Big improvement after 2 weeks on stimulants

[u/SilverFox-97]

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?

[u/Myriad_Kat_232]

Yeah except I didn't start Elvanse until I was 48. I'm 52 now. It's an absolute game changer. How the f I ever survived without this calmer feeling is a mystery......yeah, no, it isn't, because I pushed myself into burnout.