Short version:
I have ADHD, I’m medicated yet still exhausted but I’m not doing anything to make me tired!
Long version:
I have diagnosed ADHD (inattentive) and I am medicated. I take 40mg of Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine). My mum and brother also have ADHD but do not experience what I am feeling and are on the same medication. They were both diagnosed much earlier than I was.
I am 25 and currently studying at university. As part of my course, I must also volunteer in a setting related to my field of study. I volunteer 8-3pm 4 days a week and I study online so still have a fair amount of free time.
I still live with my parents whilst studying. I used to have my own flat but moved home recently to start my course. I also have a partner of two years and we are very happy. I am a carer to a family member 2 evenings a week and walk dogs during my lunch time for money. I am financially comfortable as I have very little outgoings and a student loan to support me too.
Here's the issue:
I am EXHAUSTED, constantly. I just want to be in bed. I don't think I am depressed, I am just tired. My medication has helped me to be less tired but I am still feeling dead on my feet. Pre-medication, I would sleep or be in bed any free time I had. The meds now help me to wake up in the morning and be more pro-active but I am still shattered and glued to my bed most of the time. I am trying very, very hard and just managing to keep on top of things but I know it should be easier for me.
Every 4-5 weeks, I completely burn out and cannot get out of bed, it's like a weight is weighing me down and I feel achey and dizzy. I then have to call in to the place where I’m volunteering and explain the situation. I am only volunteering and they’re aware of my ADHD so it doesn’t raise any issues. I don't know why this happens because I'm really not working any more than the usual person and I certainly have life very easy right now.
At the weekends, I just want to lie in bed. Even going out for a few hours completely exhausts me. I cannot go out for nights out because I start falling asleep by 10pm and wanting to go home. My partner loves a night in so he doesn't have an issue with this but he is worried about my health. The idea of an all day event is daunting. I went to a wedding recently and had to go to the hotel for a nap during the day because I could feel my eyes closing. I made the excuse I wasn’t feeling well. Even then, I was exhausted still. On Sundays, I go out for lunch with my Nan. Even just doing this takes it out of me and on Sunday night I took a 3 hour nap after lunch because I could not keep my eyes open!
I am shocked I can even sleep on this medication during the day, my mum and brother say it stops them sleeping at night so for me to still feel like this I’m convinced something is wrong with me!
I requested a blood test and there is nothing wrong with me apparently. I take vitamins C, D and B. I also take a multivitamin and drink lots of water.
My medication cuts my appetite and I have lost 10kg in a year. I am quite skinny, about 8st (52kg) and 5ft3 and I don’t have a big relationship with food anymore. My partner thinks that me eating less is causing me to be tired, but I still had the same issue when I was heavier before I was on the meds. I am far too tired to exercise properly, my role has me on my feet all day. My weight has stabilised now but I also fear that if I was to exercise, I would lose even more weight because I am not eating the calories to sustain it.
My psychiatrist suggested taking fluoxetine (Prozac) to combat this and it just made me even more tired. I could barely function for weeks.
I’m worried because how on earth am I going to manage a full time job in the future with this exhaustion?! I’m taking days off volunteering which isn’t a crazy issue now, but when I’m qualified it will be.
Pre-medication, I really struggled to keep a job due to these issues but I am really dedicated to my new career and want to be the best person I can when I qualify.
Is this an issue with my body or mind? Am I not looking after myself and it's making me tired or is this just a symptom of ADHD? I don't know what to think!
Does anyone else have ADHD and experience this exhaustion? How do you manage it?
Do you have any tips on medication, possible health issues, vitamins I could take or lifestyle changes?
Open to anything, I want to have energy to do things!!!