Can we talk about Elvanse?

[ABitMadYeah]

I know there have been previous threads about ADHD meds, but I thought I’d start my own one to get fresh responses.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) and started Elvanse 3 days ago. So far it’s…not what I expected it to be?! My anxiety has all but vanished, but my focus and ability to get things done is as shit as ever.

I’ve got a meds review in 3 weeks time.

Be interested to hear about others experiences, good, bad or anything else.

I am on this and notice a massive difference in my ability to "sort things" in my mind when I'm on it.

Without it it's like my mind is a browser with about 30 tabs open and I keep switching between them. When I am on it, it's like I can realise which tab I need to read first, do that, close it, and then move to the next one.

It's ok though - sometimes different meds work for different people and it will take time to learn what works for you.

I find it really messes with my appetite so I have to make sure I eat and drink, but apart from that it has helped me so much.

Thanks for your reply @sd249

Do you kind me asking what dose you’re on?
I’m on 30mg at the moment.

I still seem to have a very busy mind and not be able to get stuff done in the way I’d hoped (although only on day 4, so early days perhaps).

It has stopped my mind racing at night, though, so I have slept amazingly the last few nights!

It might be your dose is too low, which is OK as you'll increase over time during titration.

It might be that you need other tools/strategies to get stuff done, but these will work better on medication than when you weren't on it. I would definitely recommend trying out any new (or old!) organisation/productivity/motivation tips on medication because it will give you more info about whether this dose is right for you.

Also it might just be that for you this medication helps with one specific symptom and not others.

It's not a magic bullet :) And unfortunately the only real way to tell is take it for a while and find out. If you have periods it will also often act differently at different times of your cycle - some doctors are open to adjusting medication (usually higher dose/extra booster in the week before your period) on this basis but some just look at you gone out if you suggest that.

It didn't help me, unfortunately!

I was on this medication.
recently made the joint decision with my clinician to changed to amfexa of a morning and I can again through the day if i feel it’s necessary and atomoxetine in the afternoon mostly.
adhd-c and autistic. Best thing I did.

my concentration isn’t always great and I don’t always get things done but it’s improved a lot and some traits will always remain.
I think focusing on the good is best

and also be mindful in yourself that some of these behaviours/ways of doing things will have been drilled into your way of life and almost habit aswell as being traits, so finding other things aside medication will help too! I use vision boards, alarms etc. because sometimes you can be so used to not concentrating on things that even when it improves your mindset can still be to not concentrate on those same things.

finding other things that help remind you to do things to get things done etc can be just as useful as the medication itself and I’ve found the less the anxiety the more you can focus on other strategies.

if that makes sense - this is just my experience but I hope it may help!

OP did you stay on it? Did you increase? Due to start this week…

Hello! Thank you for all your replies. Like a true ADHD-er, I forgot I posted this 😂

Yes, I did keep going with the meds @TreeHuggerMum1 . I went up to 50 mg and it massively improved my focus and concentration. My work life has totally changed. Getting things done without procrastinating and so much easier to make decisions without second guessing myself and internal chatter, so feeling more confident and less anxious.

I was only getting about 6 hours of effects, though, so am now on 70mg and getting 10-12 hours and it’s been amazing for me. I have to remember to take it early, though, or it affects my sleep.

Ooh, thanks: I am hoping for good results…
Did you have any side effects?

I'm now on 70mg and it's causing physical anxiety and a shit head I've had to have today kf work can't stop crying and shaking and I've had propanolol

I was diagnosed inattentive adhd earlier this year. Psychiatrist said we’re easier to treat with stimulants and seem to have a good response. It was weird. I started titration and for the first few days, while my head was quieter, anxiety massively improved I felt like a zombie. Then it just clicked and while I’ve had Perimenopause to negotiate at the same time I can honestly say I now feel like normal me but better.

I forget to drink, sadly eating has always been a problem as I binge in the evenings (apparently this is a thing too - dopamine mining). This has improved but my disordered eating hasn’t been completely solved by it.

in terms of focusing on work it’s been brilliant though. Time blindness is still a problem and losing things is still there and if someone walks past my desk, I’m distracted but I get back in to focus more quickly.

there’s plenty of scope for your dose to be increased still before you decide it’s not for you. I’m on 40mg and am remaining on that for the foreseeable. Oh, my emotional dysregulation is much better too. I’m a crier and can’t remember the last time it happened!

Ive gone from nearly giving up my profession 2 years ago, to applying for a management role that I’d never have had the confidence to ever go for before. I’ve travelled a long way from not wanting to be here, to bouncing back, winding down my antidepressants slowly. Not entirely convinced that management will be for me, but now ready to give it a go.

I’d say give it a bit more time and there are other meds if it ultimately doesn’t suit you

I'm back on 40.my dd has this dose. I' can't cope with rebound I've had a massive breakdown today. So I'm changing it