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Sleepygal profile image
11 Replies

Hello.

I was diagnosed with Adult ADD last week. Seriously? I’ve fumbled about and managed for years. In my 60’s now. However started on Vyvanse. I feel it’s keeping me from heading back to bed , which I had been doing.

My depression is lifted. I’m no smarter, but maybe more alert!:)

Sleepygal

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Sleepygal
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11 Replies
Leigh42 profile image
Leigh42

I’m in my 40’s diagnosed 4months ago. I can completely relate to your story. I started off with 20mg gradually increase to 40mg. Fatigue/tiredness/sleeping no longer an issue. I’m sure your dr will gradually increase your dosage. In addition to that I’m taking Ritalin 10mg first thing in the am (lasts 3hrs) Within 30mins I’m alert, ready to start my day. I couldn’t wait the 2hrs for Vyvanse to kick in. (I take Vyvanse 1hr after Ritalin) My Dr previously prescribe that for me to take in afternoon to get me thru the work day but due to my work schedule I needed to get my brain functioning ASAP. Good luck with your new journey:)

Bluesky161 profile image
Bluesky161

I hear you! I was just diagnosed a few months ago - started on Ritalin and I've had the same response. I'm in my mid-30s. It's very frustrating to see how long it takes people (ESPECIALLY women) to get diagnosed properly. I'm so happy to hear you are doing well! I came on here at the behest of my therapist because I still definitely need to find some compensatory mechanisms for work and prioritizing things as brain chemistry is shifting!

hammock_lvr profile image
hammock_lvr in reply to Bluesky161

I can completely relate to what your experiencing. Thanks for sharing.

MassMom1317 profile image
MassMom1317

I was just diagnosed with ADHD with OCD features a few weeks ago and I'm 47. When I got the diagnosis I started to cry because I knew something was wrong with me. I was so relieved when I finally knew what it was! I wanted to scream, "I KNEW IT!" I'm already on Prozac and I'm starting Wellbutrin tomorrow. This website has been so helpful! It's nice to see I'm not alone and I can finally relate to others about how I'm feeling.

Crunchby profile image
Crunchby

Me too. My daughter has it. Its like looking in a mirror with much younger skin. My parents and teachers just thought I 'day dreamed' alot. Love this video. youtu.be/cz5Mt9_ZpyU

Unicorn51 profile image
Unicorn51 in reply to Crunchby

Russell Brown, Thomas Barkley, and Jessica McCabe have been lifelines for my learning how to live with ADHD.

hammock_lvr profile image
hammock_lvr in reply to Crunchby

Awesome video. I’m going to share it with my family. Thanks for sharing it!

Unicorn51 profile image
Unicorn51

Hi 👋 - I’m in my 60s too and was diagnosed five months ago. It’s weirdly wonderful to no longer be depressed! The learning curve for my new life has been interesting but the reflections on my past have been difficult to accept. Decisions, actions, and emotions all appear in a new light of explanation that, unfortunately, harmed my kids as well as myself. I’ve thought many times how different our lives could have been. YouTube has been a wonderful resource for me. Good luck! 🍀

CB500Honda profile image
CB500Honda

I hear you with the late in life diagnosis. I am 53. I am on 50 mg Vyvanse, and its strong but nuanced medication. I don't have any side effects beside feeling more in control of my energy levels and doing things sequentially rather than all at once. I was lucky enough in the last few years to get back to sleeping more than seven hours drug free. I don't find the drug produces any crash and it wears off as I am getting ready for bed anyway. (I take it at 10 a.m. that gives me about 10 hr max efficacy) I don't have to be on the ball in the morning, so I am ok with some slow scatter brain. Vyvanse is a newer gen version of Adderall I have been told. Not sure why the price is through the roof? It's a pro drug, but abuse isn't an issue with me. Welcome to the world of level brain and clear thoughts. I am not smarter on it, but I feel sharper and more grounded. Quite sad it was this late in my life that I now feel good about myself. Many opportunities passed because I got bored/agitated/impatient with the process. Didn't stick with much of anything though rated high on IQ scale. Happy to not be as mentally worn out as I have been for years with decades of analysis and overthink.

Outlier55 profile image
Outlier55

Hi: Just found this thread of folks newly diagnosed with ADHD when a bit older. I was diagnosed about a month ago and am still working out the meds. I have dealt with Depression throughout my life. I find it overwhelming as I work through the medications, Doctors, and the realization that I have had ADHD all this time. I am swimming in information and advice. In the end, I simply want to be able to be alone with my thoughts in peace and not haunted by them!

Churchlady19 profile image
Churchlady19 in reply to Outlier55

I’m finding this ADHD/ADD discussion so interesting because, after years of anxiety & depression in control with Effexor & Wellbutrin, I was told that the reason I was having trouble losing weight after weight loss surgery was because of the drug combo I was taking & that what I had was most likely ADD! So I’ve been on Vyvance for a few months but I’ve been so anxious, I can’t concentrate! And that’s what the vyvance is for! Yikes! Trying Klonipin now to control the anxiety (Buspar didn’t work) but I’m not sure I’m any better off with the Vyvance! I always thot I had ADD but anxiety & ADD are closely related. It’s hard to figure this out! But I think I’d rather be a bit disorganized than have these crazy anxious thots. One good thing, I’ve lost 40 pounds since Vyvance. But is it worth it?

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