Emotional Blunting

[rywoo]

How do you deal with emotional blunting of higher dose stimulants?

It's getting ridiculous for me and I'm not sure I can handle it every day.

I think I am becoming manic.

[mos17]

Hi mate, yes it's real and I have experienceed every single say since starting treatment there's a definite effect. I hope to find out one day. I do miss my friendly warm old self without the medication

[Hidden in reply to mos17]

I have basically the same question as inbetween posed. I find I'm more easily irritated with people and my environment as stimulants washout. It sounds like you feel numbed out? Have you experimented much with your dose and different meds? I found Ritalin (generic) works way better for me and I cannot tolerate Adderral. I take small bits (half pills = 5 mg) every 3-4 hours with another quarter if I feel I need more focus. Usually only 10 mg/day but more if needed to complete an important project. It also makes a huge difference to eat protein before the washout and every hour or so, like having a bowl of mixed raw almonds and dark chocolate pieces on my desk. I'm sure you found your "formula" but just sharing that my mood is quite sensitive to these dynamics combined with other self-care habits especially sleep quality and having sufficient time for myself.

[inbetween]

It kind of sucks but I’ve accepted it as a worthwhile trade off. Good self-care is absolutely critical, too. Having a solid routine for eating and sleeping really helps me emotionally.

[rywoo in reply to inbetween]

That's what I thought, but I'm so blunted I'm not even worried about anything

[inbetween in reply to rywoo]

Not worried in general or not worried about self-care? Stimulants give me more anxiety, if anything.

[mos17]

Hello just an update as it has been 12 months or. I wanted to update that experimenting with deferent meds and dose has worked finally. And I have for me lisdexamfetamine the brand name is called Elvanse in the UK and vyvanse on the US was the worse in terms of emotional blunting. Which is a long slow release type of medication. I was moved on to try dextroamphetamine sulfate which has the same active ingredients dextroamphetamine but shorter lasting this I noticed allowed me to dip in and out to my bubbly personality whereas the long lasting one seemed to have me chained emotionally from wake up to sleep. Because its generic there was a large difference between manufacturers so if you can stick to the company that bought the marketing for the original formula which is TEVA dextroamphetamine. Stick to smaller dose three times a day and not two larger doses. For example three times daily 5mg than two 7.5mg as larger doses will increase emotional blunting . Also my doctor did explain what you're on ritalin has detrimental effects on emotional blunting on adults more than children as such the first line here in the uk is the dextroamphetamine rather than ritalin. Dextroamphetamine sulfate is also prescribed off label for depression so it helps in that sense. Best of luck 👍