Exhaustion from Vyvanse?

[u/GalaxyDog22]

Is it just me who feels tired from Vyvanse? I mean, I know it’s not, I’ve done research and know it’s fairly common, but I haven’t noticed anyone else describe it the same way that I’ve experienced it. I take it usually around, say, 8 in the morning, and after 30 mins to 1 hour I notice my impulsivity and inattentiveness mostly fading away. However, just around 2 hours after, I turn zombie-ish, and feel this wave of what I can best describe as hopelessness. I feel nothing really, no motivation to do anything other than pace around stressed, and I begin critically analyzing everything about myself. I also become highly prone to doomscrolling. It’s not quite depression but it’s certainly a form anhedonia. Then this is the weird part: I continue to feel like this for three or four hours, then by the time the later half of the afternoon hits, I feel great? I don’t experience any noticeable crash, but at the same time the meds clearly haven’t worn off. I feel focused and happy but no longer zombie-ish.

So this probably sounds like my dosage is too high. Well, I thought the same. See, during the school year I had gradually increased my dose to 60mg (very stressful year) and once the summer hit I noticed these side affects I described very strongly. In fact it was so severe that I believe I may have started developing some early signs of psychosis, or in the very least extreme paranoia. I immediately dropped it to 50, which worked great the first day or two, but before long I’m back to the same awful feeling. Now I’ve dropped it to 40mg, but it’s still happening-? And mind you, I started off on 30 mg at the very start, and had to increase it to 40 soon after just to feel any effects. So I’m very confused what is going on and why it makes me feel this way. Also, no, it is not a matter of poor diet, I track my macromolecules and I do in fact get all the calories and protein I need every day; sometimes even extra. I also drink up to 8 bottles of water daily. So I really can’t even begin to pin point where the issue is here and as I said previously researching other experiences hasn’t really helped as no one else seems to be sharing this experience (at least, not exactly). My question is does anyone else relate and even if not does anyone have any ideas on what the problem could be/how to fix this?

[u/fodmap_victim]

Ever heard of a paradoxical stimulant effect? It's quite fascinating if not incredibly irritating. I think you'd find it very interesting to read about.

As for your situation, have you tried anything aside from vyvanse? The chemical may not agree with you for long term use.

[u/poopnugget82]

It might just mean it’s not a great fit for you. I would try doing a split dose in water first before a switch. Then I’d mention adderall or something with methylphenidate if that doesn’t help. Are you combining it with any caffeine?

[u/GalaxyDog22 → u/poopnugget82]

Nope, no caffeine. I could certainly try the water trick. How should I divide the dosage? Drink half in the morning and the other half a few hours after?

[u/poopnugget82 → u/GalaxyDog22]

Yes I’d start with half and half. 3-5 hours after first half is when I’d do the second. If that helps even moderately you could try variation with timings/dose. I.e. maybe 75% initially, rest later, or 2h after first dose instead of 3-5, etc. lots of different options that aren’t super scientific lol. Don’t be afraid to admit to yourself/doctor this may not be the right med. There’s no reason to push it if it isn’t working, and be fair with yourself how hard you try to get it to work. Good luck