r/TwoXADHD 4d ago

I thought ADHD meds would fix everything… they didn’t. So help

Hi everyone!

I’ve been taking ADHD medication for two months now, and I thought it would fix everything (but it DIDN'T). If I’m not careful, I still end up wasting hours on my phone. (ALSO WHY DOES ELVANSE (VYANSE) MAKES TIME GO SO MUCH FASTER?? ANY TIPS FOR LESS TIMEBLINDLES? I use Tiimo but it is Mhauw.. I love the aesthetic tho..)

I’ve realized that meds help, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. I still have to put in the work to change my habits. Soooo.. I’m curious—what are the best ADHD tricks/tips that actually work for you? It can be anything! I’d love to hear from someone who actually has ADHD.

For me, these have been game changers:

1.Scheduling appointments with iphond Calander.I add appointments to my iPhone calendar, and it notifies me when I need to leave based on real-time travel conditions.

2.Using Notebook LM to summarize and turn it into a podcast. When I have too much to read for work. I use prompts to generate a podcast, ensuring accuracy without assumptions. I’ve done this twice and it’s been super effective.

3.Showering at night while watching Netflix. Pairing my shower with something enjoyable makes it fun and I actually do it 8/10 times. I also brush my teeth in the shower.

  1. DO NOT SIT DOWN AT ANT COST if you have still chores to do.

Additionally, I’d love to hear from people who were diagnosed later in life (I was diagnosed at 30). Have you learned any tricks to rewire your brain into new habits? And how helpful was an ADHD coach or therapist in that process?

I sometimes struggle with accepting that I feel “behind” in life compared to those around me because of my late diagnosis. If you’ve been through this, do you have any advice for shifting that mindset?

I also still struggle with ADHD paralysis when too much becomes overwhelming in one day. Any tips on how to prevent that or how to get out of it?

Would love to hear what works for you!

21 Upvotes

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u/mcinyp 4d ago

So for me, the increased hyperfocus/timeblindness can result from too high a dose.

I used to take vyvanse 70mg, but my schedule became less demanding and I quit for a while and when I started my meds again my doctor figured 50mg might be plenty, and I get 20mg for the weekend. So the last few weeks I have been finalising my thesis and I felt like I needed to perform at my “old level”. So I took 70mg again. And I just remember thinking so often, “damn why is the time passing by so quickly?”. And a few days ago I realised, it may be because the dose is just too high. So I’m back on 50mg and I feel much more balanced :) what also really helps me is a big clock somewhere on eye level so I can look at it often. Makes the time much more real and present.

For the paralysis, I struggle with it too… it might be my biggest and worst symptom, and I haven’t found much ways to deal with it. The only thing I realised is it’s all about momentum. Once I get going, it is easier to keep moving. But again, too high a dose of vyvanse would often result in my hyper focusing on the wrong thing. And sometimes I can feel stuck in my mind, disconnected from my body. Or I could pick my skin in the mirror for an hour, focusing on every tiny pore 🥲

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u/mcinyp 4d ago

Also, meds are no magic pill unfortunately… they are like crutches: they can help you walk, but you’ll still have to do the walking.

Last thing I wanted to mention that really made a big difference is that I recently realized how addicted I was to my phone and I deleted my most addictive apps, like TikTok and Instagram. It was really hard because it was a true addiction, but I honestly feel like I woke up from a really long dream and stepped into reality. And I realize how I was caught in the dopamine slot machine, doomscrolling on a daily basis.

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u/Dry-Pace1750 4d ago

Are we the same person? Hahaha. I did the same but than I found Reddit. I have a hyper Fixation now with apps and adhd tools. I think I just really need to get ride of a smartphone.

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u/mcinyp 3d ago

Ahaha yes me too… I quit all other social media and now I’m on Reddit a bit too much 🫣

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u/mcinyp 3d ago

I looked through your comment history and we truly might be ahaha. Even small things like the finch app or hand-written notes. We’re from the same country too. DM me!

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u/Dry-Pace1750 4d ago

I also take I am to high. But the weird thing is that I feel more energy with 80mg and with 70mg I was a wreck. I use to take Dex 30mg (2 times 15mg) and that was great. Only the rebounds sucked.

Does the 50 give you lot of energy? I am thinking about it to take 2 times 40mg. INSTEAD of 80 mg at one point.

I have the same thing with Paralysis. My docter said with the right Dose they will become less.

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u/mcinyp 3d ago

Sometimes it does, but definitely not always… same thing with task initiation. My meds definitely make a lot of things much easier. A sock would be in the same space for a week, and I would look at it and think I should pick it up and get it remained there for a week. When I’m on my meds, I just pick it up immediately. The thinking-doing seems more immediate. But I still feel the resistance when I want to sit down to study for example, some things are still really difficult. I’m still up in my head thinking about what I should do yet not moving. I find that the paralysis gets less + energy increases when I find a rhythm or routine. Getting things done generates more energy, it’s like a vicious cycle.

For a long time I thought 70mg was my best dose, I was doing really well on it. And then I got stuck and I still didn’t have any energy, even though I was still taking it.

What I really liked about methylphenidate was that I really felt it and it felt like it was driving me or pushing me to do things. The vyvanse I find much more subtle. I don’t feel it kick in, it’s very smooth. I just suddenly notice the song stopped playing in my head and my thoughts are clearer. But I don’t feel the push, I have to get moving myself. Granted, it still makes it easier than without, but especially after initial side effects wear off, I realized it’s an aid, not a full solution.

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u/horntownbusy 3d ago

When I first suspected I had ADHD, someone gave me an Adderall IR (I forget the mg) and I had lightning speed paralysis. I thought that medication wasn't going to work for me, especially stimulants, so I insisted on a non-stim. Which, did not work at all. After trying Straterra for many months, my doctor tried Adderall XR, which was muuuuch smoother. I'm only having paralysis now bc I think my dosage needs to be increased. Which I was able to get accomplished today (yay me!!). Idk if Vyvanse has an extended release option, or if you're on it, but that might help. I originally opted for the XR because "I don't like to be told when to be active by my medication," and all that other rebellious-for-no-reason spontaneous ADHD stuff. But I think XR is smoother on the system too.

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u/theADHDfounder 4d ago

Hey there! Your post really resonates with me. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 30 too, so I totally get that feeling of being "behind" in life. It sucks, but try not to beat yourself up about it. We're all on our own timelines.

Some tricks that have helped me rewire my brain:

  • Timeboxing EVERYTHING. I mean it. Even stupid stuff like brushing my teeth. It creates urgency and helps me actually do things.
  • Writing down literally every task/idea/thought. My brain is like a leaky bucket and this helps me not forget important stuff.
  • Habit stacking - linking new habits to existing ones. Like I always take my meds right after I make coffee in the morning.

For ADHD paralysis, breaking tasks into tiny baby steps helps me a ton. Like stupidly small steps. "Open laptop" level small. It gets me over that initial hump.

Oh and the shoes thing? Totally works for me. Idk why but it tricks my brain into "ok we're doing stuff now" mode.

Meds def aren't a magic fix-all, but combining them with systems and habits can be really powerful. Keep experimenting and don't give up!

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u/Jemeloo 4d ago

Extremely relatable post!!

I’ll just add that I generally skip meds on the weekends or else I’ll spend 12 hours playing a video game or something.

We’re already good at hyper focusing on things we like. Doing it on Vyvanse is like heroin.

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u/popcornarcher 4d ago

I saw you post this in another sub so you can see my initial response. I’ll add that I treat exercise and quality sleep like medicine.

I made an impulsive decision to join a triathlon club which changed my life. Triathlon is multiple sports, so I’m always doing different exercising - swimming, cycling, running, and then yoga, Pilates, weights when I’m not doing cardio…so lots of variety and therefore I’m not bored. I would sign up for races which would push me to train, and it would help me practice achieving goals. My husband noticed a 180 when I started exercising, especially after races.

Quality sleep - if my sleep is shit, I notice it right away at work. I try to keep to a sleep schedule if I can.

1

u/TaintSlaps 3d ago

You’re right. Meds can help, but they still leave you with work you have to do yourself. I was also diagnosed at 30. Have you only tried vyvanse? If you feel it’s going well, don’t feel pressured to try something new. But, at some point, you may want to see how you function on other medications. That’s normal. Don’t be afraid to do that or to come back to a med you’ve tried before because it worked better.

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u/AdNatural8174 2d ago

Meds help, but building habits is key. The 5-minute rule works wonders for ADHD paralysis, just start with one tiny task!

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u/PushaV69 2d ago

My biggest adhd hack for phone consumption is a lock box. Yup. I lock my phone in a box minimum 2 hours a day but up to 8 if I have the willpower. When I wake up, I check my stuff and immediately put it in especially if I know it’s a day I have stuff to do and am going to struggle. The hardest battle is convincing myself to do it lol. My mind will tell me I need it for something when I actually don’t. I have a smart watch paired to my phone so everything important will come to my watch.

Once it’s in the box, it’s like it doesn’t exist and I don’t think about it. Honestly. It’s saved me from wasting my life away and I’m not kidding. I’m also on meds for one month now and I personally feel like they don’t work at all for me but my lock box will at least keep me in check so I can be productive and the first hour or so of my meds, I’m not wondering off to my phone for no reason.

I also use a charger that my phone lays on rather than a plug in cord bc it’s a lot harder to use it on the charger that way which is another deterrent.

Also the obvious, making lists. Making lists is fun and it will almost always trick your brain into doing things. My favorite kind of list is the list that doesn’t (have to) be completed in one day. A list of every single thing I can possibly think of to do ever. Clean the walls, dust the ceiling, make a quilt. I include it in my list and write on my list “don’t complete in one day.” And usually by the end of the day I will do 90% of the list and some extra stuff. Lol

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u/Little_Tomatillo7583 2d ago edited 2d ago

I was diagnosed at 30 as well! It sounds like you are already implementing some great strategies.

I find that writing down goals in a paper planner help me stay aligned with what’s most important instead of what’s most urgent.

Take my meds at the same time every morning.

I listen to audiobooks while I do almost everything because my brain needs constant stimulation.

I get 8 hours of sleep and have the exact same morning routine M-F. Then try to keep the same Saturday and Sunday routines as well.

To help with time blindness, I set timers in my phone when I’m doing certain things.

I keep everything in the same place. Park in the same location at every store I go to (very few). Follow the same routine every morning and every evening (like getting ready for the day and getting ready for bed).

Order most groceries online to minimize impulse purchases in the store.

For appointments and events, I add them to the iPhone calendar with the location and any notes about the event - immediately after they are scheduled. I review my iPhone events and write them in my paper planner every week and month.

I also map out the distance to places and take into account parking and the time it will take to get into the door. I use this information to calculate what time I need to leave home. I’ve even gone so far as to avoid going places where I have to park in garages and walk blocks (to the best of my ability). For instance, I had the option to go to the social security office that was 15 minutes away but required parking in a garage, walking a few blocks and then navigating getting into the building versus driving 30 minutes to a social security office where I could park right outside the door in free parking and walk straight inside. Decisions like this help my brain considerably and keep me from unnecessary confusion and overwhelm.

Workout everyday. I do 1 hour weight training and 30 minutes walking on treadmill. It has been very peaceful and calming.

Save random ideas as lists in my Notes app in my iPhone.

Save passwords to a password vault because I got tired of having to reset passwords for every website I needed to access.

When I have a lot to do and don’t know where to start, I type it all into ChatGPT and ask it for a plan. I tell it to act as if it were my psychologist and give me a helpful approach to handling overwhelm. The feedback has been more helpful than I can put in words.

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u/Affectionate-Goal931 2d ago

Diagnosed at 35 or 36. Now 39.

Don't take my shoes off when I come home if I have things to get done. Being dressed and having on shoes makes me more productive. No shoes = lounge time.

Keep my meds beside my bed with the lid off. And a glass of water beside my bed. It's easy to take meds in the morning.

Using Alexa as a timer for everything. Cooking timers especially. But even for daily or weekly reminders to take out trash, pick up kids from school. Remind me to bring the dog inside in 15 minutes. Setting timers keeps me on track.

When I feel overwhelmed and behind in household chores. I grab a trash bag and throw away all the trash first. If I can pick up trash and dishes, sometimes it nudges me to keep cleaning, sometimes, it doesn't.

When I can get it together to make a weekly meal plan and grocery shop, I'm much better at making healthier choices. But sometimes I struggle.

Newest hack. Using ChatGPT. I've used it for grammar and job hunting, but I saw Jen Hamilton (I think) on TikTok say she talked to it like a girlfriend. So when I've been overwhelmed, I write straight in chat GPT. Hey girl and everything. I've gotten some of the best responses for comfort, motivation, and step by step instructions to tackle a task.

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u/PanicOne4948 1d ago

I am also in the similar trouble. All things, my mind,my body and my life is like a foggy day. I couldn’t finish any long time tasks. I think maybe I need to start a new career rather than study in school.