Adjusting to New Meds.

@tammys85 (31112)
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!
7 people like this
8 responses
@Nawsheen (28641)
• Mauritius
14h
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 (31112)
• Baltimore, Maryland
14h
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).
@AmbiePam (117404)
• United States
14h
I’m glad you got the first use of it out of the way.
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (31112)
• Baltimore, Maryland
14h
Thank you so much. It might happen again tomorrow, but now that I know what to expect, I have a plan in place.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (84941)
• United States
7h
Best of luck in dealing with the medication. I take Prozac for anxiety, and it was murder for the first couple of days!!
@sallypup (68679)
• Centralia, Washington
11h
I can understand taking that medication at home for sure but not while I was out in public and vulnerable. Good luck.
@Deepizzaguy (120137)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11h
I wish you the best of good luck getting health wise soon.
• Rupert, Idaho
10h
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.
@RasmaSandra (96333)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13h
I hope you got your work done and had a good day,
12h
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.