To worry about starting Elvanse (Lisdexamphetamine)?

[mozartangel]

I have been diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) and prescribed Elvanse. I feel apprehensive about taking stimulant medication, as I had pre eclampsia in pregnancy and a family history of high blood pressure. My blood pressure is borderline mildly raised but not enough for medication. The psychiatrist who prescribed the meds does not seem concerned and thinks that Elvanse could even bring my blood pressure down as my body will relax more. I’ve had an ECG which was fine.

I do have health anxiety, so very aware that this is probably what the problem is, but I have been googling, and looking at research papers, and there is a risk (albeit low) of sudden death, stroke etc with Elvanse. I have two children, so I keep thinking if I took the meds, I am risking not being around for them.

I have been trying lifestyle changes to deal with my ADHD – exercise, yoga, more sleep – but still have barely any motivation, focus, energy up and down, anxiety….not to mention endless sugar and alcohol cravings!

Feel so desperate and know something has to change as I am barely getting through each day at the moment.

Can anyone else relate, and how did you overcome your worries and start the meds?

Hi @mozartangel

I am taking elvanse 50 & I was the same as you. Have had long term anxiety along with health anxiety & have always been obsessed with my pulse thinking it's too fast or irregular etc. I was really really worried about taking stimulants because of this, but it's not made my anxiety any worse whatsoever. If anything my anxiety comes back when they have worn off. My pulse is quite high (80/90) anyway and my BP is also borderline, but it's not gone any higher since taking them. I used to find I procrastinated so much before taking them and was always making careless mistakes, but now I take them I can sit at my desk for 8 hours and not move. I do still make the careless mistakes don't get me wrong, but I'm aware and double check everything. They don't change how you are or make you better at things, but they do make you sit still and concentrate. I would give them a go! You can always stop if they don't agree with you x

@peachyblossom thank you for your post - that is really reassuring to hear that your anxiety, bp and pulse haven't got worse . I'm glad the meds are working well for you. I think I need to bite the bullet and start them!

Is anyone else on Elvanse, if so, how is it going for you?

Hello! I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and was on up to 50mg Elvanse from August-December.

First day of taking it (20mg) I felt a little high, euphoric but not out of it. Day 2 a little less so. Then eventually it stopped working even when increasing the dose. At 50mg I wasn't really eating (food never crossed my mind) and that's about it. When i'd increase my dose it made my heart beat a little harder, could see it on my chest etc, but that would subside after a couple of days.

I switched to Medikinet (same as Ritalin) in December and I find it works better for me. I am also on 200mg Sertraline (wanting to reduce my dose) and not sure if this effects anything.

If the doctors become too worried about anything, especially your heart, they will take you off the meds or reduce your dosage. There are non-stimulant meds too (Attomoxetine/Strattera) so if your blood pressure plays up too much/at all there are still options.

One thing I will say is that online usually people big up ADHD meds and say their ADHD is like night and day when they start medication - they are often describing the euphoria of the first day of meds. My nurse practitioner told me that ANY improvement is a good thing. The meds don't fix ADHD, they just help it. Sorry if that's a little pessimistic - its just I don't want you to have the unrealistic expectations I had! They help, but they don't make you neurotypical

Hi @colabucks, thanks, that's really helpful to hear. Glad you have now found meds that work for you. I think part of my issue is that I have felt so rubbish for so long that I can't almost face the titration period, potential side effects, then maybe having to switch medications - I want it all sorted now! Which is unrealistic I know.

That's interesting to hear that you're also on Sertraline. I have a lot of ups and downs with my moods - was feeling pretty good yesterday, then today rock bottom, thoughts of I don't want to be here anymore - I have been thinking that the ADHD meds would sort that out, but maybe I need to speak to my psychiatrist about an antidepressant too.

I have heard about the initial euphoria as well - shame it doesn't last! And yes, I think I have been hoping that the meds would make me feel neurotypical! 😂 I think if they can give me some clarity and space to work on strategies to improve my executive functioning and motivation that would be a good start. It all seems like such an uphill struggle at times - just got to keep going I guess.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.