Adjusting to New Meds.
By Tammy
@tammys85 (31376)
Baltimore, Maryland
April 13, 2026 2:25pm CST
I was going to start with my “Happy Monday” post, but I want to switch them. I’ve also had this open for a bit now, and I’m just now getting to it.
No judgment or anything, please. If I’m sharing something like this, it’s because I’m trusting you guys. I don’t think anyone on here, at least not the people I usually talk to, would do that to me. But unfortunately, I still have anxiety, and sometimes I overthink.
So last week, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I, along with others, have suspected I have it for years, but I didn’t get the official diagnosis until almost a week ago. My psych prescribed medication, and I’m going to work with my therapist on focus strategies, so I’m not ONLY relying on meds. Btw, focus and procrastination are my pain points, so that’s what I’m looking to tackle the most.
Anyway, I picked up my medication yesterday, which was the pharmacy thing I mentioned on Saturday (I didn’t make it there then). I took it for the first time this morning, but it was a little later than I had intended. I also did something stupid… ordered a coffee at the coffee shop (caffeinated).
For a bit, I felt weird. Like, shaking and anxious, and that alone was distracting. I wasn’t panicking, though, because I knew it was a side effect and would pass. I’m adjusting to new meds; it’s to be expected. Plus, I’m not alone at the coffee shop.
Fortunately, the side effects have gone down. I’m not as shaky, and my anxiety isn’t a bother at the moment. I’m also a little more focused on my order.
So, I got through that first little adjustment period. I’m planning to take the medication even earlier tomorrow (it MUST be taken in the morning and after breakfast). I’m also going to switch out the coffee for either an Italian soda (seltzer water and flavored syrup) or a hot or iced tea. I’ll decrease my coffee intake until I’m more used to things.
I was chattier than usual during that little adjustment period, both online and offline. I was pretty upfront as to why, and people were so understanding. I appreciate it; a little understanding goes a long way.
Alrighty, I’m going to get this order done. I’ll save the rest of my work for tomorrow. Now that I know what to expect and how to get through it, I think I’ll do better tomorrow.
I’ll try to post again later, but no promises. I hope you all enjoy your day!
8 people like this
8 responses
@Ineeddentures (32970)
•
13 Apr
My doctor told me 10 years ago he suspected I might have ADHD
I've never been back to see a Doctor
Anyway, as long as you are doing well and understand the diagnosis and how the meds work you will be fine.
Can I ask you why you thought you had it for years
I sort of felt the same.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
29 Apr
Oooh, why not? I mean, if it doesn't bother you, you don't HAVE to take meds or anything. It was becoming a bother for me, i.e., not focusing on my work or losing my train of thought mid-conversation.
It's a lot to explain at the moment, just look up ADHD symptoms in adult women (it's a bit different for men and women, I think, but I don't know why), and I hit a lot of those marks. Focus and distraction issues are my two biggest pain points, followed by losing my train of thought in the middle of talking to people (so frustrating. Mine is more of an attention issue than being hyperactive.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
3 May
@Ineeddentures Yes! It frustrates me, especially when people rush for a response. Give me a minute to collect my thoughts.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (32970)
•
29 Apr
@tammys85
I think you and I have very similar aspects of this.
Losing train of thought when speaking to people, it's not good and happens to me a lot
1 person likes this

@MommyOfEli2013 (89275)
• Rupert, Idaho
14 Apr
Well that's good to finally have the diagnosis, and meds and other things started towards helping. I can't imagine how that adjustment time would have felt like, but that's good to have made it through.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
29 Apr
Thank you so much! Luckily, I know what to do to combat it now, like lowering my caffeine and taking the Adderall early. I really appreciate it. I think I'm doing better. My overwhelming and irritable feelings have gone down. If they didn't by June, I was going to ask to lower my dosage.
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
4 May
@MommyOfEli2013 Thank you! I'm going to switch out coffee for tea on some days. It's less caffeine, and I do enjoy tea.
@MommyOfEli2013 (89275)
• Rupert, Idaho
29 Apr
@tammys85 Well that is good you know what to do to help it now...and that you are doing better. I know those feelings constantly, so to not feel them as much would be a relief, I can just imagine. Lowering caffeine though? That's never fun! lol I know, needed sometimes.
1 person likes this

@Nawsheen (28761)
• Mauritius
13 Apr
The shakiness and anxiety you felt make sense. Many ADHD medications are stimulants, so pairing them with coffee can intensify side effects. Your plan to take your medication earlier and switch to tea or an Italian soda sounds wise and practical.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
13 Apr
Thanks! Ordering a coffee was such a stupid idea. If I need a splash of caffeine, I'll take a sip of soda before I leave (I take water with me, don't worry) or just order a tea, but I'm decreasing my coffee intake until I adjust. Mine is an extended-release stimulant. And thanks again, definitely going to stick with that plan. I need to be able to focus on my work this week, but luckily, I was told I can skip on low-activity days (like the weekend).
1 person likes this
@Nawsheen (28761)
• Mauritius
16 Apr
@tammys85 I have ulcerative colitis, so I have to be very careful with what I eat and drink. Coffee is a definite no—it triggers flare-ups every time. I manage my condition with prescribed medications and a strict diet to keep symptoms under control. Lots of gentle, gut-friendly foods, and plenty of caution! It’s not always easy
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
29 Apr
@Nawsheen Oh I can understand that. Can you do decaf coffee, if you just want the taste? Or maybe tea? How are you doing with all of it?
I do have caffeine, but I also have water and know when to slow down. But water is a MUST, and it's free at the coffee shop. If need be, I'll have a sip of soda or something before I leave, just to get in a little caffeine and wake up, and then order something non-caffeinated.
Once summer hits, I'll mostly order Italian soda or iced tea anyway. It just hits better than coffee on a hot day.
@FourWalls (86240)
• United States
14 Apr
Best of luck in dealing with the medication. I take Prozac for anxiety, and it was murder for the first couple of days!! 

1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
29 Apr
Thank you so much!
I'm on Lexapro for anxiety, which I take at night (and Adderall in the morning). When I first switched to Lexapro, my psych put me on Klonopin (it's like Xanax) to combat the higher anxiety levels (side effects during the adjustment period). I was already waking up with panic attacks, so I think he wanted to give me some relief.
I only take the Klonopin when I really need it now, which isn't often at all. And I WON'T take it while adjusting to Adderall.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31376)
• Baltimore, Maryland
29 Apr
I focus better at the coffee shop. It also didn't hit me until I was at the coffee shop. Fortunately, I was only 4 minutes from home, and most people know me as a regular. My niece also works there, so she was only a text away (via me or baristas). The barista there had a friend on Adderall, so she was familiar with what was going on. I also could've gotten someone to get me if need be. I definitely understand what you're saying though, and I'm glad I wasn't farther away from home.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (121790)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
14 Apr
I wish you the best of good luck getting health wise soon.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (121790)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
29 Apr
@tammys85 You are welcome.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97678)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Apr
I hope you got your work done and had a good day,
1 person likes this









