Stimulants and Drowsiness

[Catarya]

I tried my first dose of a stimulant over the weekend and was so exhausted I basically couldn’t get off the couch until it wore off. It’s the lowest available dose. Has anyone else experienced this and, if so, does it improve?

[Laurabb]

yes I will alarm my clock at 5 am and then go back to sleep for the best sleep until noon. It must allow my brain to let go and sleep. Weird but not bad

[franciscoyoyoyo]

Enjoy the inner peace and the silent mind . Let yourself flow. That's your new version. Better

[Newbieboo]

I started on Concetta, Bern Ober two weeks and still fighting awful fatigue

[Accio_Motivation]

Yes, the same exact thing happened to me the first few days. Essentially, it’s because the medication allowed my mind to “rest” for the first time in my life and instead of running on stress, anxiety and adrenaline, my body took over and finally relaxed enough so I could catch up on sleep (suffered from insomnia previously).

It did go away in a few days but after that I had to increase my dosage and I didn’t suffer from fatigue anymore.

[FindingTheAnswers in reply to Accio_Motivation]

Yes. Same for me. There are times I wished it still had that effect for sleep. I haven't heard of many people saying that this was what they experienced. My Doctor did warn me that being tired was something to be aware of. So, I went and had my 1st Rx filled. I read the info that came with it. I'm thinking- 'this a stimulant, this is Speed! It's not going to make me sleepy'. So, being as smart as I am, I took it when I got to work. Not a good idea. I fought to stay awake for hours. But I realized that the Doctor was right. After years/decades of Doctors, Therapists, etc, I was finally on the right path. I had some of the best sleep I ever had. The sleepiness stopped after a couple of days. After that when I took it, it was like this blanket of comfort would cover me. Relief. I experienced a peace I had rarely experienced before. 'This is what it's like to be Normal! This is how the rest of the world feels!' It doesn't have that same effect on me now, but usually still helps a lot. Often it's the best Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Depressant I've ever had. At least for a couple of hours. But then it wears off and my mind starts ramping back up to 100 mph. The 'Demons' in my head start to come back and my mind goes wherever it wants-usually somewhere unpleasant. Then it's time for another dose. I keep a dose by my bed, as sometimes I wake up in a panic or in a bad mood. All of this being said, how many people in the world have a problem with drugs or alcohol because they have ADHD and just want some Relief? They just want their mind/thoughts to stop running 100 MPH? So they'll do or take whatever they can to get some Relief?

From me, the Rx doesn't last as long as it does for most people (I take generic Adderall-- the insurance company doesn't like to pay for Name Brand Rx). Instant Release lasts 3-4 hours and Extended Release lasts 5-6 hours. Also Coca-Cola has the same peaceful feeling effect as Adderall.

Congrats on finding a big piece of the puzzle for you!

[BlessedLady]

You might be allergic to a filler used in this generic. If this continues Next month ask for another generic. You also might want to talk with your doctor about a increase It could also be that you were over tired after a busy week.

[humble-rasberry]

It might also depend on the type of stimulant, I noticed that happening when i tried methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin). Also more on XR. I also got really tired from Vyvanse but that’s because it was way too intense for me and the hyperfocus made me mentally drained. I found adderall IR to be the most effective for me personally, but it’s different for everyone. I do love taking it in the morning and then going back to sleep- like other comments have said it gives me the best sleep of my life lol.

But the best thing you can do is try to document exactly what you are feeling (do you feel relaxed or drained? is it helping any of your symptoms? do you feel clear headed or brain fog?,, etc.) so you can talk to your doctor about it.

Last thing- make sure you are eating (and hydrating) before you take it and throughout the day. I know it’s harder as stimulants are appetite suppressors, but it makes such a difference in the medications effectiveness and could also be causing the low energy. (Also avoiding vitamin C an hour before and after taking the medication because that also decreases the effectiveness) Best wishes as you start your journey!!

[Memalou]

hi catarya,

Yes I go through this any time a take a break from my methotrexate. It takes my body about 2 weeks to adjust. After each day the full body fatigue improves. After 5-7 days it’s mostly gone and only shows up around re-dosing time. I found that taking my meds with food helps me. I highly recommend keeping a symptoms sheet to track what you’re feeling through out the day. Meds really work!!! However your doctor needs to be listening to you and working with you as you try this new journey. It is worth it!!!! Meds changed my life! They are not easy but when you find the right combination it is amazing. I work with an online psychopharmacologist who just assists me with my meds. She’s great. Covered by insurance. You’ve got this!!

[Catarya]

Thanks everyone for all of your feedback! It makes me feel hopeful to know others have experienced this and have still been able to find relief over time or through different meds. I have a follow up meeting with my doc tomorrow, so we’ll see how it goes!

[rootcausesearcher]

DNA testing may help save you time and frustration. Pharmagenetic (I am pretty sure that’s the name) testing usually indicates how well you metabolize certain drug treatments. Additionally, there is a difference between methylphenidate and amphetamines, which may be an issue for some. There are also non-stimulant treatments too. The DNA test did actually help me eliminate some of the options.

Hope this helps.

[Catarya in reply to rootcausesearcher]

Thank you! Someone else recently mentioned the genetics test to me too. It sounds like a great idea. I tried Strattera first and also experienced fatigue with it (amongst other side effects) so perhaps the genetics test can help me figure it all out.

[rootcausesearcher in reply to Catarya]

I’d love to know if you (or anyone else in the tribe) were able to get the genetic testing done and if a med change resulted.

[Catarya in reply to rootcausesearcher]

We just lowered the dose of methylphenidate and that worked well, so I didn’t end up doing the genetic testing.

[LaSemeuse]

That totally happened to me. I started on a low dosage of Concerta on a Thursday. Friday I felt great, then Saturday I slept literally all day. I didn't eat anything because I couldn't get out of bed. It was a flashback to my mid-twenties when I was going through an awful period of depression. Then the day after I slept most of the day, but I finally got up at 5:00.

[Colleen52166]

I experienced this with Adderall instant release tablets, but not with extended release capsules. On the extended release however I do “zone out” initially & have to motivate myself to move. The instant release however hit me like an elephant tranquilizer. Talk to your provider about your dose & instant vs extended release options. Hope this helps.

[NiceUp]

yes! I finally discovered that the XR extended release of Adderall doesn’t sit well with me. Switched to immediate release and have way less sleepiness! But before I realized that I scoured the web and pestered my doctor for an explanation. It’s an odd reaction for sure.