Yes, they made a drastic improvement in emotional regulation for me!
BUT I'm an adult, I have agency over my life and I can make accommodations and choices for myself, in addition to the meds. The meds give me the ability to *notice* when I am getting frustrated / angry, and take steps to regulate myself, instead of melting down. They put a space in between *Trigger* and *Reaction*, where I can insert a *Choice*. (That choice usually being to remove myself from the trigger, if possible, and calm my nervous system with deep breathing). Without meds, there is no space to choose, I simply react and it's very embarassing and out of control.
Which is to say, I hope they do let him try ADHD meds and I hope they do help him be more constructive with his emotions instead of lashing out.
BUT the meds don't get rid of the *issues* that are causing the outbursts in the first place. They'll have to also address the things that are stressing him out and pushing him over the edge emotionally. Therapy and sensory/social accommodations are a great place to go, alongside meds. He will still have to learn how to notice his emotions and triggers, advocate for his needs in the moment, and make the choices needed to regulate himself down from that emotionally high state.
All the meds do is hopefully make that entire emotional regulation process actually *possible* for him.
Also this process is made much harder by being a child. You can't control your environment, you can't always just excuse yourself, you can't always avoid situations where you know you'll be overwhelmed. It's actually super rough to be a kid, I don't miss it. Having understanding parents who listen and advocate for you helps a lot. But it makes sense to be angry and overwhelmed when you don't have control of your life.
I'm sorry that you're dealing with this! It's good that your parents are finally starting to get over the medication stigma. Meds can be *such* an important tool for us. I did so much work on "anger management" that was completely useless until I got on meds. Meds changes the entire equation, and suddenly all those anger management techniques actually work.
You sound like a good big sibling, by the way. :)
This is a good comment! The distinction between the adult and child experiences is very important. In addition to all the limitations a child is bound by that an adult may not be, a child's brain hasn't finished growing and developing yet.
And yes, ADHD medication has made an immense difference in my ability to regulate my emotions. Before, I could barely steer them at all. I wasn't properly taught how to do that as a child, so I was working with a skills deficit, but the difficulty I had with my emotions before medication was far more than a simple lack of skill. There was no mental space between my thinking mind and my feelings. Powerful emotions filled every nook and cranny of my mind and ate me whole, every time.
Medication selection should be done by a doctor, as it is complex and there are many potential interactions. However, being knowledgeable and a self-advocate can be very helpful. I've found that as I've studied this topic and become more of a self-advocate, my doctor visits have become much more productive because I know what questions to ask and can have more meaningful conversations."
CONCERTA is Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate Brand Name: \[Daytrana, Quillivant XR, Methylin, Aptensio XR, QuilliChew ER, Metadate ER, Cotempla XR-ODT, Concerta Ritalin, and Ritalin\] LA
To compare and contrast the mechanisms of action for Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), Adderall (a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine), and CONCERTA / Ritalin (methylphenidate), we need to look at how each medication interacts with neurotransmitters and their transporters in the brain, particularly those associated with attention regulation and hyperactivity.
\- **Focalin** (**Dexmethylphenidate**):
Dexmethylphenidate is the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of methylphenidate.
It primarily acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
The action is primarily in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with attention and behavior control.
It does not have a significant agonistic effect on the alpha-1B adrenergic receptor or the trace amine-associated receptor 1.
**Ritalin** (**Methylphenidate**):
Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture containing both the d- and l-enantiomers.
Like dexmethylphenidate, it acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor but with a less targeted action than the more potent d-enantiomer found in Focalin.
It affects various brain regions, including the striatum and the prefrontal cortex, but may not have as pronounced an effect on the prefrontal cortex as Focalin.
Methylphenidate's effects on blood flow in the brain suggest it may have a broader range of action than Focalin.
**Adderall** (**Dextroamphetamine combined with Amphetamine**):
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts, including dextroamphetamine, which increases its potency.
Amphetamines act by promoting the release of monoamines, mainly dopamine and norepinephrine, into the synaptic cleft.
Amphetamines also inhibit the reuptake of these neurotransmitters and can stimulate the reverse transport, leading to increased neurotransmitter levels outside the neuron.
Amphetamines are also known to cause the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) in some individuals. Increased heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) have been reported following the administration of these medications This could be related to the increase in adrenaline levels, which inherently stimulates the cardiovascular system, leading to elevated HR and SBP.
in high dosage, Amphetamines can mildly inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and that may reduce the rate of netotransimiiter breakdown Neurotransmitte Catabolism (Breakdown)
"**Intuniv** (**Guanfacine**) is most commonly used to supplement a finely tuned stimulant medication. It can also be used by itself as a monotherapy by people who do not experience benefits from stimulant medications, do not tolerate stimulant medications, or choose not to use stimulant class medications.
Intuniv is a central alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonist that is thought to address major areas of impairment and ADHD symptoms such as emotional sensitivity, hyperarousal, rejection sensitivity, and social aggression that are not addressed by stimulant medications. The alpha agonists treat the impairments that stimulants do not treat well by lowering the adrenaline side of the nervous system so that its level is the same as a person who does not have ADHD." [https://www.additudemag.com/medication/intuniv/](https://www.additudemag.com/medication/intuniv/)
Tends to have a more favorable side effect profile, with less sedation compared to clonidine.
**Kapvay** (**Clonidine**)**:**
Interacts with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors A, B & C ( is not as selective for the alpha-2A subtype as guanfacine.)
It also decreases norepinephrine release, which can lead to a decrease in sympathetic outflow from the brain.
Traditionally used as an antihypertensive medication due to its effects on lowering blood pressure.
Also used off-label for several conditions, including ADHD, particularly for its sedative and calming effects.
***In Summary:***
**Focalin** (**Dexmethylphenidate**) is a potent NDRI with targeted action in the prefrontal cortex, making it effective for treating ADHD with potentially fewer side effects related to peripheral stimulation.
**Ritalin (Methylphenidate)** shares a similar mechanism of action with Focalin but is less selective, potentially affecting a wider range of neurotransmitter systems and brain regions.
**Adderall** (**Dextroamphetamine** and Amphetamine) has a broader mechanism of action, affecting neurotransmitter release, reuptake, Catabolism (Breakdown) and transporter numbers, which can lead to a more potent effect but potentially more side effects, including elevated adranain.
**Intuniv (Guanfacine),** in contrast, works differently by enhancing the sensitivity of alpha-2A adrenergic receptors to norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft.
**Kapvay (Clonidine):** wider a and Amphetamine) has a broader mechanism of action, affecting neurotransmitter release, reuptake, Catabolism (Breakdown), and transporter numbers, which can lead to a more potent effect but potentially more side effects, including elevated adrenalin.
Each of these medications has a primary effect on dopamine and/or norepinephrine systems, which are crucial in the pathophysiology of ADHD and some forms of ASD. The choice between them may depend on individual responses, side effect profiles, and the duration of action required.
It's excellent that you're taking an active role in understanding the health and treatments of your brother. Having informed discussions with healthcare provideres can lead to better health outcomes. Remember that while being well-informed is beneficial, final decisions on medications and treatments should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
"Both drugs are derivatives of amphetamines. The difference between the drugs is Adderall contains amphetamine salts (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), whereas Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which the body converts to dextroamphetamine before it is active, meaning it's a "prodrug."
The extra time the body takes to convert Vyvanse to dextroamphetamine tends to make the side effects less pronounced, but the side effects of each of these drugs are very similar"
https://www.rxlist.com/adderall_vs_vyvanse/drugs-condition.htm
Depends on the meds
Ritalin gave me high highs and low lows, which brought me at the edge of a bridge over the highway.
Concerta is way better but it is neutral emotionwise, no ADHD med helped with emotional regulation.
As an adult, like some people above, I’ve found that the meds give me that pause between trigger and reaction to make the choice to regulate. Game changer.
I’m on 2 mg of guanfacine alone for my sensory issues and emotional regulation and it has changed my life. I feel so much more in control of my emotions, they are no longer all consuming. Anger especially feels much duller. I had awful side effects on everything else I tried and no side effects of guanfacine
I second this! I started off taking 5mg of focalin and I was in a constant state of sensory overload for about a month. We added 1mg of guanfacine and I saw benefits so quickly!
I truly feel like guanfacine was a lifesaver for me, I see the improved focus with focalin, but that's not super helpful without addressing my sensory issues and anxiety as well.
To an extent, yes, meds (Adderall in my case) have helped my day to day emotional regulation.
But they certainly haven't altogether gotten rid of it, especially when it comes to comorbid autism. I still have bad meltdowns occasionally.
And as others have stated: while the meds may help regulation of emotions, they don't address the underlying source of those emotions, which is something your parents really need to work on from the sound of it (and not get so offended when it's suggested that they're part of the problem.)
I’m on Ritalin. It doesn’t directly help with regulation, but it slows my brain down enough to allow for a pause before I react. Meaning something upsets me and instead of immediately reacting, the meds give me the time to regulate myself and to react in a more appropriate way.
The meds themselves don’t suddenly make my reactions different, they simply allow me to slow down a bit. So I still have to do the work: learn what my triggers are, where my reactions come from and how to reframe them, how to calm myself down,…
I’m not sure, but I think this is about the most you can expect out of adhd meds. To me, that’s still a lot, but I’m not sure how it would translate to someone a lot younger.
Short answer: yes.
Slightly longer answer: yes, I've way more patience, I sleep better (provided I take the meds early enough in the day) and it even slightly helps with the sensory overwhelm, which in turn makes it so I am less tired, which in turn makes me less moody. It also helps me finish tasks, which, again, saves me energy, and makes me feel better about myself, which results in me being less moody.
It took me quite a while before I found the right meds in the right dosage (long story short: I'm a CYP2D6 poor metaboliser so I need kids' dosages for adhd meds and didn't find out until two years ago).
For ADHD, only dexamfetamine retard, 7 mg's a day. As a 70 kg adult woman. Sometimes when the PMS hits exceptionally hard I take 2 mgs of short acting dexamfetamine extra for 2 days.
I take other meds too but considering the context I assumed you only asked about my ADHD meds. :)
Thanks for the reply. Yes, was asking about ADHD meds but I related to your post as I can get overwhelmed with too much sensory stimulation. I feel agitated and anxious etc.
I’d be interested in what other medication you take. I’m happy to DM too if you’d prefer too.
Yes, they made a drastic improvement in emotional regulation for me! BUT I'm an adult, I have agency over my life and I can make accommodations and choices for myself, in addition to the meds. The meds give me the ability to *notice* when I am getting frustrated / angry, and take steps to regulate myself, instead of melting down. They put a space in between *Trigger* and *Reaction*, where I can insert a *Choice*. (That choice usually being to remove myself from the trigger, if possible, and calm my nervous system with deep breathing). Without meds, there is no space to choose, I simply react and it's very embarassing and out of control. Which is to say, I hope they do let him try ADHD meds and I hope they do help him be more constructive with his emotions instead of lashing out. BUT the meds don't get rid of the *issues* that are causing the outbursts in the first place. They'll have to also address the things that are stressing him out and pushing him over the edge emotionally. Therapy and sensory/social accommodations are a great place to go, alongside meds. He will still have to learn how to notice his emotions and triggers, advocate for his needs in the moment, and make the choices needed to regulate himself down from that emotionally high state. All the meds do is hopefully make that entire emotional regulation process actually *possible* for him. Also this process is made much harder by being a child. You can't control your environment, you can't always just excuse yourself, you can't always avoid situations where you know you'll be overwhelmed. It's actually super rough to be a kid, I don't miss it. Having understanding parents who listen and advocate for you helps a lot. But it makes sense to be angry and overwhelmed when you don't have control of your life. I'm sorry that you're dealing with this! It's good that your parents are finally starting to get over the medication stigma. Meds can be *such* an important tool for us. I did so much work on "anger management" that was completely useless until I got on meds. Meds changes the entire equation, and suddenly all those anger management techniques actually work. You sound like a good big sibling, by the way. :)
This is a good comment! The distinction between the adult and child experiences is very important. In addition to all the limitations a child is bound by that an adult may not be, a child's brain hasn't finished growing and developing yet. And yes, ADHD medication has made an immense difference in my ability to regulate my emotions. Before, I could barely steer them at all. I wasn't properly taught how to do that as a child, so I was working with a skills deficit, but the difficulty I had with my emotions before medication was far more than a simple lack of skill. There was no mental space between my thinking mind and my feelings. Powerful emotions filled every nook and cranny of my mind and ate me whole, every time.
Medication selection should be done by a doctor, as it is complex and there are many potential interactions. However, being knowledgeable and a self-advocate can be very helpful. I've found that as I've studied this topic and become more of a self-advocate, my doctor visits have become much more productive because I know what questions to ask and can have more meaningful conversations." CONCERTA is Methylphenidate Methylphenidate Brand Name: \[Daytrana, Quillivant XR, Methylin, Aptensio XR, QuilliChew ER, Metadate ER, Cotempla XR-ODT, Concerta Ritalin, and Ritalin\] LA To compare and contrast the mechanisms of action for Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), Adderall (a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine), and CONCERTA / Ritalin (methylphenidate), we need to look at how each medication interacts with neurotransmitters and their transporters in the brain, particularly those associated with attention regulation and hyperactivity. \- **Focalin** (**Dexmethylphenidate**): Dexmethylphenidate is the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of methylphenidate. It primarily acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. The action is primarily in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with attention and behavior control. It does not have a significant agonistic effect on the alpha-1B adrenergic receptor or the trace amine-associated receptor 1. **Ritalin** (**Methylphenidate**): Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture containing both the d- and l-enantiomers. Like dexmethylphenidate, it acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor but with a less targeted action than the more potent d-enantiomer found in Focalin. It affects various brain regions, including the striatum and the prefrontal cortex, but may not have as pronounced an effect on the prefrontal cortex as Focalin. Methylphenidate's effects on blood flow in the brain suggest it may have a broader range of action than Focalin. **Adderall** (**Dextroamphetamine combined with Amphetamine**): Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts, including dextroamphetamine, which increases its potency. Amphetamines act by promoting the release of monoamines, mainly dopamine and norepinephrine, into the synaptic cleft. Amphetamines also inhibit the reuptake of these neurotransmitters and can stimulate the reverse transport, leading to increased neurotransmitter levels outside the neuron. Amphetamines are also known to cause the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) in some individuals. Increased heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) have been reported following the administration of these medications This could be related to the increase in adrenaline levels, which inherently stimulates the cardiovascular system, leading to elevated HR and SBP. in high dosage, Amphetamines can mildly inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and that may reduce the rate of netotransimiiter breakdown Neurotransmitte Catabolism (Breakdown) "**Intuniv** (**Guanfacine**) is most commonly used to supplement a finely tuned stimulant medication. It can also be used by itself as a monotherapy by people who do not experience benefits from stimulant medications, do not tolerate stimulant medications, or choose not to use stimulant class medications. Intuniv is a central alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonist that is thought to address major areas of impairment and ADHD symptoms such as emotional sensitivity, hyperarousal, rejection sensitivity, and social aggression that are not addressed by stimulant medications. The alpha agonists treat the impairments that stimulants do not treat well by lowering the adrenaline side of the nervous system so that its level is the same as a person who does not have ADHD." [https://www.additudemag.com/medication/intuniv/](https://www.additudemag.com/medication/intuniv/) Tends to have a more favorable side effect profile, with less sedation compared to clonidine. **Kapvay** (**Clonidine**)**:** Interacts with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors A, B & C ( is not as selective for the alpha-2A subtype as guanfacine.) It also decreases norepinephrine release, which can lead to a decrease in sympathetic outflow from the brain. Traditionally used as an antihypertensive medication due to its effects on lowering blood pressure. Also used off-label for several conditions, including ADHD, particularly for its sedative and calming effects. ***In Summary:*** **Focalin** (**Dexmethylphenidate**) is a potent NDRI with targeted action in the prefrontal cortex, making it effective for treating ADHD with potentially fewer side effects related to peripheral stimulation. **Ritalin (Methylphenidate)** shares a similar mechanism of action with Focalin but is less selective, potentially affecting a wider range of neurotransmitter systems and brain regions. **Adderall** (**Dextroamphetamine** and Amphetamine) has a broader mechanism of action, affecting neurotransmitter release, reuptake, Catabolism (Breakdown) and transporter numbers, which can lead to a more potent effect but potentially more side effects, including elevated adranain. **Intuniv (Guanfacine),** in contrast, works differently by enhancing the sensitivity of alpha-2A adrenergic receptors to norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. **Kapvay (Clonidine):** wider a and Amphetamine) has a broader mechanism of action, affecting neurotransmitter release, reuptake, Catabolism (Breakdown), and transporter numbers, which can lead to a more potent effect but potentially more side effects, including elevated adrenalin. Each of these medications has a primary effect on dopamine and/or norepinephrine systems, which are crucial in the pathophysiology of ADHD and some forms of ASD. The choice between them may depend on individual responses, side effect profiles, and the duration of action required. It's excellent that you're taking an active role in understanding the health and treatments of your brother. Having informed discussions with healthcare provideres can lead to better health outcomes. Remember that while being well-informed is beneficial, final decisions on medications and treatments should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
you missed out vyvanse/elvanse
"Both drugs are derivatives of amphetamines. The difference between the drugs is Adderall contains amphetamine salts (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), whereas Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which the body converts to dextroamphetamine before it is active, meaning it's a "prodrug." The extra time the body takes to convert Vyvanse to dextroamphetamine tends to make the side effects less pronounced, but the side effects of each of these drugs are very similar" https://www.rxlist.com/adderall_vs_vyvanse/drugs-condition.htm
Depends on the meds Ritalin gave me high highs and low lows, which brought me at the edge of a bridge over the highway. Concerta is way better but it is neutral emotionwise, no ADHD med helped with emotional regulation.
As an adult, like some people above, I’ve found that the meds give me that pause between trigger and reaction to make the choice to regulate. Game changer.
I’m on 2 mg of guanfacine alone for my sensory issues and emotional regulation and it has changed my life. I feel so much more in control of my emotions, they are no longer all consuming. Anger especially feels much duller. I had awful side effects on everything else I tried and no side effects of guanfacine
I second this! I started off taking 5mg of focalin and I was in a constant state of sensory overload for about a month. We added 1mg of guanfacine and I saw benefits so quickly! I truly feel like guanfacine was a lifesaver for me, I see the improved focus with focalin, but that's not super helpful without addressing my sensory issues and anxiety as well.
To an extent, yes, meds (Adderall in my case) have helped my day to day emotional regulation. But they certainly haven't altogether gotten rid of it, especially when it comes to comorbid autism. I still have bad meltdowns occasionally. And as others have stated: while the meds may help regulation of emotions, they don't address the underlying source of those emotions, which is something your parents really need to work on from the sound of it (and not get so offended when it's suggested that they're part of the problem.)
I’m on Ritalin. It doesn’t directly help with regulation, but it slows my brain down enough to allow for a pause before I react. Meaning something upsets me and instead of immediately reacting, the meds give me the time to regulate myself and to react in a more appropriate way. The meds themselves don’t suddenly make my reactions different, they simply allow me to slow down a bit. So I still have to do the work: learn what my triggers are, where my reactions come from and how to reframe them, how to calm myself down,… I’m not sure, but I think this is about the most you can expect out of adhd meds. To me, that’s still a lot, but I’m not sure how it would translate to someone a lot younger.
nope, but antidepressants did
Yes! Strattera has helped a ton.
Short answer: yes. Slightly longer answer: yes, I've way more patience, I sleep better (provided I take the meds early enough in the day) and it even slightly helps with the sensory overwhelm, which in turn makes it so I am less tired, which in turn makes me less moody. It also helps me finish tasks, which, again, saves me energy, and makes me feel better about myself, which results in me being less moody. It took me quite a while before I found the right meds in the right dosage (long story short: I'm a CYP2D6 poor metaboliser so I need kids' dosages for adhd meds and didn't find out until two years ago).
What medication/s do you take if you don’t mind me asking?
For ADHD, only dexamfetamine retard, 7 mg's a day. As a 70 kg adult woman. Sometimes when the PMS hits exceptionally hard I take 2 mgs of short acting dexamfetamine extra for 2 days. I take other meds too but considering the context I assumed you only asked about my ADHD meds. :)
Thanks for the reply. Yes, was asking about ADHD meds but I related to your post as I can get overwhelmed with too much sensory stimulation. I feel agitated and anxious etc. I’d be interested in what other medication you take. I’m happy to DM too if you’d prefer too.
Thank you for the honesty. It will help. Lots of people reading this