I’m a 45-year-old dude who’s only now coming to grips with having probably lived my whole life with undiagnosed inattentive-type ADHD. My wife and online communities like this one (and formerly Reddit) have helped me see that I may have been playing life on hard mode by pretending I didn’t have ADHD.
My doctor had me try Strattera (atomoxetine) about a year ago, but all it did was make me feel like I was nervous.
Have any of you inattentive-types had any success with simulant meds? I know it would be a lot of trouble to get officially diagnosed and even more trouble to fill the prescription, so I wonder if it’s worth trying.
edit: Thank you everyone who shared their experience. It sounds like Adderall or Vyvanse are effective for focus and executive dysfunction. If anyone is still keeping tabs on this conversation, have you had any improvement in forgetfulness/distractedness with simulant meds?
I am primarily inattentive and take Vyvanse, have for years, and I love it. I have tried Strattera and had a similar experience to you from what I remember if that helps. Fair warning though, generics just came out last week so insurance usually makes you try cheaper alternatives like Aderall as Vyvanse is like 400$ a month retail. Aderall is fine but I don’t like it as much as Vyvanse, its stimulant curve is far less smooth than Vyvanse throughout the day for me.
Anecdotally, I ran out yesterday and today has been a fog more than I remember and it was impossible to do anything. It was kind of a good reminder to get it filled, it makes a huge difference for me haha.
Anyway, hope that helps, it’s definitely a journey not designed for ND people so keep at it.