Elvanse-the First Day of a New Chapter

 I started taking my new ADHD medication yesterday morning.  I was prescribed Elvanse and have started on 20mg for a week, and I will then increase my dose by 10mg each week until I get to 50mg.  The plan is to get the most benefit from the medication while keeping any side effects to a minimum or at least a tolerable level.  I guess different people have different levels of tolerance.

I had a great day yesterday.  I felt calm all day, very settled.  I was productive and got quite a few outstanding tasks done.  I didn't think about food constantly, which can be an issue for me.  While I woke up a few times in the night, I managed to get back to sleep quickly each time.  I only became aware recently that being off my previous ADHD medication impacted my sleep because my mind would be so busy at 3 or 4am, I couldn't get back to sleep.  So, I am very relieved to be medicated again after a couple of days without medication.

So far, the only real side effect I have noticed is a slightly dry mouth.  I experienced that when I was on methylphenidate too.  It's not too bad at all at this stage, and if anything is a useful reminder to drink more water.  Another side effect is that it can decrease the appetite. I understand how this can be a side effect for some people, but for me, it is a definite bonus!  I have definitely thought less about food for the last day and a half, which is a huge plus for me. 

I have realised recently that I have been desperately trying to raise my dopamine levels, in both healthy and unhealthy ways.  I've been exercising regularly, connecting with friends, including protein in every meal, and getting out in nature regularly.  However,  I have also had food cravings I have struggled to resist and have also spent hours scrolling Facebook, mostly watching videos.  I know neither of these behaviours serve me.  Elvanse works by increasing dopamine levels, whilst methylphenidate works by increasing the dopamine receptors, keeping dopamine in the right area of the brain for longer.  As I mentioned in my previous blog, if one medication only works a little bit for you, the other one should work well.  Clearly, I have low levels of dopamine, and now I appear to be on the correct medication, I will notice the benefit.  

I am excited to be starting my Elvanse journey!  I have high hopes for how much this medication will help me.  I would love to know other people's experiences with different ADHD medications, too. 

I also appreciate that some people are reluctant to be medicated, which is completely understandable.  I would love to know what has helped those manage their ADHD symptoms.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Late ADHD diagnosis

  Following my ADHD diagnosis a year and a half ago at the age of 52, so many things started to make sense. I had underachieved my whole life. Some of my most vivid memories from my childhood were of me catching up with school work while my friends were out playing. My parents insisted I catch up over weekends and holidays because I’d not studied when I should have done.  With the benefit of a diagnosis, I now know that my parents approached ‘the situation’ in completely the wrong way. In their defence, ADHD, which was know as Hyperkinetic Disease of Infancy in the 1970’s, wasn’t something considered to affect girls. Also, it’s now known that girls present differently to boys. Girls are more likely to be inattentive rather than behaving like the stereotypical hyperactive boy. What my parents and teachers saw was an intelligent child who wasn’t reaching her potential. I should add that my mum was an educational psychologist, and she used to regularly give my brother and myself ...
Read more

Understanding ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria: Navigating Emotional Turbulence

 Living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often means grappling with a myriad of emotional and cognitive challenges. One particularly distressing aspect that many individuals with ADHD face is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). This term describes the intense emotional pain triggered by the perception of rejection or criticism. Understanding the interplay between ADHD and RSD can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing these overwhelming feelings. In this blog post, we will delve into the relationship between ADHD and RSD, explore their impact on daily life, and offer practical tips for coping and thriving. What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can vary widely in severity and often lead to difficulties in academic, occupational, and social settings. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with organization, time management, and maintaining fo...
Read more

ADHD Chronicles: When I feel like a letdown.

 We are on day five of our holiday in Turkey.  It’s just as well because it doesn’t sound as though summer is happening in the UK any time soon!  I had lots of plans for this holiday, and I am at risk of feeling as though I have let myself down.  I have attended my three ADHD coaching classes this week and done all the required preparation for them, which some people may consider going above and beyond whilst on holiday.  However, my other main plan was to write and publish two blog posts a week.  My initial goal was to blog at least weekly about what I’m learning in my ADHD coaching training, and how it is impacting on me.  I haven’t got very far with doing that yet!  That then creates a bit of a dilemma-do I go back to the beginning of my training and catch up with the backlog?  Or do I start from here, six weeks in?!  While I ponder that dilemma, I will share some of my own experiences and thoughts about ADHD.  I have definitely ...
Read more