Thoughts, day 5 on Vyvanse; day 10 after being diagnosed

[Old_Owl]

Ten days ago when I walked out from being diagnosed, a prescription on its way to my pharmacist, I thought I'd throw out my experience with Vyvanse.

Thinking back on it, I really did walk out feeling like I had bought a brand new car that I wasn't planning on buying and really didn't ask enough about what I was getting into. I was dealing with a blizzard of emotions, fears, relief, as I entered a big unknown which I hoped would in the end help me, I wish the person I met with had slowed down a bit, explained a bit, talked about the the meds she was describing a bit more, but I wasn't in a state to ask. And if she did go through these things I wasn't in a state to listen. (actually maybe she did tell me some stuff and I didn't listen).

So its my 5th day on Vyvanse and I am starting to get an appreciation for how it can help while still trying to figure it out. First day I took it I had no idea of what to expect. How would I feel? How would I know if it was doing anything? Would I be a fixated robot knocking out one task after another?

An hour after taking it the first thing I felt was tired, I could have laid down and happily taken a nap. That went away after a bit and I wasn't sure if it was doing anything or not until I noticed:

- The constant chatter in my head, especially the self critic was gone, well not gone, I could sense they were all still there ready to participate, but they were muted- maybe waiting me to call on them. n

-Light and the world seemed a bit muted, not as vibrant, but it was easier to focus (I have been doing mindful meditation for a bit and with the meds I wasn't "swirmmy." and didn't check my timer to see if I had gone too long or it hadn't gone off.)

-I felt a bit more in control of negative emotions and self doubt. These are still present, and I still feel them, but much more manageable and recognizable.

-I attended a two day in person meeting which went well- not cutting off others as much (still did but much less), able to listen better. At the end, I wasn't as emotionally drained as I normally would be.

So I'm guessing it's working- feel it's helping me out and the only side effects so far is a mild headache at the end of the day. (didn't sleep well first two nights but not sure if that was over all anxiety or the Vyvanse.

I know the meds are not be all end all, but right now I think they might give me the chance to start getting the rest of me in order as I figure this out.

[NYGiants]

I have been on Vyvanse for like 4 months. First I did 30mg then went up to 50mg and then 60 mg. The last dose made me feel a lot of stimulation as it is an amphetamine drug. I wasn’t really seeing a lot of benefit and the heart rate increase and adrenaline surge was not for me. I just switched to Focalin which is a ritalin category.

[Old_Owl in reply to NYGiants]

Thanks for replying. I'm prepared for the "trail and error" phase of finding the right medication. I'm still too much in the beginning of all this to know what to expect or even know if it's working and how well its working. I also need to monitor things like blood pressure.The change is so subtle I even question if maybe It's not doing anything and I'm just holding Dumbo's feather.

And I do get a bit of comfort posting and reading other's post on this, not just to help me understand what's going on, but not to feel so alone as I wrap my mind around this.

Again, thanks for your reply

[emiL1234]

Congratulations! It seems like you found exactly what you need at first shot! Not many people are that lucky!

This is amazing.

[Old_Owl in reply to emiL1234]

Thanks, not sure If I'm lucky- yet. Cautiously optimistic - yes.It's way too early, and I've got so much to learn, before I'll have an idea if I'm on the right track or not. I'm still tracking my blood pressure, so far so good and keeping my fingers crossed.

And- It's been a while since I've had the hope that things may get better rather than worse. I'll take that feeling for as long as I can.

[Moonshine777]

Your experience will just get better. Mine did. Everything you described and more just fantastic! I was getting accolades at work and just i felt the best i have ever felt. I could do stuff and remember everything I wanted. Until I started having my right eardrum spasam. I had to quit taking my Vyvance 20mg. Hopefully you will not have anything like that happen.

[Old_Owl in reply to Moonshine777]

Thanks for your reply and we'll see where it goes.

[emiL1234]

Wait a minute, did Vyvanse destroy your ear?

[Old_Owl]

Ah yeah, I missed that ear thing too. I hope you're better now and what did that feel like? Just to be on the lookout.