Mom’s ADHD Medication Video Goes Viral
A TikTok user known as @soapboxshae has gained considerable attention for posting videos showing her experiences parenting with and without her ADHD medication.
In a recent TikTok clip that has racked up nearly 12 million views, Shae begins by sharing, “I started taking Adderall about a month ago, and I honestly didn’t think much had changed. My brain still felt just as busy, still firing on all cylinders.”
She then reveals, “I’m going to show you a video of me medicated and unmedicated, just 24 hours apart. I realized I was totally unaware that my behavior affected those around me. After a few weeks on the meds, I told my husband, ‘Why take this if it doesn’t change how I feel?’ He quickly reminded me, ‘You don’t see how pleasant you’ve been in the mornings.’ I was completely oblivious to this.”
Shae continues, “Right up until last Friday, I was clueless. I was running low on my medication but procrastinated picking it up. I ran out, and due to pharmacy issues, I couldn’t get a refill until Monday.” She adds, “I want to show you the stark difference between my two mornings—one without medication and one with. For my whole life, I thought I was fine without medicating.”
The footage was recorded at home, showcasing her interaction with her son on the medication-free day. Shae is seen entering her son’s chaotic room, still in pajamas. In that moment, she appears disconnected, struggling to be patient.
Her actions seem fairly listless as she goes through routines almost robotically. When she starts dressing her son, it’s ironic since she usually aims for him to learn independence in dressing himself. Her commands to him are short and terse, revealing her state of mind. Throughout the clips, she also finds herself distracted by the mess in their home, attempting to tidy while managing her parenting duties.
Fast forward to the next morning after taking her medication: Shae is fully dressed and significantly more alert. Almost instantly, she notices her increased engagement and interaction with her son—she’s playful and more present.
Instead of focusing on the mess, she prioritizes helping him get ready, even encouraging him to dress himself, which he successfully does. The shift in her demeanor highlights a much more focused attitude, enabling her to show positive behaviors in real-time.
That night, Shae reflects on how the medication helped her establish a healthier routine, leading to a more even-tempered state and even allowing her to clean her son’s room later on.
Overall, she acknowledges the profound impact her medication has had on her ability to focus, enabling her to be present for her son when it matters most.
Shae admits to the difficulty of reviewing the unmedicated footage. “It’s tough to realize how my behavior has affected my family. I wish I could function differently, but if taking this medication means my loved ones interact with a better version of me, then it’s worth it,” she concludes.
The video has resonated with many, prompting responses from others, including TikTok user @swedishswan, who posted her thoughts: “Your video might have saved my life today. You may not have noticed a difference, but your husband and child did, and it brought me to tears.”
This conversation about medication isn’t just about the individuals taking it—many have pointed out how it also positively impacts their loved ones.
Some comments reflect that the meds don’t alter her personality but rather allow it to shine through more clearly. Viewers have praised Shae’s husband for openly discussing his concerns about her medication use, showcasing a healthy dynamic in their relationship.
Shae’s experience has sparked a significant positive discussion online, highlighting that while medication isn’t right for everyone, it can be essential for some. If you have had a similar story or resonate with Shae’s journey, feel free to share your experiences in the comments!
