Episode Details

If you take ADHD medication, you may know the feeling: focused and productive in the morning, then suddenly despondent by evening. That crash is real — but is it a medication side effect or a mood disorder? This episode unpacks the neurochemistry behind stimulant comedowns, why the crash feels permanent while it's happening, and how clinicians distinguish between medication-induced mood changes and clinical depression. We cover pharmacokinetic profiles of immediate-release vs. extended-release formulations, practical diagnostic tools like daily mood tracking, and what medication holidays can actually reveal.