Do ADHD drugs affect sensory sensitivities?

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.

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.     

Jenny Butterfly said:

I'd be willing to pay for the follow-up too as these are drugs which really need to be monitored.

Yes, I have factored these in.

Thankfully, the risks associated with suicidal ideation -v- rage are not of notable concerns for my character.  Shutting down and looking unapproachable has always been my default reaction at times of extreme emotional swings and I've already faced-off my demons on previous occasions when there wasn't even any conceivable explanation for the rare occurrences of low or raging mood.  I am confident I will be able to work with the chemical reactions howsoever they manifest whilst we are fiddling with the metrics.

Thanks for your concern and advice.

For me, this is the end of a very long journey of consideration and exploration.  My only real concern is that this might not work for me - and that would seriously deflate me!  I do know that I have unusual relationships with many chemical substances - I get no painkilling benefit from morphine for instance, which I learnt the hard way (as did a ward full of patients unfortunate enough to be with me at that time!) and my coffee and alcohol matters we have discussed previously.

Fingers crossed.....I have some weeks yet before I will be in a position to get the ball rolling on this.

That's good.  You seem to have a very considered and balanced approach.  I am more of an internaliser myself too, with more of a tendency towards shutdown than rage, but I don't know whether I'd become more likely to externalise my feeling if I were taking methylphenidate.  It's good to commit to working through anything that gets thrown up during the process of finding the right dose for you.  

That's good.  You seem to have a very considered and balanced approach.  I am more of an internaliser myself too, with more of a tendency towards shutdown than rage, but I don't know whether I'd become more likely to externalise my feeling if I were taking methylphenidate.  It's good to commit to working through anything that gets thrown up during the process of finding the right dose for you.  

For me, this is the end of a very long journey of consideration and exploration.  My only real concern is that this might not work for me - and that would seriously deflate me!  I do know that I have unusual relationships with many chemical substances - I get no painkilling benefit from morphine for instance, which I learnt the hard way (as did a ward full of patients unfortunate enough to be with me at that time!) and my coffee and alcohol matters we have discussed previously.

Fingers crossed.....I have some weeks yet before I will be in a position to get the ball rolling on this.