I'm going to murder you now

Here's an alternate scenario
- Noice! Art will save us from entropy.

it looks like nixos in a trash
- I thought exactly the same!

well at least this person suggests a doctor, some will reference a YouTube video where an influencer talks about gut supplements that will completely cure any mental health issues, cancer, diabetes and coronary heart diseases linked to genetic factors
- Or paleo diets.
  it's da food colorin it is

“Well, Richard. You mind if I call you Richard? Well, Dick. Sometimes the doctor prescribes this for me.”

I really can’t take my medication as it kills my appetite and it’s shit at the best of times. Really don’t know what to do
- I've been struggling with the same thing. I've tried Adderall XR and Concerta so far, with neither really actually helping with my focus or executive function. All I got were headaches, sinus pressure, uncomfortable appetite suppression (felt like my throat was full), and a few other standard stimulant side effects.
  Waiting on Vyvanse to see how the prodrug formulations work out, but I'm not optimistic. Concerta did help with my anxiety, but the side effects overpowered any benefit.
- Have you tried the non stimulants like Strattera or any other SNRIs?
  
  I have not. I went from XL (extended release) to the short acting ones but still wrecked me.
  I might speak to the doctor about getting changed to non-stimulant but the cruel irony is ADHD is going to prevent me doing this quickly.

Tell HR. Fuck 'em. No tolerance for ableism.
- In my experience, fucking HR is worse than the gossip boxes.
- HR is the office cop.
  NEVER talk to American cops.
  My HR and I have a wordless dirty look relationship.
  
  I'm not letting my coworkers discriminate against me.
- Calm your shit dude. Don't go to HR over something this small.
  Just punch his dad in the cock.
  
  I vote, seduce their mum, and bang the shit out of her! Then ask the coworker, who's your daddy?
- Have some patience
  I’m not disabled myself but if a coworker says something like that they’re probably just uninformed, it just shows that their concerned for you
  
  No it doesn't. It shows they have a high and mighty attitude and they're fucking ignorant. They can keep their lack of medical expertise to themselves.
  
  Sounds like something an ableist would say. I'm sure homophobes are "just concerned" about the lifestyles of LGBTQ.

"Oh this? It helps me focus on minding my own fucking business."
- Ooh, pithy, I like this

Never tell people you take adderall. They'll ask you for adderall to get high.
- (this advice does not apply if you want to sell adderall)
  
  Well obviously
- Especially in this day and age in the United States when the "health department" is trying to categorize these groups as subhuman if you're autistic or have ADHD
- Or launch into a tirade about how it's fake and doesn't do anything and be reeeeally fucking insistent on it
  
  or launch into a tirade about how it's meth in disguise because their drug knowledge is having watched breaking bad in 2015
  
  Or accuse you of selling drugs

some people aren't there for a conversation, but are just waiting for the right moment to say the thing they want to say to get the brain chemicals they reward themselves with once they say it.
- That makes sense. Sometimes common arguments, advice, and old ideas get shared ad nauseum around social circles, like moldy old memes that everyone, except them, is tired of hearing. One person says stupid idea with conviction, and others listen. Now when someone else repeats stupid idea around the first person, they know they'll be agreed with - it's an easy way to get that dopamine hit and strengthen a social bond. Others in the group then start to think that stupid idea is important for them to also believe, and the effect snowballs, as more of them share stupid idea with others - expecting to be agreed with.
  People keep doing this, over and again, never once examining the words they repeat. This leads to people who confidently say ignorant crap like, "You don't need medicine, you seem fine to me!" despite the fact that they've only ever seen you after you'd taken your medicine. It's likely someone in their social circle put that idea in their head once, and they never critically examined it because it's easier and more rewarding to simply repeat things without thinking about them.
- get the brain chemicals they reward themselves
  Damn. They should probably see a doctor about that and not take drugs.
- High five for you and everybody else here. It's like one of the 12 Rules for Life, assume that the other person knows things that you don't. Remembering that rule tames the racing thoughts and helps me to listen effectively for a few moments. It holds relationships together.
- Some people online do that too. Arguing for a dopamine rush, whilst saying the same thing as the arguee.

See a doctor
Done.
Don't take drugs.
But... the doctor said...
- Why are you listening to doctors?
  But... you said...
- No, see, if you visit a doctor, you're cured.
  
  Can I just walk in the waiting room and read a couple magazines for the same effect?

The worst is trying to explain at how necessary the medication is. Having to explain that I cannot work without it

I've had someone tell me with a straight face that I'm "basically taking meth".
This is the same kind of person that says "American cheese slices are one molecule away from being plastic!"
- Even if meth was chemically identical to ADHD meds, the argument still wouldn't hold. Anything that lessens people's symptoms without creating even more problems can be a medication.
- I like to pour them a glass of peroxide and tell them to drink it. It's basically water. Literally just a molecule away from being water bro. Drink it bro, cmon! It's just a molecule!
  
  It's actually just one atom away!
- I mean, you technically sort of are taking meth in a way, but that's because you need it since you react differently to it.
  I mean, there's nothing wrong with someone with severe physical trauma being given fentanyl for example.
  
  dexamphetamine literally lacks the methyl group which gives "meth" it's name.
  
  you technically sort of are taking meth in a way
  You are 100% NOT taking meth when you take ADHD stims. The only thing linking the two is the core ingredient which is a methyl-5 molecule, which your body makes on its own.
  The drug meth is a synthetic methyl-5 compound with a ton of other nasty crap in it that doesn't exist in ADHD medication.
  Like I said, whoever says that is in the same group as the American cheese is almost plastic crowd.
  
  There’s nothing wrong with anyone taking fentanyl for any reason. There’s nothing wrong with anyone taking any drug for any reason. The only issues are things like how, where, when, etc. Anyone opposed to the full and complete legalization of all drugs should be executed.
- Meth is the #1 most abused drug by clinical scientists. That is to say, just like functional alcoholism is a thing, there's functional meth heads among some of the most well-respected and reputable scientists in the world. Anyway that would be my response if I was told I was basically taking meth.
  
  That's not really a good way to spin it. Having ADHD is nothing like functional alcoholism. An alcoholic is destructively addicted to alcohol, and a functional one is really good at hiding it.
  ADHD is a condition outside of any external influence, and medication helps normalize individuals dealing with it.
  Your approach is the logical equivalent of a burglar saying "I rob people's homes because they have guns to defend themselves".
- They do actually prescribe actual meth for adhd but it’s a different drug known as Desoxyn
  
  Desoxyn is a brand name of methamphetamine hydrochloride. Literally the quintessential ADHD med.
  It's completely different than the street drug "meth". The only similarity is the methyl-5 ingredient, which is a molecule that our body naturally synthesizes continuously.

"Have you tried [holistic bullshit]? It worked great for my [barely an acquaintance] who had [unrelated issues]!"
- It's such a shame how the word "holistic" has been co-opted by the woo-woo brigade. The concept it's meant to represent, which is simply "the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts," makes sense on its own, and is applied in legit medicine.
  However, the word has been associated with snake oil so much that it's hard to take it seriously anymore. I was in my mid-20s by the time I learned the actual meaning of the word; until then I assumed it was akin to "homeopathy" or some other garbage.
- God that is the absolute worst.
- It's more fun when it's your own mother trying to sell her MLM holistic bullshit. No mom, I don't need your snake oil pills, I needed a therapist.
  
  My mom: you don't need therapy; all a therapist will do is tell you everything is your mom's fault
  (Spoiler: I did and they did and it was)

This is why the correct response to, "May I ask what that is?" is "No."

What part of prescribed adderall do u not understand?
Also, it should be pretty obvious they've got adhd if they're not going batshit coocoo after taking it, they're fucking amphetamines.
- I took speed once with a friend and he was completely off the rails, I didn't feel anything. Is that a bad sign?
  
  Could be, yes. People with ADHD respond to stimulants differently to how NTs do, it usually has a more calming/relaxing or focusing effect.
  Scientifically, I think (based on all the huberman ep's I've listened to) it's cuz it makes up for our lack of dopamine receptors helping us perform tasks, and our minds act like a NT's, and since an NT's dopamine levels are normal it sends them into overdrive and makes them hella overstimulated.
  Dats why when NT's take addy recreationally it makes them go mental, cuz it's basically a controlled version of speed. I don't do blow but I know certain man with ADHD who have and they tell me it knocks them out, like a sleeping pill.
  
  Nah, you're cool

"Yes, here's the name of my doctor on the side of the bottle. Feel free to call her and give her your wisdom."

Prescribed is the key word here. How fucking stupid do you have to be to miss it? Person is probably a royal hater in all things.
- How fucking stupid do you have to be to miss it?
  D.A.R.E. and similar anti-drug propaganda of the 80s, plus the more naive naturalist movements of the 70s-00s, really pounded in the idea that any kind of medication is bad for you.
  Curiously, however, you don't see people chasing around the CEO of the company for taking heart pills.
  
  Hope you liked that era since we're going right back to it again
  
  As someone who went through the D.A.R.E program, I can see that, but man. Growing up and experiencing the real world should have opened some eyes, lol. Maybe I put too much faith in humanity.
- It's because coworker used to buy Adderall in college so they think of it as something cheaters use.

"You know, if you're struggling with hearing comprehension that much, you should probably see a doctor and not talk bs."
- His ears are full of popped sorghum.

Feels a bit like projection to assume prescription drugs are obtained and taken without a prescription. If my pills are in a properly labeled bottle, I sure as shit didn't buy them off Terry on the corner.
- Unless Terry is running a very weird business and/or love his labelprinter
  
  Terry just wants to make your illegitimate pharmaceuticals look more legitimate. Its just good customer service.
- Especially when the person taking them literally mentions that they are prescribed.

"Maybe you should mind your own fucking business."
I mean.. at least they're not trying to sell you supplements, essential oils, or other shit.
Also why I never tell people I associate with about what I have or what I take. I leave it at "I have a condition" and then change the subject, like I'm a sad Victorian ophan trying to stay positive even as I am consumed by the knowledge that soon the plague will take me. (:

I’ve been prescribed one stimulant or another for most of my life.
A few years back, a friend offered to let me try some Columbian dancing powder. Did essentially nothing for me. Gave it another try about a year ago. Same result.
It is a complete waste to offer me that shit. For me, it’s literally just unregulated ADHD stims that might be spiked with fentanyl if you’re unlucky.
- Had the same experience a few years back. Didn't put two and two together until after about the 3rd line. I'll stick to molly lol
  
  lol yeh molly is way better
- try mexican meth (don't!)

this is why the proper response in panel 3 is ‘no, fuck off’

- I can hear this image

This orange tube is full of NUNYA BIZNESS!! Good.day. Sir. Isaidgoodday. Arrgh, this triggered my anxiety so much. If I see one more person putting oregano oil up their noses to cure all their ills... x5 deep breath x5
- Isaidgoodday
  That's the one quote I still like from that 70s show.
- May I interest you in some apple cider vinegar? Or perhaps colloidal silver?
  
  Hell yeah, I’m trying to turn my skin blue.
  
  Would you like a free session with my magnetic wave machine? I was asked to use it on show pigs! * That's a quote *
  [Hey, don't question my love for ACV, you homeopath]

Best way to respond. Are you? Learning impaired.

I think I forgot to take my guanfacine last night…
- I was on guanafacine forever, and it never helped. Does it do anything for you?
  
  Chiming in here.
  Guanfacine was a miracle for me. I couldn’t tolerate stimulants and while the initial fatigue was significant, my focus improved significantly and quickly. Not as suddenly or dramatically as a stimulant (which I was able to take after a couple of years of guanfacine, I was in bad shape at first).
  I still take a small dose as an adjunct along with a stimulant.
  
  I don’t think so. I tried atomoxetine first and it also didn’t help so far, at 25, 40, or 80mg. At least the guanfacine is not giving me any noticeable side effects. The atomoxetine caused me to exhibit more hyperactive symptoms (I’m Primary inattentive) for the first two days but then went away; I did feel cold in the afternoons and I also developed some mild erectile dysfunction ( went away when I stopped taking it). I think next stop will be a stimulant, not sure what I’ll start with. I’ll have to stop taking edibles because they’ll need me to take a drug test first before I get a stimulant rx

Why are you taking your Adderall to work? How fucked is your sleep schedule right now?
- Personally I'm not taking adderall to work because I can't get meds because I cannot afford the $400 I need to get a diagnosis because every doctor I've ever had has said "You have ADHD but I can't help you because I'm not a specialist".
  As for the sleep schedule?
  I have slept 4 hours in 3 days.
  I can taste time and it is bitter.
  Edit: 5 doctors in 3 years have told me they can't help me because they're not specialists despite me being referred to them for the ADHD. Just checked my records. I am going to start chewing a hole through a fucking desk.
  
  It's an acquired taste.
  Hold tight man.
- There's a thing called instant release and it tends to last only like 4 hours. 4 hours is what the doctors say- for me, it lasts about 1 and a half, or 2.
  
  The comic specifically says it's XR tho. Still, given how many people have a problem with forgetting to take their mods, having some backup at work might not be a bad idea if you need it to be able to function.

I get people's intentions behind this, ignorant though it is. I think medicated ADHD folks get a little defensive about it too though. I took adderall and then vyvanse for about 15 years total. Now I don't take anything for it; I meditate and do THC recreationally (which was how I discovered the ADHD in the first place.)
I don't think medication is bad, I think it helps people live they way they feel like they want or must. I realized that I was caught up in the hustle trap, taking meds to optimize my brain for the purpose of being a better capitalist worker.
I actually really like my default state. I'm extremely flexible and creative, I get a mix of tasks done, and my emotions are well regulated. On Vyvanse I got a lot of work done, but i was also a rage zombie, and I was prone to falling into "productivity mode" where I could hammer out line after line of code that was all boilerplate or data entry, other easy work to focus on. The kind of thing my ADHD brain would force me to find an easier (better designed) way to do the task if I wasn't medicated into docile compliance.
So I'm not an advocate for either way: treat your mind the unique way you need to. But i really think the majority of ADHD folks are medicating themselves into acceptance of a broken and diseased system, when our brains have already been adapting to the actual needs of our information-overdense society.
- I'm happy your way is working for you!
  But many people take medications outside of work or unrelated to work. Unrelated to anything about "the system."
  ADHD is a spectrum of experience, and many feel that their executive dysfunction prevents them from doing what they want to do.
  Not to spin the cog of the machine, but to listen to their loved ones in conversation. To remember that their child needs to be picked up in an hour, and to remain cognizant of the passage of time. To remember that idea they had about cooking a fancy dinner for their family, and follow through.
  There's an increasing number of hobbyists and experts who recommend taking medication as needed to support the life you want to lead, rather than the job you need to live. To finish projects that you love, to plan ahead for events that you are excited about, to keep moving in the direction you want, rather than spinning in circles.
  I'm glad your way is working, but to suggest that most people take medication because of society is offensive. Especially because, yes, many neurodivergents - like many neurotypicals - are living cogs in the machine, and that's terrible, but they still need to eat and feed their families.
  
  I've started only taking my meds one day a week on the weekend. Partner and I both want a cleaner house but I am mess blind when not medicated.
  Work, work is varied enough to keep my attention. I don't need my meds for work, just for home. One day a week seems to be enough to make progress towards a more functional home.
  
  🛐 This is the way to the revival, friends hallelujah keep it goin 👏