Medication absorption / metabolisation

[BroccoliMoon]

Does anybody have information on factors affection the absorption / effect of stimulant medication? I already know about the effect of vit C and other acidic foods etc and that alkaline things like bicoarbonate of soda can potentially prolong the effect of medication. I've also read that low zinc levels can have an effect - I found a study which showed (I can't remember the exact details but roughly) that good levels of zinc could lead to a lower dose being necessary.

I'm on Elvanse (/Vyvanse). Max dose is 70mg/day but the psychiatrist put me on 80mg aoubt 9mths ago since 70 was doing nothing. He won't go any higher for understandable reasons. I feel like I can notice something wiyth the 80mg - it's very subtle but I do think that maybe I find it easier to continue with tasks once I've started them. I don't notice when it begins working or when it stops - it's far too subtle for that. Since there is a shortage at the moment and I can't get Elvanse he's put me on Amfexa, which is a dexamfetimine and suggested 20mg twice a day would be equivalent. I didn't notice it at all so I tried taking 30mg to see if I could at least work out when it wore off to know when to take the second dose. I really couldn't tell and I don't know whether any effect is just placebo.

I've experimented with taking bicarbonate of soda and not noticed any difference and have been taking zinc supplements (in the evening as the ones I have are mixed with vit C). I'm female of average height and medium build / not carrying much if any excess weight. I'm vegetarian and my diet can vary from unhealthy (crisps, carbs, wine) to very healthy depending on my mood. Recently I've been eating very healthily and not drinking any alcohol.

Does anybody have any suggestions for other things which might help the medication have an effect on me? Ideally things that aren't expensive as I'm on a low income. Of course I could try just taking more of the medication on less days. Beyond taking the 30mg instead of 20mg I haven't tried upping my dose over what the doc has prescribed and am reluctant to suggest that to him in case it sounds more like recreational use...

In case it makes a difference, I don't react to other stimulants - coffee doesn't keep me awake or make me jittery, although it will upset my stomach if I take to much and energy drinks like Red Bull don't affect with me except that they might wake me up a bit if they're really cold!

[ScottyJ]

Good question. No, sorry.Maybe try to get switched to methylphenidate.

I did, but certainly still experienced something.on dex and lisdex.

Hows your gut generally?

Also curious about your weight and metabolism. Are they within norms?

Zero side effects by the sounds of it? Headaches/pulse

Probably good to write it all down.

Best wishes

[BroccoliMoon in reply to ScottyJ]

Yes, I should maybe try methylphenidate. I was a bit reluctant as titration takes ages in the system I'm in and I'd have to start at a low dose, plus the reading I'd done suggested that lisdex was generally better, plus the doc thinks it's the best one but I won't know till I try. My weight and metabolism are pretty normal, and my gut is fine, as far as I'm aware. No side effects - I think I maybe noticed a little dry mouth at first but that was all. I don't think I normally need high does of meds... not that I can think of anyway... Thanks for your response!

[Gettingittogether]

Your provider should know this information. And would the pharmacist.

[BroccoliMoon]

I tried asking but he had no recommendations.