Another anecdote: I was diagnosed in middle school and prescribed Vyvanse, which I took for the duration of my k-12 education. Some side effects I lived with were loss of appetite, social anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and later on a complete suppression of sex-drive. These were brought to my doctor's attention but were more or less considered costs to a greater good.

I sought behavioral therapy because the side effects became too much of a burden. I hold a job and remain productive, but I still struggle dealing with my adhd without medication. I'm not sure there's a point I'm trying to make here, just wanting to share some of my experience.