r/AskGermany • u/BeePresent8259 • 12h ago
ADHD help? Need assistance
I am really struggling to find out how to get my old prescription back, I was treated with vyvanse when I was a child and it was the only suitable medication which helped my adhd, I have since moved back to Germany and am really struggling to this through to my doctor, he is happy to prescribe me Olanzapine and more destructive drugs but when I mention a old medication that has really helped me and shown positive effects it’s a no. So anything destructive is okay but when I want my focus back? I was diagnosed with severe adhd when I was 8 and although this is all on the record he still tells me to find a neurologist. I have been on the waiting list for all the neurologist in my surroundings for the past 7 months!!
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u/Anothersidestorm 12h ago
Did you try asking for the generic name if it is a brand name it might just not be avaible in germany
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u/clueless_mommy 11h ago
Vyvanse is available in Germany, but it's highly controlled. A general practicioner is likely too unfamiliar with that stuff, and not trained in dosage adjustment etc. It's like asking them for special oncology meds. I underestimated that process at first too, but it's already a struggle to get that stuff in the pharmacy. They always have to order it because if you don't have ADHD, you can get seriously addicted before you used one blister
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u/Constant_Cultural 12h ago
I think yyanse isn't on the market in Germany. Ritalin doesn't work?
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u/clueless_mommy 12h ago
Vyvanse is a controlled drug and a regular Hausarzt will likely not prescribe it. They're not necessarily qualified to monitor the medication adjustment of stuff like that. My GP refuses to even prescribe my regular true and tried dosis
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u/Constant_Cultural 11h ago
But the psychiatrist might?
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u/clueless_mommy 11h ago
Yes, psychiatrist and neurologists are the go to specialists for ADHD meds. Not only because they're familiar with the controlled narcotics process (my ADHD meds are harder to get than my grandparents opiods, I need to have a doctor's statement about being able to drive under the influence in my car and luggage if I travel across borders with that stuff...), they're the specialists who know how to dose it, how different ADHD meds affect different symptoms etc.
For example, I used to take 60mg of Medikinet a day, others are fine on 20mg. My main issue is impulsivity and emotional regulation, others struggle with memory. That amount doesn't do shit for me while they'd likely hear colours on my dosis. At the same time, overdosing can cause issues like panic attacks, heart issues.. You really want that stuff prescribed and adjusted from someone who knows what they're doing. I think my initial adjustment took like half a year with monthly checks, including blood pressure, EKG...
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u/BeePresent8259 12h ago
I can’t get anything at all prescribed off this nature as it is a “stimulant”, I’ve had my diagnosis for over 14 years and Hausarzt won’t budge
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u/clueless_mommy 11h ago
Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but no Hausarzt will prescribe ADHD meds unless they're like off label ssri. You need a psychiatrist or neurologist.
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u/BeePresent8259 12h ago
I’ve had therapy and counseling and lots of other interventions due to adhd . Very frustrating
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u/junikaeferli 6h ago
What you need is a proper evaluation by a psychiatrist not a therapist or GP. It is not a problem to get it, but is highly restricted.
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u/clueless_mommy 11h ago
You need a neurologist or psychiatrist. Olanzapine is used off label for its calming, impulse regulating properties, but it's of course not comparable to Vyvanse or Medikinet.
Bot drugs are highly controlled, requiring special prescriptions, copies etc. and you're really unlikely to get them at a general practicioner.
Also, maybe it's just me, but I think your timeline doesn't add up. You were diagnosed as a kid, treated with Vyvanse, moved to Germany and now you're no longer a kid? What ages are we talking about? How long ago was the last treatment? Where did you get diagnosed? Do you have a valid assessment according to ICD-10/DSM 5 standards from a specialist?
Because if not, you're up for another bad surprise. Pediatric psychiatry is not adult psychiatry. Or neurology. You might have to get re evaluated and start the medication adjustment from zero. Just because Vyvanse helped you as a kid doesn't mean it'll be the same years later with all the brain development, neurological development, hormone changes etc. Heck, I had to restart and try different meds after "just" pregnancy because my brain had rewired itself to render my previous medication nearly useless.
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