u/nosmigon

This is just an anecdotal observation and I am wondering if anyone else saw a similar paradoxical effect after taking stimulants (often known to cause bruxism rather than cure it)

From my own experience my bruxism will often get worse when on too much stimulants (coffee / nicotine / and some, shall we say unregulated stimulants)

I would experience tapping teeth throughout the day and often wake up with a sore jaw and have broken one tooth from clenching in thr last year.

I recently got diagnosed with adhd at the age of 32 and I was nervous to take the meds incase they made my bruxism and insomnia worse. however it was interesting to find that adhd and bruxism are often linked

Paradoxically the opposite happened. I have been sleeping liking a baby for the first time in 20 years and my tmj issues have diminished (though not dissapeared)

The most likely cause of this for me is the stunning lack of anxiety since I have been on the meds. I often had racing thoughts as I was trying to sleep, that seems to be mostly no more. Throughout the day I have had a lot less intrusive and anxious thoughts.

I have realised how exhausting and anxiety inducing it is to have undiagnosed or medicated adhd and I think it is a large driver of my TMJ issues.

There is not much documentation of this unusual effect of stimulants on TMJ disorder online so I thought I would throw this out there for the reddit archive incase anyone else had a similar experience. I would be interested to hear if that was the case or perhaps there is another reason my bruxism issues have lessened of late

Stimulants like methylphenidate and elvanse increase sensitivity to heat. You will sweat a lot more, you will have headaches and find complex tasks more difficult.

The hot weather is already overwhelming, so taking meds during this time can be a miserable affair and you may not see the benefits.

I have had a couple of horrible days at work on the meds (54mg concerta after 6 weeks titration) Confusion, constant overheating and sweating, being unable to follow conversations properly.

If you are worried the you can skip taking them for the really hot days(30° +) if you have to work in a physical or hot environment (do not worry if you live/work in air conditioned place)

Drink lots of water and try not to drink caffeine as it does seem to exacerbate these effects.

This is anecdotal, not medical advice, but its important to stay safe. I almost passed out a few times in the heat and I have never had that issue before taking meds.

Cheers!

1 month into titration and it has been an incredibly inconsistent one for me (very much partly self induced due to bad decisions but thats another story)

There have been days where I was so fatigued I could barely move, massive mood swings, weird vision problems. But the weird part is even during those days, which have been a complete write off

I have found moments when the meds hit the right point in my brain and the feeling of peace sets in.

I have spent hours just looking at things, amazed at the fact my brain is quiet and I can go "thats a bird" "thats a tree"

Just observing, nothing else in my mind.

Even today I had ana awful day. Tired with immesne brain fog and headaches. Then I went on a walk and sat in the grass and had one if these moments that I rarely had before.

Its like the world suddenly becomes HD. everything is detailed, time slows and I enjoy just observing everything at its slow beautiful pace. I have enjoyed this so often that I been less productive sometimes. I dont care, that will come later

Anyway not sure why I am writing this. Concerta has kicked my ass at times but its worth it when it works. I am more confident (I have stopped worrying about how everything i say will be taken / analysis paralysis )

I feel I can be the same self around everyone and not change myself for people.

Its a beautiful thing. The adhd mind is still there but you still keep the good parts.

Onto 54mg soon, of which I am scared of as 36mg jump kicked my ass