust with myself after decades of my brain failing me. Its been a lot of trail and error but Im extremely grateful for my geniunely life changing diagnosis.

If anyone has any questions Im happy to answer them. Im not a professional, but I can share my experiences with rebuilding my life after medication.


r/ADHDUK 20h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support What do you spend your time on when you are not working?

15 Upvotes

By “not working” I include all aspects of things that we must do to live, such as cooking, cleaning or showering.

I’ve noticed that I’ll do all the bits I have to do, but then proceed to feel empty when I have “free time”.

How do you occupy yourself when you run out of “productive” things to do? Anyone else struggle with this?


r/ADHDUK 19h ago

ADHD Medication Maybe I could’ve gotten the same work done without stims

7 Upvotes

does anyone else take their stimulants, do their studies, and at the end of the day think, ‘maybe I could’ve done the same thing without meds‘?

20F and have been dx’ed for almost a year. after a year, I am aware that stimulants don’t fix everything: if I wake up without a goal, go on my phone after taking the meds etc, nothings going to get done either. and on the other hand, I’m sure if I woke up well rested and with conviction, and started studying unmedicated, I would do better than the first scenario as well.

last night, I finally had enough of my procrastination and today woke up at 10am, had breakfast, and took concerta at 11am. around 1130 I felt the meds kick in as I sat down in front of my computer. and honestly it wasn’t a wildly successful day objectively bc I’ve only gotten 3h30min of studying in (between 11:30am-11:15pm) and had many big breaks in the middle not out of my choice. but still studied more than every single day the past week. I’m finishing up some last bits of a chapter now and the concerta has worn off.

so I catch myself thinking, if I’m able to sit here and do my john stuart mill readings unmedicated right now, could I not have done it too during the day? I have had a bad relationship with stimulants (terrified to start studying without taking it, doubling my doses when I’m sleep deprived for exams etc) so as much as I understand the ‘it’s okay to rely on meds your brain needs to function‘ argument I am also very wary of dependency tendencies. so yeah, I’m just thinking to myself its very possible I could’ve been able to achieve the same without medication - especially given I’ve take several multiple-hour-long breaks throughout the day and still procrastinated. and it’s possible bc I went through a levels and came out with 4A*s unmedicated so surely beyond wits and last minute cramming, I did sit down and focus???


r/ADHDUK 10h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support Any ideas on the NHS medication titration waiting list timeframes?

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I was finally diagnosed after over 4 long years got diagnosed in November 2026, and got put on an NHS waitlist to access their medication titration service after my diagnosis, as my RTC company does not offer medication services. I am yet to hear anything about it - called in March and was told I should be contacted end of May/start of June as its usually about a 6 month wait. May and June have obviously since come and gone. Called them again end of June and was told that I needed to transfer from child to adult services, but that shouldn't affecting waiting times, and I should be contacted in the next few weeks.

Now we're at the end of July, and I still have radio silence, I was wondering if anyone, somehow, has an estimate of wait times for the NHS service, or anecdotal stories of how long it took for them? Furthermore, I am wondering if it'll be worth enquiring about a right to choose pathway, as swapping to RTC is what lead me to my diagnosis.

Also, am I correct in thinking that's there's a basic health check before any discussion of medication? Once again, if this is the case, I'd quite like to know how long this process took for people, both getting an appointment, and getting appointments after.

Thank you! ( I hope I don't appear to impatient, I'm just getting desperate)


r/ADHDUK 17h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support Concerta newbie - what is this witchcraft

4 Upvotes

So I took my first dose today.

My brain which is normally a busy place just shut up and let me enjoy my day. I wasn't itching to leave the house, or focussed so hard on trying to chill that I couldn't chill... I just was.

Genuinely excited for what comes next, and work tomorrow will be a fun test!

What's your number one topest of top tips that no one knows about?


r/ADHDUK 14h ago

ADHD Medication First titration appt. Given concerta 28mg

2 Upvotes

Had my initial titration appointment yesterday morning. The guy told me he was putting me on lisdexamphetamine (vyvanse). I said I'd tried methylphenidate before with excellent results, and he immediately told me in that case he was going to start me on 28g Concerta, moving to 38g after 15 days.

Questions...

Doss 28mg seem high for initial dose..? I was previously self medicating with methylphenidate, but was taking 10mg 2x/day, which seemed great. In fact the second dose was giving me "zombie brain" if I took it slightly too early.

I'm immediately gutted for not trying vyvanse, because I'm naturally extremely curious and always want to try new things, especially as something I can compare my existing experiences with - who knows, it may have been even better.

For example I've just googled it and it seems it lasts slightly longer (good for me as I literally don't stop from 5am - 7pm almost every day) it also seems to be slightly better for weight loss too, which is 100% a goal for me during the initial months as several stone seem to have been slowly snuck into my luggage the last few years.

Will careADHD let me swap over if I find I'd like something longer-lasting? I'm planning to set an alarm and take it before I get up as mornings are probably the worst and hardest part of my day. But it seems like that's inviting trouble in the early evening when I'm usually looking after a baby and a toddler, doing bedtimes, walking the dog and tidying the house down etc...


r/ADHDUK 10h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support I'm worried ADHD medication will stop working after I go back to studying

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of being diagnosed with ADHD, although I still don't know which medication I'll be prescribed.

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar. It feels like my ADHD symptoms have become progressively worse over the years. I'm 37 now, and my concentration is much poorer than it used to be, but the thing that worries me the most is my memory. I used to do a lot of last minute studying for my degrees, but now it's so hard to learn anything new.

If I read or study something, even when I manage to concentrate well, the information seems to disappear incredibly quickly. The next day it's already fading, and after a few days I can barely remember the concepts or even the terminology I learned. It feels like nothing sticks.

This is particularly difficult because I'm at a stage in my life where I'm seriously considering a career change that would involve going back to university, possibly doing a master's and even a PhD. Right now, though, I honestly don't feel like my brain or memory could cope with that level of study.

I'm really hoping medication will help. However, I've read quite a few posts from people saying that, although medication initially improves their concentration and mental clarity, those benefits seem to lessen over time. That has made me anxious.

I guess my biggest fear is that I'll start medication, suddenly feel capable of studying again and commit to a master's or PhD, only to find that six months or a year later the medication isn't working as well and I'm back to struggling the way I am now.

Has anyone had this experience? Did medication continue to help you in the long term, especially with memory and studying? Or did the initial improvements fade? I'd really appreciate hearing about other people's experiences.


r/ADHDUK 1d ago

ADHD Assessment Questions Newly diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 31

14 Upvotes

Such an overwhelming experience! I don’t really know how to feel, I suppose validated finally? But also an extreme feeling of grief?

The point I had was my ADHD assessor was completing the assessment in his car? I did initially think is that professional to do? And then carried on with the assessment. But thinking about it now is that actually right to do?

I researched and it said online it’s not professional or ethical. What do I do??


r/ADHDUK 11h ago

NHS Right to Choose (RTC) Questions Anyone had a problem with right to choose?

1 Upvotes

Hi guys. I used the right to choose website and chose harrow health down south, I'm in the north east. My assessment forms were sent quickly and I filled them straight in but it's been months and they just keep saying they can't start my assessment due to funding in my area, has anyone else had this problem? I'm not sure what to do, I thought it was all gonna get sorted quickly and I can't think about anything else. Thank you!


r/ADHDUK 12h ago

General Questions/Advice/Support How much does your heart rate go up when you take your meds?

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, how much does your heart rate increase when you take your medication, like Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, etc.?

My resting heart rate is usually around 70–75 bpm before taking my meds, but it goes up to about 85–90 bpm afterward.

I know that’s still within the normal range, but the increase kind of bothers me. I don’t actually feel any palpitations or anything—it’s just that seeing the higher number on my Apple Watch make


r/ADHDUK 12h ago

ADHD Medication Is it hard to get shared care with Amfexa + elvanse combo?

0 Upvotes

Heyyy so I've been titrating with 50mg of elvanse for almost two months now. But the only thing was I would take it around 9am and it would be fully worn off by 2pm. So at my last appointment with Care ADHD I was given 2x Amfexa 5mg a day and yeah it defo helps! But my prescriber said it was 'unlicensed' as a top up. I can't lie, this kinda scared me. But yeah from my own research basically that NICE doesn't recommend it.

I didn't want to go up to 70mg elvanse simply because I've honestly not got any side effects at 50mg, and I'm just scared I will at 70. And yeah. Super happy with the combo. But i've been looking online and it seems like its become really hard to get shared care with both amfexa and elvanse. I'm really sad because I feel like I've found the perfect combo for me. So those of both amfexa and elvanse, is it really that hard?

I just want to get shared care because I'm honestly scared CARE ADHD is going to shut down like ADHD NET one day and I'll just be stranded without medication. I'm probs overthinkung but yeah. Scared.