Vyvanse or concerta? Med question

[lemonspeaks]

hey all! Looking for some insight. I’ve been on Vyvanse since November. Started at 10mg and each month it’s been raised to 40mg. I’ve been able to tell some difference than when I don’t take it, but when talking to my dr this past week, I had shared some of my symptoms and behaviors. I’m also on Effexor for complex ptsd and generalized anxiety. I found myself trying to justify what adhd is like to my dr and felt pretty invalidated the majority of the visit. I was hoping to have my Vyvanse increased to 50mg, but instead she switched me to Concerta 27mg.

My instinct is telling me that Concerta is not the way to go. Something feels off with it. I’m scared to update my dr on it, because I have this fear she thinks I’m overreacting, being dramatic about what adhd is like as an adult, or that I should be over it.

I only got diagnosed a few months ago, so it’s been hard to describe what these medications feel like. It’s not like being able to tell when an anti-anxiety med feels like. I know when I’m anxious and when I’m not. Adhd… this is a whole other beast. How am I supposed to know when my neurodivergent brain is acting neurotypical?!

How do you know the meds are actually working?

[Hominid711]

You need to communicate with your doctor first of all to understand her rationale for the meds regimen decision she made. And be open about your worries.

[lovesmountains in reply to Hominid711]

With a new diagnosis it's a journey...it takes honesty, patience and a good relationship with your provider. The meds are a lot like blood pressure pills...sometimes you have to try a few to find the one that fits. You'll NEVER be neurotypical. But you can educate yourself and get the right help. Figuring out what works and what doesn't is part of the effort you'll have to put in to get better. It's a big job and you'll have to build a support system and lifestyle that make a decent quality of life possible. Meds are just the baseline...the first step.

[lemonspeaks in reply to lovesmountains]

thank you. This was very validating to read!

[lemonspeaks]

update: I lasted 3 days on Concerta and it was horrible! Switched back to Vyvanse and feeling more like myself.

[LadyWolfe]

I hate concerta. I started 3 weeks ago and on my third day, I cried because my husband wouldn’t put a baby cow in his truck and bring it home so I could pet it. Then take it back. I don’t even like cows and I don’t cry!

[Hominid711 in reply to LadyWolfe]

🤣 best "must be a side effect" story ever on this forum.

[Hominid711 in reply to Hominid711]

... he probably thought best not put BabyCow in front of LadyWolfe

[LadyWolfe in reply to Hominid711]

too bad he’s against me having more animals! I could have blamed Concerta!

[lemonspeaks in reply to LadyWolfe]

it’s horrible! Worst drug I’ve ever tried