New here and apprehensive about meds

[AniSk]

I’m new to this group- I’m 41 and for past 20 years or so have been diagnosed and treated for anxiety/depression. Several years ago, due to my complaints of constantly feeling overwhelmed, my dr brought up the possibility of ADHD. Since then I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not this is something worth considering as a diagnosis (and possible treating in addition to anxiety). Recently I brought ADHD up again with my dr who felt that it would be worthwhile to get an evaluation. I didn’t really find anyone through my insurance who seemed like they were specifically qualified for adult ADHD but did end up going to a psych NP who, after 30 minute conversation, agreed that ADHD could be a component of my anxiety and prescribed 20mg daily Vyvanse (in addition to Cymbalta which I currently take) I’m a bit apprehensive about starting this new medication. Part of me feels as if I should go for a more thorough eval (although I don’t really have the time or money for that) but another part of me feels that I should just give the meds a go and see if they make a difference. Anyone have a similar experience, thoughts, advice??? Thanks!

[Askin_guy]

i also was unsure about the treatment. But the doctor's prescription and explanation worked well.

[HannaMilwaukee]

Hi AniSk,

I am new to this group too. I just joined this group about 5 minutes ago, so I can write comment for you and others. I don't have any experience in Adult, but I have a son who was diagnosed as A.D.H.D when he was in Third Grade (now he is in 11th Grade), and another son just about Ten had anxiety problem a few months ago. But I hope my reply might help you in some way.

Talking about anxiety problem, all I have to do for my 10 years old is making sure he's not on the computer playing video games too much, and get enough sleep. This was confirmed by a Psychologist who came to my son's school to talk about ANXIETY PROBLEMS in Kids and Teens. After attending the session, I canceled all the appointments I currently had for my 10 years old son (because that's what I felt, too, but not so sure. I felt that my son spent too much time on video games, and any day that he got up early was the day he had eating problem and all kind of other problems. Oh, also, he has some dizziness, too, and it turned out because he was dehydrated (kept playing video game too much and not drinking enough water). I am just lucky that my Ten years old problem solved within a few months.

You should pay attention to your routine habits: did you spend too much time watching TV, or on Social Medias, getting enough sleep, getting enough water, something like that.

Talking about A.D.H.D problem, my son had almost all the symptoms for A.D.H.D such as: he could not sit still; his hand always held a pencil and twirling (he hid a pencil everywhere: under the couch, under the seat in the car, under his bed...); could not be organized, tempered issues...; could not focused in class; he had diagnosed as A.D.H.D when he was in Third Grade. All because he had all kind of problems in school, and his 2nd Grade teacher told me that she thought "he might have A.D.H.D because her niece had it, so she knew". So I talked to his Pediatric, the doctor said: Wait for another year to see how he was doing at that time. After my son was diagnosed, we did have him taking medication for a month to see how it went. It was a wonderful behavior from him to everything, his 3rd grade teacher was very happy, but we (my husband and I) decided not let him take medication because of the side effects would happen when he was in his teen.

One day, when he was in 6th Grade (close to the end of his 6th Grade) I received 3 emails from 3 different teachers telling him having homework late. I was so overwhelmed with that. I said I need help, and I don't know who or where to get help. Then I decided that I would pray for him, so I call the CBN to ask them to pray for my son about 10 times. All 10 times were 10 different people, and they prayed different ways; but almost two things the same: Pray for Completely Healing from head to toes, and pray: thank you God for A Mind of Jesus Christ.

Then I stopped calling and prayed myself at home with my children, praying like that, and I saw something gradually changing in my son. Now, he is doing wonderfully in school. My son is now stopped twirling pencil in his hand. In a million years, I never imagine that he can be better as he is today because people say A.D.H.D can not be cured. I don't say my son is completely cured today, but I can say he is 90 % better now comparing to when he was first diagnosed with A.D.H.D.

All I want to say is whether you are a believer or not, you give it a try, you don't have to pay money for prayers.

I wish you the best, AniSk

[quietlylost]

It's okay to be anxious. 20 mg is a relatively low dose of Vyvanse, so hopefully it helps without too many side effects. I've had a long history of treatment for mood issues as well and when we added Vyvanse it was life changing. I won't say that ADHD caused depression or anxiety for me, but treating the ADHD has made those issues significantly less. I wasn't even aware of how anxious I was before I started the Vyvanse.

Just make sure you work closely with the provider and track any benefits or side effects while taking the medication. Note that things like appetite suppression and insomnia will go away after the first couple of days if you have those. So, try to stick with the medicine, take it early in the day, drink fluids, and remember to snack even if you're not hungry.

If you want to go for a more "thorough" evaluation you're likely to get varied results. If your provider who has known you a long time suggested ADHD I'd trust their opinion. Since there's no definitive test for ADHD, the history a person provides is the most useful tool. You may meet someone who listens to the whole story and agrees with the diagnosis or comes up with something different. I think in the meantime it's worth trying the treatment and see if it helps. It may be eye opening.

[AniSk]

Thank you so much for your reassuring response. I feel as you do, that the ADHD isn't the cause of my anxiety- after years of treating and utilizing strategies for anxiety I have found relief, it just seems that it isn't always enough. I'm hoping that treating the ADHD will be the missing piece. But I'm definitely anxious not only about side effects, but that I'll try this and it won't actually make a difference. It's good to hear that others have had good results!

[Struggled]

Welcome to the group. Yes, it would be worthwhile in taking. Vyvanse or Adderall seem to only give clear focus to those who truly need the medication. In other words after taking the meds you should know fairly quickly by the next day if it helped you. In my opinion your brain will not have to work so hard to get you through the day actually leaving you with energy at the end of the day instead of feeling pure exhaustion. Try the meds and see how you feel the next day.

[foolishdog]

Hi, I suffered most of my adult life with terrible anxiety and over the years was prescribed most of the common anti-deppressants available but nothing really worked me .I was diagnosed with adult ADHD/ADD and prescribed a similar medication to vyvanse called dexamphetamine and it stopped my anxiety dead in its tracks , with no side effects at all so for me it was well worth taking . Give it a try I think you will be surprised by how peaceful you will feel

[AniSk]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences! You’ve definitely made me feel better about giving the meds a go. Now just waiting for insurance to approve them!

[gphill56]

I had been treated for anxiety/depression for about 20 years before my wife asked if I had ever considered ADHD (she had read a symptom list that she felt applied to me). I followed up, received a diagnosis through a psychiatrist, and started on (generic) Straterra. It has made a HUGE difference and probably saved my marriage. I would encourage you to give the meds a try and see if they help. If not, though, go back to a doctor because there are

numerous med options, and not all of them work for everyone.

[Licia6368]

I would try meds . All of your symptoms are related and components of ADHD . Medication can provide quality of life, which I believe supersedes anything. There is no benefit to living with anxiety , depression or any other debilitating symptoms. They only provide negativity in your life . If medicine helps you obtain quality in your life then it’s a no brainer. Both medications are safe to try.

Good luck ! You only get one life to live be happy.😊