u/thevijayjangir

Hi everyone, I’m feeling incredibly frustrated and could really use some insights from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, but my medication journey has hit a massive dead end. I live in India, which means Amphetamine-based medications (like Adderall or Vyvanse) are strictly illegal and not an option. I only have access to Methylphenidate and non-stimulants.

My brother (who was diagnosed at the same time) and I are experiencing the exact same issue, which makes us think this is a genetic fast-metabolism or liver enzyme issue.

Here is exactly what is happening:

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Inspiral IR (10mg/20mg): When I first started, the IR worked for the first 2-3 days, but the effect only lasted for a mere 40-45 minutes. After those first few days, it stopped working entirely. Now, it has zero effect.

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Addwize OD (18mg & 36mg): This uses an osmotic release mechanism similar to Concerta. It doesn't work at all. I don't feel a single thing—no focus, no crash, no zombie effect. It’s exactly like taking a sugar pill. I am still at my unmedicated baseline.

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High Dose Combos: I recently tried taking 36mg ER + 20mg IR all together. Even with this massive dose, I felt absolutely nothing.

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Diet & Timing: I’ve tried taking the meds on a completely empty stomach. I’ve also tried taking them 30-45 minutes after a heavy, high-protein breakfast (25g whey protein, banana, and peanut butter smoothie). Neither method made any difference.

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My theory is that my liver's first-pass metabolism is destroying the medication instantly. The IR gets wiped out immediately, and the slow-drip of the OD/ER pills never builds up enough to cross the threshold for me to actually feel it.

Has anyone else dealt with this specific "zero effect" scenario? Since I can't get Amphetamines, what should be my next step with my psychiatrist?

I found out about ADHD a few months ago and I felt like home reading about it, reading other people's experiences etc.

So I went to a psychologist and then to a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis

And I got diagnosed with ADHD

The doctor prescribed me 10mg + 10mg Inspiral (Methylphendate) for the first 5 days and later asked me to double the doses [ 20mg + 20mg]

For the first day I felt like damn this is going to be life changing, I had the best nap of my life right after 30 mins into the medication, all the thoughts were cleared, felt like I closed 50 tabs from my brain's browser,

Did some of the tasks I was avoiding for months

2nd day was good too, worked and socialized with people and felt amazing

3rd, 4th and 5th days were less exciting but still thoughts were clear and I was happy with it

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On the 6th day i doubled the dose: [20mg + 20mg]

And the first pill was still okay and I felt happy, I went out with my gf, less anxious and more willing to show affection etc

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The 2nd dose did nothing and or I'd say it made my day dreaming even worse, I felt lost, more executive dysfunction than ever

I took the 2nd dose after food (30 mins after lunch) the same way I took those 10mgs

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And Now I'm confused, is this dose too Much or is it because of food or idk

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If you have any similar experiences, please share it with me