‘Hidden Epidemic’: She Was 7 When Doctors Prescribed Ritalin — By Age 20, She’d Taken 14 Different Psychotropic Drugs

March 17, 2026

https://publichealthpolicyjournal.com/hidden-epidemic-she-was-7-when-doctors-prescribed-ritalin-by-age-20-shed-taken-14-different-psychotropic-drugs/

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

4 Replies

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SteveStaffMar 17

Community AnchorEffexor · active

Yes, it is a hidden epidemic. I suddenly habe lot‘s of friends showing me they have ADHD meds now (in their 30s). I myself have been put on age 10y btw send me your message again to „Steve“ not „STVE“. I don‘t find a way to send messages on my devices but i can answer.

off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)

currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician

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CatinaMar 17

Community AnchorEffexor

"I suddenly habe lot‘s of friends showing me they have ADHD meds now (in their 30s). I myself have been put on age 10y" — @Steve

It's so prevalent now. I'm glad you got off your stimulants.

"send me your message again to „Steve“ not „STVE" — @Steve

Thanks. I just re-sent my message. Hopefully you'll get it this time!

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SteveStaffMar 17

Community AnchorEffexor · active

I also want to emphasize a lot of them have been just put on it. The campaigns advocating for it really are working :/

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CatinaMar 17

Community AnchorEffexor

"I also want to emphasize a lot of them have been just put on it. The campaigns advocating for it really are working :/" — @Steve

Big Pharma has created another cash cow for itself. 💰💲

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