What to do If You Can't Get Your ADHD Meds? 

"It turns out I need my meds to USE a lot of those coping strategies" Welcome to another episode of Jess sums up my entire life in 1 sentence!

With meds I see colors much more vivid, I focus much better, I get relaxed much easier, I do not have compulsive eating cravings, the anxiety went away. This anxious fog of thoughts, I was so much used to, I thought it is just normal state of being. With meds I for the first time in my life am truely happy and present.

I’ve never clicked a video faster.

Can you please do a video on *body focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) with ADHD* (i.e. nail biting, skin picking, cheek biting, etc.)? I feel like it's not talked about very much, but I've struggled with a lot of them my whole life.

One thing I find incredibly helpful when I can't get meds is to take a brief nap during the day. I know that isnt available to everyone, but any kind of rest is better than none. I limit mine to 20min so I dont mess with my sleep schedule, and I find that once I get back out of bed it is so much easier to direct my attention. Like a little reset button :)

The shift between you having a little difficulty starting the video to you being completely engaged in it is so much more apparent when you're off your meds. At their core, your videos are a form of storytelling, and I know I'm exactly the same way when I get into a story. I'm really glad you chose to make this video. I've been unmedicated for a couple years because my coping strategies are sufficient to match my current lifestyle. But I remember the feeling of not having my meds for a few days, and it was very not good.

This is the 2nd national shortage I've seen. I miss desperately when I could take my meds and when my Adderall worked for me.

hope it's okay I comment timestamps in case anyone wants to go back to specific parts 😊 03:17 Readjust workload and expectations 03:46 Lean harder on and adjust coping mechanisms 04:36 Let people know 05:27 Pay attention to your brain chemistry

For myself, I altered #2 to "adjust other people's expectations." Maybe tell folks it's a bad concentration day rather than mention meds. It depends on your coworkers, boss, teacher, classmates, etc., and what you are comfortable telling them.

I went from age 12 to 30 without any meds, I don't recommend. Mostly I have just tried to keep my life as minimalistic and as straight forward as possible, job that doesn't require complex thinking, less belongings, less subscriptions to services and just having lots of boxes you can shove things into to keep things "somewhat" organised." I think the biggest critical factor is having a supportive friend or family member who is aware of your ADHD and have them visit regularly just to give you a reality check and help you body double with cleaning and chores, I have found even if they are just sat down keeping an eye on you that tends to drive you forward to get more done.

I was diagnosed with ADHD this summer and in August I tried medication for the first time. It was fantastic! All of a sudden I was a lot less anxious and reactive, I didn’t overeat like I usually do and I actually *did stuff* instead of just thinking about them! I was absolutely crushed when I had to stop taking it after only 10 days because my blood pressure was through the roof! I was absolutely devastated. It was like I had been shown a different, a *better* world and then told nuh-uh, you can’t go there. Now I’m going through all these tests and medical assessments to find out if I have the heart health to possibly go back on ADHD medication, and it’s compatible with my blood pressure meds. I really, really, really feel for all the ADHD’ers who can’t get their meds now.

I’m a college student who finally got the right medication. This medication shortage scares me. It also scares my mom who’s a child psychiatrist. I NEED my medication. It’s literally life changing for me. I cannot go through college without my meds and I’m terrified right now.

I got diagnosed for adhd now at 46 years old and got medication Concerta is fantastic this change my life totally. I could see how toxic my husband was and break our relationship, I got a totally work situation I got a much much better relationship to my children. I wish everyone out there to found help ❤ Thank you for your videos ❤ I love them

I didn’t know the shortage had been going on so long, I only needed to get my meds refilled recently & called my pharmacy today & they told me about it😭 Right in time for finals week!!! I’m so frustrated

As I'm in an ADHD paralysis watching your videos trying to get back up, just wanted to say that yes it's been such a struggle without my meds !! 😭😭😭😭 Thanks for your videos!!

A few weeks before the shortage was first announced, my husband lost his job. A week before, we lost insurance. Which means no meds anyway, and no knowing when we'd have insurance again. So I feel this SOOOO hard right now. We're currently in a different state living with family, but e hope we can apply for medicaid or something, but the shortage is quite concerning for when we do get insurance. 😰 I just hope we get this figured out soon.

Some of these tips (especially the exercise and leaning on coping mechanisms) are really useful for those of us who can't (or can no longer) take stimulants for side-effect reasons. 😔 For me, regular exercise really helps with energy level and focus. Having an accountability buddy helps with short-term goals like daily word counts or emails.

The first time I ever took my medication, I sat down, waiting to see what effect it would have. I woke up about 45 minutes later. Apparently that was the most relaxed I had been in my life.

This shortage is terrible. I haven’t been able to get a refill on my meds in about 6 months. Then finally, this month I called the pharamcy and they had the name brand in. We paid out the nose, even with insurance. BUT WOW, I feel human again, I can think again! I hope this shortage ends soon.

I was off meds from age 20 to 38, cried when I got back on my meds because I had been struggling for so long and I could live a normal ish life again, Was a relief.

If you take Adderall daily, I highly recommend taking 1 or 2 days off each week. I have found this helps to balance "tolerance creep". There are a few other reasons I like this practice: 1) It is probably purely psychological but it makes you appreciate it more on the days you do take it 2) It gives you small opportunities to practice life without it 3) You can slowly build up an emergency stash which can really come in handy if there is a delay in getting your prescription refilled (or now when there is a shortage)

I HIGHLY recommend (if and when possible) squirreling away meds at times when you don't need them like when you're at home sick in bed, not going to school or work or scaling back half of your dose on a weekend day. Having that med savings account can REALLY save you.

As someone who takes adderall, I relate strongly with this video. Very similar results and feelings. Easiest way to describe it is that it turns the feeling of "I don't want to do it" into "sure, let's do the thing". It gives me motivation and relieves anxiety and depression. Very helpful and I'm thankful for it.

Writing is incredibly hard without meds. I developed tachycardia and can no longer take stimulants and its incredibly challenging. Thanks for what you have done for ADHD advocacy. ❤️

I am so grateful that I found this channel cause I have been so embarrassed about my ADHD and I have been off meds for years a boy a lot of things has suffered

Having never been put on ADHD meds, now at 42, I often find myself wondering what the world looks like from a neurotypical person's perspective. Being able to filter out sounds other that what I'm actively listening to sounds like a super power to me. Having said that, I'm kind of glad that I've never been put on meds, since I really learned a lot about my brain and how it works, and I've honed my coping mechanisms considerably. I do sometimes still wonder, though.

This could not have come at a better time. I haven't been able to be on my meds fully for almost a month and it has messed me up so much. This helped so so much.

This channel convinced me to get my daughter and myself diagnosed! We were prescribed Concerta but had to wait about a week to get them filled as they were on backorder due to a shortage, shipping, or whatever. My kid's teacher and my wife say they can definitely tell the difference between us medicated and unmedicated. Medicated, we are engaged and focused. Unmedicated there is a direct link from our brains to our mouths, our brains are running at Mach speeds, and we become a highly distractible, fidgety, ball of chaos in human form.

I absolutely love this channel! Im 45 been diagnosed since about 8 years old, survived elementary thru high school on Ritalin. Took a break for a few years struggled in the workplace and been on Adderall for YEARS. At 42, became pregnant and went cold turkey off meds - Almost lost my job. Im happily, back on my meds able to work, manage my home & toddler. I've learned the importance of knowing yourself on & off the meds. Growing up I took summers & weekends off and as an adult I too give myself permission to take a day off & have no expectations or accomplishments required of me. It is incredibly hard for me to manage my emotional state when unmedicated. My unfiltered brain to mouth can be hard for someone who doesn't know me. My boyfriend teases me when unmedicated that he absolutely WILL NOT go grocery or any shopping with me, he's miserable with my lack of direction, decision making skills (even with a list in hand!). On the plus side when unmedicated and not overwhelmed or stressed my natural personality shines, my ability to have fun & find humor around me comes easy.. plus my creativity is completely unlocked - Again, only when not stressed or overwhelmed.

I have been off my meds for maybe 6-8 months. I went to renew and my doc denied with no explanation and I haven't asked. I figured I functioned for 40+ years prior to diagnosis, I can do it again. I have definitely noticed the difference. Motivation is big struggle, I'm tired a lot more, and I'm not as productive at work. I cope with caffeine and organizational strategies that have worked in the past, like task lists. Let's just say, Overwhelmed is my constant companion...

I'm dental student and I can't keep up with my studying because of lack of medication and even normal mental treatment, so this is very helpful and it's feel good to be relatable too and I'm not the only one experienced this

Since failing all ADHD medication after giving birth to my twin sons, I rely heavily on coffee, trying to sty hydrated and drinking my water, and the understanding of others. I am REALLY struggling with Emotional Regulation, though, too. Life was so much better when Meds worked for me. I still take my Adderall in certain situations to help make me feel a touch more in control, but it maxes out my anxiety.

These tips are great. In addition to stimulant medication, I have noticed a few things that have had a tremendous positive impact in treating my ADHD- 1- getting enough sleep 2- exercising every day 3- cutting out processed sugar 4- drinking enough water I plan to continue to stay consistent on doing these 4 things until the shortage ends. Good luck to everyone!

I wanted to add that another reason you might want to have a day without your meds is if you are planning on drinking. I’m not condoning in binge drinking or anything but, apparently ADHD meds can effect how alcohol makes you feel and you can feel *less* drunk so you end up drinking more till the stimulants wear off and you are hammered. (Wish I had known this is college but whatever 🙄) I had just upped my meds and was going to a college friend’s wedding and my therapist suggested I skip my dosage that day so I could stay in control. I wanted to share as we head into the holiday season.

Today I was finally diagnosed. And I'm still accepting that it is almost impossible to get meds in my country. I'm also have really harmful coping mechanisms because of untreated bpd due to misdiagnosis in the past. But your channel really brings me hope for a possibility of peaceful future ☺️

As a person who can't get meds because of living in a country that don't really like to give them, I'm really grateful for this video. I've never taken a medication and I'm struggling really hard with some things that people consider normal and I really wish that one day I would have an opportunity to take meds. But for now, even some tips are really helpful

This is soo true. Taking meds and having supportive and non-judgmental peers is definetly a PRIVILEGE! I unfortunately don't have those (besides mom), and most/all of ADHDers in my country don't either... there are no meds anywhere here and I'm just struggling to do what most seem to do fine... it sucks.

You starting this dialogue of the adderall shortage is wonderful because when I run out of my adderall, I almost become Jabba the Hut because Im sluggish and my thoughts are exactly like you said, "trying to nail jello to the wall." I have always lived in a high gear, been artistic and active, but when I was a teenager, I was told I was demon possessed. My ADHD was so out of control that I couldnt finish things or stay focused. This led to depression, along with the spiritual and emotional abuse at home. I got "exercised" from my demon, lol, and continued my life. In college, I switched majors 5 times because I was unable to complete the work as sitting still and focusing hurt my brain. It was almost like trying to fit two opposite ends of magnets together. The "push" away was my brain "pushing" any attempt to better my life or focus on a career. So, after watching my roommate memorize 400 hundred definitions for her Pharmacology class, I continued to cut out my paper stars and became an elementary school teacher. I didn't discover I was ADHD until my divorce and I was 33 years old. Thank God it wasn't a demon!!!

My meds were taken off the market and the substitute was horible. Almost two years later, I’ve learned to just acknowledge what I’m good at and what I’m definitely not. In work, that is ok. In personal life, it’s a big set back.

I found that there are certain conditions that worsen my ADD including fatigue and stress and that trying to minimize those helps a lot. Say if I'm running on little sleep and am under immense pressure of a deadline etc I'm in for a rough day. The smallest tasks feel like moving mountains and problems I can usually solve feel foreign and frustrating. Exercising helps but it's hard to when you've wasted most of the day attempting to work and now have even less time to wrap up your tasks

I am intentionally shifting to a life without meds over the next couple of years because I want to travel extensively internationally and don’t want to have to plan my itinerary around where stimulant medication is legal to bring in (a complicated and very limiting prospect…not to mention actually having to come “home” every few months to get the meds!), so these tips are coming in right on time!

I‘m so happy that we don’t have a shortage where I live. I‘m a PICU nurse so there are literally lifes depending on my ability to focus properly.

I didn't take my meds this weekend for the same reason you did (solidarity) and it was TOUGH. I'm so thankful I had my husband with me because I basically relied on body-doubling to get any amount of work done. We were building furniture and it was getting late on Sunday night and I COULD NOT get my mind off of the idea that we had to finish building this one piece so I could make sure it fit where I wanted it to. He tried to give me the measurement and reassure me but my brain just would NOT get off of this one topic and I finally broke down and told my husband I didnt take my meds and it was why I was so fixated/spiraling about it. I kinda wish I had told him earlier because he was so understanding. My one hope or wish for people with ADHD is that they can be open about their struggles with those they love and rely on to get through times like this when they don't have access to the meds that help them function.

I, jumped through multiple hoops recently to get my Adderall . I found 40 of the 60 I needed, so I went over two weeks without my Adderall before one of the hoops I jumped through came through for me finally (mail order pharmacy through my insurance). I was so grateful because I had started looking at other meds to try, but found that none were going to work for me for one reason or another - only Adderall has no conflicts for me. But, yes, those two weeks I was without I let people know that I was struggling more than usual. I definitely did workouts to help my brain. Tried to eat better for my brain too 😉 But I was really concerned for my fellow ADHD community during this whole shortage, so I'm very grateful you covered this!

Such an important video right now. No one close in my life has (diagnosed) ADHD, and the extremely bad days I’ve had during this medication shortage sometimes makes me feel like a pill-popping drama queen. You and my therapist help me remember to keep a good relationship with my treatment, it’s okay that I need my prescription, it’s okay that it’s hard right now. Thank you thank you

Thank you!! Turns out I really needed this, didn’t even realize it. Currently going through first semester in college, and fun fact, when you work harder and later your meds wear off earlier!😅 So it’s been an unfamiliar struggle for me to have to regularly be doing homework at 9 pm. I can definitely recommend body doubling, that has been a lifesaver!! Find a good study partner if you can. It’s so important, and it’s the only way I’ve managed till now. Even better if you can find someone who you trust enough to tell them when you’re off your meds, that helps too. Another thing I’ve found helps is study music, I’ll pick something pretty repetitive or non-obtrusive and play it just loud enough that it drowns other noise out but isn’t interfering with my thoughts. Also a comfortable/effective place to sit and work, and this one was a bit of a surprise but good lighting. Being able to see your work makes it easier to actually do it, and if you pick the right lighting it can help you wake up and focus.

I need to get diagnosed. What you describe when you're off medication, is how my life has felt for the last 40 something years.

2:46 this moment right here struck home deep. I’m not currently on meds and have been giving it a go without them for a while and with this time I’ve had off my meds I’m actually seeing the benefits they have on my life as a whole. ADHD has taught me a lot about dopamine and I’m realizing that my brain simply doesn’t produce enough on its own. With the help of meds bringing my dopamine levels up to baseline where they’re supposed to be everything just seems, fixed. Like taking a broken sink and fixing it. Like it just fixes me. Sounds funny I know but I’ve been off my meds for a while now and that’s what I’ve come to realize during my time off. Stimulant medication just fixes our dopamine levels.

VERY IMPORTANT: The shortage is not due to an abnormal rise in adhd diagnoses. The government restricted the amount pharmaceutical companies could produce because it saw an ‘abnormal’ rise in prescriptions for adderal. The reason for this is doctors are starting to prescribe adderal to treat long Covid symptoms like brain fog.

I've been STRUGGLING with this. It's been SO hard to get my Adderall lately for my ADHD. I have had some hard moments at work because of them Thank you for voicing this!

I was diagnosed as a kid and used stimulant meds for years, when I became an adult and got into the workforce and started dealing with my other issues it became clear that the side effects of my meds were a big problem so I've had to be off them for nearly 10 years now, and these tips are what I have to do to get through every single day, the life I hoped for as a kid just isn't in the cards for me, and that's OK, now I listen to my body and my brain and my service dog to make sure I take care of myself without overloading my limits.

I live in the Philippines and have not taken meds in 2 weeks. We also have a shortage here. Seeing that it's like a GLOBAL issue is really scary. 🥺

As someone who is currently dealing with both sleep issues and trying to even get the ADHD diagnosis on waiting lists this helps a lot. A lot of this I've had to start doing in general but the sleep issues have really made my ADHD much harder to deal with and made most days bad brain days. I've been doing similar things and taken a few strategies and am SO glad your channel exists. Your channel is what started me learning and thinking about it more clearly so I wanted to thank you!... Even if my ADHD sometimes makes me struggle to watch the newest upload xD Side note, while unhealthy and not perfect I've found Soda (Coke) to be a good substitute for coffee or a French Vanilla/Latte for anyone who wants something sweeter. Coffee is the purest way and probably the better way still. For me tho I tend to have one can of Coke a day as a sort of stimulant that actually gets me going. Days without it I end up wandering, aimless, and I can't tell when I'm tired making sleep harder. It's what I realized I used as a substitute while watching Dr. K and realizing it's what most streamers use. Also on that note I started noticing a lot of RU-vidrs and Streamers have ADHD which was very interesting and made sense lol. The exercise note I also found helpful but my sleep medication makes mornings more groggy so it's been hard to do since I get distracted if I don't do it morning. Been trying to work on that. I never knew how to explain but I always hated the concept of alcohol because it was like: I don't want LESS control of my brain and inhibitions?? It's why I strayed away from it in general. Even when I drank it tho I never enjoyed it and one cocktail in particular I felt a lot more down randomly. So I also avoid it lol Anyways, Thanks for continuing to help the Brains and I just wanted to say I appreciate you! I might not comment often but I appreciate you from the shadows

My gosh. Just hearing that others have “bad brain days” is incredibly validating to me. I’m thankfully in a situation where I’m never without my meds - largely because I gave an awesome psychiatrist. But even with meds, some days my vyvanse just won’t cut the mustard.

One “positive” I will say for being diagnosed as an adult: I feel like I have a clear grasp on how I function without meds. Going without them doesn’t worry me as much as it might if I had grown up taking them. Just me finding a silver lining

My doc and I had finally figured out a mostly-correct balance for my meds (a combo of Adderall XR, Adderall IR, and Wellbutrin), and then this shortage started. My pharmacy forgot to send me my XR last month, even though it’s supposed to be available and not really part of the shortage (and in typical ADHD fashion, I have not called them or my doctor to ask what’s up… nor scheduled my next prescription appt that I technically should have sometime in the next week). My doctor has me trying Focalin to make up for the unavailability of IR, but the dose is definitely too low, and I have to take a full day’s worth in one go to get any effect. Also, for the first time, I understand why some people say their meds make them feel like a zombie. This sucks, and if I ever meet someone who tells me they got a fake diagnosis just so they could get adderall, I’m stealing their meds. And then supergluing a pair of Bluetooth headphones to their ears so that I can stream a randomly changing selection of 3 different songs, a couple podcasts, a talk radio station, and some static into their heads simultaneously until they understand what it’s like to live with my brain without medication.

I live in England and we are having similar problems with lots of medications including ADHD meds and trying to get anyone to believe they are essential is nearly impossible, it's so frustrating. your videos have helped me so much these past few years, thank you!

I'm pregnant right now and not allowed to take stimulant medication and that has been the biggest struggle at work. Letting people know has been HUGE for me, but as you said, not always safe for everyone. My coping mechanisms for my office job: - Be transparent about my availability (update statuses to "slow to respond") and turn off slack, email, etc. Set a timer and check in an hour. - Rely heavier on digital/physical notebooks for my working memory. Even if the notes seem silly. If I take a break, looking at my notes to remember what I was working on is helpful - Like you, I have my "non negotiables"/mandatory tasks. These are usually care tasks like taking a walk without my phone and brushing my teeth. In terms of coping mechansims for my personal life.... haha. Still working on those.

I often tear up while watching your videos because what you say is so relatable, thank you for being vulnerable with the world! I fully accept and love my adhd but sometimes Its great to have a reminder that we are not alone in this never ending battle against air brains.

I can't get meds at all because my Health Provider won't officially diagnose me, even though all the doctors who worked there tested me and are 90% sure I have it. So these coping strategies are all some of us have, thank you for putting them out there!

I literally just started my meds this month. The change to my productivity and overall mental health has been astounding. I am not looking forward to having to go without.

Back before I knew I had ADHD (I was in denial for a long time), I had several coping mechanisms that helped me mask my ADHD symptoms. The biggest one that helped was relying on my fear of my anxiety. It might not have been the most mentally healthy thing, but whenever I knew that not finishing a task would result in my anxiety flaring up, it was a great motivator to be diligent in getting that task done. My particular brand of anxiety is activated whenever I feel that I have failed someone or in something important to me. Luckily, that has been really helpful in getting me to do things I dislike. It has also resulted in a whole lot more anger and self loathing because of my ADHD symptoms. Double edged sword I suppose. I would not have ever made it through college without relying on that fear though.

This is why we should be allowed to stockpile our stimulant medication (adderall, Vyvanse, etc.). Our drug laws do way more harm than good and policy makers have absolutely NO IDEA how painful/uncomfortable it is to go even a few days without those meds. But since they believe that people with adhd really don’t need these meds; they won’t be worried about those who go without it. Here is my favorite quote a really terrible therapist told me and let me know if you agree or disagree, “stimulant medications like adderall are a privilege, not a right.”

I've been pregnant three times, and having to stop Adderall throughout my pregnancies was a huge challenge. (My doctor did say he has ADHD patients that are dangerous drivers when off their meds, and who therefore continued to take medication as the risks were much higher off meds.) It's not ideal, but this is a great reminder to prepare coping strategies as there will probably come a time in everyone's life where they'll have to deal. Big +1 to exercising. A couple of helpful things that weren't in this video: - Most other people don't notice. People aren't paying that much attention to you. I felt that my work performance was so much worse that it must be as obvious to everyone around me as it was to me. Close colleagues told me, "What are you talking about? You're fine." It feels more obvious to you internally than it looks to others. - Try moving things around to optimize your best focus times of day. Mornings are best for me. I make time to do work that requires significant executive function (say, yearly planning...) when I'm at my best. Stuff that can be easily chunked up or is less critical to have all my brain engaged for (answering emails), I save for later in the day.

THANK YOU!!!! I'm a Legal Assistant and Office Manager for 4 attorneys, and we have a constant stream of a full case load. I'm working on recognizing more of my bad brain days w/o my meds. Everyone knows at this point that I'm still not able to fill my prescription and my productivity will be lower and less of the quality they are used to. Which has helped me adjust my expectations and my attorneys have been helping me with leaving notes of what needs done on files, instead of just dropping things on my desk with the expectation of getting "it" done. Still working on the heavier coping strategies. Luckily I have been able to structure the office to what works for me, and my attorneys have been great about it.

I recently decided to finally do something about my symptoms for the benefit of my entire family (I'm a mom of 3) and told my doctor I wanted to be assessed for ADHD. She referred me to the psychologist and when they finally followed up on the referral it was to tell me that they were scheduling 6 months out right now! I've really been struggling these last few days and feeling really down knowing that I have to wait so long to finally get treatment. This video was perfect timing. Although I've never been on meds, it's a reminder to me that there are things I can do to help myself in the meantime (and maybe even beyond if there's still a shortage when I finally get my diagnosis! 😳) I need to start watching more of your videos. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Girl, I don't have ADHD but I watch your show religiously because I have the sensory processing sensitivity trait and most of what works for you, works for me as well (minus a few things, like meds). I am truly grateful, I've never came across hands-on content like this but regarding my trait. Thanks for so so many great ideas and insights. I really hope the meds shortage is over soon and everyone can get their hands on what they need again, this sounds like a nightmare so best of luck, may it gets better soon.

I take med vacations every few months for 1-2 weeks. I do gain a few lbs but I cut down my projects to tiny bites and also take a mental health day. Lean in and take care of yourself!!! ❤

I FINALLY got back on my meds this week after being without for two months (and I also went without for about a month in December). WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!! At my most recent appointment, my provider said that another contribution to the shortage was hurricaines that hit Puerto Rico, which, apparently, is where a lot of ingredients for Adderall come from.

I'm 56 yrs and female and was diagnosed when i was 52 yrs. It took me a long time to accept (~ a year). Your videos have been so helpful!! Thank you!

I’ve had some overlap between prescriptions, so even during the times where I couldn’t get the meds, I still had access to some. Today is the first day without that cushion of extra pills, and it’s been absolutely miserable. I have bad brain fog, I feel tired but also anxious and restless, and I’m so hungry. My stomach won’t stop growing. Every moment that passes at work is more and more excruciating. I can’t believe I was dealing with these symptoms for so many years before taking meds.

My husband has ADHD and takes a stimulant called Concerta. It's very difficult to get his prescription filled, due to the very brief window of time and the restrictions in filling it, but what I wound up doing is giving him a DMAE pill on weekends or other days when I know he won't have to focus. Doing that, I managed to build up an 'emergency buffer' of his Rx for those times, like now, when we can't get his Rx filled. I consider keeping him on his ADHD treatment to be as important as making sure he has his eyeglasses.

I am currently trying to get insurance to get proper medication. The depression you mentioned is where I am right now. I know medicine would help me be more productive as I feel a lack of energy to do daily tasks.🥺 I didn't knw there amwas an Adderall shortage but I pray that our fellow "brains" may get the meds that we very much need!🙏🏾 Thank u for thus vid, I'll be implementing these suggestions until I can get my meds!😊💜

Jessica thank you so much, I knew you’d cover this for us. Words can’t even express how helpful it is to hear how similarly it feels for you to be off your meds as it does for me. The depression is the hardest part for me, and I started to forget that I wasn’t alone in what I was experiencing. Thank you for creating this community and bringing so much awareness to the realities of living with ADHD, especially during a national medication shortage that brings up so many challenges.

I love how fast paste you make your videos it really helps me concentrate for the whole duration of the video. I find oftentimes for videos and thanks to keep my attention I often have to speed Them up a fair bit but that's not always the case with your videos

I think I needed this. As someone with Epilepsy, I was advised against taking medication. So I'm trying to find out how to cope without it. Never been on meds, as I got diagnosed late, but sometimes I wished I had the option... My number 1 coping mechanism is probably coffee 😅

I have a medical condition that led me to stop taking stimulant medication and also curtail non-prescription stimulants like caffeine. I spent many years living this way with un-diagnosed ADHD, so in some ways it is a return to what was high functioning except for two things. 1. I am back to living life on Hard mode which impacts my energy. 2. My awareness of the difference between medicated and un-medicated impacts how I feel about life and sometimes myself. I think that makes telling others with whom I have a degree of trust important for the reason Jessica cited in her video. I also find it easier to overshare in life both before and after stimulant meds, so I have to remember to be selective about who needs to know. So my trusted circle helps me to set expectations for myself and others and also help me filter better.

One of the top things I do is come onto RU-vid and head straight for the How to ADHD channel and watch an amazing video on the problem I’m struggling with at that time. They often feel like they were made just for me. Your videos are a massive part of my coping strategy and they always help. I must have watch “the wall” videos 20+ times! Thank you so much, your efforts on your videos over the years genuinely make a difference in my life.

The adderall shortage is really affecting me at work. Before going on meds, I used coffee to focus, but I went on meds because that became less effective. I've switched back to using coffee, but it's just not the same. And it's a struggle!

I was without meds for a week. I only survived life and work because of the structure I have built into them. The biggest difference I noticed was how much my meds help me self regulate my emotions and remembering things. I kept working things and found myself easily overwhelmed and anxious.

I really hope you get the meds you need soon. I don’t have a formal diagnosis, but I’ve been watching the channel for months and so many things resonate with me. I’ve gotten to the point of calling my insurance company to make sure if I saw someone there’d be no road blocks for adult ADHD testing… med shortage is now my 3,487th excuse for postponing. Lol P.S. I never drank alcohol because I grew up very very religious. Now I feel like if I ever started I’d just use it as self-medication for depression. P.P.S. I kinda like bouncing around the room Jessica.

This is extremely scary to me because I can't just stop taking my stimulant without really awful side effects. If I go more than 1 day, I'll get dizzy, light-headed, nauseous, etc. It's horrible! I feel for anyone going through this! I also wish there wasn't so much damn stigma and aduse around our meds so we could better help each other. I know a lot of us had to try several meds and doses to get the right one and have the unused stuff just sitting around wasted.

Thank you so much for addressing this! I've been off of my meds for over a month now because of the shortage and I had to start my PhD this month too... its been hard since it was the first time I'd been off of them since I got on them last year. My impulsiveness is definitely harder to control

I'm SO grateful that you made this video! I first had an issue with getting my Adderall refilled starting a few months ago. I am needing to refill again. As my supply gets lower and lower I have greater anxiety. I have been fearful about what not having any meds. will do to me. I was without once for a few days and it was very unpleasant. It felt like what a withdrawal might be like. I have since been learning coping strategies with resources such as this channel. Hearing Jessica's experiences and strategies is helping ease some of my anxiety of the possibility of not being able to take meds and also reading others comments here on this subject. Thank you to Jessica and everyone who comments! Wish me luck as I also wish you during this national shortage.

Came here to re-watch this because my meds have been out of stock for 3 weeks. I am not enjoying being off with the fairies at a time when I have urgent, important stuff to get done, but the reminder to tell people is like, oh, yeah. I told people at work, but not the people at uni, and that is vastly more important right now. Thank you for the advice.

I opened up to my job and they were super supportive. I feel so fortunate because I've never had that and had to have so many jobs before I found one. Good luck and hopefully things continue to change. Thanks for sharing this Jessica!

Thank you for this. I've steadily been on the same meds for a decade and don't really take breaks (the fallout from the times I have are enough for me to not want to). I'm on day 4 w/o them and struggling really hard. Withdrawal symptoms are bad enough but I've realized I've literally structured my entire life around having meds available and its like idk exactly how to function w/o them.

I love how you're so in tune with your ADHD and how this drives you -- This is a level of maturity and control that I never knew is possible. Thank you so much!

I'm having a rough time with getting my medications this month, and it's always been hard, so honestly thank you so much

I didn't know that there was a shortage!?!? Good thing that I'm seeing this!!!

Thank you for making these videos. I’m still hesitating on getting diagnosed because of money issues. But you describing your brain days off meds helps me to realize those are my every days and reaffirm to myself that I do struggle/have ADHD and to keep getting diagnosed as a goal. Because I’ve just recently in the past couple of years noticed my ADHD, I’ve been struggling to try to recognize if I’ve experienced it in my youth, so hearing other’s experiences of having ADHD helps me to quiet the critic in my mind that keeps telling me that I don’t have it and to keep handling these symptoms by myself. ❤

I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes chooses to go off-med some days. I’ve recovering from Covid right now. I’ve not taken any since I’ve been so sick. I didn’t want to waste them on being so sick.

Here in Brazil, in addition to having few professionals able to diagnose the disorder, and having a lot of prejudice on their part, medication is extremely expensive. Right now I'm having to manage a bottle so it lasts until I get a new job, it's hard. And it's much more difficult and painful to try to lower expectations about our productivity when we don't take the medication.

I agree with taking short breaks from medication. I have been taking adderal for about a year now and when I'm on meds for a straight 2-3 months my mental state is not very good. I start struggling with low mood(not sure how to describe yet, possible depression) flat personality, more irritable, and not so happy thoughts. I took a 3 day weekend off and myntal me state improved significantly. Im starting to take short weekend breaks if life allows, and get back into a good happy place. I'm still learning more about ADHD, myself, and potential autism so i don't have too many coping strategies yet but I am very glad and thankful for funding your channel.

I take vitamins and keep negative habits away and lower my highly stimulated visuals away for that specific day. Love this channel. It's hard to believe so many other people deal with this lonely way of life.

My #1 mandatory thing to do every day when I'm out of meds is to get (and stay) out of bed. Days without meds are awful for me, so I try to be realistic about my expectations for myself

It's painful to watch because I've been diagnosed with ADHD after a lot of struggling for an year and Now I can't take meds because I can't afford them. And I literally second everything you said. Ita painful 😖

Thanks for this. I had a heart attack last summer and have not been able to take my meds since then. After 20+ years on meds it’s been an incredible struggle. Not to mention that my cardiologist has given me the in no way difficult task of totally changing my diet and exercise routine without the aid of meds.

Unbelievable. I’m so thankful I talked my doc into giving me a 90 day supply. This saves me money from monthly doc visits and cheaper through insurance

Literally just went through an entire month trying to find a pharmacy with my meds. Had to start a different one due to the shortage but getting the motivation to contact my doctor was rough.