Elvanse Vyvanse for ADHD & anxiety - Are these side effects normal or is it the wrong med?

[hyperfocusaficionado]

Days 1, 2, 3 of Elvanse felt INCREDIBLE. Like a fog lifted - happier than i remember being in yeaaars with so much motivation and energy to get stuff done. Also waayy more sociable.

...but weeks later I don't feel nearly that amount of stimulation and I'm trying to navigate side effects/increased anxiety:

lack of appetite, sweating, agitation, muscle tension, cheek/lip biting, fluctuating emotions...

I really need a higher dose of the stims for more concentration, focus, motivation, confidence... but can't face all I mentioned above besides the lack of sleep and resulting exhaustion, mouth ulcers, nausea, run down feeling and weight loss which all happens in the first days on a higher dose, followed by crashes with panic attacks, emotional responses and low feelings.

Should mention I've been on Venlafaxine long term for anxiety/depression too.

Is it down to metabolism, anxiety... Wrong meds, or wrong dose...?

I've noticed other people say their Dr made them do DNA genetic testing to check their body's absorbtion rate, reaction to meds, metabolism etc.

Is it worth me getting the gene tests?

[AKM92]

I’m on methylphenidate and venlafaxine. The titration process was quite long but i am settled on the doses now. With me we had to introduce and afternoon dose of methylphenidate as well, because I would also experience the crash. If you have any specific questions, I’m happy to help.

[ProCouchSurfer]

I have been taking Vyvanse, US name for Elvanse, for many years and had a similar initial experience with having a surge of motivation and positive feelings. For me the surge was powered by finally having an ability to focus on friends and accomplish things that had previously challenging. That new ability was exciting as it was a new feeling, one that felt life changing.

The initial novelty of being able to focus wore off as it became a normal part of my life and the high emotions subsided. It reminded me of getting a new bicycle as a child, in the beginning I would ride it everywhere and would have sat on it at the dinner table, had my parents so allowed, though after a while the desire to constantly ride it at every opportunity subsided.

The lack of appetite wore off as my body adjusted to the medication. I was being treated for depression and anxiety when diagnosed with ADHD, so am unable to speak to any changes there. The ability to better listen to others has brought with it some frustration now that I am able to hear the things they say.

What helped me the most was providing my doctor feedback on my experiences with the medication as that communication allowed for finding the best dosage level for me.