Those who have been on prescribed stimulants for many years (>5), how do you manage tolerance and crashing? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by tonystark29@lemmy.world to c/adhd@lemmy.world

20 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I have been on ADHD meds for about 7.5 years now. I started with Vyvanse and my dose was at 70mg in the first year. I was having bad crashes at night, so I switched to Adderall 40mg with 10mg Dexidrine and stayed on it for a few years. Recently, I switched to Concerta 90mg because my tolerance was getting too high and it wasn't working anymore, hoping that by switching it will reset my tolerance. It didn't. In fact, my tolerance drops to being feeling depressed/unmotivated in about 3 days now. So that sucks.

Taking breaks is agony for me. I have the worst stimulat headaches, no motivation, and can't sleep. My doctor knows this but does nothing. He won't raise my dose.

How do you guys manage? Thanks.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] transientpunk@sh.itjust.works 25 points 1 year ago

I just try my best to function without meds on the daily, and save the meds for times when my focus is most needed. It's truly terrible. But, as much as stimulants help, they are really a bandaid, and will always end up in this cycle you're experiencing.

Short of behavioral therapy, and/or switching away from stimulants, there's not much more your doctor can do. Stimulants are hell on your heart, and increasing your dose would greatly increase the risk of heart issues, including sudden death.

Our society wasn't built with people like us in mind, and no amount of chemical therapy will change that.

[-] Hydrogen@lemdro.id 11 points 1 year ago

Consider a lower dosage of a long-lasting stimulant instead. You won't feel a rush like instant release, but it'll manage symptoms much more sustainably in the longer term. Shouldn't be any issues for your heart this way (I'm monitored regularly and have never been healthier).

[-] transientpunk@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 year ago

After being on stimulants for almost 30 years to treat my ADHD, I've tried every variation you can think of. I appreciate the suggestion though.

load more comments (1 replies)

this post was submitted on 01 Oct 2023

38 points (93.2% liked)

ADHD

9695 readers

149 users here now

A casual community for people with ADHD

Values:

Acceptance, Openness, Understanding, Equality, Reciprocity.

Rules:

No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments.
No porn, gore, spam, or advertisements allowed.
Do not request for donations.
Do not link to other social media or paywalled content.
Do not gatekeep or diagnose.
Mark NSFW content accordingly.
No racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism, or ageism.
Respectful venting, including dealing with oppressive neurotypical culture, is okay.
Discussing other neurological problems like autism, anxiety, ptsd, and brain injury are allowed.
Discussions regarding medication are allowed as long as you are describing your own situation and not telling others what to do (only qualified medical practitioners can prescribe medication).

Encouraged:

Funny memes.
Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
Questions on confusing situations.
Seeking and sharing support.
Engagement in our values.

Relevant Lemmy communities:

Neurodivergent Life Hacks

lemmy.world/c/adhd will happily promote other ND communities as long as said communities demonstrate that they share our values.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

MrPoopyButthole@lemmy.world

MrPoopyButthole@lemmy.dbzer0.com