Episode 82 - The Impact of ADHD Medications on Older Adults

In this episode, Jami Shapiro sits down with nurse practitioner and ADHD specialist Maggie Alexander for an eye-opening conversation about ADHD medication, especially in older adults.For many people, ADHD has long been misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply overlooked, particularly in women and those diagnosed later in life. And when it comes to treatment, there’s still a lot of confusion, fear, and misinformation around medication.Maggie brings both clinical expertise and real-world experience to the conversation, breaking down what ADHD medications actually do, how they work in the body, and why age should not be a barrier to treatment.What You’ll LearnWhy ADHD is often mistaken for anxiety or depressionThe truth about stimulant medication in older adultsHow to know if a medication is actually working for youThe real difference between Adderall and RitalinWhy dosage has nothing to do with age or body sizeWhat “start low, go slow” really meansThe overlooked emotional side of ADHD (RSD)Why This MattersMany adults spend years, even decades, being treated for the wrong thing.This episode sheds light on what happens when ADHD is missed, and what becomes possible when it’s finally understood and supported properly.The ADHD Button QuestionJami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it?While Maggie doesn’t have ADHD herself, the conversation reinforces a powerful theme heard across the podcast, that ADHD, while challenging, is also deeply tied to creativity, intuition, and how people experience the world.About the GuestMaggie Alexander is a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in ADHD. She has worked with hundreds of patients and focuses on precise, individualized treatment. She is the author of Shine with ADHD.About the HostJami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults — especially women — helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion.ResourcesShine with ADHD by Maggie AlexanderADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)Links & SupportWebsite: https://www.jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitionsBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroEnjoying the Podcast?If this episode resonated with you:Leave a reviewShare it with someone who might need to hear itFollow Grandma Has ADHD for more conversations on ADHD, aging, and understanding your brainThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.Follow us:Instagram:@grandma_has_adhd@silverliningstransitionsFacebook:Silver Linings TransitionsGrandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)Youtube:Grandma Has ADHD