short release vs fast release meds ??

[tulipqueen]

hi there,

I've been diagnosed earlier this year with moderate to severe adhd and generalised anxiety disorder. I was previously diagnosed with depression last year and had been on meds for that.

I originally started on concerta on two different doses and felt that it made my anxiety so bad even after giving it an adjustment period, so I was switched to dexamfetamine aspen fast release with 2 x 5mg every 3 hours. I found this formula to work so much better for me and loved it but found myself getting bad with the timings of taking my meds or sometimes forgetting them if I went to work or out so would have some ups and downs and asked about the slow release form my psychiatrist had mentioned.

My psychiatrist then switched me to 50mg vvyase and I struggled with this one, I have felt as though I'm quite tired or just not as energised I guess almost zombiey and find myself eating so much on this. The fast release I found I had a suppressed appetite that was manageable as I have struggled with binge eating in the past also and was very happy that I was not over eating anymore.

That is where my problem with the vvyase comes in, I'm more tired, I find I can concentrate alright when I need to but lack the motivation to do much or other things which I had on the fast release. And the eatting all time.

Anyone found something similar? I do like the fact that the slow release is once a day and has a slightly longer like duration time of like 12-14hours as I get up early with daughter and can take it as soon as I wake up, but have to plan/delay when i take my fast release so the window of meds working is when I need it for.

I admit I have a few times reached and used my fast release some days as I just seem to prefer it better. However I thought vvyase was going to be amazing and I'm disappointed it's not, I was looking forward to the once a day pill.

Any thoughts? I'm thinking I just go back to my fast release.

Note: in case it's important - I do struggle with my sleep and take 2 x 25mg quetapine and 2mg of melatonin at night (occasionally a sleeping tablet) and 20mg escitalopram for the depression.

thanks in advance ☺️

[Mamamichl]

I would go back to the fast release if I were you. My partner does so much better on his meds since he has his phone with a daily alarm. He does well on vyvanse then a dextroemphetamine at lunch/1pm. I loved Citalopram until it stopped working 10 years after taking it. You can also keep a couple of pills in a pill caddy in your car r your workout bag/purse.

[Jozlynn]

In my experience, there just tends to be more of a "rush" when taking the instant release and that can make it challenging to move to the extended release. We're looking for that same burst of energy/motivation/focus - but then there's the whole forgetting aspect when we have to take a med multiple times a day. How long have you been on the extended release Vyvanse?

It took me some time to adjust to the ER. I did miss the strong rush of motivation and focus I got on the IR, but I didn't like that it didn't really last. I gave it a month on the ER and I wound up finding that not only did I adjust, but I preferred having that consistent foundation of motivation, clarity, and focus that extended throughout the day. Plus, there was no "up and down" of taking the IR and having it wear off should - gods forbid - I forget to take one on time.

If you feel like you've given the Vyvanse a fair amount of time to adjust to it and you still don't like it, I think you should stick with the IR - but just be sure you've given the Vyvanse enough time. Eventually I could really feel the difference from when I took it and when I didn't.

I agree with Mamamichl - try setting alerts on your phone (or Alexa, or whatever you use) for the times of the day you need to take your meds, and keep a small stock in the various places you might reach for one. In your car, in your gym bag, in your laptop bag, etc. That way if you've forgotten it, you have one available.

Wishing you the best of luck finding what works for you!

[Salah_09]

I went back to immediate release for exact same release. It just gives you more control and you can use it when you need it. Like if I wake up at 8:30am and need to function at 9:00am for work, taking Instant Release gives me that immediate focus.

I don't always need ADHD medication in the sense because I feel I only need it in the morning as that's when I normally feel the brain fog. At night, due to my body clock, I naturally have energy (even before I ever went on meds), so despite the fact that short-acting only lasts for 3-4 hours, the lingering effects (as it might still be in our system) is good to get me through the entire day.

I don't necessarily feel it is beneficial being on medication past 4pmish as we're naturally just trying to relax and getting ready for bed. But everyones situation is different.