I had been taking Adderall for months and other than making me feel slightly more awake (not alert) it really had no positive effects at all. It did not help me focus. Same thing with Ritalin, no effect. Today I took a Vyvanse for the very first time and once again, I felt no effect other than being slightly more awake(but even that could have been because I went to bed at 9:30 and got up at 8:30am).
I'm also on two other meds for depression/anxiety, effexor and wellbutrin, but lately I feel the depression and anxiety are both back. It's very frustrating.

Not good at all.... I don't feel immediate or amazingly obvious effects from my meds.... especially not the kind of rush you get from illicit drugs for example.
I've found that it's a more subtle effect that I can see looking back on the day.

It might be even harder for you to notice the effects when it's combined with anti-depression meds. I remember friends on them talking about feeling like they are in a cloud like state or a bit zombified....

If you have a good doctor, you should be able to talk to them about it, and have them understand what you are or aren't feeling.

Side thought: if your doctor doesn't suffer ADD or Depression, do they road test the drugs to know what it feels like to be on them? :rolleyes:

I just read your other posts etc... sounds like you need to find a better doctor... and another insurance company (if the choice is up to you). Give the number of your current doctor to local junkies (just kidding).

And before I forget, welcome to the forums! :D

what dose are/were you on, Melissa, for adderall? IR or XR?

I was on Adderall XR 30mg once a day.

I just started 70 mg Vyvanse.

I also take 150 mg of Effexor XR twice daily and Bupropion (Wellbutrin)150mg SR twice daily as well.

I definitely want to find a new doctor, but I know it's going to be another long drawn out demoralizing struggle to find a decent doctor my insurance will cover....and right now I just don't have the energy or resources for that. I'm in a fragile state right now, I'm just trying to lay low until I feel a little bit better.
I find it so rediculous that Adderall and other stimulant meds are labeled "controlled substances"....like they're so powerful and dangerous...when I don't even feel any effect from them...and it's really irritating dealing with the extra hassle at the pharmacy, not to mention embarrassing and shameful....being made to feel like I'm buying crack to sell to kids or something.

from what I've read (i've never been on XR, just IR), 30mgs XR is still low. It seems that 20mgs IR is the "average" dose. 20mgs IR = 40mgs XR.

have you tried calling your insurance to find out what other docs are nearby?

I live in minnesota, as well. I have a list of docs somewhere. I'll find it and PM you.