However, ADHD medications contain stimulants. These can cause some people to drive too fast, take unnecessary risks and otherwise drive unsafely – particularly if they've taken more than the prescribed amount or mixed their ADHD meds with another drug (even an over-the-counter one) or alcohol.
Experts in the field of ADHD strongly recommend that drivers who have ADHD take their medication as directed before driving.
It may also cause blurred vision or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you or your child know how this medicine affects you. Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment.
Research has shown that teenagers and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be at an increased risk of driving impairments.
Some people might get side effects like feeling dizzy, blurred vision, difficulty focusing or feeling sleepy when taking methylphenidate. If this happens it may be dangerous to drive or ride a bike. It's best not to drive or ride a bike until you know how methylphenidate affects you.
Is ADHD considered a disability? Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability.
For example, disorders such as asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis ... these are just a few of the hundreds of medical conditions that are disqualifying and individuals with ADHD should not feel "singled out" because of their condition.
Alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use disorder in adults with an ADHD diagnosis. One study found that around 42% of adults with ADHD — compared with around 21% of adults without ADHD — reported drinking at least 5 to 6 alcoholic beverages every time they drank, which is known as binge drinking.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Many sources state that methylphenidate can cause false positive results for amphetamines. But research shows this isn't true. If you're prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD, you shouldn't have to worry about having a positive drug result for amphetamines.
Initial Dose: 10 mg orally once a day. Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be increased to 20 mg/day after one week if symptoms are not adequately controlled.
In people who don't have ADHD, because Adderall produces an excess amount of dopamine, users may experience feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels, as well as possible dangerous physical and emotional side effects.
In general, you should NOT use of alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while taking a CNS stimulant (like any form of methylphenidate or the mixed amphetamine salts). Certain stimulants can cause a variety of central nervous system side or heart side effects when mixed with alcohol.
Alcohol is a depressant. That is why many people use it to relax. In the case of people afflicted with ADHD, many will use alcohol to calm down the hyperactivity.
Key aspects of the reward system are underactive in ADHD brains, making it difficult to derive reward from ordinary activities. These dopamine-deficient brains experience a surge of motivation after a high-stimulation behavior triggers a release of dopamine.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
To get diagnosed with ADHD, you'll need to be evaluated by a medical professional. An accurate and well-rounded ADHD diagnosis is a complex, multi-step process including a clinical interview, a medical history review, and the completion of normed rating scales by loved ones, educators, and/or colleagues.
Full Disclosure
One thing you should know: An ADHD diagnosis alone, does not entitle an employee to services and/or accommodations. You must disclose your documented diagnosis, and show that ADHD "substantially limits a major life activity" — in this case, your job.
There is no specific ADHD test. Screening usually involves several steps, including: A physical exam to find out if a different type of disorder is causing symptoms. An interview.