How do I advocate for proper ADHD treatment when my GP won’t listen despite psychiatrist approval?
EDIT: I’m not asking for opinions on WHO I get my script from, that I cannot control. I’m asking HOW in your experience, youve ask to go higher in your dosage it seems I have for some reason strict regulations against me
I’m 21 and was diagnosed with ADHD around 14 months ago after years of struggling. My GP has been my doctor since I was 15 and has treated me mostly for mental health related issues over the years. He always said I had strong traits of combination adhd but he wanted to wait until I was 18 to be referred to a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment, and after diagnosis the psychiatrist sent my GP a treatment report authorising Vyvanse titration (up to 60mg) and the option of dex boosters if clinically needed.
I started on 20mg Vyvanse and after multiple appointments over more than a year I’ve only been increased to 30mg. I genuinely feel like it’s not enough. I have really long days — I’m up at 6am for study and usually work late as well — and I crash hard halfway through the day. When it wears off I feel robotic, flat, exhausted, emotionally dysregulated, and unable to complete responsibilities properly.
During the Vyvanse shortage period, I actually had to take my sister’s 40mg prescription because I couldn’t access mine properly through my doctor. I know that’s not ideal and I’m not trying to justify it, but the difference was honestly huge. It was the first time I felt like my brain was functioning closer to “normal.” It also made me realise how much I’m still struggling on 30mg.
The frustrating part is I feel very monitored but not actually listened to. I do monthly weigh-ins, ECGs, blood pressure checks etc. I completely understand stimulants are regulated and need monitoring, but whenever I try to discuss increasing my dosage or trialling a dex booster, my GP dismisses me. He keeps saying the Vyvanse “isn’t working” because I take vitamin C tablets or that it’s “in my head.”
I feel really stuck because my psychiatrist has already approved further titration and boosters if appropriate, yet my GP seems unwilling to even properly discuss it with me. I’m not trying to chase stimulants — I’m trying to function properly and consistently throughout the day.
Has anyone dealt with a GP like this after already having psychiatrist approval? How do you advocate for yourself without sounding drug-seeking? At this point I honestly feel unheard and don’t know how to approach the conversation anymore.