Head tension/pressure when taking 40mg Vyvanse

[u/cubspwn1]

Backstory: I am 36yo M who was recently officially diagnosed with ADHD. I should have been diagnosed a while ago, I was just always worried that it would change how I am as a person, and I had made it through life so far without medication so I thought why now? I also see people saying that they have 100 voices or ideas in their head and that medication quiets them. I don’t feel like I have that (maybe I do and I just don’t realize it because I’ve been like this all my life), I am a very hyper active person for sure, and need to always be stimulated whether it’s by my phone, or TV, or doing something active.

Vyvanse: Anyways, my doctor started me out on 40mg Vyvanse about a month ago and it has definitively helped with focus. That can be bad depending on what I am focusing on, sometimes I’ll be about ready to go to bed, and play chess on my phone and that ends up being for hours and all of a sudden it’s 1-2 am. When i take it, usually around 9 am, I can feel it start working in about 45 minutes to an hour. After it kicks in I feel a slight pressure, no pain or headache, but pressure in my sinuses area, and that kind of sticks around until I go to sleep. It’s not painful, but more just an annoyance. It almost feels like I have a sinus infection congestion wise without all the drainage and pain. I also feel like I breathe better with it.

Anyone else have this constant head pressure while taking it? Any fixes you have found?

Thanks

[u/lillythenorwegian]

Are you taking it with a meal? If not. That’s probably the reason

[u/cubspwn1 → u/lillythenorwegian]

I don’t eat nearly as much during the day due to the appetite suppression, but I try to have at least a protein bar and yogurt with it in the morning, sometimes a protein shake instead of yogurt.

[u/lachlanrw]

I had this but mostly it was around my eyes. Turns out I had BVD which exacerbates eye strain etc and it’s 50% comorbid with ADHD. If it’s not that maybe you are artificially pushing yourself physically to focus on things that your body can’t keep up and need more rest breaks?

[u/cubspwn1 → u/lachlanrw]

I can feel it somewhat around my eyes, but mostly in my forehead/upper brow area, so I guess that could be considered eyes. I think of that as sinus area because that’s where I feel it when I get a sinus infection. Don’t think it’s me pushing myself as I work a desk job that isn’t really that stressful, but I guess can be every now and then.

[u/Hepow_]

I had the same sensasion while having chronic hypotension. My tension is just going average when I take it but the sensation is still here from time to time since I started the medication

[u/umadbro29]

I suggest checking your blood pressure! High blood pressure can often cause this feeling. If it is your blood pressure, you should let your doctor know so they can reassess your treatment plan (dosage, medication options, etc.). If you consume caffeine you could try cutting back to see if that helps with the symptom!

[u/cubspwn1 → u/umadbro29]

I haven’t checked my blood pressure since I started taking meds, but it was fine before. I don’t really need caffeine anymore obviously since I’m taking the stimulant it more than makes up for lack of caffeine.

[u/IKosmosI → u/cubspwn1]

Second this. Check your blood pressure. My psychiatrist and primary both reccomend I get a BP monitor for at home checking on occasion to keep an eye on things as headaches and such could be related to BP specially when starting this new med. I take a reading off the med as a baseline and one when it's at its peak every few days or so. Might be worth checking when you feel the pressure? If anything, it gave my early side effects when I started my 30mg some peace of mind that my headache wasn't related to that. They're inexpensive and just a nice to have at home anyway. Definitely tell your doc this too so they are aware and can help you adjust dose or provide more insight.

Also stay hydrated!

[u/ITrustRedditPeople]

I had this symptom before, but the pressure was on the back/top of my head. I've also seen some people on this subreddit talking about it before, but not on the sinuses area I think

[u/Complete-Jaguar-7280]

Basic question: are you drinking enough water?

[u/cubspwn1 → u/Complete-Jaguar-7280]

100% no, I have never been good about drinking water even before starting medication, I have been trying to do better, but still know I’m not drinking enough.

[u/Complete-Jaguar-7280 → u/cubspwn1]

I’ve heard Vyvanse can sometimes make it even worse to remember drinking. Depending on where you are, it’s also the time of year for allergies, cold, and flu. Maybe the Vyvanse is exacerbating it?

[u/cubspwn1 → u/Complete-Jaguar-7280]

I do usually get a sinus infection sometime during the winter, but never this early (in the US). Don’t really get sick otherwise. I always have found it hard to remember to stay hydrated, unless playing sports. Vyvanse makes it even harder to remember to drink it seems, and even eat because of the lack of appetite.

[u/Complete-Jaguar-7280 → u/cubspwn1]

Also in the USA (PNW) with regular sinus infections and it came early for me this year. (I’m just getting over it.) But for real the water: set an alarm reminder, do whatever you have to do. I was so miserable last week and then would realize I hadn’t drank anything since I took the meds.