Week 2 has come to an end and honestly… I’m knackered. Mentally, emotionally, physically. But also… cautiously hopeful?
Here’s how things went down:
Day 1: The Shift Begins
First day on the increased dose and I definitely felt the difference. My brain wasn’t screaming at me from 37 different directions more like whispering from the corner. I felt alert, focused, and way more productive than usual. I got housework done, emails sent, art created, and even ate actual meals (plural).
But alongside all that, I found myself feeling quite emotional. It hit me how much I’ve struggled through life, school, work, relationships, just surviving with no idea why it was all so hard. Now, at 46, these “magic pills” are helping me make sense of myself. It’s bittersweet, but mostly it’s hope. Finally.
Day 2: Weird but Wonderful
Still sleep-deprived, but my brain felt lighter. I wasn’t panicking at every tiny thing. I was less foggy, less frantic. It’s hard to explain, like my internal chaos had taken the day off. Still a bit overwhelming emotionally though, because all of this is so new.
I realised I need help processing my grief, too. It’s something I’ve buried under the chaos, and now that the noise is quieting… it’s all floating up. But despite that, I felt grateful. Even excited about life. Weird, huh?
Day 3: Zombie Mode Activated
I got a whole four hours of broken sleep and still managed to stay awake all day without a nap. (Please clap.) Massive headache again (because of course), but my focus was chef’s kiss. I did a painting, tackled a paperwork doom pile, and ate actual food. Mood: brighter, despite the exhaustion. Small win.
Day 4: Can Someone Prescribe Sleep?
I’m seriously begging the universe for one good night’s sleep. Just one. Please.
Motivation was good though! I got stuff done, had a nap, ate properly, and felt a lot clearer in my head. The usual brain carnage was toned down, a quiet victory. But I desperately want to experience all this with a fully rested brain. It’s been years since I slept well. I miss her.
Day 5: The Grump Awakens
Still no sleep, running on fumes, and had yet another headache. My osteoarthritis flared up big time and my mood? Absolutely meh. Didn’t do much, didn’t feel like much. But I’m reminding myself not every day will feel like progress. Tomorrow is always a new shot at it.
Also, thinking I might need an afternoon top-up dose… because by 4pm I’m basically a zombie in leggings.
Day 6: Praise Be for the Nap
Still had a rubbish night’s sleep, BUT I came home from the school run and had a glorious, solid four-hour nap. Honestly, it was spiritual.
No headache today (hallelujah), mood was much better, and I even got hit with a wave of motivation… at 9pm. Of course. ADHD logic strikes again. Ate a proper dinner and, um… half a pack of biscuits. Look, we don’t judge.
Day 7: Meh x 3
Today? Meh. Mood: low. Energy: none. Focus: don’t even ask. It happens.
Dose goes up tomorrow for the final time, and I’m hoping that brings some more clarity and calm. For now, I’m resting, resetting, and reminding myself that every up has a down and vice versa.
Final Thoughts
Week 2 has been a mix of magic and migraines, breakthroughs and breakdowns. The sleep situation is still a disaster, and the headaches are not my fave, but the difference in my thinking, the clarity, the reduced overwhelm, the flickers of motivation are giving me real hope.
Thank you so much to everyone following my journey. Your encouragement means everything. Bring on Week 3. Let’s see what this next dose can do 💊💛
“I didn’t expect my first ADHD tablet to hit the mute button on the chaos in my brain but here we are. Shocked. Grateful. Slightly drowsy.”
Day One: A Brain on Mute (?!)
So… something completely bonkers happened today.
I spent the first day of my 46 years on this weird spinning planet with a quiet brain. Like… quiet. Peaceful. The kind of calm that normally only happens when all the kids are out, I’ve lost my phone, and the Wi-Fi’s gone down.
To say I’m blown away would be an understatement. Normally, my brain is a carnival of noise, lights, and someone trying to do cartwheels while reciting a shopping list. But today? Silence. Space. Actual thought completion. Is this what neurotypicals feel like all the time?! Wild.
Of course, it wasn’t all unicorns and executive function. I did get a bit of a headache (weather? life? brain finally protesting the silence?). That passed. Then, around late afternoon, I felt like I’d been lightly sedated by a sleepy woodland witch. Seriously could not keep my eyes open. Full crash-mode. Classic me: finally quiet in the head, body goes, “Cool, now nap time?”
Luckily, that passed too. I’m feeling okay now. Bit floaty. Bit cautious. But honestly? Hopeful. And stunned that one tablet could have any effect, never mind this kind of effect.
Obviously, it’s early days. We’re in titration territory, and I’m fully prepared for it to get weirder before it gets better. But still. That quiet brain thing? I’m gonna be talking about it for a while.
Because it’s the first time I’ve heard myself think. And it was lovely.
Day Two: The Magical Housework Fairy Appears
Monday morning and… I woke up in a good mood?!
Excuse me??
That never happens. Especially not on a Monday. And definitely not before at least one minor meltdown about socks.
But there I was: mildly cheerful. Somewhat rested. Looking at the world with something that may or may not have been optimism. I don’t know what’s in these tablets, but I’m officially intrigued.
The weirdly quiet brain is still going strong. Honestly, it’s a bit unnerving. Like living in a house that used to be full of noisy ghosts and suddenly… they’ve moved out. Lovely. But eerie. Definitely going to take some adjusting.
After the school run, I went back to bed for a quick snooze (because I’m not tryna win awards here, just survive the transition). But! No 5pm crash today like yesterday. Instead, just a little bit of a weird “meh” feeling around 5–6pm probably down to the fact the UK had a moment of pretending it’s tropical and my body said “absolutely not.”
Best bit of the day?
I got loads of housework done. Like, actual tidy-house magic. No procrastinating by organising the sock drawer or researching 14th-century pottery techniques. Just got it done. These pills are either working or I’ve entered a new plane of existence.
Still early days, but it’s looking hopeful. Slightly confusing. Occasionally sleepy. But hopeful.
Day Three: Sleep? Never Heard of Her
Today started off less “peaceful productivity goddess” and more “sweaty sleep-deprived swamp witch.”
I didn’t get much (read: any) sleep last night, so I woke up in a not-so-good mood. And honestly? Fair. Sleep is my emotional support blanket, and when it goes missing, so does my ability to function like a human.
Walked Fraser to school and tried to be the good parent who stays for sports day. But it was already 20 degrees by 8:30am and I was melting faster than an ice pop on a car dashboard. I felt so unwell I had to come home, which left me feeling a bit rubbish and guilty (hello, ND parenting guilt my old frenemy).
Crawled back into bed like a Victorian heroine with the vapours and woke up actually feeling semi-decent. Apparently naps are now part of my ADHD treatment plan and I’m not mad about it.
The good news?
Brain still quiet (three days in and I’m still suspicious) Got stuff done this afternoon, which is becoming a bit of a trend (?!) No appetite, which is very me when I’m anxious, distracted, or slightly emotionally crispy
The bad news?
My sleep pattern is in shambles I may need to start scheduling naps like a toddler Still very hot. Still very sweaty. Still very much not built for summer.
Fingers crossed for some actual sleep tonight so I can get through Day Four without reverting to feral goblin mode.
Day Four: Focus Is Focusing, But Sleep Is Still on Strike
Another day, another sleep-deprived shuffle into the morning.
Last night’s sleep? Shocking. Again.
BUT, despite the lack of shut-eye, I am noticing something pretty cool: my ability to focus and concentrate is sloooowly improving. It’s not perfect (nothing is, I’m still me), but the mental fog that normally rolls in by mid-morning has started to part a little. And yep, that suspiciously quiet brain is still going strong.
Today, I crashed around 2:30pm and had to nap. I’m blaming the ongoing sleep chaos, but I’m also considering leaning into the nap life. Like, maybe this is who I am now: a slightly functional adult who just happens to reboot halfway through the day like a glitchy laptop.
Still on the starting dose, just three more days to go before we up it next week. I also have a weekly questionnaire to fill in now, where I rate the side effects, list what’s working (hello, tiny bits of productivity!), and take a blood pressure reading. Very official. Very adult. Very “what even is my life right now?”
Oh, and still zero appetite, but I did eat lunch today, so that’s a win. For now.
Day Five: Sleep Deprivation, But Make It Functional
Okay, look!! We need to have a serious talk with Sleep.
Because last night? Three hours. Total.
I’m officially running on fumes, caffeine, and mild sarcasm.
Despite that, I’ve somehow not crashed today. No nap. Just a lot of yawning and occasional eye-watering moments that suggest my body is seconds from powering down like an old Dell laptop.
That dull headache is still hanging about, but honestly? I’m blaming the muggy UK weather, not the meds. (Although if the meds would like to throw in weather immunity as a side perk, that would be great.)
Now for the good bits:
I’ve had both lunch and dinner today (applause please), despite having zero actual appetite. It’s more “eating on vibes and muscle memory” at this point. Still rocking that quiet head, and the brain fog is noticeably less thick today. I might not be slaying to-do lists, but at least I’m not forgetting why I walked into every room.
Not a particularly productive day, but I’m calling it a win just for being upright, clothed, and feeding myself. That’s the bar, and I’m not afraid to keep it low.
Day Six: Mildly Productive, Slightly Patient, and Officially Over the Weather
Sleep? Still being a petty little gremlin.
Last night wasn’t great again, and at this point I feel like I’m starring in a long-running series called “Lucie Attempts Rest: A Tragedy in Six Acts.”
That said — today felt better.
I actually felt productive. Not manic multitasking or adrenaline-fuelled cleaning frenzies, but a steady, manageable kind of “I’m getting stuff done” energy. And (brace yourself) I even felt a bit more patient than usual. Who is she??
Lunch happened. Dinner hasn’t yet but here’s the wild bit: I’m actually feeling peckish. Hunger? Hello?? Haven’t seen you in a long long time! Welcome back, old friend.
The quiet brain is still going strong, and I am not getting over how good that feels. It’s like someone finally turned off the internal radio station that’s been playing five songs, three podcasts, and an anxious monologue on loop for decades.
Also: this heat can sod right off.
I used to live for summer. Sun on skin, iced coffee, good vibes. Now? I’m more “sweaty mole-person trying to function in a microwave.” ADHD and sensory sensitivity are truly a dream combo.
Tomorrow’s my last day on this starting dose! Sunday I bump it up, and I’m honestly curious to see what changes (if anything). Watch this space. Or don’t. I’ll probably update it anyway. 😎
Day Seven: Grumpy Gremlin Mode Activated
I’ve officially had it with this weather.
Too hot, too sweaty, too rage-inducing. I’m not saying I’m melting, but if one more person says “Ooh lovely out, isn’t it?” I will scream into a cold flannel.
Today’s vibe? Grumpy.
Grumpy with a side of headache. I’ve had one most of the day, and while I’m trying to stay hydrated like a responsible adult (look at me go), the heat isn’t helping. Pretty sure my body is just passively steaming from the inside out.
Food-wise, I’ve managed both lunch and dinner, so that’s something. Still no huge appetite, but it’s not a full famine either. Progress?
Emotionally? Meh. It’s all felt a bit “off.” No nap, no crash, just that simmering irritability where you want to punch a wall and cry but settle for glaring at your own reflection instead.
Tomorrow the dose goes up.
I’m both hopeful and a little nervous. Will it give me superpowers? (Doubtful.) Will it help me sleep? (Please let it help me sleep.)
Anyway, I’m off to glare at a fan and hope for dreams.
Catch you on the other side of Dose Increase Day™️.
Final Thoughts:
Week one on ADHD meds has been a rollercoaster of quiet brains, dodgy sleep, weird energy crashes, and sun-induced grumpiness. There have been moments of genuine hope and surprising productivity mixed with the kind of exhaustion only ADHD and medication can bring.
If you’re starting this journey too, know that it’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and sometimes it’s downright bizarre — but also, it can be incredibly rewarding when you catch those glimpses of calm inside the storm.
I’ll keep sharing my titration journey here, and if you’ve got questions or want to swap stories, hit me up in the comments or on social media.
Until next time : stay hydrated, keep your sense of humour, and don’t forget: sometimes the quietest brain is the loudest breakthrough.
Sensory Soul 