The ADHD Adults Podcast Episode 198 Long-term Effects of ADHD Medication
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Nov 10, 2025 The hosts dive into the long-term effects of ADHD medication, discussing both stimulant and non-stimulant options. They explore fascinating topics like neuroplasticity and changes in brain structure due to treatment. Personal anecdotes reveal how ADHD meds can significantly improve daily life, mood, and routines. They also address the ethical challenges of studying medication effects and share insights on adherence and the real fears patients face regarding side effects. Finally, they offer practical tips for managing medication effectively.
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How ADHD Meds Change Brain Signalling
- Stimulant ADHD meds boost dopamine and norepinephrine and can normalize brain signalling to reduce noise and improve focus.
- Non-stimulants act differently but are used when stimulants are ineffective or not tolerated.
Medication Improves Real-World Outcomes
- Long-term ADHD medication is linked to improved functional outcomes: better learning, fewer psychiatric admissions, and reduced substance misuse.
- Treated ADHD often shows fewer accidents, injuries, criminal offenses, and some lower obesity and unplanned pregnancy rates in women.
Medication-Induced Neuroplastic Normalization
- Long-term stimulant use appears to induce neuroplastic changes that often 'normalize' volume and connectivity in key regions like the basal ganglia and nucleus accumbens.
- Imaging suggests medicines may shift brain structure/function toward typical ranges rather than creating new unnatural states.
