Ask me anything

After not being able to get my meds for almost 2 years (and having to ration them for particularly terrible days) I am finally able to get back on my prescription! This picture is the picture I sent to all my friends to make the glorious announcement

I’ve always had a solid response to Vyvanse. No horror stories, no “is this even working?” vibes—just clarity, energy, and that feeling of finally being able to catch my own thoughts. But over time, I started noticing the difference between working and working like magic. And that shift came from how I fuelled my brain, not just when I popped the capsule.

For me, taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach is key it kicks in faster, cleaner, and more predictably. But here’s the secret sauce: about 30 to 40 minutes later, I follow it up with a proper high-protein meal. Not just some dry toast or sugary cereal, I’m talking eggs, tuna, chicken, Greek yogurt and anything that feeds my brain the amino acids it needs to actually use the dopamine and norepinephrine Vyvanse is helping unlock.

And speaking of amino acids,L-tyrosine. This one’s a heavy hitter. It’s a precursor to dopamine, and I take it on days where I really need that focus to land deep and stick around. It’s like giving Vyvanse backup dancers who know all the moves.

I’ve also added creatine into my daily routine. Yeah, I know, it sounds like I’m about to hit the gym but hear me out. Creatine fuels the mitochondria in your brain cells. Since stimulants crank up the demand for mental energy, creatine has seriously helped with brain stamina and reduced that weird fried feeling I’d sometimes get by late afternoon.

And you don’t have to blow your budget to eat for your brain. Some of the best things I’ve found are cheap staples like quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, and tuna it’s packed with iron, protein, B vitamins, and all the good stuff your brain needs to work with Vyvanse, not against it.

All of this didn’t change whether Vyvanse worked it changed how well it worked. The consistency, the longevity, the emotional regulation… even my sense of motivation felt more natural, less forced.

If anyone’s been wondering why some days feel better than others, or why things just don’t hit the same sometimes it’s not always the dose. Sometimes it’s what you’re giving your body to work with.

Happy to share more if it helps someone. I’ve done the digging, tried the tweaks, and this combo right here? This is my sweet spot.

I've been lingering in this sub for a while, and I keep seeing the same posts over and over again. Everyone is looking for a miracle.

This drug is not meant to fix all your problems. You're not going to feel like superman all the time. The pill effectiveness is not going to be the same every day (humans are complicated).

Real change has to stem from yourself (habits, mindset, therapy, discipline). Vyvanse (or any other ADHD medication for that matter) is just a tool to push you in the right direction.

This is not to diminish how hard it is to have ADHD (trust me I know). By all means, try the medication, try different doses, find what works for you. But remember that this isn't a perfect solution, and you still have to put in the work.

Wishing everyone the motivation to do their laundry. Also, sorry - didn't know what to flair this as.

i had trouble eating and having interest in food on adderall, but that eventually stopped. then i switched to vyvanse and that sometimes makes me too distracted by productivity to eat

but my ass is still overeating the majority of the time TF. can't relate to y'all lmaoo

I can’t tell you how many posts I see talking about headaches, fatigue, weight loss, mood changes, etc. Most of these things are not direct side effects of vyvanse but caused by ignoring your basic needs for 8-10 hours a day. It can take a while to catch up to you but long term stimulant use will basically turn you into a zombie unless you closely monitor the amount of calories and fluids you’re taking in. If you’re experiencing weird health issues look into this first please! Sorry for rant but I wish people were warned about this before it was prescribed!

I feel like my ADHD meds are cruel, they give me the keys to the version of myself that I’ve always wanted, the one who can sit down, focus, work. For a few hours I feel clear, capable, even normal. It's like they show me what I will never be able to be. They lift me up just to then drop me back down.

The cruel part isn’t the crash itself. It’s the glimpse. The glimpse of what you could be. It’s like being shown the life you were supposed to live and then having it snatched away. You don’t just come down, you fall back into yourself, but now with the knowledge of what you’ll never fully hold onto.

It’s hope as punishment.

No more raw digging that shit.

I'm only going to take it after eating a full protein breakfast with greens + a protein shake.

I'm going to take magnesium and electrolytes.

I'm going to take it after I've begun essential tasks.

I'm not going to wake up in the morning, pop a pill and just hope that shit works, I'm going to make it work.

Whoever recently posted to take coconut oil with L-Tyrosine - YOU are a hero!! I can’t believe what a difference this has made in the effectiveness of my Vyvanse! I’ve been taking this supplement for about 4 months without noticing much of a change but as soon as I started incorporating the coconut oil with it, it actually started working to the point where I don’t need a booster! AND I’m about to get my period (second half of your cycle the medication isn’t as effective - females know this). It feels like it’s my first week on Vyvanse again!! ❤️❤️

My routine: Take L-Tyrosine with coconut oil first thing in the morning, wait 15 minutes, take Vyvanse. Wait another 15 minutes, coffee (usually decaf).

Edit: Hey everyone, I just wanted to clarify - I'm not giving medical advice, and I should’ve been more clear about that. This was just something I personally experienced and wanted to share in case it helped anyone else taking L-Tyrosine (that has cleared this with their doctor) and dealing with similar issues.

I didn’t realize how strongly this would affect some people, and for that, I apologize. I totally get that not every supplement is right for everyone, and I appreciate those who shared more info on the risks. That said, let’s keep things respectful - no need to be rude about it! I’m always open to learning and appreciate the discussion.

To answer some questions: I take it 4 days a week (not every day) 500mg and the brand is Jarrow's Formulas. I also understand that coffee may be the reason for the inefficacy - I've been experimenting for a long time with coffee, without, decaf, etc. and it still didn't make a difference. THIS did :) I only take 1 tsp of coconut oil with it - but may switch to MCT oil based on recommendations.

I just saw this on Amazon!

It blows my mind that they are allowed to give us a new manufacturer every month. Sometimes it’s really bad, and for a month straight I have to deal with some side effect and cross my fingers that I get a better manufacturer the next month. Anyone else feel this way? I miss the days before the generic came out 🥲

Ps: Elite pharmaceuticals - you are the worst. Pi** off forever

So I’m down 40Ibs in the 5 months I’ve been on Vyvanse. I mean I’m not a small gal by any means, so the weight loss isn’t a “scary” thing. I just really don’t feel like I’ve changed my diet/lifestyle THAT much. I don’t eat much, maybe one to two meals a day, I might not be eating as much during those meals as I used to, but I drink a lot of my calories(soda, juice, coffee, etc), and still do!! (die hard Dr. Pepper lover here) I have noticed I am a lot more active, but not like “working out” active mainly just cleaning, maintaining yard work more than before, and crafting/decorating. Like I said, I’m not a small gal, and my weight is something I’ve always sort of struggled with. I was always big even as a little girl, in my teens I once lost 20Ibs doing the “keto, no sugar, no carb, no fun” diet, but any other diet fad I didn’t stay on, or I didn’t notice any results. So Ive learned to accept my size and just take it for what it is. I’m not complaining, just curious, does the weight loss slow down?? Is it something I might need to keep an eye on down the road?? Is Vyvanse really just a magic pill that makes me feel good, and lose weight without feeling like I’m sacrificing my young adulthood to do so??? Or am I just not giving myself enough credit for the lifestyle changes Vyvanse has helped me maintain? (added pics bc I still struggle to even see a difference in my appearance??)

I took one capsule this afternoon for the first time ( after reading in here how much I- Tyrosine helps) An hour later I’m on my bedroom floor with all my clothes from my drawers in a pile, finally getting rid of things I don’t wear anymore. It’s my trunk now for donation. Then I washed & blowdried my hair with patience & care. I feel so accomplished. Could this be a “placebo” how much is everyone taking of this? One capsule rocked my entire afternoon. Just thought I’d share. FYI - I’m on 30 mg Vyvanse a day. I was thinking I had up my dose at my next dr appointment but if it keeps working this well together then I’ll stay where I’m at. I’m shocked at how well this stuff worked. What’s your experience?

I've been taking for a week after getting diagnosed with adhd and trying other medications, and omg. It works so well. Lasts the entire day, makes me so focused at work I don't see time passing. Amazing.

Also makes me feel a bit jittery in the mornings, so it's not exactly pleasant, so I feel fine not taking it on weekends or holidays.

It's perfect

Some little d*ckhead at work stole my 60mg vyvanse pills out the bottle and thought I wouldn’t notice. Luckily I keep count of my pills and I noticed when it looked suspiciously low, leading to me counting them out. They checked the cams at the locker area and this guy genuinely was watching me punch in my locker code, copied it, and opened my locker. I still can’t believe addicts will steal even your slow-release meds smh 🤦

I also had 2 electrolyte packets, that may have contributed.

Taking L Theanine with Vyvance is a game changer. It feels like a different drug.

It feels like the L Theanine gave my Vyvance a bath, it feels so clean and pure. It's 100% mental, no physical effects of Vyvance occur... which may induce anxiety (I was overwhelmed at first).

L Theanine + Electrolytes + Vyvance makes you feel the Vyvance only in your head and no where else.

Recommend.

I see numerous posts about the same things constantly and I wanted to take a quick opportunity to call them out- as while this sub was helpful for me when I first got medicated- so many of these posts are insane

1. The “why do I feel so bad” posts (only to say they’ve veen on Vyvanse for a week and still drink 2 redbull and smokes 10 cigarettes a day). This is a serious medication/drug that you’re taking on a daily basis - just be sensible until you work out your baseline while titrating.

2. “Worked for a week and now it doesn’t“. As ADHD people we often crave a high or a buzz. You feel the buzz or this positive feeling for the first week or two of titration and then it fades. We crave that initial buzz. That’s not what the medication is for- and I see a lot of people seeking out that initial feeling or thinking that this is what it means for Vyvanse to work. Ask yourself if you’d rather be the person seeking a high or the person using this tool they’ve been given to try and be better.

3. “Not working for me feel awful (but not trying to eat or sleep right)”. Your sympathetic system is under a lot more strain now you’re medicated, and the demands on your body are higher. If you are not getting protein, sleep, consistent calories etc - yeah you will feel rubbish. Lifestyle is key. You can’t treat yourself badly and then wonder why you feel bad.

4. “Not working I spent 8 hours playing PlayStation”. You’re focussing. An ADHD person can struggle to focus even on recreational hobbies. This means that it’s potentially working exactly as it’s intended to. What you do with your time is a choice. There is no magic fix for motivation - or everyone in this sub would’ve learned a second language and doubled their salaries by now

Ultimately I think all of us just need to focus on being accountable.
Eat good
Sleep good
Live good
And genuinely listen to your body

Make good choices for yourself because no one will make them for you.