• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 1268 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Do ADHD drugs affect sensory sensitivities?

Jenny Butterfly

I'm wondering about the effects of ADHD drugs on sensory sensitivities.  Yes, we could and should ask the GP but, given the total non engagement within my family plus the fear that any queries will lead to a withdrawal of prescriptions and result in a lack of options, there's a huge reluctance.  

So...  Does anyone have any experience of these drugs, basically methylphenidate, and whether, in proving focus, they might also dial up interoception, with consequences for any issues with joints, nerves and mobility? 

I personally don't feel comfortable with these drugs but I suppose that, were I in a position where my functioning depended upon them, I'd see them rather differently.  The patient information sheets of course list all sorts of things, but most of these are listed as rare so others' experiences would be welcome, if anyone is a willing to share?

Parents

  • Good morning Jenny.  I am trying to sharply focus on this topic at the moment.  My executive function is at an all time low at the moment and my general modus operandi is giving me good reason to think that I could be one of those folk who has a miraculously positive reaction to these classes of drug.

    Despite ditching all alcohol 6 months ago (from a place of volumetric abuse) my long standing coffee consumption (volumetrically abusive also at circa 15 to 20 spoons of instant every day) has remained.  I had hoped that when the depressive booze was ditched, my evident stimulant intake would then fade away.  Not so.

    I am becoming increasingly cross with myself.  Whilst I have now decided not to pursue a formal dx for my autism, I am now looking to secure a formal dx for ADD purely to secure access to the drug and the requisite support to get dosage and timings right for my own personal brand of weird and wonderful.  From what I can gather, these drugs are not to be dallied with, willy nilly....or should that be willy Billy Wizz (I'm the right age for Viz!)

    Unlike the vagaries of trying to secure an autism dx for myaelf, I have very little doubt that the OVERWHELMING body of evidence from my life will get me a rubber stamp of approval without hesitation for ADD.  It looks like a small price to pay (circa £1400) to be able to give this class A route a whirl.

    I will let you know how I get on.  Much love to you and yours in the meanwhile....and thanks for eliciting the tour de force of data from Deepthought.

Reply

  • Good morning Jenny.  I am trying to sharply focus on this topic at the moment.  My executive function is at an all time low at the moment and my general modus operandi is giving me good reason to think that I could be one of those folk who has a miraculously positive reaction to these classes of drug.

    Despite ditching all alcohol 6 months ago (from a place of volumetric abuse) my long standing coffee consumption (volumetrically abusive also at circa 15 to 20 spoons of instant every day) has remained.  I had hoped that when the depressive booze was ditched, my evident stimulant intake would then fade away.  Not so.

    I am becoming increasingly cross with myself.  Whilst I have now decided not to pursue a formal dx for my autism, I am now looking to secure a formal dx for ADD purely to secure access to the drug and the requisite support to get dosage and timings right for my own personal brand of weird and wonderful.  From what I can gather, these drugs are not to be dallied with, willy nilly....or should that be willy Billy Wizz (I'm the right age for Viz!)

    Unlike the vagaries of trying to secure an autism dx for myaelf, I have very little doubt that the OVERWHELMING body of evidence from my life will get me a rubber stamp of approval without hesitation for ADD.  It looks like a small price to pay (circa £1400) to be able to give this class A route a whirl.

    I will let you know how I get on.  Much love to you and yours in the meanwhile....and thanks for eliciting the tour de force of data from Deepthought.

Children
  • in reply to Deleted User
    Unknown said:
    Whilst I have now decided not to pursue a formal dx for my autism, I am now looking to secure a formal dx for ADD purely to secure access to the drug and the requisite support to get dosage and timings right for my own personal brand of weird and wonderful.  From what I can gather, these drugs are not to be dallied with, willy nilly....or should that be willy Billy Wizz (I'm the right age for Viz!)

    Yes, this echoes my concern.  I can see that there is a need to help with focus, organisation and general functionning.  However, at one appointment (where I was accompanying to give moral support and ask questions when the person didn't feel able to) the consultant did emphasise the need to work with them on getting the dosage right over time.  Alas, this is of no use to us as a family when the person believes that the drugs are working fine, there's no need to go back for another stressful appointment and all of the troubling stuff that is emerging relates to something else.  Plus, with that amount of methylphenidate inside them, there is an increased tendency to mood swings and sudden outbursts of rage - a rage which, of course, feels justified and in line with their understanding of what is happening.  I find it hard to raise concerns (which genuinely come from a place of caring) without giving the impression that I don't repect the person's direct experience.  

    Anyway, yes, do give us an update on this.  We ended up having to pay for ADHD assessments too - too much life can be wasted while languishing on waiting lists unfortunately.  I'd be willing to pay for the follow-up too as these are drugs which really need to be monitored.  Hope it goes well for you and you get the treatment you're seeking.