Medication
Hi, everyone!
I got diagnosed with ADHD early in May and have been on meds ever since. I was curious, those that are on medication, what are you taking and how is it going for you?
For the first 3 months I was on 150mg of Wellbutrin, afterwards I was upped to 300mg and that’s what I’m still taking. I’ve actually really enjoyed taking this medication. I had mild depression and never took any type of meds like this before, so my psychiatrist suggested Wellbutrin and I’m really happy with it.
I'm glad Wellbutrin is working well for you! A lot of people with ADHD seem to benefit from Wellbutrin, especially if there’s some mild depression in the mix, because it boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, two things our ADHD brains love to be short on. For others I’ve seen share, Vyvanse or Adderall tend to work better for focus and function, but they’re not always the best for mood. It’s all about finding what works for your brain chemistry. Keep an eye on how it evolves though because sometimes the way meds work can shift over time.
Yes, I’m definitely keeping track of how I’m feeling. Actually had a consultation with my psychiatrist last week and scheduled the next one for early March. I’m curious to see how I’ll feel throughout winter, because usually January and February are quite sucky months for me. I live in a part of the world where winters are wintering. 😄
I actually figured in therapy that my depression was caused by the untreated ADHD, which I was told is also not uncommon. It has been quite fascinating learning all about it and how it affects me. I had no idea that I was that exhausted from my own emotions. I feel way more balanced since I got on medication, but I really appreciate the fact that my emotional range was not dulled in any way. I still fully feel like myself, but doing that just became much easier. (:
@1AnnaTheListener1
My medication journey has been so frustrating. I'm now on my fifth or sixth (two of which are combinations). Vyvanse was my first, and I ended up losing my appetite and a lot of weight, and felt like a trembling mouse. I tried a couple other stimulants, with similar results. Tried a non-stim and it didn't do a lot. Combined Foquest with Atamoxatine and that didn't do a lot. Did Foquest on its own and it didn't do a lot.
Now I'm on Foquest and have added Wellbutrin as the combo, and I'm noticing a difference with my anxiety. But it's only been two days so I'm not getting my hopes up.
It's been such a "trial and error" process, and it always made me so angry when someone had success with any of the previous meds I had tried. "Why is it so easy for them??!!" My family doc even apologized for using me as such a guinea pig.
Ah, I’m really sorry that it has been this tough for you. :( But I really hope you’ll find the medication or a combination that works for you!
What’s the difference that you felt with your anxiety? When I started Wellbutrin, my psychiatrist told me that heightened anxiety is one of the most common side effects when you start taking it. I was prescribed anti anxiety medication to take together with Wellbutrin for the first few weeks, so never really felt any increase or decrease in my anxiety levels.
@1AnnaTheListener1 my anxiety experience has been the opposite (based on two days). My anxiety seems to have levelled out and isn't as frantic feeling. My brain is still busy but I don't feel panicked when I make a mistake at work, for example. Not sure if it's the Wellbutrin, or the combination that is helping with that.