Diagnosed only this year with ADHD. I am 53 yrs old. Also living with PTSD/bipolar. Psychiatrist felt it would be a good fit given I am prone to overeating. (That's a boredom thing I have found out) Gently dosed up from 20 mg and now I am going tp get 50mg. I guess its working, I just find it a very soft med, brushing the edges of ADHD if that makes sense. I don't take anything but the vyvanse. Is the drug designed to feel like a mild tweak of the condition. I am trying to determine if its working or not. I have zero side effects, my appetite's not been reduced, I can fall asleep at 10 p.m. I am not feeling motivated to get organized but my creativity has increased and optimism for life. Any thoughts fellow ADHDers? I am new to the world of amphetamines, so insight is welcomed. Thank you!
Vyvanse too subtle?: Diagnosed only... - CHADD's Adult ADH...
Vyvanse too subtle?
Yes! The statement about brushing the edges is such a great description of 'yeah, I feel a bit more focused, but that's about it'. Not that blast of focus I get with straight Ritalin. I learned that the meds can actually build up and become less effective over time and if u stop, it will be more effective when u get back on. I read an article about this... But Google and see what u find. I guess I'm at the point where I want the 'blast' feeling, but know that it makes me too hyper. I'm exactly your age and tried Vvyanse, but switched to Adderall bc Vvyanse wasn't covered by insurance. So, Adderall essentially the same drug. So, No answer, just get what u r saying. Thanks for posting.
Shire is paying for my meds. Insurance company won’t cover Vyvanse. I may request Adderal in future. I work part time, being undiagnosed for years makes me realize my comorbities sabotaged success. My creativity and humour kept me going. Google isn’t getting me anywhere. Vyvanse is working subtly, see what 50mg does. I wanted to be the Uber productive version of me, without forfeiting character. Can’t have it all.
How long have you been taking it? I find that ADHD meds work differently over time, even the same dosage can affect you differently when you just start taking it vs after 2 weeks of taking!
I have been dosing up monthly, so I have been giving myself four weeks per dose amount to determine effectiveness. Have gone from 20 mg in Sept...and starting 50 this week. I guess I expected Vyvanse to assist with my eating and organizational issues. There's not really been a discernible change. Thank you for your input.
Try the higher dosage and see how it goes, I have read that some people are better with RItalin, so maybe if you don't get any improvement from the higher dose in the next few weeks it could be worth trying a different type of meds. Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon!
Hi,
Vyvanse and Adderall are practically the same thing, except Vyvanse lasts longer. In general, Vyvanse is said to last about 10-12 hours while Adderall extended release lasts about 6-8 hours. Another difference that I have heard from psychiatrists are that the way you "feel" when the medications are working. While people can usually "feel" Adderall start working, and can "feel" it wearing off, people don't "feel" much with Vyvanse as it's very smooth. For most people, not having the noticeable change in the feeling is better, and to have to take medications less often is better (less thing to remember the better obviously).
It makes sense that taking Vyvanse increased your creativity and optimism for life as it helps releases the dopamine that is lacking in our brain - lack of dopamine is one of the reason for depression.
It also makes sense that you have been motivated to be more organized.
One of the shocking "news" for me was that taking medications does not improve my ability to be on time, motivation to be organized, to procrastinate things, mismanage money, or etc etc. Those are actually skills people usually acquire while growing up. Unfortunately people like us who were diagnosed late in our lives came this far without learning any of those skills. Finding a great coach may be the best, however I have not found a one that I want to work with.
I was diagnosed when I was 45 and have been taking tons of online classes, attend web-based ADHD conferences, listen to Podcast to teach myself those skills. It sure hasn't been easy and is a slow process, but there is no way around it.
Lastly, these psychiatric medications work different for everyone. There is no clear cut science to what works for you. There is only trial and error. The only way to achieve the right medication regimen is to communicate with your psychiatrist as much as you can to change it around to see what works for you.
Good luck.
excellent response, thanks so much. Yes, you are right about the meds and life skills. I was surrounded by untreated adults growing up, so life volleyed between control issues (mom was ADD) and fun time no thoughts about tomorrow (ADHD dad). I am really okay on the vyvanse, its not a panacea for instant adulting excellence..lol. So I am on the 50 mg, I am going to stay at that level. I am an artist at my core, creative, scattered and always outside the box on thinking, though I come off traditional to those who don't know me. I am taking it for me, just to get a sense of a more linear style of thinking or doing. Sticking with a task, sounds simple, but its never been for me. Coupled with bipolar disorder and PTSD, I am doing well. Money management, always an issue. I am an odd duck, and I like that about me. I tend to be invisible, given I only connect with certain types of people. The vyvanse allows me to be chatty and not making provocative or obscure comments about stuff. It's a better way to fake "normal."
No addictions issues, no incarceration. Strength of character and being a creative loner has actually keep me in one piece. So has a partner who lets me be me, vacillating between a circus and hours of silence. I connected with an EXCELLENT coach Brett Thornhill. I live in Canada, he is on the far east coast in Newfoundland. He is an adult with a fairly recent diagnosis, and he is incredibly genuine and easy to talk with. Straight shooter and a great knowledge/experience base. He has youtube videos, likely connect with him via that medium. I should be happy that vyvanse is softly working for me...I feel a slight amping up about 30-40 mins after taking it and by the time bed rolls around, its gone. Biggest regret, only finding out at 53. Thanks again for your feedback and time.
I’m glad you found the dose that works for you.
Yes, taking medication helps me stick with tasks too! Before taking medication, I had many unfinished tasks all around me, When I was cleaning ( or at least that was the start), I would start doing something else if I saw something. I get hypofocused and spend hours doing things that was unnecessary. I only would remember about cleaning when I happen to walk into a room with a vacuum cleaner sitting in the middle of room.
I still have many unfinished projects around the house,but with medication, at least I can stick to a task that I start that day.
I also am a loner now. I used to be a social butterfly but was exhausted at the end of the day and needed time alone to recharge. Part of it is because I am an introvert despite being a chatty friendly person i am percieved to be. Another part is I am a very moody person which is one of the ADD traits. I’m happy cheery person one minute and irritable person the next. I can’t control it and takes a lot of energy to “pretend” Stanley mood at work or outside world.
I completely understand about you being more social because I can be “normal”. Well, I have actually gotten in serious troubles due to my impulsive comments. Before the meds, my impulsivity prevented me from thinking before saying it. Isn’t that wild how ADD has affected our lives.
I’m glad you found a great coach for yourself. I might checkout his YouTube. I welcome anything to learn more.
If you are interested, I recommend listening to Ali Tucker’s podcast. His podcast is short, and funny, and he tells about ADD in a simple way that’s very easy to “get”it.
P.s.
One thing I forgot to include in my last response is about how stimulant could trigger manic episodes. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you but sleeping adequately is so important to avoid having manic episodes. You said you can sleep at night on Vyvanse which may be an important. I’m sure you’ve discussed these with your psychiatrist already.
Yes, there was some trepidation re: Vyvanse and mania. I was a depressive manic, still run moody as well as challenging anything that doesn't make sense. A joy to be around. Actually I am a decent person, people find me entertaining and informed even when they aren't getting most of what I am talking about. Excelled in school and bombed when it came to employment stickiness. Background is journalism and PR, but didn't stay with things seeing the writing on the wall. "She's not a good fit." ADHD gave me the power to study trends, sort of a canary in coal mine skill. The cleaning thing will never be my forte. I have spent a lot of time apologizing, now I just keep it to myself unless there is a comedic in.
I don't work out there much anymore, and can't wait to return home after work.Have learned to block people out, that was a big one. Hyper-focus, oh yeah...can become obsessive but that's the artist thang in me. I didn't launch as an adult into the mainstream world. I also raised a daughter with pronounced intellectual challenges, for the most part, on my own. Just want some peace and consistency. Will check out Ali. You will find Brett interesting. His Newfoundland lilt is great and he's an authentic fellow. That's important. Glad to hear from a fellow soldier in the trenches of life. :o) Thanks again Stanley.
Thank you for sharing so much helpful info. I am not able to find the Ali Tucker podcast -- can you point me in the right direction?
I can't find Ali either, I recommended Brett Thornhill. He is a life coach in Canada. He was interviewed by the How To ADHD gal on youtube. She's a bit bubbly, but the interview is good.
I’m so sorry. My mistake. His name is Ari Tuckman .
His podcast and the book is “ More Attention, Less Deficit “. tuckmanpsych.com
My usual ADD thing. Remembering names vaguely...
That’s great to hear how your mood is up lifted and your liking the more creative side of you. Idk not a doc but it sounds like your doing alright. I don’t think by taking my stimulant medication, everything is fixed and I need to stop saying I need to be fixed. What I need is to learn who I am and how my brain works. All my life and I bet yours we were brought up to learn and behave how a person with non ADHD thinks and behaves.
When I read your post my first thought was be patient with yourself, things take time and things change as we change. Be kind to yourself and patient. Also. Pills don’t build skills so try to educate yourself as much as you can about ADHD and how it affects you and how and what works for you and what doesn’t
I am writing a book on my life. I have a done a lot of reading on behavioral and mental health issues. I have been a student of the brain so to speak since the early 90s. I am mid 50s so I have graduated top of my class in school of hard knocks. I can be very hard on myself, I push myself to be a hard worker and perfectionist. Coping strategy that my father also had, given he and my mother both have/had ADHD issues. I am letting a lot of stuff go these days. Life is less battle more adventure. That's my approach. If you can laugh at yourself, that's a big part of it. The photo was me at three. Didn't realize it came up so large. Intense little kid too...no kidding.
I was always hard on myself and I struggled a lot. I tried so hard but I never seemed to succeed in life like I wanted too. My parents are now 70. I’m 38. They did well own there own business and home had and raise 3 kids and took care of grandma. My mom always made sure we got what we needed as far as things go. They aren’t the most emotionally supportive, and mental illness or feelings they never discussed. I was brought up used to not talking about stuff. I never wanted to be seen as week. Growing I couldn’t communicate with my parents they didn’t listen. I was young I didn’t have the best communication we yelled at each other all the time. But I know they loved me and they did the best they could. Growing up I had always hoped I would be just as successful or more as them and that one day when they got too old to take care of themselves I would be there to take care of them like they had for me
I like the photo. Very cool
I have come off Vyvanse, discovered it was making me a bit too chipper, I was in a manic state for the last three months now that I look back at it, was getting less and less sleep. My appetite was messed up, wasn't eating meals just picking at stuff, but it was high calorie low prep food, junk. What was odd about it was I was very in control of moods, I was feeling peaceful but I was anything but. Sounds completely contradictory, how can you be calm yet revved? I have been exhausted since I stop taking vyvanse this past Monday. I am back to being Debbie, moody, introspective and a bit out there. I am also sleep nine plus hours a night. My body needed it. I think I am going to stay off the pills and find a nutrition based alternative.
Ask to try adderall, it’s I guess the same drug I believe but they feel but there are or can be so slight or significant differences you won’t know till you try. I thought vyvance was much more mellow too an hour before it started working. Adderall starts working for me in 30min. And I can sorta get a euphoria effect not always a good thing for me because it could make some people want to abuse the drug to keep feeling that initial feeling when they should understand that the feeling happens after you take the drug and when kicks in but your not supposed to feel that way for the entire time. Maybe 1/2hr then I just feel normal, and I feel it works better than vyvance
Yvanse and other amphetamine based medications are designed to control dopamine in the brain. If yours dont work, maybe your dopamine levels dont need it? Just a thought.
I'm on the 70mg tablets and they work really well. I feel good, better and know I can get on with it. It's not without it's pitfalls though. It really can and does influence the desire to drink and come down. It wears off at about 3pm and so feel the need to top it up. I have found that taking your tablet with food, as you eat is a bigger hit when it kicks in. Also, walking/running around and getting your heart pumping works to intensify the effects.
Vitamin C depletes the effect, and I heard protein does the same. Coffee and other caffeine is a stimulant, so you won't feel the benefits as much if you drink coffee.
I dont drink any caffeine, and only have Vitamin C in the evening, I run and walk, and into intermittent fasting because of the hunger curbing effects. The body works better when it's awake and fasting wakes you up as your body starts to get hungry. Try that and if not ask for an increase
Too quick to diagnose?
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