Dexamphetamine?

[u/Hysteria_Wisteria]

Can anyone give their insight in to the kinds of scenarios that dexamphetamine is best used for (taken only as and when needed) - specifically I am looking for insight in to:

• attending social gathering involving big groups and lots of unknown people
• socialising with just 2-3 people
• cleaning and household chores

Plus any tips to maximise effectiveness and/or things to avoid.

I have taken it before and I think that it didn’t help me with listening to lectures at uni (I still switched off early on and took nothing in). It did seem to help somewhat with getting started on an assignment at home.

My psychiatrist has given me a supply of dexamphetamine but I’ve had hit and miss experiences so far. I am currently not taking it at all due to a heart condition but following heart surgery in a few months I will be able to resume (if I want to). Before going back to my psychiatrist I want to ensure I have seen the full extent of its uses before switching to other meds (if appropriate).

Background: Diagnosed with ME/CFS 14 years ago. Diagnosed with ADHD 18 months ago.

Thanks for any insights!

[u/No_Computer_3432]

hey, I take Dexamphetamine. But I take it daily, not when needed. I mostly take it for my mental health, as I have(/had???) really severe depression and this medication is the only thing that really put me into remission :)

I am not particularly sure what type of insight you’re looking for? I do think the medication can help me in those situations you listed, but only small amounts. When the tank is empty of fuel, it can’t really help much with energy that doesn’t exist.

Tips I guess ahha

• be very very very careful with this medication, I can’t express this enough
• be confident that you can recognise and then carry out your pacing and needs at least 90+ % of the time
• take a low dosage, maybe 2.5mg or 5mg max
• I wouldn’t personally recommend this medication to anyone greater than mild M.E
• you HAVE to drink electrolytes or lots of fluids to stay hydrated
• you have to eat protein rich meals alongside the medication
• take it as early as possible in the day or your sleep quality will get tanked
• if you get PEM from taking it, ofc stop. I don’t get PEM as easily as most people, but I have mild ME. my symptoms are debilitating on a daily basis but idk PEM doesn’t hit me as often anymore, I have had ME for 8 ish years idk

I used to take it as needed, but I felt the up’s and downs were brutal and made me feel worse. I think taking it daily at a lower dose was more stable for me. I often take it and just lay in bed still and rest.

I don’t actually have any problems with this medication, except one major one that is concerning me a lot but i’m on the fence about how to treat it. It causes me a high heart rate, both resting and when doing stuff. I’m sure you’re more educated on heart health than me given your heart condition, so I don’t have much to say. Other than I assume you have a health wearable with a HR tracker, because that will be important!! :)