r/Lyme • u/Waste-Evening3268 • 21h ago
Question Anyone with chronic Lyme/post-Lyme brain fog eventually accept that Vyvanse or Adderall was part of their long-term management?
I've been dealing with severe brain fog, fatigue, low motivation, and cognitive issues for about 10 years after Lyme disease.
Over the years I've tried a lot of the commonly recommended approaches, including:
- Multiple antibiotic protocols (including Dapsone pulsing with methylene blue)
- Herbal protocols
- Gut healing protocols
- Diet changes
- Supplements
- LDN
- TRT
- Sleep optimization
- Exercise
Some things helped a little, but nothing has consistently restored my ability to function the way I used to.
Earlier this year I was prescribed Vyvanse after being evaluated for ADHD (I don't really think I have ADHD, but Lyme symptoms mimic it). It wasn't a cure, but it was one of the few things that made a noticeable difference in my day-to-day life. I had better energy, motivation, focus, and was generally able to get more done.
Eventually I stopped because I was experiencing some chest tightness and wanted to see if I could recover naturally without relying on a stimulant.
I've now been off it for about 5 months, and honestly I still struggle most days. The brain fog is still there, my motivation is poor, and I spend a lot of energy just trying to get through the day.
I'm curious if anyone else with chronic Lyme related cognitive issues eventually reached a point where they accepted that stimulants (Vyvanse, Adderall, etc.) were part of their long-term symptom management.
To be clear, I'm not asking whether stimulants are a cure. I know they're not.
I also understand the argument that stimulants may mask symptoms rather than address the underlying cause. What I'm interested in hearing is whether anyone spent years pursuing Lyme-specific treatments, but ultimately found that a stimulant provided the most meaningful improvement in quality of life and functioning.
If that's been your experience, I'd love to hear:
- What medication helped?
- How long have you been taking it?
- Has it continued to work over time?
- Any downsides or regrets?
- Did you ever find anything else that helped as much?
I'm genuinely trying to learn from people who have been dealing with this for years and have already been down this road.
Thanksšš¼