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.

  • Jessicat@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    4 days ago

    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.worksOPEnglish
      6·
      4 days ago

      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.

      • Jessicat@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        4 days ago

        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.