Vyvanse makes my mind calm

[IversonK]

Vyvanse makes my mind calm and it is a wonderful feeling. The medication also makes me to @calm” almost sleepy and not have motivation. I am new to this medication. Should I get an increase.?

[Wasted71years]

Only your treating practitioner can help you decide that.

My experience with an initial dose of 20mg was exactly like yours. It was not improving the other symptoms of ADHD which were my priority - such as initiating tasks, completing projects once the novelty wore off, and emotional outbursts.

My doctor then stepped up the dosage as we monitored its impact. I am currently getting quite a bit of assist at 50mg. The dose that is right for someone is highly individual. Work with the prescriber to figure out which medicines and at what dose are correct for you.

[IversonK in reply to Wasted71years]

thank you. It good to hear someone has the same experience. I will definitely talk with my Dr.

[Iside]

why more, sounds like it zombifies you. Maybe take for a short time to give relief only.

[IversonK in reply to Iside]

Thanks I’ll talk to my Dr since others have the same experience.

[Alexandra57]

hi Kossaknk. This was exactly what I felt on my initial dose of 30mg. It was a strange and unexpected feeling - I almost felt sedated. I realised after a few days that it was actually my brain finally being able to relax when it’d never been able to before. I could just sit and ‘be’ which was a whole new experience! Once I pushed myself to focus instead of just enjoying the calm, I found I could be methodical with my work (writing), and even though I didn’t exactly feel productive I discovered I could concentrate for hours at a time. The intense calm wears off after a week or so once the brain has got used to relaxing. I was told by my psychiatrist that my reaction confirmed my diagnosis 100%. I’ve since been titrated up to 70mg and now back down to 50mg as my appetite suffered on a higher dose. I still get a lovely calmness for the first hour or so but it’s not as intense as it was at first. Hope this helps!

[IversonK in reply to Alexandra57]

thanks you for sharing. I am going to talk with my Doctor

[MessyButTidy in reply to Alexandra57]

Hi Alexandra, the way you describe this calmness sounds like an absolute oasis. I know our reactions to meds are all different, but I'm trying to figure out a frame of reference. I'm so curious to know more. When I first started Concerta I remember feeling amazed that I could just go do something in such a direct and efficient way, I was in awe, the best way I can describe it is like being on an express way with both my body and mind, the efficiency was something I'd never felt. It wasn't a high enough dose, and when I reached a more effective dose my appetite really suffered because of significant nausea. It was like the 24/7 nausea I experienced during pregnancy.

I'm about 2 months into trying Adderall ER right now and have minor appetite impacts, but it's related to feeling like there isn't enough time to stop and make food. I'm also sweating so much, I've figured out how to keep the sleeping discomfort at bay, but during the day it's rough. My doctor and I are trialing a medication they suspect will mitigate the sweating, and if it's successful they'll increase my Adderall dosage.

I guess all of this is to give some context to my experiences thus far, and to ask you and anyone else who is open to sharing: have you found that different medications within a class have had different side effects and/or a different experience?

The mental gymnastics of figuring all of this out has me 😅.

[WestieHighlander]

Obviously I can only comment on my own experience. Recently diagnosed, and have been on Vyvanse for about 2 months. Have gone from 20mgs to 40mgs. Dosage increased today. I have experienced very similar effect to what you described. A sense of calmness and contentment. However, I've found this calmness has allowed me to better complete tasks I need to , and focus on what I need to accomplish. At work, I can focus on one individual task, and not be distracted by outside "noise". You might find that if you actively try to "do" something during this period, you are better able to focus on the task. Have you tried? I also find that after the "calmness" wears off, my focus seems to be slightly better for several hours more. I'm not your doctor. But in my case, upping the dosage increased the focus.

Also heard that someone else's doctor said to them that they should enjoy the calmness that comes that with the meds, because having ADHD is not easy. That's the approach I take now. Have some self compassion. If you have ADHD, you deserve a break. Hope that helps.

[IversonK in reply to WestieHighlander]

Thank you for sharing. I am new to this type of medication so just looking to hear different experiences. I have an appointment with my Dr to discuss next month.

[Emsil21 in reply to IversonK]

I think undertaking a task rather than googling vyanase might be a good idea for myself also!

[Emsil21]

I am on vyanase for the second time - I gave it up after trialing it in March due to side effects, headache, anxiety chest feeling, but Iv not found another med that works, I’m four hours into the first dose and feel weird maybe it is a calm feeling but I feel very uncomfortable with it like I’m not sure what to do, maybe I need to accept it and ride it out, perhaps should of planned a disctraction for today, I’m on 30mg and a 36f

[IversonK in reply to Emsil21]

I am on my second week of Vyvanse. The medication has given me a very calm, almost sedating feeling.. maybe this is how normal people feel because I am on constant high alert. I can focus and my mind is clear but I am now lacking motivation to do things

[sincereLY in reply to IversonK]

I am feeling the same way currently on 50 mg of Vyvanse, am unsure if it's working because of the same lack of motivation to do things.

[Old_Owl]

My experience with Vyvanse as many of those above. My first few does of 30mgs produced something I'd ever experienced. Quiet. All my life I had "voices" in my head. My own, parts of myself, the ever present critic all went silent. I was calm and focused and felt a bit like a spectator. It was weird and odd. I wasn't afraid or anything and was in control. Like others, I have wondered if that's what it's like for someone without ADHD.

That feeling was gone after a week or so. Working with my doc, my dosage went up to 50gms but I haven't had that experience again. Nor do I get headaches I experienced as it wore off- those lasted a few weeks now.

Having said all this Vyvanse has been a game changer. As others have said, work with you provider and be patient. Everyone is different and it can take time to find the right treatment.

[STEM_Dad]

Vyvanse or other stimulant medications can have a calming effect on many people with ADHD (though not all of us).

It can take a while before your body adjusts to a new medication. Some people experience greater focus very early on, but others have to wait days or weeks to experience the full effects. It may take months (or even a few years) of trying different medications and different dosages to find what works best for you.

My advice is to keep a journal to track how the medication makes you feel, and bring your notes with you when you meet with your doctor. That's what I did, and it really helped with medication discussions.