For many people with ADHD, medication is part of the strategy to minimize symptoms.
And for many of us, getting our ADHD medication adjusted to work just right takes a bit of trial and error.
Your goal is to get the most out of the medication and with minimal side effects. To do that, you need to take the right ADHD medication at the right dose at the right times of day.
But here’s the truth — it can be tough to know if your ADHD medication is working. You may even wonder if you’re getting your money’s worth from this pill you probably wish you didn’t have to take.
The right dose of the right ADHD medication can do a bunch of stuff including:
- Boost focus
- Control emotions
- Ease hyperactivity
But, it can be so darn subtle. Especially, longer-acting types of ADHD drugs like Concerta and Vyvanse.
We might not fully feel like a ‘lightbulb has turned on’ or suddenly everything is clear and in focus as if we got new glasses. But you may be able to follow conversations better and complete tasks with ease and not realize the change.
So how can you tell if the medication you take for ADHD is working? Or not?
The best way to know if your ADHD medication is doing its job is to know what job you need it to do.
How do you know what you want your ADHD medication to do? You build clarity.
Think through your days. Where does your ADHD snarl your life the most? How do you want your life to be instead? Get specific. You need details.
Those details about how you want your days to unfold are your medication targets. If you’re reaching those targets you can tell if your medication is working or not. Or if you need a different medication, a different dose, or to take it at a different time.
Remember, it’s not about the buzz. If you’re not paying attention or you’re paying attention to the wrong thing, then your medication is not working.
10 Targets to Know if Your ADHD Medication is Working
I brainstormed some popular ADHD medication targets to get you started. Decide if you want your medication to help you:
- Calmly leave the house on time in the morning
- Quickly tackle boring or overwhelming tasks and projects
- Avoid distractions like reading the news and social media
- Stay focused on boring stuff you have to read
- Remember that boring stuff you read
- Pay attention in conversations
- Put things away after using them
- Control your impulsive shopping
- Remember to stop at the store after work
- Reduce your brain’s chatter
- Calmly cook dinner and oversee the kids homework at the same time
- Avoid emotional roller coasters
- Get to bed with the house tidy and you ready for the next day
- Get to bed on time
(Yes, I know I wrote more than 10 targets to tell if your ADHD medication is working. I had so many good ideas I had to force myself to stop.)
These are just examples. There isn’t a right or wrong here. Everyone will have different medication targets.
The bottom line: Know what targets you’re aiming for so you can know if your ADHD medication is working or not.
Once you know your targets, you can track them. Create a fun spreadsheet, table, tracking system – get your kids involved and use that creative ADHD brain to make it fun.
Then every day, make note if you reached that target. Give yourself a gold star (I always loved those in school), check it off, color in the box and give yourself a high five.
[And remember if you didn’t reach it, it’s okay. No shame or judgment. We are simply tracking the effectiveness of your medication, not you.]
After you track these targets for a few weeks, you can use that information to talk to your prescriber about how the medication is working. Together you can make adjustments to the dosage or determine a different time. Then your ‘trial and error’ becomes more ‘do and succeed’!
I’d love to hear from you – what targets will you track this week? Post a comment below or share your Tracker Sheet with me on Facebook! I’d love to see them.
Read more about ADHD medications and treatment strategies:
- Blog: What to Expect from ADHD Medication
- Blog: Reduce ADHD Symptoms with Proper Brain Care
- Blog: Musings about ADHD Medication
- Blog: Four Common ADHD Medication Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Book: Much of my ADHD medication information comes from training I’ve received from Dr. Charles Parker. If you really want to understand ADHD medications and how they work I recommend you check out his book ‘New ADHD Medication Rules’ and his YouTube videos.
- Kick Some ADHD Podcast Episode #32: Is Your ADHD Medication Working?
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links above and I may receive commission for purchases made through these links, but these are all products that I highly recommend and have used personally or received word from clients on their benefits for ADHD.
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Hi Eva. Yes, the right dose of the right ADHD medication will help you get started on things (which is a HUGE challenge for many of us with ADD / ADHD.) Good luck!! Dana
Hi I’ve reacebtly starting taking Elvanse/Vyvanse I started in 50mg and have been in it for almost a week and haven’t felt a single thing I was on this same medication years ago and it worked really really well but isn’t working at all now I’m an adult does my dose need to go to 70 or do I need to swap over to Ritalin or addarol maybe?
I am 44 yrs old, I was recently prescribed 20mg Vyvanse; it was working but only for a couple of hours while working. My Doctor increased my dosage to 40mg, now I don’t feel as though it’s doing anything.
Hi Charlie – Notice if your symptoms are less more than how your feel. Vyvanse can be subtle. Talk to your doctor if you’re not noticing improvement.
Hello, I have now been placed back on my adhd meds for about almost 2 months first month was 20 mg adderall xr which didn’t do much of nothing then my Dr told me to take two 20 mg xr capsules in the morning which was ok when I went back she put me on Adderall 30mg XR and 10mg XR. Per day which seems is calming me down and making me be able to think atleast for the first two weeks when I was younger my doctor had me on 3 30 mg Adderall IR tabs per day which worked perfectly but that was from 15 to 17 then I had no insurance I finally got medicaid and decided my life has spiraled enough I need to do something the constant performance issues at work which usually or I should say always led to me losing multiple jobs never being on time anywhere it feels like sometimes I want to scream because inside my head is like someone pushing you to keep running when your entire body is hurting and your exhausted yet you can’t stop that’s what I dealt with until now age of 33 I take what I said above. I don’t know what to do though because the extended release does not help me the way I would like it to and I want to be on immediate release but my doctor said that due to me being on the suboxone program that I may get addicted to it. I don’t want to push her and make her drop me as a patient, I also understand her concerns I’m in the suboxone program because I am an opiate addict I have taken opioids since 21 years old and I tried to explain that I never had a problem with other drugs/medications that I want the immediate release because I know it works for me and this extended release isn’t cutting it yet she won’t give me the benefit of the doubt so I am kind of at loss I’ve also passed every drug test given to me.. so I don’t know if there is someone that might have some advice but any would be greatly appreciated, I hate the fact that I have to feel like I’m being judged and not prescribed a medication due to an addiction to a completely different type of medicine with a totally different type of reaction with the brain and body, and anyone with adhd knows adhd medication does not work the same way for those with adhd as those without I take my adderall to help me quell those wars within my brain that makes me not focus and/or function properly not to get high and clean a house.. adhd medication doesn’t even make me hyper it makes me slow down so idk I just feel like I don’t know where to go from here
Hi Brandon. I sorry to hear you are struggling. Thank you for commenting. Can someone offer Brandon any suggestions?
Brandon,
With all do respect and empathy, coming from my own lifelong battle with adderall and other drugs: It is not the type of substance that defines an addict, it is the addictive personality of the person. The person can be and will be addicted to anything they start and like. Cigarettes, alcohol, food, other drugs, even exercise or work … Adderal IR is almost certainly a death sentence for anyone with an addictive personality. Addicts are highly likely to replace one addiction with another. Adderal IR undeniably offers an intense boost, instant gratification, instant mood change, instant “solve all your problems” mentality which is what you are looking for – and I don’t blame you… but its just another short term solution to a larger problem, because eventually you come down, eventually high is your new normal, and its a downward spiral without any real progress. Street drugs give the same high, with stimulants just the same as pain killers, as you know – but, that obviously doesn’t mean they are appropriate treatment. adderal XR and Vyvanse do work, you just have to come to terms with the fact that the solution is not feeling high, it is in other more subtle progressions in concentration and focus. Your doctor is doing you a huge favor.
Hi!
My partner is taking these tablets and the difference in very noticeable however, I tend find it goes the other way now, it’s like she’s fixating on what she’s doing rather than forgetting.
I’ve also noticed her moods have changed. She’s snappy and irritable, very different from who she was before.
Could she be taking too much? I’ve tried talking to her but she’s adamant nothing has changed.
Hi Shelley, Being fixated and irritable are not the desired medication results. Your partner needs to talk to her doctor to get the medication or dose adjusted.
A reply for Brandon below.
I don’t know if you noticed the links in that article, but there is one that might prove useful for you to read on 4 mistakes people make taking ADHD meds. Mistakes that render the med ineffective such as have acidic beverages within a timeframe of taking the med or not eating before taking it? It’s an article that is empowering .
Hello I recently was put on adderall. I’m 43 yrs old was diagnosed at 12 took ritalin for 6 months at that time stopped and went until 6 months ago unmedicated. I tried all the non stimulants and then was put on adderall 10 mg twice a day then 20 mg twice a day then was switched to long acting 30 mg twice a day which didnt do much so the doctor switched me to 30 mgs twice a day fast acting. My question is the adderall seemed to work great when i was taking 3 10mg fast acting twice a day but now on 30 mg tabs fast acting twice a day it’s not working. I’m distracted cant focus etc. Any insight on why that would be? Thanks
Hummm….I’m wondering if there is a difference in the manufacturer? Ask your pharmacy, perhaps.
Stick with taking 10 mg at a time every three or four hours. Why would your doctor change something that was working fine?
I also have this problem. I was taking 10mg adderall twice a day and it was helping for about a week. Dr told me that can happen when the dose isn’t high enough. I’m now on 30mg extended release but feel how I did before I took anything ugh… any recommendations?
Liz, Talk to your doctor. You may need a different medication or formulation. Good luck, Dana
I had the same issue. After a few months of getting meds made by different manufacturers I realized that the 30mg immediate release tablets only worked for like the first week and then wouldn’t help me at all the rest of the month. The only 30mg tabs that worked for me all month were name brand aderall. After talking to my doc she said that I wasn’t the first person to tell her that.
Hello …
My son has been on 30mg of focalin xr for his adhd ND it helped but our concern is his overall health. This medication will eventually affect his heart ❤. Is Vyvanse a stimulate or Is their meds that aren’t stimulants ?
Vyvanse is a stimulant. The only ADHD medication that isn’t is Straterra. I’m curious, how do you know that the focalin will affect his heart? Did his doctor say that?
I know this was in the past but may help someone – may also be a case of the Med dose being too high. I started on vyvanse at a dose the psychiatrist said was the equivalent to short acting. As it turns out that was actually too much but because I didn’t quite know what to look for i viewed my still not able to get things done as it not working but in retrospect it was too high a dose and was causing me to hyperfocus on the wrong things. I was getting trapped in cycles of checking things on my phone and that was stopping me doing anything else. Worked it out with new psych as I was just getting more and more side effects as the dose kept increasing but no benefit. So we then kept decreasing it down and I got rid of most of the problematic symptoms and found the hyperfocusing on the “wrong” things got better. Have since changed meds which seem way better. But something to consider. Good to probably think about how you’re spending your day and whether something similar to what happened to me is happening to you.
Yes, Jill, hyperfocus can be a sign that the dose is too high! Thanks for posting!
Generic medications can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. I’ve gotten tablets that didn’t work at all. Then I’ve also gotten tablets that seemed too potent. When you find a generic that works well, now the manufacturer of it. (It will be on your info sheet that comes with your prescription) and ask your pharmacist what generic they carry before you fill each prescription. Cvs, target, Walmart, and others are notorious for changing up generics to get you the lowest price. But you get what you pay for. I’ve been on ADHD medication for 16 years without any major issues. Just the usual dose tolerance over time, and the occasional switch to a different form of amphetamine.
To Brandon: get yourself a new doctor and don’t disclose anything other than your ADHD. I too, have been labeled an addict because I had my fair share of fun as a teenager. And the signs never leaves you. I’ve not don’t heroin or meth in over seven years, yet, if I go to any doctor and even disclose that, I get screwed. So yes… Speaking from personal experience…. Keep things in a need-to-know basis. It’s better for all parties involved. You’re not doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions of the same thing. You’re just leaving the mental health to the psychiatrist, and the physical dependence issues to the other specialist. I personally don’t care for keighty’s presumptuousness about what you will do is given a bottle with more pills in it. It’s complete BS. And your current doctor is full of crap if he thinks that the method of administration, be it immediate release or extended release, will make any difference in how much you consume. I’m sure we can all remember just looking for more on the street when we didn’t have enough in our own bottle if that’s what we really wanted. The pills would be gone at just the same rate if all we cared about was getting high. At least that’s been my experience. But I digress. You should really get a new doctor and only give them information that’s relevant to your ADHD. Because that’s all they’re there to treat.
Thank you John for your voice of experience.
Hi Brooke,
There’s a blog link in the article worth reading because it gives necessary knowledge that can helps us make our meds effective.
Blog: Four Common ADHD Medication Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. What we eat and drink matters and when. It can extend effectiveness of meds or render the ineffective. It helped me. I hope it helps all who read it.
I have rarley feelt medications last time their said to last. Has do with metabolism to.
Hi! I recently started taking vyvance 40mg and the first week I noticed a small difference and improvement in my concentration & daily activities. Now not so much. I have a past history of taking vyvance 60mg once a day for 3 years and it was perfect. I went off of it for 2 years and am trying to get back on track in college and daily life. The 40 mg dose I now have doesn’t seem to be right from what my body/mind is telling me. I feel irritated and super anxious where it isn’t working/strong enough and don’t know how to address this with my doctor. Looking for your advice/guidance on what to do.
Hi Alison, Can you tell your doctor what you wrote here? That’s where I suggest you start. Good luck, Dana
I had the same experience different medication. Someone told me, if you take too much you hyper focus one one thing, and still don’t accomplish your other task, making you feel (and your boss feel) as though the meds aren’t working. So instead of taking 30mg all at once. I took 10mg when I woke up, another 10mg 2-3 hours later and my last 10mg 2-3hours after that never taking the last one after 2pm. It got me through the work day – without hyper focusing on unimportant stuff. I was able to complete All of my task, not just the ones I liked, I was more aware of my surroundings so I was able to help out in the office more (which is one of my duties) my boss and co-workers are happy with me. It was hard to tell it was working because I never had any “high” not “withdrawl” feelings. I just had to go by the fact that I was getting more done at work and completing more chores at home on the weekend.
I love love love this comment!!!!
I seriously think just being obsessive on my phone today of all days may have changed my life because I came upon this very post!! this I feel is or has got to be 100% my problem, thank you so much for this post like I said I feel like my life is going to change for the better and so thank you thank you thank you so very much for everyone but especially this particular post! and thank you to this site as I would have never been able to come across these posts! have a great day everyone I’ve never been so happy and hopeful as I am right now in a long time!
I have been on various meds throughout the years for my major depression but none have worked for more than a few years. The ones I have been on consistently for the last 18 years ( and are still taking) are lamictal, bupropion and cymbalta, none of which work by themselves or even as a combination but DO help boost other anti-depressants I have taken in the past.
I have now been on concerta for about two years – a 36 mg dose did nothing so my doc doubled it to 72 mg -two 36 tabs to be taken in the morning. It was great at first and I could function well but now it has begun to boomerang on me and the crash is awful. The good effects of calmness and clarity now last no more than 45 minutes and then I’m in the depths of despair! I recently decided to try taking one 36mg in the morning and the other in late afternoon but that has not worked at all. I get absolutely nothing done during the day except the most basic chores! Should I try the Vylanese everyone is talking about or something completely different?
My psych doctors have always been highly regarded and I trust their judgement. I know I’m a “ hard case” where my depression is concerned.
ADHD medication when DEPRESSION is also present
I watched a useful video on depression and adhd.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=dVDhYtQkuO8&feature=share
I basically it says that medication for depression stabs obsessive thoughts kind of like you would use it to treat OCD stopping consistent thoughts. The problem with ADHD is the opposite we are distracted by thoughts. This doctor does not believe that anti-depressants should be used in treating ADHD as we already have enough issues with focus we are trying to stay focused not change our focus.
The video on YouTube it’s called adult ADHD Patient perspective by IMedexCME … 42 minutes into video.
It also talks about other stimulant a non-stimulant drugs.
Thank you! I really have been wondering about antidepressants. The only one that ever really worked for me, out of about 8, maybe more (!) I’ve tried (for at least six weeks) was venlafaxine (Effexor. It was very strong for me at 75mg/day to start, but I had to eventually try all the way up to 300mg/day, and that amount stopped working). Because it is an S*N*RI, not an SSRI, could it have been helping ADHD? I have bipolar disorder, but even though it’s one of the most likely antidepressants to cause mania, it didn’t make me manic.
Also thanks a ton for the list of how to judge whether stimulant medication is working! Very helpful, I will write this down and try to journal it daily. Hard to say how much could end up being placebo effect for me, because I’ve become so accustomed to giving up on life, especially after being on a med that was making me sleep all day for maybe… Six months? D: Weirdly hard not to be a wimp about being awake now
Hey there! I normally don’t comment on these things just read the question and answers posted but I’m 35 years old and about two years ago I was prescribed 50mg Vyvanse and I can honestly say my entire life has changed for the better. Not only do I get all of my tasks each day completely done, I also feel my parenting has also improved and it lasts long enough to work all day and come home and do the mom/ house duties as well. I have been put on Strattera and methylphenidate prior to starting Vyvanse and they did not work for me in this manner. My focus and attentiveness as well as being able to do all daily tasks has never been better since I started this medicine. About a year ago my Dr closed down and for about 3 months I was in search for a new Dr but without my meds as well. Those three months had shown me just what the drastic effect and role of having vs not having Vyvanse played in my everyday life. Finally after three months I found a new Dr explained why the Vyvanse helped so much and bam my life is back to the way it should always be. I do not get high off of them nor is more than one a day ever needed. Its a miracle medicine for me and I definitely suggest at least trying it. Everyone is different but I’m hoping it’ll help everyone as it has helped me. Sometimes daily medicine is truly needed in ones life and I believe this is mine because of all the positive changes it does for me and my day. Hope I helped some. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Jasmine. Thank you for a good news story about Vyvanse! That’s the way it should work when you’re taking the right dose of the right medicine at the right time of day.
thanks for this, really good to hear. started on a low 20mgs today due to drug intolerance in the past and also my body always needs the lowest levels of setraline (25mgs) and 75mgs lamictal. I don’t take setraline anymore and I’m hoping the Elvanse will improve my life to a point I can come off the lamictal that was given to me for a misdiagnosis of cyclothymia. its impossible to wean off of but with any luck the Elvanse will make that easy. I hope your journey is still a good one 👍
I started taking 50mg vyvanse and started having panic attack to where I was thinking I was going to die… but I dumped the Powder out and took half of it lol I hope with less side affect won’t be as strong
Rather than trying to divide the powder up- empty into a small amount of water that you’ve measure, dissolve it and then take a proportion of the water. There’s a bit of sediment that won’t dissolve that’s ok. But definitely able to split the dose this way. (As per both manufacture and my psychiatrist. Allowed me to make use of all the large doses I had at home when we worked out that I didn’t need that much rather than getting more scripts filled whilst titrating the doses down). Some people find splitting the dose and taking half in morning and half a few hours later works better for them too. But always beat to do these experiments with your psychiatrists advice and knowledge.
It’s called tolerance, I would talk to your doctor. He may switch you to determine or another medication and revert back or give you 60 then determine at night (I have had these experiences many times to avoid tolerance and usually ups it in high stressful situations where many things are going on in my life then lowers the dose down to wein your tolerance and bump it back up switching from Adderall to Vyvanse – and then even Adderall extended release 8a and determine short time release in the evening at a low dose); everyone’s biological disposition is different, so talk to your family doctor/health practitioner before dosing up yourself. They will know what is best for your health if they are an Honest Practitioner.
*Dexedrine not determine, sorry auto-correct
Hey I was put on 10 mg rut loan on Tuesday and it hasn’t work yet it’s been 2 days what should I do
Hi Connor – talk to your doctor at your follow up appt. Good luck, Dana
I’ve been on Guanfacine ER for probably 6 weeks and at the beginning I felt great and was sleeping great. The past few weeks I’ve been moody, irritable, forgetful and I’m up every 1 1/2 to 2 hours each night and am very restless when sleeping and bounce around from my bed to the couch to my daughter’s bed and cycle around until I finally fall asleep. Suggestions on what to do?
Hey Katy, talk to your doctor. That’s not a livable side effect. Good luck, Dana
I wasn’t diagnosed with severe adhd due to childhood trauma until i was 45 years old. The first time I took my generic Adderall it was like Charlie Browns teacher wasn’t talking anymore !
At 57 years old and taking 20 mg twice day, I can get hyper focused on a case way to long and not producing fast enough for my employer yet I have 97% accuracy, Im still racing to work or late, having manic moments and will work in the yard for 8-10 hours then can barely move the next day, pack rat, have to talk myself out of buying things I don’t need, interrupt, racing thoughts, talk about things I shouldn’t and yet my b.p. is still 107/67.
What will help me to be somewhat ehst society calls normal ?
Hey Shelly, have you explained what you’re experiencing to your doctor? The medication should help you reduce the hyper focus and shift tasks at will. Good luck, Dana
Shelly,I have the same exact issues,I was just finally given treat at 57 years old,was put on 5 mg of adderall and I dont see any changes.
Shelly, if you feel that you do respond to medication in the right dosage, but that your habits, ruminating, hyperfocus, and relationship with your work are problematic, it may be worth discussing any concerns with your prescribing doctor, adjusting your dosage if required, and perhaps discussing whether other interventions such as targeted psychotherapy or coaching may be of any benefit, and if so, what approach may be effective for you.
Living with ADHD undiagnosed can lead to additional negative self beliefs as we continually underachieve in line with what we know we’re capable of, particularly in a culture where people have no trouble reminding us of how much ‘potential’ we are squandering!
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been helping me slowly unlearn some of those beliefs after a diagnosis in my late 20’s. The anxiety that I have around my performance at work, the awkwardness of showing up to appointments on the wrong day, or some other repeated ‘failure’ of years gone by has not disappeared with my medication. Sometimes this results in me repeating the same behaviors that helped me to appear ‘normal’ but that ultimately caused me a lot of stress and worry.
Coaching and mentoring take a more practical approach, working together to set realistic targets and action a plan to make it happen. I’ve been able to access this through my work and just being held accountable every week and thinking through my workload has helped me to incrementally learn new strategies to cope with my workload.
In response to your final comment, the channel ‘How to ADHD’ may be of interest. It focuses on tips and tricks for living well with ADHD. The channel is run by a woman, which I appreciate as the symptoms, diagnosis and coping tend to differ from boys/men with the condition.
I hope that you find what works for you!
Thank you Riva. You’ve made helpful points. I’m glad you’re doing well. Dana
Hi there,
I feel like there is a big difference between the generic brands and the name brand adderall. I was taking a 10mg adderall twice a day and they bumped me up to 15 mg twice a day. I feel like these 15mg adderall don’t work at all. We are working me back up to 20 mg twice a day after having been off of adderall for 4 years. I guess I’m just wondering if I am going to keep noticing inconsistencies with the generic brand adderall and if I should choose to pay out of pocket for the name brand stuff 😳. I have been prescribed name brand adderall in the past but my insurance doesn’t cover it now. Any suggestions? Do you know the out of pocket cost?
Thank you!
Hi Autumn, I can’t tell you the cost difference between generic and name brand Adderall. However, I can tell you that clients do report inconsistencies in the generic brands. It might be work trying the name brand and seeing if you notice a difference. Good luck, Dana
Good RX coupons. Only $40-$50 tops for name brand Adderall. It’s worth it if the generic medication isn’t working and it’s interfering with your ability to get through life properly.
Hello,
I am 25 and was diagnosed with ADHD last year and was prescribed Adderall. I started on 5mg fast acting twice a day, and then increased to 10mg fast acting twice a day.
My father was uncomfortable with me being on an amphetamine, as he struggled with drug abuse when he was my age, particularly with amphetamines. So, as an olive branch, I went to my GP and asked the nurse practitioner for a non stimulant option. They prescribed me 40mg of Atomoxetine once a day and I immediately struggled. I couldn’t focus at work and my depression was getting worse.
I went back to my GP and asked if it was possible to be on a low dose of Adderall and continue taking the Atomoxetine until the Atomoxetine started showing the desired results. My GP and Nurse Practitioner met with me together to discuss and my GP said that he was skeptical that Atomoxetine works and put me back on the Adderall. We started with the previously prescribed 5 mg twice a day, and a month and a half later increased back to the 10 mg twice a day.
My question is this: why does it feel as though I am still not back together like I was when I was on the Adderall the first time? I feel like my doseage wears off faster and faster since my break from the Adderall. When I was first on it I had a few other side effects as well like weight loss etc (which was actually really healthy timing) but since being on it again I have Gained 20 pounds. I’m not worried about the weight so much as what the lack of side effects and desired focus results indicate. Is it possible that I can’t take adderall for my ADHD anymore?
Thanks,
Kelsey
Hi Kelsey, I’m sorry the Adderall isn’t working as well anymore. I don’t know why the Atomoxetine (Strattera) would cause that. Talk to your doctor to see if he has any idea. One thing to know about the Atomoxetine is that it can take up to 6 weeks for it to start working. Also, it is very subtle – you won’t feel it kick in like you do your Adderall. As far as the focus, has anything else changed about your habits or routines? (I’m writing this in the depths of COVID 19 shutdown.) Your environment, external stimulation, diet, sleep, and exercise will have an impact on how well your brain works. With or without the ADHD medication. Hope this helps and good luck. Dana
Strattera is complete garbage.i recently moved cities to start my life over again. i was on 2 -30mg adderall XR and i went a period of 6 months with no stimulant & i am on Sublocade 300mg buprenorphine monthly shot. i was sleeping a lot during the last 6 months. i recently started Vyvance 40mg & i have never been on Vyvance before. i love this medication compared to adderall. It is name brand only. i noticed in my past that there is a bunch of junk generic adderalls out there compared to when i started it in the late 90’s.Wal-marts is better than CVS. i feel with the Vyvance that my life is 60% better. i think that my ideal dose would be the 50mg or 60mg Vyvance, but not the 70mg or at least work my way up to it.i have always been sensitive to stimulants, so i have always needed a benzo or an opioid to offset the medication- otherwise i get psychosis. i am shocked by some of these statements where people are saying that they get 0 effects in some cases. The man on 5mg or 10 mg adderall is just way to low. i think it is crazy that any doctor could prescribe such a low dose and think that it is going to work for anyone. Does Desoxyn still exist?
Hey Matthew, glad the Vyvanse works so well for you. Yes, the generics are not consistent. Many people have to take them because of their insurance. Yes, Desoxyn still exists.
I started on 5mg fast acting once a day Adderall, increased to twice a day after a couple of months, then increased to 10mg twice a day after another two months. I find that often I’ll take my first 10mg mid morning and won’t need the second dose. It works well for me to focus on mundane tasks and more easily redirect myself back from the frequent distractions from my kids. However, I also take various vitamins and supplements that can often help with mood, focus, stress, and brain function, so I don’t know if that allows me to be on a lower dose than I would otherwise need. And I am 5’2″ and 120lbs so that could be another reason for the lower dose working more effectively. Everyone is different and metabolizes differently. Diet, environmental factors, stress factors, triggers, etc. all play a part in one’s ability to manage symptoms with or without medication.
Well said, Jami. Thanks! Dana
Hi I was prescribed 5mg twice a day and day 1 I felt the calmness I was able to get things done my brain actually was focus that day next day back to the normal day I waited 6 days contacted doc and she said try 10mg in the am and 5mg in the pm day 2 still no difference should I wait more days to see if it changes or should I reach out?
Hi Tasha, Always reach out and let your doctor know what’s going on. Communicate for the brain help you need! Dana
Hi there! Here I am commenting again but I would ask for Vyvanse if Adderall isn’t working. I say that because it lasts longer than the fast acting Adderall and the extended release Adderall. Also, for me, I have better performance, focus, attentiveness, overall better everything all day long and that whole difference in performance or how the medicine is working due to generic or no generic is not even an option for the Vyvanse. I swear by it and it can’t hurt to try right? Good luck!
I’ve been recently diagnosed (at 46!) and just started Concerta 37 mg, which is apparently a low dose. I was expecting either nothing or an increase in energy or focus. Instead, I just feel relaxed. Not at all what I expected from a stimulant. It’s not incapacitating but also not overly helpful. Will a higher dose make me even more tired. It’s almost the opposite of what I was hoping to achieve.
Hi Diane, Welcome to the ADHD tribe, I hope your diagnosis is the start of a new and improved way of life. Counter to what you might think, stimulant medication often calms a person with ADHD. The medication doesn’t stimulate your body. It stimulates the neurotransmitter activity in your brain. Tell your doctor what you’re experiencing. Increasing to a higher dose to see if that helps you calmly focus and get more done is normal when first starting medication. If that doesn’t help you focus, etc., as you want you might ask to try a different medication. This is all normal. Good luck! Dana
36 mg of concerta was overwhelming for me. I was extremely anxious and always thought I was gonna have a heart attack or something. Also i noticed my hands and feet would change colour. So i switched over to vyvanse and they work wonders! Nearly zero side effects and its subtle. There is a bit of a high at first but after a while you just feel calm and collected. Beautiful medication.
Hi Dana,
I’ve been taking Vyvanse 50mg for a few weeks now and I definitely notice a difference. Although — initially my doctor and pharmacist told me to avoid caffeine since it would amplify the Vyvanse and cause lots of side effects. As an avid coffee drinker I just shifted my habits to drink coffee when I wake up (4-5 am) and take the Vyvanse at 8:30 before I start work at 9. All good, no side effects.
My question is today I skipped the coffee, but still woke at the normal time and took Vyvanze at 8:30. It’s just been a few hours since I took it but I feel like its way more effective than usual. My focus and clarity are decidedly higher than the past several days (no side effects)… is it possible that the coffee inhibits my Vyvanze making it less effective? If so maybe I should cut down the coffee considerably! Your thoughts?
BTW I nearly always drink the coffee black so the sugar rush isn’t a factor here.
Thanks!
Hey Ben, how interesting that your thinking seemed clearer without the coffee. Typically coffee boosts focus. Here’s the deal – you need to know what works best for you and your brain. Experiment with and without coffee. Can you detect a pattern? If so, there’s your answer. Stay Safe, Dana
It’s not just about the brain. Adderall is best absorbed in a basic environment. Black coffee would be acidic in PH level. drinking coffee prior to taking your dose would most likely affect that ph level which could lead to the conclusion that the coffee is blocking your absorption so your wasting some of it probably in your urine haha
Hi Dana,
Im a 22 year old college student and started taking Vyvanse 30 mg in September but after about 3 weeks I noticed the effects weren’t working as well. My doctor upped my dosage to 40 mg and I felt the difference the first week but now after I take it, I feel myself still avoiding my actual responsibilities and focusing on different things. I’ve been procrastinating now more than ever and I’m getting really worried. It also seems to last about 6 hours for me and it’s causing me anxiety. Should I get a higher dosage? What are your thoughts?
Thanks!
Hi Maria, Talk to your doctor. Vyvanse should last more than 6 hours, so something isn’t right. Perhaps you need a higher dose. Perhaps a different medication. Also, notice if the meds effectiveness changes depending upon where you are in your menstrual cycle. Good luck, Dana
Actually there was a study done that coffee can inhibit the absorption of Vyvanse. It’s probably more than one thing that will. Including acidic foods
Yes the caffine in coffee and also other things like high acid fruit juices and other energy drinks would make my vyvanse alot less affective. I’d try decaf coffee and just push through until you get your vyvanse into you. Makes a massive difference.
I was on vyvanse for 3 or 4 years to treat my ADHD. I stopped taking it when I had my son. I stayed off of it for a year to see how I would do without it. I started to notice that I just could not focus on anything throughout the day. Then the real test came…I had to start homeschooling my kids due to COVID and at that time I was also enrolled in classes online for real estate. That’s when I noticed I needed to be back on it because I just could not focus and It made it a struggle for me to get out of bed each morning to get started with my day.
I recently started back on it. When I was on it in the past My doctor at the time prescribed me 40mg in the morning and 30mg at noon to get me through the day.
Now my new doctor prescribed me 30mg to start off with once a day…which I would be fine with because I would prefer to not be on as much as before. But my question is…how do you know if your dose isn’t enough? The first couple of days being in it I could tell a huge difference. But now that it has been almost a week I feel like it is becoming a struggle again to get started with my day. Also when I take it in the morning after waking up, a few couple hours will go by and I feel tired. Almost like a come down feeling. Does that mean that it is not a high enough dose?
Brittany, your body could have adjusted to the dose. Talk to your doctor.
Hi Dana,
Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with combined ADHD+ASD, aged 43 (1.6m, 47.5kg).
Prescription was 18mg Concerta + 37.5mg Venlafex on day 1, gradually increasing both until I find the sweet spot. I stopped the Venlafex after day 3 as I felt like a zombie, incredibly tired, sleeping 12hrs each night and generally numb. Two weeks in, I’m more distracted than ever, my mood this week is depressed and very irritable (not my norm) and have missed 2 college assignments deadlines. I have zero motivation, feel like my face is stuck in a mini frown and don’t feel anything about anything.
I know everyone is different so don’t want to ask is this normal but should I persevere and for how long? Or just change meds/dose? Currently on 63mg Concerta only.
Dee, talk to your doctor. This isn’t the way the meds are supposed to work. Good luck, Dana
I unintentionally gave up caffeine previously. I merely got sick of paying so much for redbulls from the work vending machine and felt the sweeteners were making me feel a bit nauseated so I substituted for caffeine pills. Initially just taking every time I would’ve normally grabbed a redbull. After a while I had just naturally cut back to one in the morning and after a while I realised I hadn’t had caffeine in a few weeks and I felt so much better. I was sleeping better. I was wide awake on night shift. No more struggling to stay awake on my drive home post night shift- I’d be totally awake. Definitely recommend trying quitting caffeine. You’d be surprised how much it’s actually causing problems rather than fixing them
Great suggestion! Thank you, Dr. Jill.
Yes the coffee and or caffeine is known to cut down the effectiveness of the Vyvanse. I have been on Vyvanse for some years now and it’s been my lifesaver in parenting and the working world as well. I did the same thing you did though in my early days of starting the medicine and I learned caffeine tends to drastically effect the medicine and how it’ll affect me that day. I learned drink lots of water and avoid caffeine and you’ll be performing at your best all day long.
Hi, I need an expert. When I was young I was on a fairly high dose of ridolin. Well when I was 16 I rebelled stopped meds and not much longer got kicked out of the house at 17. My life has been a mess. Uninsured … no meds. I tried meth. When I was young. I heard horrible things about it. Dark poison, creates criminals etc…. well this shit made me feel ‘right as rain’ . My recall , my maturity level, responsibility as a whole. So now I’m so conflicted . I need an expert.
You need to talk to a doctor.
I (13) got diagnosed with ADHD when i was about 9. I’ve only recently started concerta and have a dosis of two 18 mg tablets a day taken at breakfast. I’ve gotten really tired and out of breath faster and I’m a little worried about my increased heart rate. I’ve read online that it gives me a higher chance to have a stroke or get a heart attack. Should i speak to my doctor about this? I’m not sure of its concerning but I also realized my body gets a lot hotter than usual.
V – you are right to think you need to talk to your doctor! Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana, I’ve been diagnosed with ADD recently and I’m not sure I can feel any affects towards my vyvance I was prescribed 30 mg and I feel like it doesn’t even last as long. I’m still too talkative and it’s not really helping me focus. I’m not really sure what to do. It barely lasts 10 hours and I felt dizzy today by 11:00pm I took the pill at 9am . I’m not really sure if this is normal or not I just don’t get if this is working what so ever.
I have not had any changes / experienced changes in my heart rate, blood pressure , or breathing. Also my appetite is okay I mean I don’t really feel like eating after taking it. My mouth is also so dry when I take it , I’m assuming that’s normal please correct me if I’m wrong
Hi Haneen, Three things: 1. eat before you take your Vyvanse and see if that helps your dizziness. 2. Dry mouth is a common side effect of ADHD stimulant medication, drinking more water may help. 3. I was taught that if the stimulant medication doesn’t last as long as the label says it should then you likely need a higher dose. I’d try eating first and drinking more water before that, however. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana, My doctor increased my dose to 50mg of vyvanse and it does feel okay i guess. I just don’t really know how i feel about it. It probably is working but eating and drinking is still a challenge. Im trying to eat first before taking Vyvanse and drink water throughout the day but the issue is I’m not eating lunch now because my appetite is almost non existent. It’s lasting way longer now though . It lasts about 14 hours. Which is really good .
I’m 19 and I was diagnosed with ADHD at the end of last month and prescribed 40mg of Vyvanse. The first day I took it, let’s say my brain is a dim light, it felt as if someone had turned the dial and, the first time, the light was as bright as I feel like it should have been. This effect only happened the first day and I haven’t noticed it since. Things have been good for the most part, I feel like it amplified my personality (in a good way) and I was getting more done. It’s my 4th week on the medication and recently… I’ve noticed something off? I started my second year of college this recent Monday as well, but anyways: periodically I get a slight tightness in my chest and I start to feel- I guess anxious? I feel like I can’t gather my thoughts. For the most part I feel like the medication has had a positive impact on me, but I really don’t like the “anxious” feeling
Hi Jahi, isn’t that ‘light turning on feeling, amazing!?’ Anxiety can be a side-effect of Vyvanse. Best discuss it with your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana! I had anorexia as a teenager, after that I was diagnosed ADHD at 26 and I started with 18mg concerta, then 36 and I was on 54mg the last 5 years, I’m 35 yrs old now. When I started medication it really made my life better.
I’ve also been taking 100 mg levothyroxine for 14 years. A
month ago concerta wasn’t available so my dr. switched me to vyvanse 50mg and lexapro 10mg (got recently reduced to 5 because I was sweating too much)
There’s one symptom that concerns me, and it’s rumminating unstoppable thoughts. I feel these happen more in the afternoons. i can be zoned out for 5 hours trying to figure something out in my head.
I feel this happens more on concerta than on vyvanse but i’m not sure.
Is this an ADHD symptom ?
Do you know of people having similar symptoms with concerta ?
If else, what do you think it could be?
Thanks!
Hi Nicole, Ruminating is an ADHD thing. It may be a side effect of the medication(s). Best discuss it with your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Goodmorning!. I am 36yrs old and was recently, 2 weeks ago, diagnosed with ADD. My doc started me on Strattera, which my body rejected immediatly. My BP went way up and I felt such an intense anger i immediatly went to my doc office. He changed me to 10mg adderall 2x daily. I felt a huge improvement. One week later my follow up he decided that I need to switch to adderall 30mg XR 1x daily. I am nervous about this change and would like to know what the difference will be as far as how I feel not in the medication. I know it is an extended release version but would like to know if there will be the same effect as I really am feeling better and don’t want to go back to feeling terrible….lack of focus, inability to fall asleep with racing thoughts, anxiety, irritability ect. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Hey there, HippyChick! The short-acting Adderall and the XR are essentially the same medication. The XR is designed to last longer so you don’t have to remember to take it as often. What your doctor is doing is normal. Good luck, Dana
Hi, I’m 13 and am taking 30mg of concerta daily but I am still having trouble with my focus and performance of trivial tasks. I stopped taking adderal about one year ago after gaining a tolerance for my 60mg dosage. is there something I should do to improve such as swap medications, up my dose, ect? I am in highschool so my ability to perform simple tasks and do work is incredibly important.
So, no my med is not working… I couldn’t even read past number 5 on your list…. UGH>>> I’m taking Adderall XR, only 10mg, its helped, but not enough.
And here is where I go off on a tirade – but, one major disservice to patients is that, I, for instance, have to wait a month before my doctor can even address my issues of insufficient medications, because its a controlled substance. These laws should be changed – they do not benefit patients! They make patients suffer because of what criminals might do. Such a disservice to people who are suffering.
I can’t agree with you more. I have an eight-year-old who is suffering in school severely and we have tried everything from guanfacine to Strattera to Adderall which she is on now to Ridellan and it seems that even if they work for a few days after those few days they no longer work anymore but I have to wait a month to go back so that’s a month of her being in school getting in trouble not focusing failing her test etc. as I’m sure you can relate and it’s ridiculous so just something definitely needs to be changed as far as this aspect is concerned I understand with pain medicines and why they would do this but when this is affecting children who are still in school and even college-age kids something needs to be done to where if a week later a parent calls back and says hey it worked for two or three days but now she’s back to raising her hand or actually not raising her hand to interrupt every 45 minutes asking to go to the bathroom three times within 15 minutes or making any excuse she can to get it out of her seat and constantly interrupting the class and for instance if there is a test that they have to take with 40 question she might do eight and she tells everyone of those A questions something has to be done in these laws need to be changed. Today is November 29 and I have to wait until nearly the end of December to go back and see her to switch meds so that’s the entire month of December in which she hast to suffer in school so not only does her teacher have to deal with it the other students in her class have to deal with it I have to deal with it but in my opinion more than anything she hast to deal with it because she lays in bed at night and cries and asks me mommy why can’t I just be good why can I sit in my seat and do my test like the other kids do it why can’t I just sit still like the rest of them do and it breaks my freaking heart something needs to change something needs to be done because it is ridiculous. I have read through all the messages on this board but reading yours really struck a chord for me so I completely agree with you and I completely see where you’re coming from and I hope something changes soon. And it’s really sad that people that were abusing opioids are the reason that these rules have been implemented and it should not affect children in school. Whether it be elementary high school or college and the medicine isn’t working you should be able to call back a week later and go see your doctor and get reevaluated and re-medicated end of story. Thank you for posting that and I truly truly hope that everything works out well for you! Happy holidays!
My heart is breaking, too. Seeing our babies suffer is the worst!
Is this a law or a quirk of insurance? You should be able to call the dr and get a dosage or medication switch without a whole new appointment, and insurance should cover it because it’s a switch. Or maybe see if the dr can prescribe a shorter course of meds while you’re experimenting?
Daughter and I are both on the ADD train trying to titrate meds, two different prescribing physicians, and we’re able to do this.
That’s ridiculous. I’m in Australia and my psychiatrist gave me a written plan on how to increase my meds myself inbetween appointments when we were working things out. And also has given me several different dose scripts during that time. Meant that if I had increased my dose (and therefore used up the meds faster than I was allowed to get a repeat) that I could then get the higher dose at that time. Can they not do that there – where you say for instance get a script for both 36mg concerta and 18mg so if you take 36mg for a week then decide the 36 isn’t enough so you fill the 18mg script at that point and you then take 54mg and then when it comes to next script you can get 54mg. Or even if part way through the month you decide 54mg isn’t enough after a predetermined time on the 54mg you can increase it to 72mg because between the 2 scripts you should still have enough to up it to that dose for the remainder of the month. It works out a bit more expensive as usually it’s cheaper to get a bigger dose tablet compared to two separate ones but it’d be worth asking your psychiatrists if that’s something that is doable.
Alternatively for some meds you can get a higher dose and dissolve the capsule contents into a known amount of water and divide that to get the lower dose (Eg vyvanse). And adjust it like that.
There would have to be a way around the system in your country. Just might need to ask the psychiatrist about these kinds of options.
Hi there, I have been diagnosed with ADHD from every therapist I have been to, so I know I definitely have ADHD, unless they have been misdiagnosing me and I am actually bipolar, because I have heard they are very similar when it comes to the symptoms. Anyway, I am able to get things done, I don’t really need help staying on track with tasks, or paying my bills on time, or getting places on time. It seems for me that where my issues with ADHD lie are with overthinking and also with my emotions. My mind is constantly racing and overthinking and worrying about everything, and my emotions are all over the place. I really think that if I could get the overthinking and my emotions under control, I’d have no issues caused by my ADHD. I am currently on 27MG a day of concerta. Does it seem like I need a higher dosage, or possibly a different type of medication? Maybe an anxiety medication in addition to the concerta? I am going to run it by my therapist, I just came across this page and thought I’d ask it here too.
Hey Tiffani, run it by your prescribing physician. There is not an exact medication dose for ADHD – it’s the right dose of the right med at the right time of day to reduce the symptoms that are causing you the most problems (emotions, racing brain, worrying). Good luck, Dana
I started on Adderall 10MG 8 days ago. I felt “connected”, and focused after the first dose. Now after only 7 days, I have lost the effect. Is this bad? It worries me that my body adapted so quickly.
Hi Wayne, your body adapting that fast is normal. I hope your doctor’s plan is to increase your dose so you can stay focused and connected again. Good luck, Dana
I have not took my adderal in 2 days I feel spaced out a little bit anxiety but I tend to mix my Adderall with a little coffee about a cup no more than that I’m completely awake I feel like I’m on it right now I have been getting good sleep but I don’t think mixing what coffee it’s a good idea I realize that now
hi dana, i’m on 45mg of concerta and i’m not sure if it works because i have nothing else to compare it to. i can focus better in areas like conversations and i have a better working memory while on it. however i feel absolutely NO change in my motivation or productivity. i figured it was because i had to find motivation on my own but are adhd medications supposed to improve productivity? it’s as if i can focus better but have worse executive dysfunction than ever before.
Hi Amanda, yes the medication should help your productivity, too. Talk to your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Hello,
I started taking Vyvanse and it’s causing me to hyper focus on the wrong thing. I basically will spend hours and hours trying to figure out which syndrome I have and how to best treat it. I would hyper focus on this before but now it’s super intense. Is there any way for me to still get the concentration effect of the Vyvanse but be able to task switch? Is this an OCD effect? I have GAD an ADHD with some OCD and OCPD tendencies. (Psychiatrist is still figuring out whether I have those which is one of the reasons I’m researching so much to try to figure it out).
Hi CJ. Vyvanse does make some people hyper-focus on the wrong thing. Your psychiatrist is the best one to tell you other options. Good luck finding answers, Dana
I had that wrong thing hyperfocus happening when I was actually on too high a dose – dropping the dose helped that a lot.
I have ADHD and OCD, and I am super sensitive to stimulants. They can rev up the hyperfocus really strong. Adderall was even worse when it came to hyperfocus. I tolerate Vyvanse much better, and it is actually a different chemical (amphetamine vs dextroamphetamine-amphetamine).
I recently started working out more often and making diet changes (gluten and dairy), and I am suddenly more sensitive to Vyvanse. I am currently titrating down on Vyvanse and hope to find a dose that does not cause me to hyperfocus and have various tics.
I am currently taking Vyvanse, the targets I set for myself were met for some time, but now I am finding myself overwhelmed by tasks that the medicine would make easier to tackle. And I don’t mean tasks like building a rocket. But simply cleaning my garage. My doctor put me on 2 different anti depressants and neither made a positive xhange, in fact both made only a negative xhange.what should I do?
Britten, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. I’m not a doctor and I don’t know why you were prescribed anti-depressants. I’m curious if learning skills to help you tackle big projects is what’s missing? Living easier with ADHD takes more than medication. Good luck, Dana
Hello, I’ve suffered with ADHD all my life when I was younger my family and even me didn’t completely understand what was going on. Throughout my life I’ve had really bad spouts of anxiety, times when people would speak to me then after the conversation I couldn’t remember what they told me I would just draw a blank. From the time in third grade up until my adult years I’ve suffered with severe anxiety. Before my diagnosis of adhd I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. It was one of the hardest most fearful things I’ve ever experienced. After all the chemo and severe pain from surgery of dealing with pain meds and all the other traumatic things that all the drama brought to me I just couldn’t pull myself together, I spoke with my physiologist who told me people in some cases that has adhd had more severe depression and specially for me anxiety than regular folks. She had me take the test which reviled my issue was adhd. There is was all of my life I knew something was up with me but didn’t know now 44 years later cancer free taking adderal 30mg twice a day I feel like a brand new person everything seems so much clearer and I have a better drive to get things done. All the people I tried to avoid talking to didn’t seem to be so hard after all I was sociable like never before. I hated that I waited my whole life to make this determination. School was so hard I dropped out in 10 grade. Now I wonder would I have been better at school had me and my parents know what we were dealing with. In the 80’s adhd was something new that a lot of people were just finding out about. I have one question however, taking 30mg twice a day has worked for several years now but seems to not be as effective as before perhaps it’s the tolerance over time. What would be a good suggestion? Can they increase the amount or is 30 twice a day as much as they’re able to prescribe? Thanks for listening and your direction.
Joshua, so much to celebrate! Congratuations on being cancer-free AND getting your ADHD easier. Talk to your doctor. Yes, they can go to a higher dose than 30 mg twice a day though they might have to combine pills. There are other formulations (Vyvance) of adderall now which might work, too. The regrets and pain of an undiagnosed / unmanaged ADHD life are real. I have them, too. Stay well, Dana
Hello, I have been on 20-25mg Adderall twice a day (immediate release) and it has been working well but lasts 6-7 hours total so my doctor switched me to extended release. We tried 50mg and now 60 mg daily and not only is my focus terrible but I feel extremely exhausted on it, especially after about 3-4 hours. No idea why. I don’t get a jolt or up and down with immediate release- I actually just start to notice my focus is significantly improved, my mind clearer, less distractible, etc. If anything I feel calm on the immediate release. She said we could also try Vyvanse. If xr doesn’t work for me, would Vyvanse be similar or will it be likely to end back up on immediate release without it lasting long enough in my day?
Kelly, try the Vyvanse and see how it works for you. It might or might not. It won’t hurt anything to try. Hopefully your doctor can give you a sample so you don’t have to buy an entire bottle to find out. Good luck! Dana
I got extreme fatigue/exhaustion when I started both vyvanse and concerta- went away after a couple of days but was profound. I slept most of 24 hrs each time. It’s a known side effect that stimulants can cause drowsiness. My pharmacist actually warned me about it plus put a sticker on concerta but no one warned me with vyvanse and I’d been on immediate release so stupidly took first dose on a workday. Ooops! Thankfully it was a super quiet job and I was doing a job where it was acceptable to take long naps!
Hi I recently was prescribed methylphenidate 20 mg XR. I’ve been on it for a few weeks now, and it already feels like it’s wearing off sooner. At first it lasted for about 6 hours, now it’s about 4-5. After waiting the hour for it to kick in. Should I tell my dr and try to get a higher dose? It seems early for the effects to stop lasting as long.
Hi Brandon, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose. This is all normal. Good luck, Dana
Hi! I’ve been diagnosed with severe ADHD at 22 and started my first treatment with anti-depressants (escitalopram) for my first 3 weeks before starting my ADHD medication (Concerta Brand) and when I first started concerta I didn’t notice a single difference in my ability to remember things, be less fidgety, and paying attention as well as feeling any difference in my mood. It’s now been day 5 of my ADHD medication and still no common side effects or a boost in my ability to tackle everyday tasks. My doctor started me on 27mg and was wondering if I need a higher dosage or maybe try a different medication. Also, I mentioned I didn’t have any common side effects but something I’m noticing after taking concerta by day 3 was I started having some shakiness in my hands. I thought about maybe trying CBD to relieve that only side effect and I’m still unsure if it is bad to mix with ADHD medication. I tried to get ahold of my doctor for advice but the next time I can get ahold of her is a month away! If you have any recommendations I’d love to read it
Hi Jacob, I’m sorry but this is the kind of thing you’ll need to wait and ask your doctor. Dana
Hello I am 28 years old and I started vyvanse recently at 30 mg I loved how I was feeling it just would not last as long as I needed it to. I work full time and a mom of 3. So my doctor moved me to 40mg but it is making me feel more irritated and thus making it hard to focus because I just feel annoyed. Is there anything I can do to help with that? I want to go back to 30mg but I want it to last longer. My doctor said because it last until 5pm she does not want to give me a booster because I would be up all night. Is there tips to make the 30mg last longer?
Hi Rachel, How frustrating for you. You don’t say how long you’ve been on the 40 mg of Vyvanse. Perhaps your body will relax into the 40mg in a couple of weeks. Make sure you’re eating during the day. Also, Some of the people in my ADHD Success Club group coaching program take a small dose of a short-acting Adderall to get them through the evening. If you’re a working mom, you need your brain to be working all day – at least until the kids are in bed. Good luck, Dana
I’m newly diagnosed with Adhd at 38. Ive been on Adderall 20 mg xl once a day for 3 weeks. I feel very uncomfortable & restless, not hyper. Alert but not motivated/focused. Not sleeping well & I feel it lasts way too long. The evenings are very restless & I can’t seem to get comfortable. Do you think the IR would a be better choice?
Lindsey, sorry to not get back to you sooner – I’ve been on vacation. I hope by now you’ve talked to your doctor and are trying a different medication or type. The right dose of the right ADHD medication won’t feel like that. Good luck, Dana
I’ve been on Vyvanse since 2015 and it has worked wonders for me, although within the last year I don’t seem to be able to do the stuff I used to be able to do. However, I also have had more life stressors come about in the last year than I had before on lower doses (I went from 40 mg to 50 mg about 3 years ago) and I’m wondering if perhaps I should talk to my doctor about increasing my dosage again while I work on tackling the additional stressors.
Hi Megan, yes, talk to your doctor and see what they say. Good luck, Dana
I got a prescription for zydus adderal 30 ir, and they are making me tired. I’ve been able to be prescribed the name brand in the past. But cost a lot now, do you think generics not really being worried about by the FDA are making us feel like this and not the regular/ regulated Adderall? Bc clearly I believe it’s night and day. Can’t even find much about em online. And alot of generics have this rep, but still are approved. They’re messing with our mental health. It needs to stop
I’m an RN & will be 49 this month…just last week, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. I can now go all the way back to around 6 yrs of age & connect the dots seeing all of the things I did, behaviors I had, that were most likely due to ADHD. I’ve suffered from depression, anxiety & bulimia, which I’ve had now for 34 yrs. I’ve been on all kinds of antidepressants & meds for anxiety, but nothing ever worked…my mind never stopped vibrating & overthinking. So, I quit taking them all together, most had awful side effects & weight gain, which as someone with an eating disorder, I couldn’t handle! My thoughts were that the ADHD came first & the depression, anxiety & bulimia were all products of the ADHD & how it made me feel. I researched different medications & found Vyvanse…when I read that it had also been FDA approved for binge eating, that’s what I wanted to try! It’s been 5 days since my first dose & all I can say is, I’ve been very emotional about how it has changed the way I think & function. I haven’t worked as an RN for 14 months now because I was completely dysfunctional. It’s like my brain had just shut off, after 48 yrs of WORKING SO HARD, at everything in my life, my brain wore out & refused to function. Vyvanse has turned it back on & is slowly giving me my life back. It has taken my depression & most of my anxiety away & because it helps with emotional regulation, I am not triggered to binge & purge nearly as much as I had been. I’m excited and would love to speak to anyone who is interested in my story.
Juliana! A huge hug to you. Yes, you’ve got your life back. Thank you for letting us know. I wish you much happiness and success. Warmly, Dana
Hi,
I’m 50 years old and on ritaline modified release since a few weeks. Since a few days, I take 20mg ar 8 AM and 14 am. I feel great (calm, focused,…) in the morning but only for a few hours and then in the afternoon I fall asleep just after taking it. Thïs is really strange. Too low dose ?
Another question: do people without adhd reacts differently to stimulants?
Thanks
Hi Valerie, That is an odd reaction to the afternoon dose. Check with your doctor. And, yes, people without ADHD do react differently to the stimulants. Thanks for asking, Dana
So, I have been on stimulants for over 20 years. I had my husband pass away suddenly on me a few month ago. I used drugs, a lot of them. My doctor has been working with me closely and I have a therapist and have been clean for some time. But I have not been given my medication back. Am I doomed forever? I cannot think cannot get up cannot finish tasks cannot read cannot get to appointments on time procrastination is my best friend. How do I get this through to my doctor? I know it would be irresponsible to prescribe to me while using. But I am sober and miserable. I cannot even get up and start my day. How do I get my meds back?
Hi Jennifer, I’m so sorry for your loss and your struggles. That is a difficult question, and I don’t have an answer. What does your doctor say? I’m also wondering if grief over losing your husband can be playing into your challenges. Wishing you healing, Dana
Hi Maryam, it’s normal for a body to adjust to the dose of an ADHD stimulant medication. Experienced doctors know the medication often needs to be increased to the right dose for your body. They start with a low dose and slowly increase it over the weeks and months. Having the med work well at first and then wearing off and needing the dosage increased at the beginning is normal. Warmly, Dana
Hi Maddie. It issue really isn’t that the dose is higher, but that your symptoms are still causing problems. Dr William Dodson recommends people try more than one ADHD medication to see which works better. Perhaps Methalphenidate would get better results for you. Talk to your doctor. Good luck! Dana
I’ve been taking Concerta 36 mg for 4 days and still I can’t feel anything ? what dose it mean?
With the longer acting medications like Concerta you may not physically feel the medication kicking in. Are you able to focus better and get more stuff done? If nothing has changed, talk to your doctor – you may need a higher dose or a different medication. Hope this helps! Dana
Hello. I have been on 72mg of Concerta since October 2017. It is now almost May and I am at a breaking point. I cannot focus, not meeting deadlines at work, and I want to crawl out of my skin. My Psychiatrist says I cannot change meds because I didn’t give the Concerta enough of a chance….he says I haven’t been on it long enough to decide it is not working……6 months?! Really doc?! Any truth to this?
Umm….Find a different doctor. Someone who understands ADHD medications and how to prescribe them! Good luck!! Dana
I take the largest dose of Adderall the FDA will approve for psychiatrist to prescribe 60mg IR per day given in two doses of 30mg. I was on Concerta before and 72mg is extremely HIGH as 56mg is as high as the single dose gets. No wonder you feel like you are going crawl out of your skin and can not focus you are over medicated. ADHD is felt immediately and does not need a time frame of months or even weeks to know what it’s doing. ADHD medications usually give patients relief the first day they take them within an hour or two maximum for the extended release versions.
My ADHD affects me the most when it comes to my hyperactivity. So I’ll hit things and yell and jump around when I get too excited. I’m 27 but without medication I act as if I’m 5. I was taking 27 mg of concerta and it changed my life completely but recently went to vyvanse and they also work incredibly. I have no idea how people can take the top dose of this medication and feel nothing. It’s such a powerful drug it just doesnt make sense
Hi dana, first tie I read this blog, I have a 7.5 yrs old boy with ADHD combine presentation, he has been on Concerta since last september 2017 first with 18 mg, them 27 mg and now he is at 36 but split by morning and noon dose. He is definitely more calmed at school but recently his teacher confirmed he still needs 1:1 to start with any academic acitivy but also a constant 1:1 reminder to keed on track on the work he is doing. Can the medicatiom control mood, hiperactivity but really no help to improve his attention or ability to foccus on an specific work/project?
Hi Mayra,
Talk to your son’s doctor. You need it to help him focus at school AND control hyperactivity and mood. Good luck, Dana
Perhaps, you might want to also look at what he eats and ask your provider if a change could help him. My friend did a change in her son’s diet, her son has ADHD and she had to take him off candy, sodas, pretty much sugar and other things but mainly changed his diet. Of course, no child wanted to not have candy, ice cream, etc. Once she did that, she saw a change in his ability to focus at school and she was able to take him off meds. Not saying that this would work for your son, but his meds were not helping him, it was making him act violent and she needed an option for him because his ADHD was severely affecting him at school.
Certain foods may play at least some role in affecting symptoms in a small group of people. Ideally, you’re eating habits would help the brain work better and lessen symptoms, such as restlessness or lack of focus. ADHD diets haven’t been researched a lot. Data is limited, and results are mixed. However, it is something to look at with his pediatrician. Some research say that whatever is good for the brain is likely to be good for ADHD.
Just investigate it. Can’t hurt. Also, what foods/supplements that might reduce the medication’s effect or increasing the effectiveness of the medication? Ask your pediatrician.
Hi, I’ve been on vyvanse for almost two months, I’m currently at 60mg, it has helped me immensely in school, I am learning math on college that I couldn’t in high school due to undiagnosed ADHD, and a math learning disability, it helps me with focus, helps with my anxiety, also with my sleep, Helps with my binge eating disorder and has so far helped me stay off all drugs and alcohol, the one thing I find though is I still get excited and talk loud when I’m talking to people, especially when it’s an exciting convo, I feel a little hyper still at times, I also quit smoking over a month ago and weed a month ago and hard drugs 3 months ago, the only issue I seem to have is at times I can be hyoer still everything else is great
Hi Rob! Good for you – you are making great progress. It seems like the benefits of Vyvanse out weigh the negative. Can you notice when you’re in ‘hyper mode’ and practice calming it down? I’ve had to learn that skill. Sometimes my excitement and response is too big for a situation. Good Luck, Dana
Wow, are those targets realistic? I think I might need to raise my expectations of what my meds can do. I just recently quit taking my meds outbof frustration. Maybe I’ll just establish a baseline and try again.
Yes, Robert, pay attention to what you’re taking the meds for. Perhaps you need a different medication or a different dose. Talk to your MD. Hope it works!! Dana
I’ve been on vyanse 40mg for 2 weeks now and I feel depressed. Is this normal or do I need something else other than this medication.
Hi Christine, Check with your doctor. This isn’t normal.
Hi Dana I’ve been on adderall since 1999. I started at 10mgs bid and over the years eventually reached 30mgs ir bid. Over the past 8 years I’ve noticed the adderall barely working. I have to take one 30mg tab then another 30mg tablet about an hour or so later to even think about getting out of bed. Then it only last about an hour. I’ve tried taking up to 120mgs per day with still little response. I’ve tried taking breaks from it and been on effexor with it but can’t seem to get my concentration under control what do i do
Hey Joshua, please tell your doctor your medication isn’t working anymore and see what he / she suggests. There are other ADHD medications that might work better. It’s important to take your medication as directed. Good luck, Dana
I’m in the same EXACT boat. Nothing has worked for me except Adderall. Vyvanse actually made me sleepy & want to isolate & do nothing all day.
I’ve taken up to 120 mg as well (20 does nothing for me anymore). I’m terrified to tell my doctor because this medication as worked so well for me and improved my life in so many different ways. I’m currently prescribed 60 mg per day (three 20 mg doses). I take 5 or 6 a day and that gives me the desired affect (not high, but being a stable and functional adult who can actually accomplish things). But I’m always short at the end of the month. My professional life suffers when I dont take them, but I’m scared to tell my doc. Adderall works well for me, just not at 60 mg’s per day anymore. The fear of having my meds changed is almost as great as maintaining as a functional adult without them. I’m so lost right now.
I’m in the exact same boat as you. I switched from 2-30mg adderall to a 50mg mydayis and I still can’t find symptom relief to last all day. I feel like I am never going to live up to my potential because I’m a fast metabolizer of medicine. My mom and brother are the same way with medicines.
Hello there,
I have just started taking Vyvanse & spoke with others about what side effects they had. Are you depressed, or is it that you feel more tired than usual? Several people said they felt tired and I had the same thing happen to me. My thoughts are that my brain is ALWAYS ON, I am nearly 49 & was just diagnosed last week…that a long time to be in that “ fight, or flight” mode, on high alert. My body & mind were always tense & I’ve always had difficulty sleeping. Then I started the medication & could feel the weight being lifted from my body & mind. It feels like because my brain slowed down & my mind stopped racing, that allowed my body to also relax, which made me tired….I laid down & feel asleep without even realizing it..slept for 3 hrs & woke up feeling RESTED, which I never do. I’d make sure it’s depression and not just a tired feeling. I keep a journal of everything I’m feeling, good & bad. Good luck!
Hi Dana,
I was wondering if you can help me. I’m 26 and recently diagnose ADHD, ADD. I ask my doctor for an ADHD diagnosis, because of my symptoms and how it can lead to anxiety and depression. Since I was going to school, I had a difficult time focusing and concentrating. My anxiety was through the roof. I first came home with generic Adderall IR 15 mg. The doc wanted me to divide my dose into 2 pieces, so 7.5 mg each. I took one, but I didn’t feel anything, so I took the other half. Man, it worked. I felt so clear the first time in months and I could concentrate and I was awake. I got it in late May. A few weeks later, I went back to the doctor and wanted something for long-lasting, so they gave me a generic Adderall ER 15mg. The doc said to take it once per day in the morning. I’m taking it now, but I don’t know if it’s working. I talk to my friend whose ADHD, and she said you’re not supposed to feel anything. For me throughout the day, I feel like myself without taking the medication. So, my thoughts If I don’t feel anything, whats the point in taking a medication. I understand it may take some time to work, so I am still taking it. I get the little-added focus after an hour, but it does not last long. I do get the dry mouth and lack of appetite, but the focus and concentration are not there. I am often distracted and can’t concentrate on boring tasks like studying.
Hi Margaret, I suggest you speak with your doctor to see if a higher dose would help you pay attention and concentrate on boring tasks. Those are the targets you’re aiming to hit. Hope this helps, Dana
You may not see this, but others in our situation might. I was diagnosed at 39. In the 3 years since I’ve tried Adderall XR, Stratera, and Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin helped my anxiety, but nothing helped my ADD. Today I started Adderall IR because my prescriber thinks IR three times a day will be better for me than XR once. Some of us just metabolize meds more quickly. He thinks I might be passing all the medicine before it has time to kick in.
Yes, your metabolic rate can influence how well your medication works. I hope the new approach is working for you. Dana
So, from what I’m reading in various medical journals & papers, it seems as though the 60 mg of Adderall daily is not a one size fits all dosage like its portrayed to be. What about those people who truly metabolize it faster than others? I feel like this is a topic most doctors wouldn’t even entertain just based on the stigma surrounding this medication. But it’s a real and existing factor. It probably doesn’t happen frequently, but what’s your opinion on how most medical professional would handle this if it was presented to them by a patient?
Hi Theresa, there is no one size fits all dosage for the stimulant medication. It doesn’t matter gender or body weight. It’s how much your brain needs to get optimal life functioning. I have worked with clients who are prescribed more than 60 mg by their physicians. Dana
Perhaps you should keep a journal. How you are feeling on the med, what you ate, any benefits/side effects and when you go to your appt you can give it to your MD so that they can see how you feel each day. Any improvements/side effects.
Hey any tips? I have ADHD and can’t seem to focus sometimes and some days I feel hyper even though I’m taking Vyvanse I still feel hyper sometimes I stay up till midnight and I wake up at 9:25 A.M. I take Vyvanse and then eat some breakfast sometimes i can feel it working. But when I don’t take Vyvanse I feel hyper then normal I don’t remember feeling like I can’t sit because before I didn’t have as bad ADHD is my ADHD getting worse? I’m 16 and I don’t know what to do. I take 40Mg and sometimes bump it up to 45mg is it bad to take the 5 extra because sometimes when it isn’t working I bump it up a notch and the 5 works just fine maybe I shouldn’t take the extra 5? I don’t know what to do because I hate feeling hyper any advice?
Hey Nate, it’s best to be consistent with your dose. Also make sure you’re eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, water, and exercise. Hard for a teenager, I know. Tell your doctor what you’ve just shared with me. This is information he / she needs to know to help you. Good luck! Dana
Madison I have experienced the same issues with the vision, as a matter of fact, my vision has gotten worse over the past 2 years of taking the Adderall. My current dose is 40 mg.
I
Hello Im taking 20mg of Adderall 10mg in the morning then 10mg in afternoon at lunch. First week was good I seemed to beable to focus now Im having a mid day crash i cant keep my eyes open. So frustrating I dont want to call my doctor my appointment is coming on the 24th of August should I just wait or call my doctor ?
Hi Debbie! Yes, call your doctor. It sounds like your body is adjusting to the Adderall which means the dose needs adjusting. The afternoon crash sounds like the rebound that happens when the medication wears off. But, your doctor will know for sure. Good luck! Dana
Hello Dana,
I have the same side effects and I am taken 20 BID.
I started at 5 and my doctor had me increase up to here. I am concerned that even if we increase it my body will get used to it again.
Is there a point where it will level out?
Hi Alex – it should level out eventually. There’s no one dosage. It’s individual. Good luck!
Hello Dana,
I am on my 3rd ADHD medication and nothing g seems to be working to my needs. I had a bad reaction to Vyvanse, Ritalin was good, but not great for the dosage, and now I was put on Concerta and I am having a bad allergic reaction to it and I have only taken it twice. My problem is, any medication I take, it is out of my system in 3-4 hours. I am losing hope. What do you recommend?
Ashley, here’s the bad news. ADHD medications don’t work for everyone. There are other meds your doctor can try, such as Strattera and Dex. Pay extra attention to your brain care – diet, sleep, exercise, hydration, etc. Sometimes the meds don’t work because of the brain care. Also, IF none of the medication works the brain care becomes essential. Make sense? Good luck, Dana
I just was diagnosed with ADHD at 42 even though I have been experiencing the symptoms since childhood. My doctor said that technically I should have been diagnosed in chidhood to be able to treat me fully but he still agreed to start me on medications for ADHD and started me on Vyvanse 20 mg. I have been only taking this medicaiton for 2 days but it actually makes me tired. I dont seem to notice any other effect. My mind still wonders, I am distracted by the smallest things and I still forget everything. I do know what it is like to finally get the symptoms under control because awhile back when I had injured my back the doctor prescribed tramodal for the pain and I dont know why but for some reason most of my ADHD symptoms went away. I felt amazing!! I do have a thryoid issue but it is being treated with Synthroid so I know that cant be related to this. It would be very nice to get back to somewhat normal again.
Hi Nichole,
Try eating healthy food before you take your Vyvanse and see if that helps. Also, make sure you’re eating and drinking water throughout the day. If you’re still tired and not noticing anything, talk to your doctor. The Vyvanse might not be the best medication for you. Good luck! Dana
Nichole, similar discovery. I ran out of ritalin which was not doing anything noticeable. I had some year old adderall and popped one in. Wow I felt normal again. Anxiety, frustration, overwhelm , misery all in control. Motivation better also. I guess it helps the ADD but the rest is so good. The issue is my ears ringgggg. That’s why I stopped it a year ago. IT was accidental really. So what is the magic here and what else can I try?
There are other ADHD medications to try. Work with your doctor to find the one that works best for you. Good Luck!
Hi Dana, I have a 15 year old son who has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and neurological delay. We have been slowly creeping in doses with his Ritalin and his abilify. About 2 months ago, the doctor dropped his dose in Ritalin from 54mg to 36mg and raised his Abilify to 40mg from 20mg to try and get control over his “friends” in his head. He is worse! I can’t get him to focus on anything, he is constantly talking to himself and now when he speaks, it’s just word salad. He seems super spaced out and now not able to sleep at night. Me being a mother, I want to put him back on his dose where he could say a clear sentence and sleep at night but still had a focusing issue? And then maybe change his medication? Are Ritalin and Abilify bad combos? What should I do here? I’m really concerned for my son. It seemed for a while he was getting better, but the higher we go in the medication the worse he gets. I don’t know what to do. He needs medication to help control his brain, we have tried stimulants and non stimulants. Help!
-Angie
Hi Angie, I am so sorry, but I am not able to answer your question. Please talk to your son’s doctor. I wish you and your son all the best, Dana
Tramadol is technically an SSRI,hence why you felt your ADHD symptoms diminish. Try something that boost serotonin ! Vyvanse mostly works on dopamine and norepinephrine I think, but dont quote me on that !
Hi,
I took Adderall for about 5 years 10 years ago, then got off it when I graduated high school. When making a serious attempt at college, I realized I really might need some sort of medication. I talked to my doctor and he gave me 50mg Vyvanse. and when I took it it made me feel anxious, jittery, and it became even harder than normal to focus on things. I got scared and discouraged and I gave up on the idea of medicating for a few months. I talked to my doctor about it again recently and he increased it to 60mg, and it feels amazing – I’ve never felt so clear, focused, stable, or motivated in my life as I did with the 60mg Vyvanse, and there was no crash for me at all. However, I had a short day today and so I decided to just take one of the 50mg Vyvanse from the first prescription, and it had the same effects as the first time! Jittery, anxious, unfocused. What’s the deal?? Is it possible that under-medicating can cause such detrimental effects, or did I just get a bad batch or something?
Thanks very much.
Hi J.S. I really don’t know. Usually, you wouldn’t feel anything with and be more unfocused with a dose that’s too low and a higher dose would make you jittery and anxious. Better ask your doctor! Good luck, Dana
I am concerned about feeling anxious when I take the full dose of vyvaance or any medication like this. So I normally either skip it or take like 5mg. The dr prescribed 10mg per day.
Question is:
Is it possible for a higher dose to actually make you feel less anxious? I haven’t been brave enough to try the full 10mg.
Hi Mary, if the medication will make you more or less anxious depends on the person. Have you tried the higher dose to see how your body reacts? Perhaps pick a day when you don’t have a lot going on take the higher dose and see what happens. If you get more anxious, be prepared to know it’s the medication. Hope this helps, Dana
Hi,
I was recently diagnosed withADHD. I’m 39 years old. After reading up on this I realize this has been my main issue all my life. I cant lie and say I never had a feeling but just brushed it off because people use to say that wasnt real and I didnt want to be ridiculed. But looking back o wish I advocated for myself because I know my life would have been different. I was prescribed vyvanse at 30mg then upped to 40mg. I had a reaction with 40. Flushed, BP spike and headache oh and shortness of breath. I was also skipping on my BP meds so that could have been a cause but I noticed on the 40mg things got done quickly. Now I’m back to 30mg along with gaufacine, amlodipine and low dose prozac. My mind feels clearer that is for sure and thank you for the list because that really helped me because I waskt sure if this was working. I noticed the vyvanse starts off good and then tones way down in 3 or 4 hours. Idk if it’s the “high” and then leveled out and still working but I noticed i still get distracted with social media, internet searches .of stupid things. Then I take guanfacine in the afternoon and it just makes me sit there. I guess it erases any kind of hyperactivity. Should I ask to increase the vyvanse back to 40 now that I’m back to being diligent with my pressure meds and since guafacine is another pressure med I figured I would be ok? I have noticed alot of my impulses are gone. The desire to to do whatever and say whatever has really been curved
Talk to your doctor about increasing your dose of Vyvanse. Make sure he/she knows about the BP meds. Also, with that drop in Vyvanse effectiveness in about 3 or 4 hours, try eating a healthy bit of protein around then and see if that helps. Good luck! Dana
Hi,
I was just diagnosed with adult ADHD (I’m 19). They started me off at 10 mg. It didn’t help at all and now I am on 15 mg. I feel as if I am just getting the side effects but not focusing!! I can feel my heart racing a bit, but not focused 🙁 Should I be on a higher dose or a different medication?
Make sure you’re eating healthy food before you take your meds. Protein is a good thing. If you’re still having problems, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication. Welcome to the ADHD family. You’re in good company. Hope this does the trick, Dana
I am currently studying to be a teacher, and just thought it may be worth noting he may also have a subtle learning disability! Most children with a reading disability also struggle with a math disability as they are closely linked. On top of that, not all special education services are the same! It would be worth looking into his RTI Tier, his IEP (if he has one), and what his current education services consist of.
(This is just on top of the medication, if it seems to have been doing it’s job otherwise)
Dear Dana,
I a 24 years old and today took my first dose of Concerta 18mg. I was prescribed the lowest dose initially now to try it and the psychiatrist said that he’ll most likely put me on a higher dose after two weeks. I am not planning to be using the medication on daily basis but on those days I need to put a lot of study hours since I am a university student. I like the way it’s made me feel, I feel like it’s calmed my mind down, the chatter is significantly diminished and I feel like hyperactivity is significantly diminished too. However, I am on my period (and I am very affected by the hormonal changes due to periods in regards to my mood), and also woke up feeling like I have a milder flu, so since the start of the day have been feeling a bit down, which makes sense with my current physical state. However after taking Concerta and the initial buzz I started to feel very tired and I am guessing it has to do with the hyperactivity being lowered, so perhaps how I am actually physically feeling is really coming across? Also my focus is a bit better but not massively so, I couldn’t really keep up with reading for university although I wanted to. Altogether, the pill has made me feel really nice and chill and I really like it.
My questions are:
1. Do you think the focus not being that much improved has to do with the low dosage probably (also of course if I am ill it doesn’t help the overall situation)?
2. Do you think that tiredness and the lower mood is then most likely just the continuation of the fact I am ill and on my period?
3. Do you think that perhaps the dose is fine but it’s actually the flu which is diminishing its effects or should I definitely go for a higher dose when it’s offered at my next appointment?
Oh and I didn’t mention, I have combination ADHD, and at my diagnosis test I had pretty much all symptoms. ADHD mostly affects how I deal with money, which can cause problems in my relationships and focus with studying.
Thank you so so much in advance, you’re a star! Love from Edinburgh x
Hi Iris! (I love Edinburgh, BTW). Most knowledgeable doctors start on a lower dose and increase it until you get the results you want – focus, clarity while reading, etc. Yes, your period and the flu could have an impact on the effectiveness of the medication. See what happens during other time of your cycle and when you’re healthy. Hormones can have a huge impact on brain functioning for some women. Good luck at University. Dana
I have been taking 70mg of Vyanse for about 2 years now and it was really helping me stay focused but recently I am very scattered and not able to focus even worse than before. Why is this and what should I do?
Humm…talk to your doctor. You may need to try a different ADHD med. Also, make sure you’re eating, sleeping, exercising, etc. The medication can only do so much. Wish you the best, Dana
Hi, for most of the comments above, I’ve all had similar niggling issues. I’m 28 and was undiagnosed the entire time, it almost finished me off, luckily someone somewhere was watching over me and pointed me in the right direction.
Now the medication, I started 18mg concerta, worked well for a few months then stopped, I went to 36mg concerta, again after a few months it stopped. The reason that happened and the professional didn’t even understand was that concerta only delivers peak dosages between the 7-9hour mark after taking it, and only if you drink a shed load of water to keep that sponge pushing it out. I am now taking a 10mg Ritalin which in 20 minutes takes me straight to that 7hr concerta concentration mark. Most of the long acting preparations also have this issue. I worked out that normal conditions I only need 6ish mg Ritalin, if I don’t eat right, the weather is hot, severe stress, boring tasks, pain tolerance, I need to go up towards 10mg. I cut up my ritalin as the pharmaceutical companies don’t have a 1mg pill available (why I don’t know) because 10mg gives me hyperfocus too extreme but 5mg is normally too weak. I do best on a 6-8mg dose every 4 hours. I’ve worked out my symptom control as following, this has really helped me to do this;
2d gone off vision problems – 2.5mg up to 8mg
No sound distinguish – 5mg-10mg
Pain tolerance – 2.5 – 10mg
Brain fog with words – 2.5mg-10mg
Motor function shaking – 2.5mg-10mg
Boring work tasks I don’t want to do 5mg-7mg only
Fun tasks I really want to do 6mg – 9mg
Severe stress/ bereavement 10mg max
Driving 6-9mg
Really hot weather requires the 8-9mark
Sleep initiation requires different dosages depending on the stress from the day, a quiet day I can get away with 1.25 but bad days require up to 7.5mg to get the chatter down!
Fatigue removal/vertigo is 2.5-9mg
Basically full adhd at 0mg, decent multitasking without distractions around us (sound) is 5mg, multitasking with noisy kids screaming and loud music in a coffee shop requires 6mg-7mg. To drive I need to be above 6mg but never above 9. This hyperfocus would make me only concentrate solid on the car in front and not taking into account the other things around. Something I enjoy doing I can go 6-9mg, hot weather really hampers the control and needs 8-9mg. Hyperfocus is triggered above 9-10mg. This is good reading a book at home on the sofa but not reading a text message when crossing a road as you will get hit.
Also to note. After 6 months solid taking these meds you will develop tolerance and require a drug gap. For example today I’m running at just 1mg because the last 4 days my fatigue is back and my vision has been blurry and crap. I do one day low, safely at home and it does help pull these issues back into line. Obviously check with the person prescribing these medications. However in my experience the really professional helping you with this is yourself. The specialists are not bespoke enough for your full symptom control and understanding.
Only problem with the above is a higher/lower dosage to hit one area of symptoms will throw out one of the other areas, it’s a toss up between what symptom control I need at what time. Working out how often to redose, for me now it’s every 4 hours and to irradicate the peak and trough I take my 5mg first then 1hr later I add the extra that I need on that, when that 5mg drops off after 4 hours, I still have that other amount for another hour so the peaks are gentle and ok.
Last area I investigated that require attention is supplements. No one told me if I wasn’t eating enough tyrosine containing foods that the benefits of Ritalin would be severely hampered because without tyrosine in the diet, the body can’t produce enough dopamine, the ritalin stops the body removing the dopamine through reuptake. I got my 500mg tyrosine herbal tablets off amazon and I wish I hadn’t tested them whilst at work because I must be the first person who got high from a supplement because the burst of dopamine that followed really smacked me, (word of advice – test your supplements at home) haha! Last to mention, caffeine tablets are wonderful in this combo too, a hour before getting out of bed I take my ritalin 7.5mg, 500mg tyrosine and 200mg caffeine pill, I then go back to sleep and the meds bring me out of sleep and fatigue a hour later, I then take a small 1.25mg too and I then stagger the dosages through the day with alarms from that 🙂
Hi Wayne. Thank you! Your self-observation is fantastic. We all appreciate your info. Be well, Dana
The Tyrosine is very important because these meds basically make your brain hyper pump your dopamine to the point that it begins to lead to depletion because your body can’t produce more as fast as these meds make it release. Tyrosine creates dopamine so a supplement is crucial to making sure the effects stay at their best.
Hi- I am a 42 year old woman. Diagnosed with ADD about 8 months ago. Tried Adderall- 30 mg and not working so doctor switched me to 50 mg of vyvanse with 20 mg Adderall booster to take at lunch time. I felt like the meds were working, but I am now at a point where I feel they’re not working and possibly have never worked. I was incredibly hopeful the meds would work and I thought things were going to finally improve. They haven’t at all. I have a horrible time starting projects and following through. My biggest issue is meeting deadlines. My boss has lost ALL patience with me, and I know a performance plan or possibly termination may be inevitable. It has been extremely frustrating- I am not focused on the task at hand, it takes me FOREVER to finish something, and I am at my wits end. My boss is constantly harping on me to get things done and piling more on me at the same time which makes me extremely overwhelmed. I have tried every time management and organization out there. What do you recommend? I feel like there is absolutely nothing I can do.
Hi Kim, I’m sad you’re stuggling. Have you talked to your doctor about the meds? Perhaps an adjustment in dose or medication is needed. Also, make sure you are eating healthy foods before you take your meds and through out the day. drink water, too. Sleep, etc. Medication alone won’t make your brain work. The self care is essential. Hope this helps, Dana
My daughter is 13. She has been on vyvanse 70mg for 2 1/2 years it had been working until recently her grades all dropped at school and she says it’s just not working. Her only major change is that in the past year she got her cycle not sure if that can make such a change. I want to help her. I’m thinking of going back to see her doctor.
Hi Lyla. Yes, take your daughter back to her doctor. Hormonal changes can impact the medication effectiveness. Good luck! Dana
Hi my name is Ben I’m 20 and was diagnosed about 2 years ago with ADHD. I intended to attend college so I decided to take a course of regular medication. I was originally taking 20mg Ritalin 2/3x a day and it absolutely changed my life! Really unbelievable! But it came at a price of serious Nausea, headaches and anorexia. My neurologist told me to try 1x Concetta 36mg instead and it has also been very effective with less severe side affects. However after about 6 months using concerta I find myself no quite as productive (but still incomparable to days I don’t take.) similarly it isn’t supposedly meant to last 12 hrs but I find it only really works for me for 8/9.
I have two questions. Firstly do you think perhaps I should try the next dose above 36mg if I find 36 is waning slightly? Or is that normal after the initial excitement? And also is there any problem with taking 2 doses on a single day, for a day when I need it the entire day? (E.g take 36mg at 7am and then another at 4pm)
Thanks !
Hi Ben, Talk to your doctor about increasing the dose. It’s normal for the body to get used to the medication and need a higher dosage. Also, taking two doses a day needs to be done under your doctors care. Good luck! Dana
hello,
I have recently been diagnose with adhd im 29 and feel i have had it all my life and decided i need to take care of it. My doctor prescribed me 18mg of concerta and the effects are very subtle if any after one week. Around the middle of the day i start to feel tired and find myself day dreaming, is this normal in the first week of medication, will this subside because i feel as if i am backtracking.
Hi Jordan, no this isn’t a normal side effect. Talk to your doctor about trying a different medication or changing your dose. Good luck! Dana
Hello! Today I started Vyvanse at 30MG. It has been 2 hours since I have taken it and I don’t think it’s working? I don’t feel any different. Does it take a while to hit? Or should I ask my doctor for a stronger dose?
I took it so I could focus on my college course but it does not feel like I am focused..
Heather, Vyvanse can be subtle. Unlike the short acting stimulants you may not feel it working. That said, if you’re taking it to focus on your studies and you can’t focus you likely need a different dose or a different medication. Check with your physician. Hope this helps! Dana
Have struggled on Adderall, although it used to really work well for me at first. I used to feel zoned in and could stay focused and read with laser like precision. That effect has worn off slowly 10 years later, and I’ve been working to find a new med with my doc. Tried Vyvanse now at 40mg, and I am noticing the motivational improvement but one thing that has not improved is my reading/listening retention and focus. I do not feel zoned in any more. I feel like one of the previous commenters, who felt the drug had solved half of the effects in the list you wrote. The reading and listening retention is probably the most important thing I wanted to improve. Would breakfast, exercise, sleep be the only other way to get this laser focus back? Or perhaps another drug? I have tried a bunch over the years and found Adderall worked best (although not any longer). Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks for this blog!
Antwer, the first thing to try is eating a protein based breakfast before taking your dose and notice if your retention and focus have improved. If not, talk to your doctor. You may need a different dose or a different medication. There are new medications on the market in recent years that might work better for you. Good luck! Dana
Hello,
I just started my Adderall XR prescription.
It has definitely helped, it calms me down, I feel so chill I think largely due to the fact that my mind stops racing and I stop racing around the house trying to find my keys/phone/wallet.
My question is do I need a higher dosage?
While it has helped, I notice that I am still forgetting things.
I’m more calm and I feel like I have everything I need, but I find I still forget things. I find that this worsens on the days that I didn’t get enough sleep though.
Will an increase in dose help? Or do I need to organize things better and be sure to sleep enough?
Stephanie, I suggest you focus on sleep first. Also, systems and reminders to help you remember things. If that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor about increasing the dose. Good luck! Dana
My stepson has been on vyvanse for 2.5 months in which it took a few weeks to kick in but ever since has been working great until 2 weeks ago. I’ve noticed a lot of his old behaviors, the reason we put him on this drug, have been showing up again. All the things he had a hard time with are showing their face again. Is this normal? Do you think it could be just a doasge thing or are we going to have to try a different medication? I did make an appointment with his doctor to discuss this but just was wondering what your thoughts are in the mean time.
Dawn, it’s probably a dosage thing if it worked well at first. It’s normal for bodies to get used to the first dose and need an adjustment. Glad you’ve got the doctor’s appointment. Dana
Hi Dana,
I was diagnosed with ADHD a little under a year ago. While I definitely have issues with impulsivity, cognitive behavioral therapy has seriously helped curb unproductive impulses and keep me on track. However, the issue that was most prevalent was my inability to focus and retain information and therapy wasn’t helping with this. I started on 30 mg of Vyvanse and that was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING for the first few months. My anxiety was significantly reduced, my ability to focus and retain information was through the roof, my boss and advisors noticed a tremendous difference in my performance, and I was completely motivated to success every day. However, my momentum began to fade after 4 or 5 months so I increased my dosage to 40 mg. After another month or so on that dosage, I noticed that I was beginning to lose focus by mid-day. My doctor then prescribed an afternoon booster of 10mg of Adderall, which helped a bit. That also began to stop working and the anxiety crept back in. I noticed that I would experience extreme anxiety each day around the time when I noticed my attention and cognition was fading. I want to increase my dose to 50mg but I’m afraid that I’m going to continue to experience this increasing tolerance over time and, that eventually, nothing will work for me (which in turn further increases my anxiety). My question is, is it normal to have to continually increase my dosage, even after nearly a year? Is it possible that I will eventually find the dosage that works for me for the rest of my life?
Thanks for providing a platform for ADHD discussions. I’m the only one in my family that experiences this (or at least I’m the only one who talks about it and sought treatment). It’s really nice to be exposed to people and groups who are supportive 🙂
Hi Blair, I can understand why this makes you anxious. You found something that worked and now it doesn’t. Everyone is different, so it’s hard to say. But, the highest dose of Vyvanse is 70mg. Options are to increase and see what happens. Or, try another medication. Also, make sure you’re eating a protein based meals and a snack around the time the Vyvanse wears off. That might help. Good luck! (And, you’re welcome. So happy to provide this plaform!!) Warmly, Dana
Hi Dana. My name is Christina. I am 30 years old, and was diagnosed with ADHD at 22, while attending Univetsity. I was first prescribed Adderall 40mg (20mg x2 per day, due to my metabolism). It worked great! When I was about 25 years old, I talked to a new physician (my current physician) about switching medications, as the insurance cost was too much for me at the time. I am currently taking 72mg of Concerta, and have been for almost 5 years. It worked beautifully, until after the birth of my daughter. I found out I was pregnant at 20 weeks, weaned off the Concerta, then resumed taking 72mg a day at 3 months post partem (she is currently 17 months old). I quit my job as a manager for a day program that serviced Adults with Developmental disabilities in February 2018, to be a stay at home mom to my daughter. I have noticed, for the past 6 months or so, that my current dose is no longer working like it used to (my ability to focus has severely decreased, ability to complete tasks has decreased, etc.). I want to be the best mom that I can be, but I don’t know what to do. I know that I am at the maximum dose for Concerta, according to the FDA, but it has worked so well for me up until now. … Do I ask my physician for an increased dose of Concerta? Do I try another ADHD medication? I am unsure of what to do… But something needs to change… Thank you, in advance, for your help with this! I truly appreciate any feedback that could help!!
Hi Christina, Congratulations on your baby! There could be a number of things going on. The routine of being a stay at home mom may not be enough stimulation for you to stay engaged and focused. This has nothing to do with how much you love your daughter – it’s a brain stimulation thing!!!!! We’re at our best when we have enough going on to help us focus. Talk to your physician. Be clear on what you want and need to do during the day. Why you’re taking the medication. Hope this helps! Dana
I’ve been on Vyvanse for two months, along with Lexapro for anxiety, and the medications have caused huge improvements! However, every once in a while I have a day when I’m just scattered, even with the meds. Today was one of those days – I had a busy weekend, got to sleep very late and had to get up early to get to work (I’m a teacher). It’s the end of the semester, and I have a lot to finish. Despite the meds, I’m jittery and distracted, and putting off things I need to focus on. Is this normal? Do I just need a nap? Not sure when to be concerned and when to relax and trust that those days happen sometimes.
Hi Rachele, So glad the meds are working for you! Those jittery and distracted days are probably from lack of sleep. The medication can only do so much. The good self-care – diet, sleep, exercise, etc. – are important for your brain to work. Hope this answers your question, Dana
Hi,
I love reading your posts they are very informative! I see you know a lot so i was wondering if you could give me advise. I have inattentive type ADD, and have had very strong side effects from several medications. Recently I was recommended a medication but I think it was similar to something I had already tried and had a negative response to. Below is everything you need to know about what I’ve tried in the past.
Adderall 5mg
Ritalin 5mg
Concerta 18 mg
Wellbutrin 20 mg
Focalin
Abilify 5 mg
Lexapro 20mg
These are the side effects I had from all of them:
The first two made my heart beat too fast and made me very emotional as well as MORE hyperactive. The next three did not do this but did nothing to help with concentration and made me feel very bad about myself and depressed. The next one helped with mood swings but did not help with concentration ( I understand it’s used mainly for people with bipolar but it’s worked for me well.) The next one helped with my depression but after 3 months didn’t work anymore and made me feel really tired and sad all the time. I want to know about Dexedrine for concentration. My doctor recommended it but I am nervous. I am worried if it will have a similar effect to Adderall because they are very similar from what
I understand. Thanks for taking the time to read this I really appreciate it.
Sorry for all the information! I thought listing everything I have taken might get me a more intelligent answer and not tell me what I already know. Thanks for your time I really appreciate it.
Hi Lisa, I’m sad to hear you’re struggling with the ADHD medication. You are having a bad reaction. Some people experience that. Though I can’t give medical advice, I suggest you follow your doctor’s recommendation and see what happens. Also, sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for the side effects to subside if you can deal with them. Warmly, Dana
Hi Dana,
im a 31 year old Male, taking 10 mg adderall instant release once per day. For the first few weeks it felt like i was taking a sugar pill, all it did was make me tired. Honestly i stopped taking the medication because i was convinced the pharmacy gave me the wrong thing and the fatigue was too much. But they confirmed its a generic Adderall pill. SoI kept taking it again but still did nothing for me.
one day I took 15 mg at once and another 5 mg in the afternoon and it seemed to work, i wasnt as exhausted in the afternoon and i had more focus while driving or talking to people. Problem is how do i tell my doctor that a slightly higher dose worked better when she didnt tell me to play around with the dosage?
Im worried if i say it didnt work she will switch me to another medication. But i dont know how to ask for a slight raise in the dosage without sounding like im “seeking”.. i only want the bare minimum nothing more or less.
any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin.
Hi Kevin, A doctor who is experienced with ADHD medication knows that most people need their dosage increased to feel the effects. If you think your doctor won’t believe you and thinks you’re ‘seeking’ perhaps say that you felt more focused at first and after a couple of weeks weren’t any more. Make sure you’re eating healthy and sleeping enough, too! That will help. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana!
I’m currently on 30 mg of Vyvanse, it worked great for me at first I was able to focus more at work, wasn’t so cluster brained, and wasn’t jumping from thought to thought every 5 seconds. I’ve been on it for about a month now and my work ethic is going back downhill, I’m having trouble concentrating on simple tasks, can never get my head straight to do what needs to be done and am late EVERYWHERE, as well as taking hours to shop for simple things. I go back to my doctor in about a week for it, would this be a sign I need to up my dosage?
Thanks!
Traci, Yes, this is a sure sign that you need a higher dose. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana,
It’s been a pleasure to read your page and also your responses helping others, makes it all so much more relatable.
I’m a bit apprehensive about everything at the moment. I’ve only just started taking 30mg Vyvanse today. I know it’s probably too early to tell but I did feel less anxiety and a bit more straight forward; but couldnt concentrate on things for too long. I hope that still means I’m adjusting.
I have changed my diet up over the last week (even with Xmas on the go), been doing lots of reading on the subject. I am also going to go teetotal for a good while, I want to give myself a chance. I just really hope the main thing that I crave kicks in which is Focus + Attention. I’ve been bombing out spectacularly in my new job. I hit a brick wall and everything became awash in fog. That’s what prompted me to find out what was happening and lo and behold, I have ADHD (nearly 40 years old too).
thanks
Hi Paul, Welcome to the ADHD Tribe! You’re in good company. Yes, work on that diet and reduce the alcohol. It will make a difference. After 10 days of too much sugar and wine over the holidays my brain reverted back to the old foggy, unmotivated days. Actually, it’s good for me to go there every once in a while because it helps me remember what it used to be like to be me when my ADHD was out of control. Took a few days to get my system cleared. I’m finally focused again. Good luck!!! Dana
Dana, I was recently diagnosed with ADAH and have been on Concerta XR 18 mg for about three weeks. I’m 35, 135lbs. The only thing that seems to have improved is clarity. Instead of 20 thoughts running through my head at once I’m probably focused down to 8 or 10. Impulsivity remains, switching between tasks before they are finished is still an issue. Basically, my mind is a bit quieter, but all other symptoms are still present. Would you recommend talking to the doc about 32mg concerta or switching to Adderall? I’m nervous about taking an amphetamine. Thanks for the advice.
Rob
Hi Rob, Ask your doctor about the increased dose first before switching meds. Seems like you’re on the right track. And, work on your sleep and diet and exercise, too. That’ll make your brain work better. Good luck! Dana
Dana,
I am a female in my 30’s and I have been taking the same dose of Adderall XR 20 mg for at least 6 years now with no real issues. However, it seems in the last 6 months I have noticed things changing. I am finding myself having a hard time doing tasks that are even remotely long-term. I also cannot seem to motivate myself to do anything (work and at home) that is not intensely and continually interesting unless there are real consequences that are looming and even then it is a rushed and sub-par effort. I seem to be on an emotional rollercoaster where small things are triggering annoyance and anger. I find that online shopping, binge-watching tv, and social media are the only things that bring me satisfaction right now which isolates me from my family and other interests. I often feel bad after long sessions of doing these things but it doesn’t deter me from them. Also, I have noticed I feel very tired even right after taking my meds. I almost feel like I did before I was diagnosed. Is it possible that my medication has stopped working for me or am I using my ADHD to rationalize my unattractive behaviors?
Thanks,
Garrett
Hi Garrett, Talk to your doctor. You may need to switch medication or have a different dose. ADHD is not a rationalization for unattractive behaviors! Good luck, Dana
I got diagnosed with ADD about two years ago (I’m 23 now), and the first medication I was prescribed was adderal IR which wasn’t very effective. Later, my doctor switched me to vyvanse which quite literally knocked me out each time I took it and I slept for hours and hours, next was focalin which caused me to get VERY depressed so my doctor switched me back to adderal but this time XR and this worked the best for a while and then a few months in stopped working so he bumped up my dose taking 2 pills instead of one. It’s been about 6 months since he’s upped my dose but the past few months I cannot focus to save my life, I feel like I’m always in a daze, and I’m going back to the impulsive, messy, cluttered, always late version of myself I do NOT want to be……. I’m not really sure what to do! One of my friends who struggled with the same thing in the past recommended I see a psychiatrist instead of my family practitioner to look at my brain patterns and chemicals specifically. Should I ask my doctor to try Ritalin since it’s the only medication I haven’t tried?
Ashlee, Seems like it’s time to see a psychiatrist. Someone who understands ADHD. Good luck, Dana
I am wondering if it is OK to take different doses each day? I have 5 mg Dr Adderall and I have been starting each day with 5, and then if needed adding 2 or 3 more pills (I am able to take up to 20 and since I just began taking it, I’m titrating it up). I’ve found that this works for my focus and ability to begin and complete tasks. And I’ve found that some days I only need five and some days I need all 20. Is this an OK way to take Adderall XR?
Hi Addy – Please check with your doctor about taking different doses each day. Good luck!Dana
I was on vyvanse and started on 40mgs. It was the best. I felt so..ME. The next month was 50mgs and third month was 60. I lost that feeling when I first took it. I lost the concentration. Doctor then put me on Adderall of 20mgs. I have not lost weight and in fact I feel sleepy after an hour. Is there something wrong with me? I was diagnosed by a psychologist so I know I am ADHD. I read about weight loss and the “high” you get and the weight loss. I have none of that. Any suggestions?
Not everyone loses weight or feels that alert focus. Perhaps try a different medication. Good luck, Dana
The high wears off with regular use. It SHOULD wear off. If you chase the high, you’re on the road to addiction.
I’m taking vyvanse 40mg for about a year now and most of the time it works great but after an unusual or stressful situation it feels like it wears off faster or even completely stops working; I go back to having difficulty completing simple chores or paying attention to conversation…
My councilors were always suspicious for years that I had ADHD (Daydreaming type) since I met every requirement in the book was diagnosed with ADHD (Non-Hyperactive type) a few months ago after the school helped me pay for a psychiatrist since insurance wasn’t pulling through.
I started methylphenidate (12-hour release) 18mg 1x a day for a week, then 2x for another two weeks before getting the once a day 36 (my psychiatrist aims to raise it to the final 54mg and possibly 72 since I have a high metabolism which runs in the family). I’ve been on the 36 for almost 7 days now (I don’t feel the focus like the first day of the 18 but I’ve been told once I get to full it’ll be consistently noticeable), and I forgot to take it for one day and noticed I crashed, suddenly feeling tired and aching to close my eyes in classes. This was something that happened to me on a daily basis for the past few years before the medicine, and would cause mysterious tired-spells and headaches. I read your article and realized that this might be a sign the medicine is working. Which got me wondering if my ADD was the source of those mysterious bouts of fatigue?
Thank You For Your Time,
Alethea
Hello I recently went to a psychiatrist and was diagnosed ADHD along with anxiety and depression (I’m 22). I had no real depression trigger and my “anxiety” is mostly me over thinking things or worrying about making the right choice, being a perfectionist, over analyzing and stressing myself out yet I felt down and not like myself the last 6 months and constantly beating myself up as well as isolating myself from the world.. I recently started taking Vyvanse 30mg and I have noticed that I have been a happier person and my motivation to live my life is back. I was also prescribed Prozac 20mg for my anxiety and depression but I never started taking it because I don’t know if I’m really depressed and high anxiety or if those things stem from my adhd and could be treated with medicine. Should I start the Prozac or should I wait to get my adhd doagage and medicine correct? Also as far as my Vyvanse goes, I’m not sure how well it’s working. The first week first day a took it I feel a bit of energy (a tiny but increased anxiety) and the I felt like I could focus for about 2 or 3 hours and then it started to wear off and I would not be focused or motivated, I would get a headache and feel ittirable. Now after taking it for 2 weeks I don’t feel much focus at all anymore but I don’t feel jittery either. Just kind of pointlessly serious but with no productivity. should I up my dosage to 40mg and or add an afternoon pill? Or should I just ask to switch medications. I don’t want to full slmethinf oht that works too soon but I have heard the affects of getting your medicine right and I feel like mine is no where close to giving me that feeling. The focus is slim to none especially now. I really hope to get my dose right so I can the amazing feeling everyone else describes. What do you recommend?
Hi Carragan, Work with your doctor to get your Vyvanse dose right. Good luck! Dana
Hi Madison, I have been feeling the same as well. I dont seem to be myself? Im drifiting away to much and not focusing? I did just start last week but I am gonna have to tell my doc.
Hello. Im 31 years old. I was working as an adjuster and I was able to handle the enourmous amount of daily claims with no effort. My focus was good and I never thought I had ADHD. I recently went thru a stressful situation after which I couldn’t do my job anymore. It was like going to work on a Monday and not knowing how to handle the job. I was super scared and worried. It felt like I had butterflies in my head, thousands of racing thoughts and I was trying to chase them. Meanwhile I was studying for the LSAT and when I failed twice that made my depression worse so I decided to see a psychologist who later referred me to a pshichiatrist. I got prescribed Adderall XR. It was such a horrible experience. Made me depressed and high. Then they switched it to Focalin which helped me with my depression and panic attacks. They were completely gone but my focus was still terrible and I was super high and relaxed. I didn’t like the feeling of it and still couldnt even read a simple letter withought jumping straight to the very last sentence. Decided to try Vyvanse 30mg. It was great for me. I could focus for 10 hours, was studying from 1pm to 12am and I loved the feeling of it. It’s like I was craving to read something. I passed all of my tests easily and reading was a piece of cake for me. I was so excited and happy. That took 6 months only. A week ago I started noticing that I’m going back to my old condition again. It’s not too severe but my focus is gone and I’m not productive anymore. I’m not sure if I need to ask my doctor to dose up my medication to 40mg or this is due to something else.
Also would stress trigger ADHD symptoms or make it worse? I always knew I was different in regards to learning but it wasn’t this bad. Thank you
Hi Emily, Wow! You’ve had a rough time. Are you eating before you take the Vyvanse? That helps. People with ADHD are very sensitive to stress and our environment. Best talk to your psychiatrist about what to do. Good Luck, Dana
Hi,
I have been on adderall ir for almost 7 years now besides when I was pregnant. Im 33yo female. I’m 5’6, 180 pounds (heaviest I’ve been besides when pregnant). I have been on 30mg ir in the morning and 20mg ir in the afternoon for almost 4 years now. I have noticed over the last few months my concentration and motivation have disappeared. Not only is it impacting my work, because I just cant seem to get my tasks done and I show up late and forget about things, but I also feel like I have to take my morning dose just to get going in the morning. I do try to eat healthy 80% of the time and try to workout 3 days a week, but that’s all been being impacted by my lack of concentration and motivation. I’m wondering what other medications are out there that I could bring up to try with my doctor? I worry because I’m on such a high dose with the adderall right now that none will be really comparable for me? I need to figure something out though because its getting worse by the day.
Thank you.
Hi Ellie, there are a number of ADHD medications for your doctor to try. Both stimulant and non-stimulant and different formulations of each. The right medication for you needs to come from your doctor. About your concentration and motivation – has anything changed in the past few months? Sleep, eating, exercise, drinking enough water? Any other health changes? Look deeper than merely the ADHD meds. Hope this helps, Dana
I just began taking Adderall 15mg, and noticed no effects so my Dr said to take 2, so 30mg. A friend asked me if it takes a person some time to start to adjust behaviors to their medication dosing? I know Adderall is supposed to take action immediately, though I could see people and their bodies taking some time to take action according to how the medication is affecting them. … Is that the case? (Hopefully I’ve made sense) Thanks. 🙂
Hi Jennifer, if it’s the right dose of the right stimulation medication you should notice effects. Instead of looking for how it feels, notice if you’re able to have more motivation or do boring tasks. Good luck! Dana
Hi Dana; first of all, I have to say… you are doing a beautiful job here, answering all of these questions and helping so many people to understand their problems or doubts. I am really grateful for having this chance. Thank you.
Without further ado, I will tell you what I’ve been through in these last month –– just because I haven’t found anything like this in the previous questions, otherwise I wouldn’t bother you, so if it’s already there, sorry, I let it pass. So, I have been taking methylphenidate 54mg since the beginning of 2016. This would result in 2 years and a few months. However, this year I was diagnosed with panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (the attacks started long before, but, duo to some personal reasons, they only got intensified in the past few month, and that is why I only looked out for a doctor recently). After that, my psychiatrist told me to start taking escitalopram 20mg everyday to reduce the anxiety, and clonazepam 1mg (AKA rivotril, at least here in Brazil) to take only when I’m having a panic attack, in emergency cases. All my doctors said the interaction between the ADHD medicine and the antidepressant shouldn’t interfere in anything, besides, I also searched for it in the internet and still haven’t found anyone that had a bad outcome. Anyway, after a while taking escitalopram, the methylphenidate started reducing the noteworthy effect that it used to have. And, obviously, my first reaction was to associate it with the antidepressant that I had been taking, even though I knew that I had done my research and talked to my doctors, rulling out any chance for this to happen (way before even taking it, because it really mattered to me to mantain my study routine). So, after this first thought, I began to think straight and scheduled an appointment with my neurologist. As I was taking the highest methylphenidate dose (54mg), adding an extra dose was not an option. The solution she had in mind was to replace the drug to a different one that would give me the same effect that methylphenidate used to have in me: the lidesxamphetamine. As it was a new drug, she told me to start with the weakest dose (30mg). Tried it yesterday, didn’t feel a thing. Tried it with 60mg today (as I was advised), nothing. When I was still taking the methylphenidate, I tried mixing the shifts (took the ADHD one in the morning and the escitalopram in the afternoon), but it did not work either. I am starting to feel a little bit bad about this, not only because I have been wasting many college classes and studies hours (when I am in exams week…) but also because apparently there isn’t a solution! Do you have anything in mind? It would help me in 200%, I’d be extremely grateful if you could help me ASAP.
Sorry about the prolixity that turned the comment so big, I just wanted to be as clear as I could, leaving nothing out.
* In case of confusion or doubts, observation: My psychiatrist handles my panic disorder and my neurologist handles my ADHD.
Hi Dara, I am so sorry to hear you are struggling. Especially during exams! I’m afraid I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not familiar with escitalopram. Please talk to your doctors and tell them what is going on. I do wish you all the best! Dana
Hi Dana, I started taking 18mg of Ritalin back in February or March and I have noticed no effects of it even after increasing the does all the way up to 108mg. I’m 16, 5’6, and 155 lbs if that helps. I was wondering why this isn’t helping me with focus/motivation even though I am losing weight and feeling more awake.
Hi Keira, Talk to your doctor. If you aren’t noticing any improvement the Ritalin may not be the best medication for you. Good luck, Dana
I’m having problem.. need some advice. I was on vyvanse for a month but switched to adderall because of pricing and because I couldnt slerp after taking vyvanse. Adderall xr 10mg was working well i think for the first month and now I’m ending my second month and i feel like I’m back to where i started.. my concentration is at an all time low and all i can think of if everything I’m failing at and i literally sit on the couch with anxiety thinking of everything that needs done and i cant fo any of it.. and after i take my adderall in the morning i just seem to get tired, like i have to drag myself around to get things done. I’m wondering if my dose is to low and should considering asking my doctor for an increase ?
Hi Jessica, It is normal to need to have your Adderall dose increased at the beginning. Most doctors start with a lower dose and increase it slowly over a few months to get the right dose. So, yes, talk to your doctor! Good Luck, Dana
Hi . I use to be on vyvanse for a few years . Went all the way up to 79 mg because it stopped working . I took a two-3 month break and it still didn’t work when I tried another one .:( Am I out of luck now
Am I out of luck ?
Hi, I’ve been on Vyvanze 30mg for about 2 weeks now the first week I felt good I was waking up and getting ready for the day I was able to stay on task but this last week I feel worse like I can’t sum up the energy to even get dressed. I’m also on lexapro 20 mg and 7.5 mg busparone 3x a day. The first week I took the vyvanze I was staying at a friends place in another state because I had business to take care of there but now I’m back home and I feel more depressed because I’m exhausted constantly I feel like there are so many things in my head that I need to complete but they all just disappear when I try and think of one and I know in the beginning by mid day I’d become tired but it was more of a not wanna move but not sleep at the same time idk my head just seem so mixed up. Does this mean I need a higher dose? And how do I explain it to my doctor correctly
Hi Miranda, It’s hard to know if you need a higher dose or if something else is up. Please talk to your doctor about this. Tell her or him exactly what you’ve written here. Good luck! Dana
how do i go about talking to my dr. about increasing my medication, without sounding like an addict. because i am most definitely not one. i just feel as though my medication doesnt have the same affect on me as it used to. when i fist started medication for my ADHD, i was a single 24 years old mother with 3 kids a full time job and going to collage and my greads were never very good, all through school i struggled. i was a mess…..
once i started my medication, my whole life changed!!!! i wish i had started meds sooner in life, sometimes i think to my self about other choices i would have made different, and not so impulsively.
iv brought it up the past few months at my appointment, but he always seems to dismiss my request. and he has been my dr for over 15 years now. (i am now going to turn 33 and now have 5 kids, one is my stepson who we have had for 2 years now full time….). anyway, how do i approach this?
Hi Amanda, How frustrating for you! You need a doctor who supports you and your brain health. A doctor who understands ADHD medications will know that dosages need to be adjusted at times. Talk to him again. Perhaps, if you approach it as “these are the things I need to be able to do and can’t” and give specifics about where you’re struggling, he’ll listen. Specific targets you’re trying to reach and can’t. I wish you all the best with this, Dana
Hey there as a patient with ADD being on Adderall 30mg twice a day for many years I am concerned about your post. When patients complain of the type of vision issues you are having with this type of medication it can be the symptoms of a very serious side effect. You are also describing a ” disconnected” feeling that is also a sign of that very serious reaction to Adderall. PLEASE CONTACT your doctor ASAP if you ever have these type of side effects from stimulant medications.
Thanks for setting me straight, William. Medications can be complicated. Your correction is appreciated! Warmly, Dana
I’ve been taking 20 mg Adderall IR twice a day for several years. Worked great: I could focus without anxiety or any other side effects. Out of the blue, my doc switched me to 20 mg Adderall ER once a day. I’d never tried ER, but I figured what the heck; if it means one pill will last me the majority of the day, that’s cool.
What a nightmare! I’ve been taking the XR for three days now. I have bad side effects (anxiety, tachycardia), but no “effects”: I can’t focus at all, and, despite the troubling anxiety, I can hardly stay awake. I’m just really surprsed that switching to XR has made such a huge negative difference. My doc says he’ll switch me back next month. I’m concerned about making it through THIS month.
Hey Jon, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with the switch from IR to ER Adderall. That’s not a typical reaction. If you’re still experiencing the adverse side effects, let your doctor know. Don’t wait for a month. Good luck! Dana
I’ve been taking 30mg of vyvanse for six days now I’ve noticed my focus is better but can still get distracted. In this process I have also noticed I seem to be unbelievably irritable with my children. Is this just because things are all starting to hit me? Like I’ve noticed that my life has been chaos and things were not orderly. My kids kinda ran the show. I feel vyvanse has opened my eyes to the way I was living but the irritability is not cool with me. Idk what to do just trying to put my chaotic life back together without losing my mind. It’s almost like I am overwhelmed now by the chaos I was living in if that makes any sense…..
Hi Nicole – Yes, it makes sense. Now that you can see the chaos you get irritated. There also may be something going on with the medication. Perhaps you need a lower dose. Talk to your doctor.
Also, use your new awareness to start reducing the chaos. Build those essential ADHD life skills and habits. You’ll find lots of info about that here on the blog. Also, joining a coaching program like the ADHD Success Club would help.
I wish you all the best! Dana
Hi Dana! I am having a weird experience on Vyvanse. I am extremely hungry all day long! I have taken 40mg for 1 month and was just increased to 50mg. I can’t stop eating while the medicine is in my system. Any thoughts on this?
Hi Erin, that’s interesting! Don’t you love being interesting… 😉 ADHD medications usually decrease hunger. I’d be guessing if I told you what I thought was going on. I don’t want to guess. Talk to your doctor. Especially if you don’t want to gain weight. Warmly, Dana
Hi Dana, I sent an email about my situation and noticed you dont answer prescriptions via email so I thought I would post here. (sorry for the duplication) To sum it up, im 53 with ADHD Ive taken Mydayis and Adderall, Currently taking generic Adderall 30mg ER. NOT WORKING (1month) 1st good, then decreased in the afternoon, then not working the whole day. I was recently diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and will be having surgery 08/29. I’m wondering if I should wait till after to change prescriptions or what? Ive seen that some may metabolize too quickly is that a possibility with my thyroid issues?
Hi Gayle, Thanks for moving your ADHD medication question here to the web site! Thyroid surgery may have an impact. What does your doctor say? I think it’s best for you to get medical advice (I’m NOT a doctor) It may take some time to unravel what’s going on with you. What’s Hyperthyroid and what’s ADHD. Hope your surgery goes well! Dana
Hi I had a question I’ve always taken 30 mg and it helps me with my energy and my able to focus as well, and I have took it and it used to keep me in check all day and sometime next day too , but now after not taking it for about 4 months and restart on it I can’t tell any difference,?? What can cause this
Hi Renaye, How frustrating to have the medication you relied on not work any longer! Of course, get your doctor’s opinion. And I have a few thoughts, as well. Has anything else changed since you last took the meds? Sleep habits, what you’re eating, hormones, etc. Also, is it a generic version (not sure which medication you’re taking) and has the manufacturer changed? Good luck! Dana
My dr started me on 5mgs adderall xr and it is not helping me at all! How do I ask her for a higher dose without looking as tho I am trying to “drug seek” …, as drs put it!?
Hi Lisa, If your doctor understands ADHD medication she will know that 5 mg is a very low dose and that likely you will need to have the dosage adjusted to a higher level. If she thinks asking for a dose increase to alleviate your symptoms is ‘drug seeking’ find another doctor. Dana
I was talking a 40 Vyvanse mg for about 6 months and realized it’s wasn’t enough for me. So my doctor had me start on 60. With the 60 i felt better not as moody or grumpy over all better, then my doctor left so i had to wait to get in with another one as i waited i was taking the 40mg because it’s all i have left. Recently i have been under so much stress and anxiety with school w/ the 40mg… this week Monday i start the 60 up again and now my body is reacting differently idk if it being the other stuff i talk or the medicine… i am having one blurry eye… and higher blood pressure… before i wasn’t. I was just on the 60… any help?
Hi Kenya, It’s hard to know what the difference is – are you sleeping as much? Eating the same? Stress level? The reality though is you don’t mess with higher blood pressure and blurry vision. Please contact your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Well, I am on generic adderall xr 30 mg and I think it is doing some kind of improvement, for example if I felt brain fog, then the medication would eliminate that, but I also still notice being distracted while doing homework or doing research online. It is really easy for my mind to just daydream and while it isn’t as frequent as before it still happens. Plus, my right leg is always shaking and sometimes my head moves back and forth when I am bored of reading. The doctor told me that if this current doesn’t work, that he will try some other medication and I told him that my previous medication of 20 mg xr generic did nothing for my inattentive symptoms. What should I do? Should I just accept what is going on or try a different medication? Note: I am on the generic because the brand name is beyond my price range.
Hi Dan, if the medication is doing something it shows it is working. Before switching medications, I hope your doctor adjusts with a higher dose to see if that reduces the other symptoms that are bothering you. Good luck, Dana
I have been on and off Adderall for years. I never really thought I had ADHD that severely until the last couple years. The Adderall definitely helps me focus, definitely helps get things done and get me places on time, but I talk incessantly, have crazy anxiety, specifically social anxiety, and I literally feel like I have the worst memory ever! Am I on the wrong medication? I’m not sure what else to try. My brother did not do well on Concerta or Strattera, so I’m scared to try them, but I’m not sure what other options there are and the Adderall does help me focus and get boring lasts done easily.
Hi Carrie, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication. You may not have the same reaction as your brother. Also, are you getting enough sleep and eating an ADHD-friendly diet? That could help if you’re not. Good luck! Dana
HI MY NAME is Amber, I’m 33 years old. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD since 1st grade. I was only on ADHD meds until about 8 years old…I remember using them as a way of saying they got me sick and finally I was taken off of them. I was finally able to be put on adderall when I was 24 years of age. Then was taken of abrupt due to no health insurance…. I had my first son in November 2017 & a basilar artery inclusion stroke in May of 2018. I have noticed my ADHD symptoms feeling like they are getting worse. My main issue is I do not want my almost 2 year old picking up on my ADHD symptoms and him thinking it’s NORMAL. So I went and found a psych. That was VERY reluctant to put me on ANY stimulants due to having high BP- which I believe was due to running late & unable to find her office after stopping at 3 other offices, then ALSO due to having a stroke at such a young age( I did try therapy but found zero success). She finally agreed to put me on Vyvase 20 mg as long as I monitored my b.p. and would see her within2 wks. During the 2 wk period my blood pressure was great, highest 131/74. Also te med seemed to work wonders until 2-3 PM.
When I saw her she upped y meds to 40mgs as long as I still kept records if BP & if BP got to 140/90 to call her A.S.A.P … my b/p has been the same lower ten 130/74 ( monitoring at different times of day). But now ever since I was increased to 40mg I get complacent,
lazy, no drive, & so lethargic by noon I cant even keep my eyes open! ( I take my med 7am-715am latest) … I’ve tried to skip taking my med because I cant be a walking zombie wit a 23 month old…. any ideas of what this is? Thank you much for your time. I apologize deeply for such a long post…just wanted to cover all that I thought was important
Hi Carrie, please talk to your prescribing physician. This is NOT the way the medication is supposed to work. She may have you try a different medication or change the dosage. Good luck! Dana
I started taking methylphenidate XR generic and it seemed to work immediately, especially on my anxiety. For the first time my jaws were not clenched and my shoulders were relaxed. I was able to focus. After reading that this generic form was produced in China and I could be given other generic forms at any time, I switched to Concerta brand name a few days later. The name brand has never seemed to work as well. I still have clenched and my shoulders are up. It wears off (yes it’s extended form) within 6 hours. I am able to focus, but I am hungry all of the time. I don’t want to take a risk on generic. Is my body just getting used to Concerta? Have I just forgotten how bad it was prior to any medication? What should I do?
Hi Cammie,
People can respond differently to the different types of stimulant medications. Concerta is formulated and delivered a bit differently than the methylphenidate IR. Talk to your doctor. Perhaps generic is better if it helps you manage your symptoms better than the brand name. Good luck! Dana
How long should I wait to talk to my doctor about a concerta dose increase? I am currently on 18 mg an have noticed a minor improvement (now it has only been a week). She suggested I come back in a month I am concerned that is possibly waiting too long to improve my symptoms? But I also want to be sure I have given the 18mg dose a decent try. I have no side effects thus far. What are your thoughts on waiting time?
Hi Liz, call your doctor and see what she thinks. Waiting a month can help soften any side effects. But, you aren’t having any. Your doc may have another reason for waiting. If she does, please check back in and let us know! Warmly, Dana
I’m on Adderall XR 20mg and it helps me throughout the workday, but by 3pm it’s done working and I’m useless for the remainder of the day. There’s many days I need to stay at work late and I’m finding that I just can’t. Wondering if I continued with the XR in the morning to get me through the day and (if needed) take a short acting form of Adderall to stay productive past regular work hours (8am-3pm)? I’m a school employee and see that kids will take a XR and after lunch take another dose of the short action form of their ADHD med. Are adults not able to take their ADHD medicine that way?
Hi Kay – many adults take a second dose of a short-acting stimulant medication (Adderall / Ritalin, etc.) in the afternoon to lengthen the time the medication stays on board. When I took Adderall, that’s exactly what I did. You want to make sure you take the short-acting early enough that is doesn’t mess with your sleep. Talk to your doctor and good luck! Dana
My son is currently on 36 mg Concerta his teachers say he doesn’t get any work done during class. He will sit and just stare while he should be working. He is very forgetful even if I remind him and put papers on the top of his binders they will sit there and not get turned in. He’s Difficult to get to bed and to wake in the morning. He takes 5mg melatonin to help with sleep but can’t stay asleep. He will cry and be very irritable at night so homework is very difficult also. He makes comments at night about not being able to stop his thoughts. I don’t know if his dose is too High or low. I’m taking him for another med check soon so I’m thinking to ask if he needs an adjustment. It seems the meds calm And quiet him but don’t really help with improving his focus and productivity at school.
Hi Laurel, get him back to the doctor. Something isn’t right. The meds are supposed to help. Good luck!
Hi Dana! I have recently started the journey of finding the correct dosage to manage my ADHD (type inattentive with impulsive tendencies) and I am struggling to distinguish whether or not my medication is working. I have always seen friends and family able to sit down and work through a task with breeze and want that ability for myself. I initially started on 10mg of Ritalin and have now moved to 10mg of Adderall. I am aware these are low doses but with my diagnoses being described as only “mild to moderate” and me being a small person (5’1″ and about 100lbs) I feel I may be nearing the dosage that will work for me. The only issue is I’m afraid that I may still be struggling because I am expecting the medication to do too much. Do you have any tips on how to tell if you need an adjusted dosage or if you are just simply not putting in the right amount of effort to reach your targets? (It also may be worth mentioning that with the Adderall I do experience some side effects like thirst and a crash as it wears off, but I am still not sure if I am correctly evaluating its ability to help).
Hi Arie, the medication dose has nothing to do with your size or severity of symptoms. A tiny woman can need a higher dose of Adderall or Ritalin than a 200 pound man. The way to tell if it’s the right dosage of the right medication for you is to watch your symptoms. Is it easier to focus at will? To sit down and work through a boring task? You likely could use coaching to learn the skills to live easier with ADHD. And, the medication can help get you there. Hope this helps, Dana
I have been prescribed many versions of ADHD medications for the past 9 years. Vyvanse 60mg was the one that seemed to work best for me so I continued taking it all through college (with the exception of summers). Towards the end of my undergraduate career I began experiencing very adverse side effects such as heart palpitations, light headed ness, extreme headaches, and often nausea and vomiting. My doctor became concerned and switched me to Ritalin which had the same effect, then straterra which also had the same effect, and so on and so on. Eventually we ran out of options and decided it would be best to stop the medications altogether because the benefits were not outweighing the negatives.
Fast forward a couple of years and I am deep into a Masters program and again struggling with my ADHD. Upon returning to my doctor we agreed to try vyvanse again but at 10mg instead and see if the nasty side effects returned. Some of them did, but some did not. After feeling comfortable with the 10mg my doctor upped my dose to 20mg. I still have some side effects but nothing like I used to. My main concern now is that it really isn’t doing much for me in the way of benefits either. I even took two of the 20mg pills in one day (upon doctors orders) and felt nothing. If anything I feel more spacey and less motivated lately when I take it.
All of that being said, I guess I have two questions. 1. Have you ever heard of someone developing such negative side effects so many years after taking vyvanse or any ADHD medication? And 2. What am I doing wrong that I am not feeling any effects of my vyvanse this time around? I am really struggling with school and need to stay focused but it seems this vyvanse isn’t helping at all. Have you heard of this before? Are there remedies?
Hi Anna, I’m so sorry to hear you’re having such troubles with your medication. Yes, I occasionally do hear of this. In fact one of the members of my ADHD Success Club group is struggling with medication intolerance now. Talk to your doctor about how to get the medication to work better. I do see that Vyvanse is more effective for some clients if they eat healthy food and drink enough water. Good luck, Dana
my question is as well i havent even noticed a difference in my actions and how i behave ive been on concerta for a month now and it makes me take a nap during the day….. is it time to talk to the dr about adderall or something differnt?
Shanna, yes, it’s time to tell your doctor what’s going on with your Concerta. If it’s the right dose of the right medication, you’re ADHD symptoms will be softer and you’ll be more alert and able to get stuff done. Good luck, Dana
I recently started taking adderall XR and in the evening I found that I am extremely sensitive to noise. It sounds like everyone is talking really loud. In addiction. I am extremely thirsty. Is this normal? Will this subside? should I consider a different medication?
Hi Shanna – the thirst is normal. It may get less but you might need to drink more water. Interesting about the noise sensitivity. Is that still happening? If so, talk to your doctor.
My daughter is a Junior, she struggles with ADHD. Paper writing is really hard for her. So lucky to have found Ink for All. It has a dark mode option that supports her focus
Hi Dana!
I really appreciate your article and responses to so many questions.
I recently was diagnosed at age 30 with ADHD and my doctor prescribed 10mg of Adderall to be taken once a day in the morning. On my first day of taking the pill, I thought I was going to have a clear mind. Turns out, I didn’t feel any different. Same thing happened on day two. I may get slightly sleepy, but I have twin babies, so it’s hard to tell. Should I ask for a higher dosage, or do I need to take it a while longer for my body to react to the Adderall effectively? It’s only been two days, but I don’t notice anything different.
Hi John, with the shorter acting Adderall, you should feel something – more clear and motivated – when you start taking it. Talk to your doctor. With twin babies, you are probably sleep deprived, which will make ADHD worse. But the meds should help if it’s the right medication and the right dose for you.
i take 30mgxr adderall in the morning and a 30mg ir adderall in the afternoon i definitely feel more focused and productive especially in my school studies and learning sessions but i have seen a decline in calmness lately and and increase in energy not physically mainly just being over talkative what can i do?
Hi Kade – A few things to consider here. Is this a new increase in dose (some side-effects soften after a few weeks)? On a lower dosage are you as able to focus? What happens to the energy and talkativeness on a lower dose? Can you learn to control the talking with awareness? If the side-effect is giving you serious trouble, talk to your doctor. Good luck!, Dana
Dana, I’m 23 years old and was recently diagnosed with ADHD, even though I’ve felt I’ve had it for years. I’m in the nuclear training portion of my job which last 18months. I was prescribed a generic adderall 10mg IR twice a day roughly 2 weeks ago. It seems to work as far as calming me down, Less anxious and making me somewhat focus better. I feel as if when I take it at 7 AM , it works effectively until around 11am and then We go to lunch Until noon and the second portion of our training begins. If I I take my second dose at 12, i end up back very groggy and tired at 4-5pm and can’t accomplish anything at home and the drive home sometimes is tiring. If i wait until 3-4pm to take my second dosage, i feel much better at home and can accomplish things, but the 12-4ish portion during my work schedule arnt near as effective as when I’m taking my medicine at work. Would a higher dosage be my answer?
Hi Curtis – It might be a higher dose though it’s hard to tell. Talk to your doctor and see if an adjustment in the dose or the timing. It can take time to get the medication adjusted so it supports you all day. Good luck, Dana
I was first prescribed 20mg Adderall at 18. I was a senior in high school and I thought that it did exactly what it was suppose to. It helped me focus in school and complete work without getting easily distracted. I’ve taken it fairly consistently since then (for the first 3 years I didn’t take it in the summer). I’m now 23 and in college and over the past few months I’ve noticed it has only been lasting at most 2 hours. It’s hard for me to focus on assignments, I’ve been very forgetful at school and at work, and on top of that I went from a healthy weight of 140 to 170 pounds in under 3 months. I’m concerned that I’ve become immune to the medication and my doctor only suggested I take what’s considered a “drug holiday” and stay off of it for awhile. Has anyone ever taken a drug holiday for adderall?
Hi Taylor – Yes, people take drug holidays for Adderall. However, there’s something else to look at. Many people get used to their dosage level and need to be increase to a higher dose to be able to have the medication work as well as it once did. This doesn’t mean you’re getting addicted. Doctors who are experienced in prescribing ADHD medications know this and are willing to increase the dose. Hope this helps, Dana
Hi Dana, thank you so much for writing this and also for replying to all the comments. This information is extremely helpful. I have just started medication, and these guidelines have given me a much clearer idea of what to expect and shoot for. Much appreciated! -Ivy
Hey Ivy. Thanks for noticing! I appreciate it. All best to you, Dana
Hello! I am new to being diagnosed with ADD and I have only begun taking medicine 3 days ago. I’m still looking for the right dose for me but I did have 30 amazing minutes the first day. My brain was super calm. I ate 3 5mg Adderalls and spaced them out about 1.25 hours from each dose. It was then I had 30 amazing minutes of super calm brain and was able to choose which things I would focus on. The crash from the IR was unbearable so my doctor switched me to XR. I’ve tried the 15 mg XR and it was ok but after 5.5 hours my symptoms came back and I literally couldn’t function for over an hour.
My question is this: Have you heard of anyone eating one 15 XR at say 5 am and another around 11 am?
Also: Any idea of what mg might be in a person’s system after they take 5 mg IR (Adderall) 3 times over 4 hours?
I’ve asked my doctor but haven’t had my follow up just yet.
Thank you!
Hi Renee – You really need to work with your doctor so you’re taking the prescribe dose as directed. The Adderall XR should stay on board for 8 – 10 hours. A knowledgeable doctor will titrate (adjust) your dose so it lasts longer and works better for you. It’s normal to need a higher dose. “Start low and go slow.” That rebound when the medication wears off for you is tough. If you eat does it help? Good luck, Dana
Dana Rayburn. I’m 63 just recently dx with ADHD. I also have a new PCP. I wanted therapy and he approved. That’s when I was tested for ADHD which is what I wanted. I have always known I had it but never dx with. So my PCP said why now? Since I’m retired I guess he doesn’t think I have to focus. But I still do. I said why not now. I wanted to know for sure and get the help I need. I have been on antidepressants for years without any good. I asked to come off the antidepressant but he just lowered the dose. I take no other medicines but I feel like he maybe thinks I am drug seeking. Which I am not. I am a retired nurse and I said to him I jokingly say I don’t know how I made through nursing school. All he said was are you still working!! I felt bad. He is my new doctor I feel like he should get to know me before making judgement. But anyway I know it’s hard being the doc with all the rules and regulations. I hate now to tell him I don’t think the dosage is working right. I’m afraid of what he might think. He put me in 10 mg Adderall ER. I don’t know what to do. Already I’m thinking of getting a new doctor who seriously wants to treat me because I seriously want to be treated whether I’m 63 or not. I would like to feel good for once in my life.
Hi Pam – I’m sorry you’re struggling to get your doctor to take you seriously. In my experience with my clients, the retirees struggle often more to be productive and organized than working people. That’s because the structure and stimulation work provides is missing. You deserve to have a well functioning brain at any age! If your doctor won’t work with you to adjust your medications to the optimal prescription and dose, yes, find another. Wishing you all the best and enjoy retirement! Dana
Is Ritalin SR 20mg supposed to make me sleepy? I have a brief 30 mins of calm clarity after I take it and then I can’t concentrate due to falling asleep. Luckily it wears off in 3 hours for me, but I heard it’s supposed to last for 8.
Hi Daphne, yikes! That’s not the effect you’re suppose to get. Best talk to your doctor. You might do better on a different dose or a different medication. Good Luck, Dana
Hi Dana,
I’m 37 and have been taking 15 mg of Adderall twice daily for the past few years. The dosage was simply not working for me anymore so my PCP increased the dosage to 20 mg twice daily. However, after 6 months that was not working for me either so he suggested switching me to 40 mg of Vyvanse once daily. I’m currently covered under Medicaid at the moment and skeptical of the providers I’m allowed to see (based on past experiences) so I wanted to do my own research comparing the two drugs before agreeing to the switch. I came across your blog during this process and was hoping you could clarify what the dosage equivalence is between 20 mg Adderall (twice daily) versus 40 mg Vyvanse (once daily)? I’ve found some conflicting information regarding the mg conversions of Adderall to Vyvanse and am just getting lost in all the math.
Hi Jenny, I understand your concern about switching medications. Since I am not a doctor, I am not able to advise you on dosages for the Adderall to Vyvanse conversion. You do need to follow your doctor’s recommendations. So sorry! Dana
Hi Dana,
Thank you for this insightful article. I’m 24 and have just been diagnosed with ADHD and put on Elvanse 30mg once a day. I’m currently on my third day taking it.
The first day on Elvanse was amazing and I got more work done that day than in the last 2 months. However, my brain was still constantly chattering at night which has always made it difficult for me to get to sleep. The second day was good too and felt a lot “smoother”, but the effects of the medication felt less potent and brain chattering was more intense.
Now I’m on the third day and I feel like I’m going back to exhibiting some ADHD symptoms again i.e. averse to boring tasks, avoiding responsibilities, procrastinating, only paying attention to things that interest me. Do you think I should speak to my psychiatrist about this soon or give the medication a bit more time? I’ve heard the first few days can be a bit intense as your body starts getting used to the medication, so I’m wondering whether these effects will continue to fluctuate for a bit?
Thank you so much!
Hi Zahra, yes, bodies typically adjust to the medication over a few weeks. If it’s not better by early next week, do check with your doctor. If your brain is so chattery that you can’t sleep that doesn’t help your ADHD.
Hi there,
First of all this blog is very helpful, so thank you.
A few back I took 60mg of Adderall IR before I decided to have 2 more babies.
Adderall was not a good fit for me. I enjoyed the benefits but it was to high then to low and not consistent.
A month ago my Doctor prescribed Vyvanse 30mg and after a week it was causing me to be more tired than I already was. I saw him again and he then bumped it up to 50mg. I am still experiencing fatigue and just dullness – I have a very full plate and I need the focus and stamina to last from 6am-10pm it’s been 2 weeks on the 50mg – is it to soon to ask to increase to 70mg
I realize it’s a completely different medication than adderall and won’t work the same but I just need to know what is appropriate as I do not want to waste my Doctors time. Thanks so much
Hi Amber, I’m glad the blog helps. Thank you. And, congratulations on those babies. You do have your hands full! Talk to your doctor about the tiredness. That’s not a normal response if the medication is working for you. Perhaps you need to try a different medication. Good luck! Dana
Hi Dana
I’m so glad I found your blog. I’m 48 and just recently started Vyvanse for untreated ADHD. My Dr have me 30 10 mg pills and said start with one dose and see what happens. I felt nothing at 10, a tiny bit at 20 & a little at 30. But 40 mg felt life changing. I can be laser focused when I TRY….I feel like even my work performance has improved so much. But I still find there are just somethings I can’t focus on. Some conversations I can’t listen to and some emails I can’t read or absorb.
Because I have this feeling of mixed focus I’m not sure what to expect. Are my expectations too much to have 100% concentration? Or is Vyvanse just an aid to help me with MOST of my focus issues?
If I gave myself a focus grade I would say I’m about an 80%. Which coming from a serious struggle 80% is an amazing reaction. I’m just wondering if there is more?
I hope this makes sense. 🙂
Maybe I’m expecting perfection when I should just be happy with a great result.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Kelli. First, fantastic that you’re 80% better! That truly is fantastic. I’d say it’s both way – be grateful for those results AND see if you can push for a higher percentage. Maybe a higher dose of Vyvanse would help. I’m also curious is there’s a pattern of the emails and conversations you can’t focus on. A topic? A style? A time of day? So much of living easier with ADHD is noticing the small things and seeing what we can do to adjust. Good luck! Dana
Hi Dana I’m currently taking 50mg of vyvanse, but haven’t felt any improvement so far, I’m due to start taking 60mg in a few days but wondering whether it’s worth trying as have read some don’t feel anything good until z higher dose, or whether it’s not the right medication for me? Been on 50 for a couple of days, it’s caused me dizziness, nausea, fast beating heart.
Hey Andy – Dizziness, nausea, and fast heart beat aren’t great. Talk to your doctor. Perhaps a different medication would be good. Or starting at a lower dose and increasing gradually.
Wow when I read the part about “leaving the house calmly and on time”
I laughed because I’ve never left the house calmly and chronic lateness has been a lifelong issue I’ve dealt with. I’ve lost so many jobs, missed flights, miss meeting my friends or get there in the middle of an event and it’s horrible. I’ve been on 60mg of adderall IR for two years (And for six years before that it was a mix of IR and other XR meds like adderall and vyvanse) and finally I started seeing a psychiatrist and asked to try mydayis. Today is the first day in I don’t know how long that I had a big task to do, woke up late, but was still able to make a decent breakfast, do the task, get ready and put on makeup and everything I wanted to do and not frantically try and do it. I seriously hope this medication helps because how I’ve been living up until now just felt like I couldn’t function as a person. But I will say, finding someone who treats ADHD and can alter medications but also can teach me skills I need has been impossible. I have Medicaid and options for psychiatrists and even therapists are very disappointing. I’m paying out of pocket for this psych but I honestly can’t afford it. Do know any resources that can help me?
Hi Lauren. I hope the mydayis helps, too! The cost of medical care can be a huge problem. Perhaps reach out to ADDA, http://www.add.org, to see if the can recommend any physicians who take medicad in your area. Wishing you all the best, dana
I was prescribedadderal xr 20 mg over 3 weeks ago.I take it at 7 am and by 11 am I get really agitated and kinda mean tempered and I feel like it stopped working .For the most part it helps till around 11am.Should I call my doctor about being agitated and mad tempered after a couple houts?
Hi Michelle, yes, call your doctor about the agitation and mean-temper. That’s not the kind of result you want to have. Good luck, Dana
I am 52 years-old and my doctor started me on Ritalin (which made me feel very jittery). . .and now he’s trying Adderall. At 5mg, I felt hyped up and energized, but not in a good, focused way. He now wants me to try Adderall at 10mg, but I’m hesitant. Scared I’m just going to feel MORE hyped up and energized. What do you think? Is it possible that at a higher does I could experience feeling more calm and focused? It just wouldn’t make sense to me, and so I’ve been hesitant to try it.
Hi Sharon, I agree with you that taking a higher dose of a medication that isn’t giving you the best results seems odd. Sometimes it can take some days or weeks for your body to adjust to the medication. Trying a higher dose of Adderall for a day or two won’t hurt you. It runs out of your system pretty quickly. Good luck, Dana
Hi, I was recently diagnosed with ADD. I’m 39 and I think I never was diagnosed because my mom was very against any medicines, especially for mental health. I am very sensitive to medicine in general, actually. Anyhow, please don’t judge me, but I tried a friend’s Aderrall a year ago. I took part of her pill, which was 10mg. It made me calm, focussed and my anxiety I usually have went away. Tasks that seemed overwhelming suddenly seemed easy. I took it a couple of times after that to get things cone that I really wanted to, such as organizing a very messy kitchen, getting work done, etc. I took 5mg basically. One of the times, I took have that, twice and coffee. Then, I didn’t take it anymore, and I started to miss being able to focus. So, I made a doctor’s appointment and they diagnosed me with ADD. They prescribed Concerta at 36mg a day. I am on my second day and I can’t tell if it’s too strong, or what but I’m also wondering if I have to get used to it. Yesterday, I felt focussed within an hour and got a lot of work done, but a couple hours later, I felt foggy and anxious. I was kind of spacey and a combination of calm/still and my heart racing. Kind of like tooo much coffee. Coffee is it’s own weird thing for me. It can work well, or make me tired and irritable. So, today is my second day, and I took it first thing in the morning, worked out for an hour and then started to get things done. Then about 5 hours later, I started to feel really irritable, my mind seemed get cloudy again, my mouth dry and I got super anxious when I went out shopping. I felt like I wanted to make that feeling go away, but this pill seems to last all day. I realize the second dose kicks in 6 hours later, so maybe it was a crash. I have a fast metabolism, which is why I think I am sensitive to a lot of meds and such. I’m also petite. I hope this doesn’t all sound jumbled and like a run on sentence. Just hoping someone can give me some advice as to whether I should just wait it out or try another kind of drug, or dose.
Hi Mindy, sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for your body to adjust to the medication. Talk to your doctor if you’re still having problems. Maybe need a dose or med adjustment.
Hi. I started taking Vyvanse several months ago and for the first few months it worked great (I felt energetic, more productive, sociable, and generally good), however it then stopped working completely and I started feeling no difference. I took a break for a month and still felt nothing. My Dr. even tripled my dose and I still felt nothing. Would switching to Adderall XR work, or does developing a tolerance to Vyvanse mean I’ve also developed a tolerance to Adderall?
Hi Dana, I’m 30 years old and have been on Adderall for about 6 months now. At first, I thought it was working, but now I’m not so sure. Another friend with ADHD told me that she can feel it “kick in” and know it’s working, but for me it’s much more subtle—and I’m starting to wonder if the subtle effects I thought were Adderall weren’t even the medication at all. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I can maybe go into hyperfocus for longer, but if anything my time blindness is worse. I wind up deep in a work project, and suddenly realize I haven’t even gotten up to use the bathroom in several hours. But is that because of the Adderall? I don’t know.
My executive functioning is still horrible. I’ve frequently found work emails open that I just never hit send on. I keep struggling with switching back and forth between tasks. I even had to switch gears and come back to this comment. That seems like something Adderall should be helping with.
Then I started to wonder if maybe there is some problem with my neurotransmitter receptors. A lot of other medications don’t seem to do ANYTHING for me. I’ve been on antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Cymbalta, and I’m aware antidepressants are supposed to be subtle, but I didn’t notice any changes at all. Trazodone similarly feels like nothing. Melatonin at night might as well be a sugar pill. I can’t even get high from marijuana. I’ve even tried clonazepam a few times (with a prescription), and I honestly wasn’t sure if it was working—and I was under the impression benzos were supposed to have strong and noticeable effects. Is there some kind of condition that could be causing this? Have you heard of anyone else who has these kinds of problems? I’m going to talk to my doctor, but I’m at my wit’s end trying to find something that will help.
LS – I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling. Some people have unusual experiences with medications. I occasionally have a coaching client like that. It makes it harder to manage ADHD that’s for sure! Yes, talk to your doctor. I wish you all the best, Dana
Hello. Boy, I went full, down Alice’s rabbit hole, with these comments, lol
I’ve been working my Adderall XR dose down from 30 to 20 and now 15, all 2x daily (over 2 yr span). I also take Lexapro 10mg.
Working from home is taking a toll and I’ve experimented with 15 1x and 30 1x. I exercise before work and after but I’m not as “active” during the day, which is why I moved to taking med only 1x.
I’m struggling with the emotion control. Should I alter the ADHD med or the Lexapro? Since I think I can do 1x, I’ve considered Concerta and Vyvanse?
I’ve only ever taken 10mg of Lexapro..
Diet is good, bit of a health nut.
Thanks!
Hi Rachel – yes, working from home can be hard! Talk to your doctor. I’m not able to advise on what medications to take. Good luck, Dana
You could try decaf coffee I now drink decaf tea as I am a constant tea drinker.
I currently take 35mg Adderall XR. I’m interested in trying Vyvanse to see if it will last longer in the evening (I’m productive at work but really struggle at home with working full-time). Can you start at 70mg of Vyvanse? Would it not be advisable since I’m on a higher dose of Adderall and the maximum dose is 35mg? I’ve only been on Adderall and am concerned that if Vyvanse doesn’t work I will be stuck with it.
Hey Brian, talk to your doctor about what dose of Vyvanse to start with. Some people make the switch easily and others don’t. Good luck! Dana
Hi, my 6 year old son was just diagnosed with severe ADHD. We started him on Adderall HX 15mg yesterday. He took it at 10:45AM because that was the soonest the pharmacy had it ready. He did really well until around 3:30PM. Then he talked incessantly, and would not sit down. Not even for dinner. This continued all night long. He did not want to go to bed. He continued talking in his room 2 and a half hours after we put him to bed, and got up a couple times as well saying he was thirsty. It seemed like his ADHD sytoms were increased. I felt so bad and didn’t know what to do for him. He just couldn’t stop going and going. He kept telling me mom I just have so much to say. This is all new to us and with him being so young it’s hard to really get a grasp on how he’s feeling, so any help is much appreciated.
Hi Pamela, my heart goes out to you and your son. I hope you’ve talked to his doctor. It could be starting at too high a dose or taking it too late in the day. I wish you all the best, Dana
Hi I am 25 , I was diagnosed with ADHD since I was 6 years old and over the time Elementary School Middle School I was reevaluated in or get diagnosed with ADHD After High School I stop taking it and I had kids but now I’ve been put back on it almost a year and that time I’ve been on a low dosage and my doctor put me on 30 mg about 3 months ago and been trying to tell her that I’m still having problems with my day-to-day tasks in my life and don’t know how to go about it the right way to ask her to move me up mg ? Thank you
Hi Haley, try getting more specific with your doctor. Exactly what day to day tasks do you struggle with and what time of day. Pinpointing the targets you’re aiming for could help get the right medication. Good luck, Dana
I was diagnosed with ADHD about 10 years ago in college several months after my stepmom was diagnosed with cancer following several other deaths and traumatic events in the 2 years prior. I was extremely depressed and anxious and none of the depression and anxiety meds were making a difference so I was tested for ADHD. I started on Vyvanse 30mg and it worked really well but it wasn’t getting me through classes, work, and homework. I was switched to Focalin but started having suicidal ideation within a week of taking it. I was switched back to Vyvanse 30mg with short acting Adderall 5mg in the afternoon and experienced “madderall” so I was then switched over to Adderall XR 10mg. The Vyvanse and Adderall combination worked well for focus, fidgeting and being able to stay at my desk without constantly getting up. It didn’t do much for me when it came to my controlling my emotions. My PCP at the time who often seemed to know of other therapies put me on Vayarin (a medical food) and while I didn’t notice any differences, everyone around me did. They all said that I was more in control of my emotions, waited my turn to talk, and was able to more clearly articulate my thoughts. I had to switch my PCP and she hadn’t heard of Vayarin so she wouldn’t prescribe it. My supervisor started pointing out behaviors at work that were starting to resurface from my ADHD. I’ve tried increasing my Vyvanse up to 50mg but still wasn’t having a lot of luck so I started seeing a psychiatrist. I’m now taking Vyvanse 50mg and Ritalin 10mg. I don’t feel like Ritalin is doing anything for me. I feel like I did when I was a child just wandering around from room to room and get bored with any and every activity after 5-10 minutes.
Is there a reason why Vyvanse and Adderall XR work so well with me? With Vyvanse I feel awake and like I can settle into my work tasks. On days I don’t take it (such as the days I’m recovering from a migraine treatment) I feel overly depressed and hopeless. With Adderall my brain calms down and I can fall asleep so easily because I’m calm. I also tend to do a lot of my more boring tasks and tasks that require me to use more logic in the afternoons when I’m on Adderall. The thing about Adderall though is that I pick really bad at my skin and hair.
Do you have any suggestions? The Vyvanse/Ritalin doesn’t seem to be effective as my impulsivity has been increasing and I consistently find myself wandering away from my desk or just wandering from room to room. I want to go back on the Adderall XR but the picking is really bad.
Hi Jess, Vayarin is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that has been discontinued in the US. https://www.additudemag.com/vayarin-discontinued-effective-immediately/. You might try a high / complete dose of Omega-3s and see if that helps. Some people respond better to Ritalin or Adderall than others. Bodies are different. Sadly, picking can be a side effect of some of the ADHD medications. Wishing you all the best, Dana
hi Dana, i’m taking 50 mg of Vyvanse and i feel so turned off. It’s really weird ,i was on 30 mg a week ago and i’m not sure how i like the 50mg. My family noticed that i’m not remembering things they told me earlier.but my issue here is i don’t really know how i feel . i was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder(ADD)
i’m no longer angry, mood swings are basically non-existent ,and i’m pretty calm and quiet now. I’m not even sure if it’s helping me with studying or not ,If it’s helping me concentrate either. It’s really stressful cause i did tell my psychiatrist that i think it’s working. I actually don’t know if it’s working anymore. I just feel so dumb right now i’m not really sure how to feel. i cleaned my room today i got distracted within the first few moments but then i cleaned the room really nicely.i completed the boring task!
I think its cause you dont metabolize the capsule as well?
Hello. I am a 21 yo female in college. I was diagnosed with predominantly inattentive ADHD and started medication about March 2019. I have been on 10mg Adderall (Immediate release) twice a day since. I don’t feel the way I used to when I started the medication. I feel tired constantly, I can never focus, and I get distracted much more often. I simply cannot sit down and do any task- homework, work, even watch an episode of Netflix. I have also become a significantly irritable and sensitive person, I’m not sure if this is related. I’ve also taken on a lot more work recently than I used to have on my plate. I know I need to consult with my doctor, but would the next step be to possibly try a prescription for a higher dosage? I just don’t understand exactly why it has stopped affecting me the way it used to.
Hi Clara, it could be any number of things. Stress (we are sensitive to overwhelm), hormones, needing a dosage or mediation adjustment, sleep changes. Are you eating well and drinking enough water? Lots to consider in managing ADHD.
Hi, is it possible to experience side effects like losing appetite but don’t experience any noticeable therapeutic effects mentioned here?
Hi Chen. Yes, it is. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a medication or dosage adjustment. Good luck, Dana
Hi,
I am on day 3 of amphet am/ dextroamp ER 10mg capsole. I was wondering how long it takes for this medication where I start noticing a difference. Day 2 I had horrible sleep the night before (kids), I was sleeping the whole day until about after 8pm and then I had a surge of energy. Today I have been falling asleep again despite have a great 7.5 hours of sleep. I took the meds at about 8:30a and it is currently 12:40pm. I am fighting giving into a nap. Concurrent with this med I also take BuPropion XL 300, tradnozone (for sleep), and venlafaxine ER 75 mg. I have had a pretty great experience with all my meds. But they did not fully address the last remaining issues hence the new prescription of amphet am/ dextroamp ER. Anyway, I am just not sure what the time line is where this would start to take effect and how long until I am able to start to notice a difference.
Hey Pal, if it’s the right dose of the right stimulant medication you should notice a difference right away. Best talk to your doctor. Good luck, Dana
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD (I’m 54) and am now on 30mg xr in the morning and 30mg IR in the afternoon. Oddly I find myself extremely sleepy since I started the Adderall. Will lowering the dose decrease my sleepiness? I am not used to being this mellow at all. I work TWO full-time jobs (Teacher by day / Nurse by night) and I am in a Doctoral program which is why I needed to be medicated in order to focus – but I no longer have the energy I used to have.
Hi Colleen, Wow! TWO full time jobs AND in a Doctoral program. You are amazing. If the Adderall is the right medication you should feel more clear and energized. Check with your doctor. (I can’t help but wonder if you’re getting enough sleep?) Be Well, Dana
Hi Dana,
I recently have been diagnosed with ADHD (I’m a 25). My doctor has me taking Adderall 3x daily, 20mg per dose (60 mg/day). I have been able to stay awake during boring events and have seen some productivity increase in my day. I struggle a lot with that. I have also noticed I am less fidgety and am not as physically hyperactive. Lately I have noticed that I am focusing, but it seems more and on the wrong things. The other day I struggled to pull myself off of something irrelevant and unimportant even with other boring things I really needed to do. When I do manage to get myself on task for something it takes a few minutes (or so) and then I have been able to generally focus on that and get some things done. Sadly the past few days have been more of a struggle. Plus, I’ve noticed I get headaches semi-frequent. Nothing debilitating, but not comfortable and they come and go-not just during one part of the day. I’ve been on Adderall for 3-4 weeks, and my doctor think it is just my body getting used to it. Do I need to try another medication? Upping the dose? Not sure what to do, what I should expect, or look for. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Will, The headaches could be from your body getting used to it. OR, it could be dehydration. Up your water intake and see if that helps. It sounds like the your dosage may need adjusting to get to that optimal level. Talk to your doctor. Good luck, Dana
I stopped taking 70mg of adderall about 3 years ago due to my doctor leaving the practice and I thought I could handle my ADD and anxiety on my own.
When my son was about 6 months old (about a year ago) my ADD and anxiety enhanced severely so I found a new doctor. I started off taking 20mg and switched to 40mg within a month. This was not very helpful and only lasted about 6-7 hours. I am 27, a full time working mom of a 19mo and my busiest times are morning and evening. When my concern was brought to my doctors attention he told me to “drink coffee in the morning and take it later in the day.” I then struggled with either having a chaotic morning when I would wait to take it or a chaotic evening when I took it early.
That doctor retired and last month I saw a new one at the same practice who decided to up my vyvanse to 60mg and give me 10mg of adderall for the afternoon. I had been prescribed adderall in the past and I knew it was effective, I just preferred vyvanse because of the come down I got from adderall. BUT the 60mg vyvanse doesn’t seem to be working at all. I am all over the place again, I can’t finish my work, I have 10 tasks half way done, etc. Also, the adderall doesn’t seem effective, AT ALL. I could fall asleep within an hour of taking it. I’ve taken this dose before and it was effective.
I’m so confused because with the higher dose of vyvanse and added adderall I thought this was perfect and I would finally feel sane again. Instead, I feel like I’m not taking anything at all. Do you think the adderall may not be as effective because of the vyvanse and vise versa? I’m really struggling now and I just don’t understand.
Hi Brianna, Oh, I’m sorry you’re struggling. You’ve got a full plate! With a toddler…are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating well? If you’re not giving your body the basic care it needs than you’ll find it harder to function. And, I know, that’s hard to do when you have a baby and work full time. Keep working with your doctor and good luck, Dana
I been taking 10mg twice a day of vyvanse for the past 2 months It was working in the beginning. So I signed up for school online, I noticed that I havent been able to stay focus. I been so forgetful .Missing appointments. Feeling tired all the time. Over eating. Hard to concentrate in class and get work assignments done. I cant even really carry a conversation because I go into another topic. I asked for my dose to be change and my dr said no because she never prescribed a stimulant to a patient before and cant change. What should I do?
Hey Erika, now that’s frustrating! This doctor doesn’t understand ADHD medications or how to prescribe them. Find a new doc who can help you. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana,
I was diagnosed with ADHD 5 years ago at 19 years old and was on 27mg concerta successfully for most of the time since. Lately I feel like it’s not working so I moved up to 36mg which helped. Now, a few months since I’ve changed dosages the same thing is occurring. I am worried about asking to change dosage again (I don’t think my doctor will judge me but I still feel self conscious about it) and considering whether I should take a medication holiday once study is over so what I assume is a tolerance build-up has a chance to reduce. What are your thoughts?
Best wishes,
Laura
Hi Laura, Great questions. A drug holiday is an option. However, I’d also look at what has changed in your life? Responsibilities, family, job, etc. And, self-care such as diet, sleep, exercise. Considering all of you and your life and what could influence your ADHD is important. Good luck, Dana
I was diagnosed ADD/ADHD 6 or 7 y/o was on Ritalin from 1st grade until 10th grade when I decided to stop taking it. I’ve been fine for years but have notice in the last 5 or more years my ADD slowly getting worse to the point I can’t have a normal conversation with people and get flustered when I can’t get what I need to or want to say out. So after 18-19 years of being without it I have gone back on ADHD meds. My Doctor put me on Strattera first and it wasn’t working well enough until I was put on 100mg. It was like night and day I could focus again and function like a normal person. My only problem was I didn’t really like some of the side effects so my Doctor started me on Adderall 20mg. That was ok but not quite working well enough so last visit he upped the dosage to 25mg, that has been a little better but I don’t think it’s working quite as well as I need it to. I don’t feel like it’s helping me function throughout the day and my motivation to do anything is so low I have to force myself to get things done. I guess my question is when I go back to the doctor next week should I ask about upping the Adderall again or go back to the Strattera even tho I didn’t like some of the side affects? Or would something else help/work better? I’ve let my ADD run my life for too long now lol can anybody give me some good advice?
Hey Liz, I’d say work with your doctor on adjusting the Adderall dose to see what happens. Perhaps try a different stimulant if that doesn’t work. Questions – how long were you on the Strattera – did you give it enough time to see if side effects reduced? Also, has anything – job, family, exercise, hormones, etc., – changed in your life in the past years since your ADHD got worse? Hope this helps, Dana
I used to be on 30mg or adderall twice a day. My psychiatrist wanted me to he on the xr so he switched me to 30mg adderall xr. It’s not helping AT ALL, why is he wanting me on the xr instead of the ir when we know the or worked for me. Is 30mg of the xr supposed to he the same as two doses of the adderall 30mg ir?
My doctor wanted me on the adderall xr instead of the ir even though we knew the ir was working for me. I was on two 30mg instant release adderall and he switched me to 30mg extended release once a day, it hasn’t helped me at all. It’s like I’ve taken nothing. Is the 30mg extended release adderall supposed to be equivalent to taking 2 instant release 30 mg adderall? If not why would he lower my dose?
Hey Valerie, Ask your doctor why he switched you to an XR (extended release) from an IR (immediate release). Was he worried about consistency? Rebound side effects? Abuse? And, will he adjust the dose to see if it works again? Good luck, Dana
Hi,
I have been on Adderall 20mg instant release twice a day for 7 years. Recently, I was having issues concentrating and completing task so my doctor increased my dose to 30mg twice a day. I was scared to take a 30mg at one time so I split it in half and felt absolutely nothing, within 1 hour I took the other half and still nothing. Could it be because of the fillers in the tablet it needs to be taken whole? The next day I took the a whole 30mg and really didn’t feel like I did when I was taking 20mg. It’s the same manufacturer Aurobindo. I miss the brand Teva apparently they aren’t making it any more.
Lisa, cutting the Immediate Release versions of Adderall won’t make a difference. And, it’s normal to need to increase the dosage to get to the optimal dose. Good luck, Dana
Hello Dana, thank you so much for taking the effort replying to all these comments. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I’m wondering if you can give me some advice regarding medications.
-I tried Adderall IR 5 mg it only worked well for two days and after that no effect at all.
-I tried Adderall IR 10 mg. I felt totally in control of my attention and able to direct it as I needed for up to 4-5 hours. However, on second or third week I felt that it works for only a maximum of one hour after taking it and the effect declines very fast. If I took the first pill and didn’t start working soon after then I can’t start working at all. It has some side effects (headache/neck, upper back pain/slightly blurred vision on some days) but I can live with them if the effect lasted longer. My psychiatrist is not buying any of it, is very uncooperative with adjusting doses, and says I’m not supposed to “feel” the medication. She says we can’t just keep increasing the dose, I should spend some effort for the meds to show effect and seek other forms of therapy along with meds.
-Then she moved me to Adderall XR 20mg, it was horrible. No positive effect at all, but gave me trouble sleeping and bad appetite instead. She wanted to switch me back to Adderall IR 10 mg, but I was able to negotiate my way to Ritalin instead.
-I’m in my first week of Ritalin IR 10mg now. It’s effective for 4-5 hours but it’s effect is much less stronger than Adderall IR 10mg and with less side effects. I can pay attention to what I’m doing but I get distracted more often compared with the sharp focus Adderall gave me initially.
My psychiatrist is very reluctant when it comes to increasing the dose. I think Ritalin IR 10mg is fine but I’m afraid that there could be a better option (I have no hope trying to ask her for Ritalin IR 15mg).
I’m just wondering if I should find another psychiatrist (not an easy task for me as I have no idea how to do that) or if I should simply take their opinion and accept the current dose as the most optimal I can ever get.
Hey EA, find a different psychiatrist. It’s normal to need to increase the dose. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana,
I was commenced on 18mg of Concerta just over a month ago. I’m a 30yo female. I recently had my review appointment and when I told the doctor that I didn’t see any improvement in my focus or concentration (particularly at work) he said we would try the 36mg dose, but if that didn’t work then he would have to look into whether I actually have ADHD! Surely, a diagnosis he gave me cannot be overturned just because this first dose, first line medication did not work for me? I know I do not have depression or anxiety. I do not struggle with low mood and I only worry about the work/things I can’t get done due to lack of focus. If I have a clear schedule I have no worries at all. What do you think of this?
He also said it is unusual for people like me to have ADHD because I have a good job and take care of my appearance, but I know people who are doctors and lawyers that have ADHD, so I find that hard to believe! I may appear to be holding it together, but getting through each day at work has been a big struggle for me, because I just cannot sit down and fire out work like my colleagues. I am at a loss because I think it’s just that this medication may not be for me. I’ve been on the 36mg for a few days and haven’t seen much of an improvement. I’d rather try all the medications until I find the right one before being blown off.
MM, I’m so sorry to hear this. I suggest you find a doctor who understands ADHD, it’s impact, and how to medicate it. MANY people (me included) are successful and well-dressed. Yet we struggle. You are not broken. You need a doctor who supports you. Hugs, Dana
Hello! I just switched to generic Adderall XR 20mg from 20mg generic Ritalin with 10mg booster in afternoon. I have no side effects like Ritalin except that I get super sleepy. Does mean my dose is too low? Or should I give it time?
Ok I am on Concerta and I am thinking it may be too high but how do I tell?
Maddy, what I see most in my clients is that they are too focused on the wrong things and can’t shift their focus. If you’ve just starting taking the Concerta, give your body a few weeks to adjust. Do talk to your doctor though. Good luck, Dana
Hey,
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, presumably from a serious car accident I was in 2019. The psychiatrist recommended adderoll XR to my family doctor. I started out on 10mg per day, two weeks later increased to 20mg, three weeks later increased to 30mg. Each time, the medication seems to work as it should for about a week or two, and then I gradually start to notice that I’m not really getting anything done and going off into stares frequently. I am almost 20yrs old and about 5”5 130 pounds, so I am worried to tell my doctor that it was working but it isn’t as well anymore once again, because I’m afraid he will think I’m just saying that and I also really don’t want to switch medications as my family doctor said he would have to get another recommendation from the psychiatrist, which could take a little while, and I’m a full time student in university. Just looking for insight or advice, or if 40mg could be a reasonable dose for some my age/height/weight. Thanks in advance.
Hi Morgan, doctors who understand how to prescribe ADHD medications know that it’s normal to have to increase the dose to get to the right dose for you. Height and weight have nothing to do with the dosage. Good luck, Dana
Hi Dana. First off it’s very admirable the service your providing here, your helping a lot of people! My question is should a stimulant (in my case Elvanse) give me a boost in motivation? I know it’s not going to do things for me and I have to plan etc. But at the moment I’m not getting that urge to initiate and motivation to do things. I do see people who take stimulants have a noticeable up on their optimal dosage (not the zombie overdosed high) – but I don’t. Are both of these a sign of too lower dose in your opinion?
Hi Lee – First, thank you and you are welcome! Yes, the right dose of the right medication should make it easier for you to push through and do things that you aren’t motivated to do. Initiation and motivation. Talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling. Good luck, Dana
Hey so I was recently put on concerta I’m 19 btw I don’t really know how these meds work entirely but I’ve been finding that when my doctor increases my dosage I find that they work amazing for the first day or so I have none of my issues from my adhd anymore I have way more drive I can get up in the morning I can sit down and work without having any limitations set for my self but I find that after the first day give or take i stop feeling really any affects I don’t really notice a difference from the initial dosage of 18mg I was on I’m on 54mg rn and I don’t find any notable difference other then more anxiety
Hey Cameron, it’s normal to need a dosage increase of the stimulant medication until you get to a dose where the effects you want stick. It’s not normal to have the anxiety, though. Perhaps ask your doc to try a different medication.
If ADHD meds help get you going and make you feel more awake, how will they help you get to bed on time? Currently I’m using Concerta and if I take it when I get up in the morning, it’s well out of my system by bed time.
Thanks!
You’ve identified one of the big problems – getting the med to support you at the end of the day!
Hello, I was prescribed 20 mg of Adderall three times a day, but stopped going to the doctor due to financial reasons 7 months ago. I have a good amount left over that I started to take since trying to start and finish my college degree. Since I fear tolerance and dependency, I take only half a pill, once in the morning four times, sometimes five times, a week now. I was wondering if 10 mg of Adderall four times a week is considered a lot and if it will still develop tolerance with 3 days off a week (not consecutively, I take Adderall whenever I have a busy day ahead of me)? I do not want to get up to the 60 mg a day again for it to work as it gave me some undesired side effects like agitation near the end of the day. I would just ask my doctor, but I do not see him anymore.
Tanner, that’s a small dose. I wouldn’t think it would build your tolerance. But, time will tell.
I wish I could find a physician who didn’t think I was some kind of a drug seeking moron. I’m a registered nurse with adult diagnosed ADD and I used to have the best MD who had me on the perfect medication combination. I was finally on track with my life and things were back in order after my divorce. He managed to pull me out of my deep depression, got me to gain some of the weight I had lost, and I was in control of my ridiculous spending habit. I was sleeping normal hours, and I was successful with work. I felt normal again. I was taking Adderall XR and it was life changing! Well, then my insurance changed their network of providers, and I couldn’t see my MD anymore. The new physician I switched to decreased my dose by half and my life did a complete 180. I begged to get back to my regular dose that I had been taking for a couple years at that point and she said absolutely not.
I tried to go back to my other MD and figured I could pay cash, but my insurance is an HMO and the rules can’t be broken! I have to have the script from the HMO physician to get the meds from the HMO pharmacy or it’s not covered. What’s worse is I cannot request the brand anymore. I have to take the generic. And I don’t care what anyone says- there IS absolutely a difference between the brand and the generic. The fillers are different.
Anyways, my life has now turned back to impulsive shopping again, I’m back in credit card debt, and what’s worse is my apartment is a disaster because I cannot focus on completing one task at a time! The anxiety I have everyday is debilitating and my physician keeps telling me that I need to learn to cope with my feelings. I keep telling her that I know what works for me and for her to write the script and be done already. I can’t live like this! I spend weeks in bed, spending money I don’t have. I’m unemployed because of her. I want to report her to the state board. I beg her for help and she won’t listen to what I need.
Brooke, I’m so sorry to hear this. Report her if you must. Switch doctors. FIGHT like hell to get your life back! Wishing you all the best, Dana
Hi Dana,
Im 31 year old female mature student and recently diagnosed with ADHD. Ive suspected Ive had it for years.
I have been taking Tyvance for overba month, I started taking 30mg, then 40mg after 2 weeks. My pharmacy gave me the wrong prescription when I ran out of the 40mg so I was left without the usual dose of 40mg, I took 2x30mgs and I have seemed okay.
My Dr hasn’t been communicating with me and is due to review with me after six weeks.
In general I think since taking Tyvanse I have been hyoerfocusing on the wrong things and I am still not completing or completely avoiding tasks.
I haven’t completed anything in a month and feel like my day escapes me.
I feel like I am isolating myself and that I have lost my sense of passion for the usual things I enjoyed on my own such as swimming or skateboarding.
In fact I haven’t done either since taking the meds.
I dont feel like my mind has been quietened or clear.
I realised that eating and sleeping has a huge effect on how I feel when on the meds, I have good days and some very bad days.
How long does Tyvanse take to work and for the bad effects to settle?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Jill
Hi Jill, Talk to your doctor. The medication (Vyvanse? though you wrote Tyvanse?) should work soon. The right dose of the right ADHD medication should help you focus on what you want and shift your focus when you want to. Also, it should help you think clearly. Good luck! Dana
Hello,
I am 35 yr old male who was just diagnosed with ADHD. I have a history of depression and ocd as well. I tried Ritalin and had no effect and then my Dr. switched me to Adderall 10mg 2x day and I actually had clarity and peace for the first time in my life. It wore off after three hours and has not worked since. It has been 3 days and I have not had any improvements since. Does this happen normally? Does my prescription need to be increased or was the Adderall a fluke? I’m feeling extremely disheartening.
Hi Kevin, Welcome to The A Team! What you’re experiencing is normal. Talk to your doctor. You probably need your dose increased. Good luck! Dana
Hi! I am 33 y/o female. I was diagnosed with ADD in late high school and was on Ritilan 20 mg bid-tid throughout college. It worked great! I just stopped taking it after I graduated from registered respiratory therapy school and passed my boards. I didn’t really think I “needed” it anymore. Fast forward 10 years and we have a 13 year old and a 3 year old. I still work full time as an RRT and we run a small, but growing, contracting business. I get off work after 9 hours, come home and be mom, wife and another full time employee for our small business. I am the one who communicates 100% with our small business customers. I had a break mental breakdown bc it is way too much for me to focus. I was loosing things, forgetting things mid sentence, and my business, my full time job, and my family was suffering from it. I was prescribed generic Adderall XR 20 mg last week. I took it at 7 am and felt like my symptoms were much worse by 2 pm. Like it had completely wore off. I contacted my doc and he said to take one and a half capsule. He said if that didn’t work, he may have to add an IR med to my afternoon. It doesn’t really do anything different and is still wearing off very quickly 😩. It’s not lasting all day like I thought it was supposed to. I am nervous to tell him his new “solution” isn’t any better. I’ve given it three days and I would just rather not take the medication at all bc it feels like my symptoms come back worse than before 6-7 hours later. I work twice as hard when I get home. How can I ask for instant releases without sounding too pushy? The instant releases worked great for me in college. I could take one 4-6 hours later as I felt the other wearing off. Why does he want me on extended release when the instant Ritalin worked fine for me then? I would honestly just rather suffer through my symptoms than feel worse throughout the end of the day with the extended. BUT my breakdown was extremely bad and I was ready to give up bc I honestly didn’t know what was wrong. Then they tested me for ADD and my symptoms still persist, I had just figured I “grew out of it”. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I guess I work with doctors and know how some of them can be when you don’t like their treatment plan; therefore, I’m trying to avoid that situation.
Hi Lacy, Wow! You’ve got a load on your shoulders. You really need to talk to your doctor. If his solution isn’t working then find a different doctor. Does he know that Ritalin worked for you? Some people respond to Ritalin better than Adderall. Also, no medication in the world is going to overcome a way too busy schedule. What’s your long-term plan to get you some help in the small business and running the home and family? Wishing you the best, Dana
Hi , the other day I tried Adderall again after not been on it for about 4-5 years is it normal too be really talkative when on it???
Hi Kayla, being more talkative when on the Adderall does happen rarely. If it persists you might talk to your doctor. The ADHD medications should give you more self-control. Good Luck, Dana
Hi Dana, I am new to ADHD tribe…about two months. I started on the generic form of Concerta (36mg)and found great energy and focus. But within days it became a very volatile experience. My heart rate would spike (or feel like it) along with severe heartburn, intermittent jitters and anxiety/irritability. It also didn’t last as long as I needed it to. So, after two weeks, I switched to Concerta brand name, and much of the rollercoaster effect went away and it lasted long enough to cover the important parts of my day. However, heartburn, jitters, anxiety, shaking of leg and irritability remained. I was 100 percent aware of the meds in my body. But stuff was still getting done. So, another two weeks later, we are trying 27mg Concerta. Two weeks in I’m confused. I feel normal, like there is nothing foreign in my system. Stuff is getting done, focus is pretty good, no rollercoaster, if I didn’t sleep well I can nap for 10 minutes or so…and the heartburn? It’s under control because of thick Icelandic yogurt I eat just before and sometimes during day if I feel it coming on. It seems to work. (I hope they don’t ever run out of the stuff…) But….my day can become VERY stressful due to deadlines around 6 to 7 hours after I’ve taken Concerta. Some days, when it’s super stressful, I wonder can that makes the medication burn faster? Or be less effective in those moments of high stress? I notice sometimes now that when I’m angry about something, I “express” myself, but think objectively…”oh, that’s over the top”, or I notice I’m repeating myself. The pill seems to run out a little earlier. Is it possible high stress creates a breakthrough effect? Oh, and one more thing, what will happen if I have 2 drinks at the end of my day with friends. Do I really have to skip medication that day?
Thanks for reading.
Hi Carol, I don’t know that high stress will make you burn your meds faster, however it will impact your hormones and neurotransmitters. Here’s a link to my podcast where we talk about gut health and stress and ADHD: https://kicksomeadhd.com/043-your-gut-more-than-an-instinct/ Hope it helps. Also, ask your doctor about alcohol and ADHD medications. Everyone is different! Warmly, Dana
Firstly thank you for this article. I think I struggle with every one of the 14 target goals on your list, but it was so helpful to see it written down to make me realize it.
I was put on Vyvanse 40mg about 6 years ago. It was a complete game changer for me, and for about 3 years I was the happiest and most well adjusted version of myself I’ve ever been. I had to stop it when I conceived my daughter, but restarted after giving birth and when I was done breastfeeding. It didn’t seem to work quite as well, but I was still functioning a lot better than before I started taking it. When I became pregnant with our second daughter I stopped it again. This time after restarting it I felt very little change. It probably didn’t help that I gave birth February 2021 right before covid took over. I explained this to my doctor and he gradually increased my dose until I was at the highest available (70mg). I was still a chaotic mess so at my last appt I asked if there was another extended release with a different active ingredient I could try. He switched me to Mydayis 37.5mg. It’s been almost 3 weeks now and I’ve never felt so awful. I’m so incredibly tired. My brain feels like a cotton ball has invaded and it’s soaking up any thoughts my brain is attempting to make. I can’t think. I’m lightheaded. I’m nauseous. I’m down and have no motivation because I can’t think enough to feel anything. I’m planning on telling my doctor all of this at my follow up on 7/8. I guess my question is why would I have this reaction? Has anyone else experienced this?
Hi Sarah, Yes, talk to your doctor. Bodies change after childbirth. I’ve heard of this before, but don’t know why it happens. You need a different medication. Also, as a mother of babies, you probably aren’t getting enough sleep. That will make ADHD worse. Do talk to your doctor!! Good luck, Dana
How do i stop feeling guilty for only being able to get life tasks and live life when taking adhd medication? I feel guilty that I am unable to function at this level without it 🙁 After being misdiagnosed my whole life as chronic depression, i feel good about the proper diagnosis but still feel guilty about it. any tips would be super helpful
Katy, I hope you can get the help you need to let the guilt go. If you can’t move past it, I suggest talking to a therapist for feeling guilty because of the way your brain works. The medication is merely a tool. Just like glasses are a tool to help someone see better. And, congratulations for finally getting the right diagnosis!
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I was using modafinil to help me (which it did) but I think it pooped out. Anyway I am Titrating down to 100 modafinil while I incorporate 10 mg of Ritalin twice a day.
I am wondering if anyone has experienced the following: I feel the motivation to do things but I don’t have the focus. For instance, I do feel like doing my work now but if I am interrupted or there’s multiple things that I need to do I am trying to do, I attempt to do everything all at the same time. Is this common? Is this how it’s always been and I just wasn’t aware of it?
I have motivation I just don’t understand why I can’t focus if ritalin is supposed to help with focus.
Hi Claudette, being motivated yet not able to focus isn’t good enough in my book. The right dose of the right medication(s) should allow you to do both. Talk to your doctor. Dana
Has anyone experienced medication working some symptoms but not others? I’ve been on Vyvanse for 5 weeks now. Going up 10mg/day from one week to another and now I’m up to 50mg/day.
It has done wonders with my emotional regulation; no intense emotions anymore, not getting triggered by the stupidest of things, no anxiety, so much calm. However, I have only seen glimpses of improvements at the lower doses (10-20mg) that went away with the higher doses, and not seen much improvement in hyperactivity at all. How can it work on some symptoms but not others? Thanks.
Hi Haidar, yes, for some people the medication helps some symptoms and not others. I suggest thinking through which symptoms are causing you the most trouble and aim for helping that. Talk to your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Newly diagnosed at 31 years old. Was put on 10mg xr Adderall. It has only been 1 week since I started on it, but Is it normal feel extremely groggy and maybe even a little depressed? I am not referring to a “crash” or “come down.” this usually happens 30 min – 1 hour after taking it.
Hey Brittany, Nope. That’s not a normal reaction. Talk to your doctor to try a different medication. Good luck, Dana
Thank you, I am happy to hear you feel that way.
I do intend to discuss this with my doctor but… I was wondering if anyone found Concerta xl to make their symptoms worse before they got better? Or is that wishful thinking?!
I’m only 4 days in to taking full dose of 54mg every morning. It’s not going well but is 4 days long enough to know….?
Thanks for all the useful info on your website!
Hi Hannah – You’re welcome for all the useful into. Thanks for noticing! The Concert XL normally helps symptoms; not make them worse. If you’ve titrated up your dose correctly, 4 days if typically enough time to know. Yep, definitely talk to your doctor. Good luck, Dana
Hi, I am at the max dose for focalin. Even after taking an over two week break, my tolerance is so high that it barely works anymore. Before I was at the max dose for ritalin and had this same problem. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Hi Elise, How frustrating that must be! Talk to your doctor, of course. I’d also suggest you make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet with a bit of protein at every meal and little sugar, getting enough sleep, and exercise. When the meds aren’t working sometimes doubling down on the self care helps. Good luck, Dana
Hi I was previously prescribed concerta 54mg years ago and then stopped due to affordability I have recently started back on it and my doctor built me up to my original dose. as it was titrating up I was able to notice the increase in focus and was not starting multiple tasks at once and was completing them prior to moving on when I was at my regular dose it was working well. the last few weeks I find that if I am not working that day I still take at the same time and often if I relax to much I fall asleep about an hour after taking the meds. is that a sign of tolerance or a dose that is too high?
Hi Udo. I’m not sure why you are experiencing that. Best talk to your doctor! Dana
Hi, i got started on methylamphetamine a month ago, and experienced clarity, calmness control and energy for the first time in my life. As if I had 2 large european winter bed sheets removed from my head and I could finally be present and listen. Is this difference normal and something I can aim for?
It only lasts 40 minutes or so on the highest dose, so I switched to trying Vyvanse. But Vyvanse doesn’t seem to do anything else than bring me the crash and side effects. The difference is night and day, and I’m sad and feeling nothing else than hopelessness. Do Vyvanse get better with time, or do I need to switch again? Or am I just setting too high expectations for the medicine?
Hi Jens – How frustrating to have had the burst of clarity taken away. Don’t give up. First, make sure you’re eating before you take your Vyvanse to see if that helps. And are you getting enough sleep? Also you might ask your doctor to try out a methylphenidate (Ritalin) medication. It might work better for you. Good Luck, Dana
Thank you for the effort you put into providing valuable and well-researched information.
I admire your dedication to creating content that uplifts and inspires.
Hi, I recently got diagnosed with ADHD and I have been on Adderall 10mg for two weeks and it was working good, with some side effects like anxiety. Then in my third week my doctor recommend I take magnesium at night and upped my dose. So now I am taking 2 doses of Adderall 10mg (IR) and taking magnesium at night (8pm). I take my first Adderall dose in the morning (8am) and I feel focused but the second one which I take at 2:00 pm makes me feel slow, like I can not seem to focus or think properly and I would spent too much time thinking about one question. So far it is been like that for about 5 days now and I do not know why is it happening.
Hey Salem, One thing to look at is what you’re eating before each dose. Are you eating something for breakfast yet not eating lunch? Or sugary foods? ADHD brains and ADHD meds work better with healthy, Whole Foods and proteins. Best check with your doctor. Magnesium is a good supplement for many people with ADHD to take! Good luck, Dana
I never really knew I had ADHD till my girlfriend of 4 years started to ask questions ( she’s a teacher ). She’s what got me to finally get checked at the current age of 27. I was diagnosed and currently taking 10mg of amphetamine salts. I don’t feel any different and I still have hyperactive stimming. I felt SOMETHING the first day, mood boosted similar to how I’d chug two cups of coffee in the morning to perk up. Short work days still feel excruciating long, “normal” work days feel endless, and when I’m home I want to focus on my programming career (currently interning) and cannot and will not sit and focus on what I know I have to do, what I want to do, but I cannot do so. Not without some sort of fear to give me enough anxiety where hyperfocusing kicks in. It’s a stressful life and it makes me exhausted all the time and my girlfriend gets upset that I doze off. When I’m alone, I’m exhausted and have trouble sleeping, but with her I feel at ease and I catch up with the sleep I lose, but it upsets her because she feels like we’re losing quality time. We’re both very busy so we love and value our time together. I’m always late, I’m forgetful, I still procrastinate, but when fear sets in, I perform. I don’t want to live this life anymore and it’s stressing me out that the 10mg isn’t doing anything. Not even the mood boost and it’s only been 3 days. He wanted to see me a week from where we first spoke, so I feel comfort that he cares to find something that works for me, but I just want to be assured that it’s okay that it’s not working for me right now. The shortage stresses me out, the fearmongering stresses me out, the addicts stresses me out. I just want to feel normal!!!!!
Hi Liam, it’s normal to start at a low dose of the medication, feel it a bit, and then when your body gets used to it to need to have the dose increased. Your doctor sounds like they’re doing the right thing. You’re just starting ADHD treatment. This takes time and effort. Patience! (Yes, I realize patience isn’t something we have!!) And, all you’re experiencing sounds like normal out of control ADHD. Keep at it. Be grateful you’re starting on the path. And, yes, the medication shortage sucks. And, stay away from the fear mongers. Warmly, Dana
Hello, thank you so much for your article it helped answer a lot of my questions. I am just starting on ADHD medication (34 year old female). My doctor is starting me off on a low 5mg pill of Aspen Dexamphetamine that I take three times a day and slowly increasing until I find the right dosage, then I can switch to a long-acting pill. I noticed right away that I felt calmer and my thoughts are more controllable. I described it as feeling like instead of chasing someone who is dangling a string behind them that is floating in the wind and never quite catching them no matter what I do- that now I feel like I am holding the string. However, my concentration on specific tasks is still all over the place. I don’t know if I am expecting too much though. I thought it would be like a ZONE in kind of thing, but maybe it is more the “normal” (whatever that is) level. As an example when working today, I didn’t feel a compulsive urge, as I used to, to look at my phone or open other webpages etc. But I am still easily distracted by my kids playing or remembering to order my Mom’s birthday present, or even to search what I should be expecting in my ADHD medication (haha). I am hesitant to keep upping my dosage, but at the same time I don’t know what I should be expecting. Do you have any suggestions? Or perhaps, maybe, you can provide an example of what level of concentration I should be expecting (knowing that everyone is a bit different).
Hi Cheyenne, so glad the meds are helping you! Talk to your doctor. You can try upping the dose to see if it helps improve your overall focus. If it seems like too much, it’s easy to drop back to your current dose. Hope this helps, Dana