Why Does My Vyanse/Elvanse Dosage Increase Feel Useless?

[RizzKalifa]

Hey guys! It's been a while.

I hope you're all doing well in your own li'l ways. As the title suggests, I was upped to 40mg from 30mg (I was on 30mg for about 3-4 months IIRC), but I seem to feel it is working less than before. It makes no sense? It was increased because the profile for me is too short rendering it working for about 5 hours. Now, I feel nothing but a tiny bit of tiredness which wears off. You are supposed to feel a subtle effect of the medication. This medication is a miracle for me, drastically changing my life. However, will this feeling pass? The script was changed only a few days ago. It is early days. My doctor is reluctant to give me short-acting meds on top of the Vyvanse.

Has anyone else experienced this? The change in efficacy is edging me into a low mood. 😔

[STEM_Dad]

I haven't experienced it, but I've heard of the phenomenon. Apparently, some people are better treated at a lower dosage than a higher one.

That's one reason why it can take a long time to find the right treatment... getting the dosage right. The usual case is that more is better. The uncommon case is that just a little is enough.

The duration of the medication probably has more to do with your metabolism than with the potency of the dosage. I've read that this is one of the reasons for the GeneSite test. I guess your genes can reveal how you are likely to metabolize different ADHD medications.

(I haven't done genetic testing. I found an effective medication before I heard about it.)

~~~~~

Vyvanse works well for many people, but it's not for everyone with ADHD. Some people might be better treated on Adderall XR, or Adderall instant release, or other amphetamine medications.

Some people might be better treated of Concerta or Ritalin, or other methylphenidate medications.

And then there are those like me, who are better treated on a non-stimulant.

(I originally started on 10mg Adderall XR, which had some effect. Then increased to 20mg, which had no better effect, but gave me tachycardia as a side effect.)

~~~~~

Did your doctor say why they are hesitant to consider an immediate release stimulant? Do you have any cardiovascular issues, or a family history of cardiovascular issues?

[RizzKalifa in reply to STEM_Dad]

Hey Stem_dad! The doc said that it is more addictive and is not keen to prescribe it. I didn't press because I was afraid to be seen as drug seeking. Methylphenidate isn't suitable as my body seems to hate it with adverse affects, my mind benefited somewhat, however. Thankfully my heart is healthy currently wiith no BP or HR issues. I am hoping if I stick it out a lil longer it could change for the better. If it doesn't, I guess I will have to be honest and hope they aren't quick to shut me down. I really like this medication and can't stress enough of how it changed my life. It was rocky in the beginning as it ramped up my anxiety a little, now I have leveled out by a landslide.

[STEM_Dad in reply to RizzKalifa]

While it is possible to develop an addiction to Adderall or other ADHD stimulants, according to ADHD expert Dr. Larry Silver (who is a former acting Director and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Mental Health, NIMH), there is "no to minimal likelihood" to be addictive if taken as prescribed.

Despite the title of this article, it actually points more to how risk of Adderall addiction is low, if used properly.

additudemag.com/signs-of-ad...

We are supposed to trust doctors, because doctors are supposed to keep current on medical guidelines. I feel dismayed when I hear about doctors who seem to misunderstand the benefits of stimulant medication for patients with ADHD.

If you have a history of drug addiction, then I might understand the doctor's reticence. (No need for you to share if you have a history of addiction.)

~~~~~

Have you tried getting treated by a psychiatrist or a neurologist? Those two specialties should be most informed on treatment with neuro-affective medication.

[RizzKalifa in reply to STEM_Dad]

My doc is a psychiatrist. I don't have that sort of history but I currently live in a close-minded provincial that doesn't quite offer the same access or understanding than metropolitan cities. When I move, I will see another psych.

[daybyday365]

I never been on Vyvanse but I have taken concerta and adderall XR for over 10 years of my life.My suggestion would be to lower stress and anxiety, make sure to get sleep, exercise and eat healthy and take supplements. Also to have a higher power to pray to.

Sometimes over medication only causes more anxiety for me. It's usually something else that is throwing off the medication from working the way it usually dose.

Medication can only do so much for you. The rest of the picture needs to be worked on by you, if that makes sense.

[RizzKalifa in reply to daybyday365]

All those things in check definitely help! I lead a healthy lifestyle tbh, but being human I slip with sleep as it's the nature of the ADHD beast lol. I noticed that if I don't eat well I will feel off. Interestingly today, I ate a big breakfast after a restful sleep because of melatonin. I could see I wasn't getting as quick of an onset of sleepiness. I read that it is to be expected for some as it kicks in, I didn't know that so it gave me a little relief. This didn't happen with the lower dose. The medication actually helps with my anxiety.

Wanted to add that Concerta is a living hell for me lol. My brain appreciated it but it made my body feel terrible.

[1cupcake in reply to RizzKalifa]

Hi please can I ask what you mean about your body feeling terrible on concertra? I'm asking as I'm new just starting 1 month on concertra which for my head was great but body wise very sluggie almost tired just would like to know what you felt body wise as that didn't changed when dose was upped so thinking maybe another stimm would be better how long did ur body feel that way before u knew it wasn't working for you thanks for reading tcx

[Mamamichl]

have you checked to see if it’s name brand or possibly an off brand/change in company that makes the meds? I know some people say the off brand doesn’t work.

[RizzKalifa in reply to Mamamichl]

I thought it could be this!!But it came in the legit brand pack. I debated whether it was placebo lmao

[Mamamichl in reply to RizzKalifa]

Does it look like the other pills. Sometimes even name brand effectiveness can change if it’s a different manufacturer (they use different fillers)