Is my medication still working??? - CHADD's Adult ADH...

CHADD's Adult ADHD Support

23,930 members5,829 posts

Is my medication still working???

TwitchyJumpy profile image
1 Reply

Quick underlying information - I am a 54yr old male who was diagnosed with ADHD about 3 years ago by a licensed professional, with an emphasis on the Hyperactive/Hyperfocus. I went to see a professional only after a relative suggested this was a possibility - which made complete sense. I am very successful in my job, but as expected, I get bored very easily with the mundane and routine tasks that I am not interested in and get hyper focused on those that I do have interest. I always pack my day full to make sure that I am always moving and going and am often feeling like I never accomplish the number of things that I wanted (even though my wife continually tells me that I do more in a day than most people do in a week).

The professional tried a few other meds for me, before settling on Vyvanse and determining that the max dose of 60mg was required and could be handled. I have been taking the Vyvanse for probably about 3 years now, once a day, every day - and have had no adverse side effects from it. I also follow up with my professional every 3 months, and mostly due to Covid, this has been done through an online video call where the professional will mostly just ask me if anything has changed, or if I am feeling anything different/adverse.

I have noticed lately that my ability to focus on anything has become very difficult, and I get distracted or drawn away from whatever I am doing by even the smallest things. The smallest noise, a car driving by, someone walking past, or any other thing that can pull me out of what I am doing. I do remember that when I started taking the meds that I had a feeling of "calmness", or not being overwhelmed by "every little thing" and that I was not pulled away or distracted by every little detail - "squirrel"!!

I also remember that when I started taking the pills, I felt "content", or had the feeling of "I don't care". Not in a bad way as if I didn't care about anything, but in a way that I really didn't care or was worried/stressed about what I had to get done, or if it got done. I was more relaxed you could say. I don't recall having this feeling as of late though and am back to feeling as if i never have enough time, and there are a million things to do, and I can't possibly get them all done in one day.

Nothing else has changed in my life, lifestyle, eating or sleeping habits, and I really don't notice any other adverse side effects. I am just wondering if the Vyvanse is no longer working as it should, or is a change like this normal??

I know the common response is going to be - "You should discuss this with your professional". However, the reason I am seeking other input is that my professional has shown an unwillingness to discuss basically anything with me, and yes, I am considering finding another. Every time in the past that I have brought up a concern or question, wondering if it may be related to the meds/ADHD, she simply responds saying that she could find me a counselor or professional to discuss that with if I would like. Well, I thought that was what she was for?? I can't have a simple conversation with her and ask simple questions requiring only a small discussion or guidance.

So, can anyone tell me if no longer being able to maintain focus as I once was able too when I first started the meds is normal?? There seem to be no other issues that I have noticed, but this may be due to the fact that I was not diagnosed/aware of the ADHD until later in life, and the fact that I had already learned to put systems in place to be able to function and manage my daily life, and the fact that I have an amazing, supportive wife who helps me remember and prioritize things.

Written by
TwitchyJumpy profile image
TwitchyJumpy
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
ongaku666 profile image
ongaku666

Clearly she's not doing her job if she isn't helping you through this.

I don't know Vyvanse specifically but it might just not be working for you anymore, after all your body has got used to it over time.

I'd state clearly what you would like to try, cuz they can't say no.

If she says no, then I'd file a complaint and move on.

You may also like...

New diagnosis- Not sure if my medication is working for me

bursts of focus (usually not on the right thing but it is a step). But other days I still feel like...

Anyone work in the education field and not medicated

I tried stimulant meds in the past and it made me hyper anxious to get things done and I didn't want

Addicted to my medication

before I knew it, 60 pills were going missing every 2-3 days. Of course it didn't happen at first,...

Medications not working

start to feel sluggish, hard to focus, moody. Usually that will give me a boost. Recently I have...

ADHD Medication update

side effects. I have noticed that I feel much more like myself on Ritalin, improved focus, better...