Let’s Talk ADHD Meds—Because It’s Not Just “Take a Ritalin and Chill”

Okay, let’s be real. ADHD meds get a lot of side-eye. People either think they’re magic pills or pure evil. But what they aren’t is simple.

In this episode, Danna and I sat down (again!) with ADHD coach and expert Kelly Brändli to dig into the confusing, controversial, often misunderstood world of ADHD medication—and let me tell you, my nerdy brain was on fire. This episode is loaded with the kind of clarity I wish I’d had 20 years ago.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether meds could help, how they actually work, or why some people say “my kid’s a zombie on Ritalin”—this one’s for you.

💊 Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants: What’s the Deal?

Let’s break it down:

• Stimulants = methylphenidate (like Ritalin) + amphetamines (like Adderall)

• Non-stimulants = meds that hit norepinephrine (still dopamine-adjacent, but not the same vibe)

What most people don’t get? Stimulants actually calm the ADHD brain. Wild, right? That hyperactivity? It’s often the brain’s desperate attempt to get dopamine. So give it what it needs, and voilà—calm.

🧬 Why Meds Affect People So Differently

One of the biggest takeaways: ADHD meds aren’t dosed by weight—they’re dosed by how your body metabolizes them. Some people need 5mg. Some need 50mg. It’s not about being “stronger” or “weaker.” It’s literally biology.

Also:

• Fast metabolizers burn through meds in hours.

• Slow metabolizers might only need a microdose.

• And yes, you might need to try 5+ meds before you find the right one. That’s normal. Annoying, but normal.

😐 But What If Meds Change Your Personality?

Short answer: they shouldn’t.

If you or your kid seems dull, flat, robotic, or not themselves? It’s probably the wrong dose or med. I shared my own high school experience of losing my sparkle (and quitting my meds because of it), and Kelly confirmed: personality changes are a sign the dosage needs adjusting.

The goal? More focus, better emotional regulation—not becoming a shell of yourself.

🔄 When You Might Combine Meds

Fun fact: Non-stimulants often help with mood, but not focus. So some people use a combo—a non-stimulant for emotional stability, a stimulant for productivity. Kind of like customizing your own mental toolkit. ✨

🧠 Lifestyle Hacks That Actually Help (No Rx Required)

Here’s what Kelly calls the 3-legged stool for managing ADHD:

1. Medication – Not for everyone, but a powerful option.

2. Coaching/Therapy – Learn the skills your brain skipped in school.

3. Lifestyle – Sleep, food, exercise. Yes, the basics are everything.

🔑 Highlights:

• Sleep is non-negotiable. Blue light before bed? Bye.

• Movement = dopamine. Even walking helps.

• Food & Supplements: Protein, less sugar, maybe omega-3s and magnesium. Oh, and iron—turns out a lot of ADHDers are low in it.

⏰ Melatonin Is Not Ambien

If you’re taking melatonin 30 mins before bed and wondering why it’s not working… you’re not alone. According to Megan’s research (yes, I’m referring to myself in third person because this blew my mind), you’re supposed to take it 12 hours after waking up, not right before bed. 🤯

And yes, short-acting stimulants before bed can help calm an overstimulated brain. BUT TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. We are not here for rogue dosing.

💬 Megan’s Real Talk Moment

Look, if you’re ADHD and thinking about meds, you are not weak. You are not broken. You’re not “drugging yourself” into compliance.

You’re just trying to get your brain to do what other people’s brains do naturally. That’s not cheating. That’s self-care.

Also? It’s okay if your path to the right medication is messy. Mine sure was. Most people’s are.

You deserve to feel clear, capable, and like yourself. Meds can help—but only when they’re your right fit.

🎧 Catch the full episode on [Spotify / Apple / YouTube]
💌 Got ADHD med questions? Email us, DM us, or leave us a voice note. We’d love to cover it in future episodes.

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#ADHDMedication #ADHDHelp #StimulantsVsNonStimulants #MentalHealthTools #SoFrickinHealthy #ADHDAwareness #FocusAndFeelLikeYou #BrainHealth #NeurodivergentLife #DopamineMatters #MedMoms #ADHDCoachSupport