I just recently started taking generic vyvanse. I noted an immediate change at 20mg. I was happier, more productive, less distracted, no depression, etc. Of course, after about 2 weeks or so my symptoms started to return, so I got an increase to 30. After a month I experienced the same and got bumped to 40. Two months into the 40mg and I am starting to feel like it isnt working.
One of my go-to avoidance routines is doom scrolling or internet surfing for light porn. I have noted that during the past week I am almost compelled to jump on the computer and start searching or scrolling through Lemmy.
I am just wondering if this is a normal progression. At what point does the increasing of dosage stop?
Gotta throw in that I started gabapentin for my anxiety this weekend too, and not sure that is helping or hurting.
Overall, I am just really feeling confused. I am not sure I trust my own assessment of the effect of the meds. This is a lonely place because I dont have anyone around me with experience regarding ADHD medications, so any input is greatly appreciated.
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You should tell your healthcare provider that you are concerned.
Also, bad habits always come back. You need to find another outlet for your attention. If you cannot move on, you could consult a therapist.
Increasing a dose several times and/or changing medications entirely is unfortunately just part of treating conditions that respond to medication (especially ones that are often misunderstood like ADHD), but what’s right for one person isn’t necessarily right for you; your concerns and emotions are valid, but questions about dosages are best answered by a physician.
It’s a journey to find the right dosage, and combo of meds. Not to be negative but it took me literal years. Despite the horror of that statement, it was and continues to be worth it.
The “superhuman” feeling at the beginning is normal, and it’s normal for it to fade. Whenever I lapse in taking my meds (new doctor is being a pain in the ass with refills) I get that again for about two days. That high point is not what you should be chasing as a new normal, but to be fair it doesn’t sound like you are. That full superhuman feeling wouldn’t be lasting for two whole weeks, or months.
The meds aren’t going to make you not yourself. They aren’t going to magically change yoir bad habits for you. In fact, they can exacerbate some bad habits by enabling you to focus on them for longer periods of time. It does for me. The meds should enable you to stop yourself when you are making a bad decision and redirect yourself. They should prevent situations where you know what you need to do but can’t will yourself to do.
Discuss all of this with your doctor.
When I was getting settled on my dose the doctor told me to keep upping the dose until things got worse rather than better. And there was defintely a point (54mg xaggatin, a slow release concerta type) where it was too much, I didnt want to relax I just wanted to get shit done. I’m sure it could have been efficient but it didn’t feel like me, and felt kinda stressy. So I’ve been on the dose below that (36mg) for a couple of years.
The amazing novelty wears off, and i can go back to my old avoidance routines, especially if I’m tired or sick, or anxious about something. But when my mood is good, and I’m taking care of myself, I can be efficient and focus on stuff well, while before that wad almost impossible unless I had a last minute deadline to panic me into focus.
The way I think about it is the drugs don’t make it easy for me to focus, they just make it possible. So now I can do all those things people said before about breaking tasks down, and setting manageable goals and stuff to make tasks achievable. It’s not easy, but it isn’t easy for most people. It’s just no longer impossible. But it takes a lot relearning, trying out things that wouldn’t have worked before and it doesn’t always work. But it’s so much better than before.
my hubby is on it. happy so far but he’s moody at night. what i really came to say is - the world is extra doomy. it’s super hard to prevent it let alone limit it. maybe use screen time controls on your devices to help hold you accountable. i wish you luck.
I take Adderall and after finding an appropriate dosage at the beginning I was good for like a few years before I felt the need to increase my dosage. I don’t think the effects should be warring off after only two months like that but, it sounds like you have other factors going on.
Also, be aware meds aren’t a cure, they’re a crutch. You have to meet them halfway. Use the initial boost to get yourself right "exercise, diet, sleep etc.
I had a similar experience with various formulations. Vyvanse was the best but it really didn’t work for me long term and with the tolerance it became a requirement to take in the morning or I would basically be asleep all day. I keep some around for occasional ‘get shit done’ days but I haven’t filled a script in years. Stratterra and a couple others didn’t really help me at all.
Hope you find a regimen that works for you.
