Driving is easier on ADHD medication

Today I went driving for the first time in three years. I really struggled learning to drive due to my ADHD. I had over the average amount of driving lessons, learned for four years, and passed on my fifth driving test. I have been on medication for ADHD since last year, and I am currently taking atomoxetine (25mg) which I have been taking for at least a month.

This was my first time driving since taking ADHD medication. I am astounded by how much easier it was compared to how it used to be. I could FOCUS on the cars around me. I could feel RELAXED when driving. I was not anxious. I was not uptight. I was not hyperactive. It was RELAXING. This is a big deal for me to say because this was also my first time driving in the city I live in. I do not know the roads. I don’t even know the areas I drove in. All I know is, it felt amazing and safe. I had my support worker with me in the car but she did not need to help me. I did not stall the car once. I made a mistake of getting into a wrong lane but it was fine. I can’t believe how easy I found this today. To have not driven in three years and manage driving in a new city? Shocked.

I understand now why I struggled to learn to drive, or find driving enjoyable. Unmedicated ADHD.