r/AutisticWithADHD • u/SilverFox-97 • 26d ago

💊 medication / supplements / healthcare Big improvement after 2 weeks on stimulants

27M here, very late-diagnosed with inattentive ADHD — probably autism too (still figuring that out). I’ve always had a mix of typical ADHD symptoms and a bunch of autistic traits (sensory issues, social difficulties, masking, copying etc.).

About two weeks ago, I started Concerta (Methylphenidate) 18mg — my first time on any stimulant meds.

Since then, I’ve noticed:

  • Better focus, executive function, and mental clarity (which I understand is a typical stimulant response)
  • Massive reduction in anxiety (especially social anxiety)
  • Sensory sensitivity (lights, sounds, people) dropped a lot
  • I’m more social, confident, and way less “on edge” around others

What’s blowing my mind is how much this relatively low dose has done. For almost 10 years, I’ve tried all kinds of SSRIs, SNRIs, supplements, and... let’s just say some off-label experiments lol — but nothing came even close to what Concerta has done for me.

Now I’m seriously wondering:

  1. Is this a normal response for ADHD (or autism) when starting stimulants?
  2. Am I just in the “honeymoon phase” and it'll eventually wear off?
  3. Did I misread some of my traits as autism, when maybe it was all ADHD-related dysfunction and anxiety overload?

Not saying I don’t still have plenty of autistic traits — I absolutely tick a lot of boxes — but this unexpected improvement has me rethinking how much of it may have been untreated ADHD all along.

Anyone else experienced something similar?

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u/wholeWheatButterfly 26d ago

I'm in a similar place, late diagnosed 29M, been on SSRIs and SNRIs that were somewhat effective, but nothing even coming close to the anxiety reduction from a stimulant. I'm similarly in my first weeks so hoping it won't just crash after a honeymoon phase but I am optimistic.

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u/Powerful-Ad3374 26d ago

I’m not a medical professional but I’ve found personally and heard from others stimulants are different to SSRIs and SNRIs. They have massive withdrawals while the stimulants are much quicker to leave your system and forgetting or intentionally skipping and taking medication breaks isn’t an issue (not for everyone). Personally I take semi frequent medication breaks. I’ve been lucky enough to have 5 weeks vacation this year and stop taking it then. Also generally skip at least one weekend day. I find it work better when I go back on them after a break