As a mid 40's adult w/ ADD (no "H"), I was diagnosed in '98 and initially
began on Ritalin, then Concerta (during the week, no wkends). While it was initially my tendency to think that medication would "do" certain things for me, I now realize - as I'm now (recently) back on Concerta - that it's very much the case that it simply enables me (allows capability) to do the things I need to do (work-wise, mainly, in dealing with boring/ambiguous/difficult tasks, etc.), so I need to get motivated and get going to really realize the benefit of med., etc. But it's also been my experience that the med's effect is not really consistent (one day great experience with med., the next day may be really marginal, another day really bad after med wears off, etc.). And, that
there are always (in any given week) side effects I'd rather do without.
So, for me, it's really a question of weighing realistic benefits vs. the "downside" mentioned above (and other theoretical risks that may exist w/ these meds). As I write this, I have a minor Concerta-induced headache, but it's been a productive day...