Vyvanse - Hello and My tale on the med

[chaznsc]

Hello,
I have been lurking here for a week and I am apprehensive about posting for fear I will hear I am doing this all wrong. But here goes:

I am a 43 y/o male with ADD-inattentive type. I have "chased" a depression issue off and on for a few years, taking Zoloft for that. I found tho that I was growing ever more sluggish and well, unmotivated but NOT sad or "depressed," just out of any real motivating energy.

I have always ignored the ADD part, partly because I dealt with it on my own for MOST of my life. I have a job where I handle multiple projects, the IT needs for the office, web design and creative elements for the company, etc. When I hit my mid 30's I hit a wall that I have never really overcome completely. Thats where the meds like Zoloft came into the picture.

Perhaps a stupid way to approach my ADD, but growing up in the 70's the closest thing I ever heard about ADHD was a "hyperactive" kid I knew. I was not and am not hyperactive.

I work for a mid sized Civil Engineering firm. I do not have a college education, afraid college was not for me. More or less self taught, fell into the profession quite by accident, and been with the company for 23 years. Got my certification as a Planner last year which was quite an accomplishement for someone who academic success eluded.

I have a son who also has ADD-innatentive, he takes Adderall and does fairly well on it. A really great teacher in the 4th grade pulled along side him and helped us all thru that year, not being a bully like so many teachers tend to be.

Anyhow, I am rambling. My Dr. started me last week on Vyvanse, 70mg. Here is my progress for your review and comment:

DAY 1 - Stunning focus, energized, and a slight lift in mood. I have never been on a stimulant so pardon how suprised I was. I was able to focus on writing and technical papers which I have not been able to in QUITE SOME TIME, years in fact. Needless to say, NO SLEEP FOR CHAZ!

DAY 2 - Similar to day 1 except I was able to get some sleep that night, but not much, LOL. Again, was able to focus on writing some technical policy for my staff, as well as my usual schedule of meetings and design issues. Feeling fairly energized and focused, with that same slight "lift" in mood, not giddy, but definitely a different feeling. I actually felt like talking to co-workers for things other than "please pass the paper clips".

DAY 3 - 5 - No major changes, the energized feeling has slightly tapered off. Sleeping pretty good if not better than normal.....whatever normal is

DAY 7 - The medication stops working at noon, or shortly thereafter. I didnt "crash" so to speak, but it was like I was out there all alone. I found I was VERY sensitive to noise in the office. I slept very well that night.

DAY 8 - Just like Day 7 except last night I didnt feel very good at all, kind of like I bounced. I felt that same almost peculiar ability to focus on noises outside my office, a little irritable too. I didnt bite anyone, but still. More of a depressed "mood" last night, not crying, but not 100%. I went to bed early, well, around 9:30pm. Slept very well.

DAY 9 - The medication takes another turn. Been with me all day, but have felt a little more "light headed" than any of the other days. My focus is pretty good, but have felt a little "out there" most of the day. Hard to explain the feeling. Of course, could be partly to blame on allergies, I failed to take my claritin today and the pollen is blowing like a snowstorm.

I wanted to see what you expereinced ADD-ers felt about my experience and whether I should change it, hang it up, etc. I am not feeling bad, but my break-in period is somewhat scattered in regards to my body / mind reaction experiences.

Thats it, thanks for listening.

chaz