Anyone else get super restless right before meds wear off?

Many people notice symptoms that can include increased agitation/restlessness, increased emotional sensitivity, etc as their ADHD medication wears off. This is called a “crash” or rebound effect. As stimulant levels fall, the brain can briefly swing from a more regulated state to one where emotional control, frustration tolerance, and stress buffering drop off. It is primarily a physiological effect of the medication leaving your system. A pronounced crash can mean the dose is a little too high, the medication is wearing off too abruptly, or the formulation is not the best fit for your metabolism. It can also be more noticeable on days with poor sleep, high stress, or skipped meals. There are practical ways to manage this. Non-medication strategies include planning lower-demand activities during the wear-off window, hydrating well, and building in intentional self-care rather than high-stakes tasks. From a medication perspective, options may include adjusting the dose, splitting doses, or switching to a different formulation. If the restlessness/agitation is frequent or distressing, it is worth discussing with your prescriber. The goal is not just focus during peak hours, but a medication plan that with minimal side effects, across the day.