r/ausadhd

I am going to talk to my GP about the possibility that I have treatment resistant depression. I have tried Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Lexapro (escitalopram) and duloxetine, none of which made any significant difference. I've also tried stimulant and non stimulant medication for ADHD and that hasn't helped much either. I've tried therapy, exercise, diet changes, journalling, none of which I could stick to because it wasn't making a difference. Last year I went to the gym 5 or 6 times a week for 3 months along with giving up junk food and was miserable the whole time. I went on my dream vacation recently and even that didn't pull me out of it. I'm stuck in life and know I need to get out of this funk before I can really make any attempt at getting unstuck because I just feel so flat all of the time. I'm suffering from anhedonia at the moment so even my usual escapism isn't helping lift my mood.

Has anybody been in a similar situation and gotten diagnosed with treatment resistant depression? Did it help? What can I expect from my doctor and is there anything I should ask them about in relation to this?

So I’ve recently been diagnosed with adhd as an adult and have been put on Vyvanse.

I have to see my doctor in a month. I assume that this will just be a check up to see how I’m going, although I’m not sure.

What can I expect from the next appointment and also when it comes to the long term management of medication?

How many psych visits can I expect per year for example?

​**Hello!** I read a lot of posts here about medication, but I’m still feeling incredibly lost and struggling bad. I don't have access to Medicare and my private health insurance (Bupa) doesn't cover therapy, so I’m reaching out here. Sorry for this Bible 😞.

​I am 26, living in Australia, and was just diagnosed with mixed TDAH (strongly suspecting masked autism/giftedness). I was a very premature baby, and have been during my life many times prescribed low dose depression meds with awful side effects or therapy to deal with my obsession with perfection. And now, I feel like better with this med. Is helping me.

I’ve been prescribed 10mg of short-acting Ritalin up to 3x a day (up to 60mg max daily, titrating as needed). I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, trying to balance my daytime schedule with my night shifts at a busy restaurant kitchen. I am up to 20mg per time already. (Heavily struggling with timing cause if I take 8am/12/4:30, and I work until 10pm, I crash before I get home and if I take until 6:30, I feel sick when I get home).

​The med helps me feel alert, less exhausted, and emotionally calmer, but the side effects and the "crash" are wearing me down. **I’d love some advice, especially from anyone in Australia.**

​**The Challenges I'm Facing:**

​**Pill Anxiety & Cost:** I hate the physical act of taking pills multiple times a day (taking them gives me sensory disgust). My generic Ritalin costs around $27.50. How much does a long-acting version (like Ritalin LA or Concerta) cost and would be better?

​**Side effects:** It elevates my heart rate, giving me chest pressure and a constant feeling that I'm late or forgetting something. As it wears off, I get severe brain fog, stomach sickness, and feel like I'm getting the flu with a sore throat. How do you manage the comedown when your work shift is just ending?

​**Zero Appetite & Hydration**: I can't stand normal water (only sparkling with lemon or coconut water). Food disgust hits me halfway through a meal. I can only stomach things sometimes like sushi or mom's food even tho I work in a restauran, can cook anything that I want. If you are in Australia, what specific supermarket products (Coles/Woolies) do you use to keep your protein/calories up when food sounds repulsive? I eat so slow and way less than before.

​**Sensory & Social Changes:** My morning routine is still a mess, I am still waking up late, even tho I try to take my med right after one protein yogurt. Also, my attention span for hobbies has vanished—I flip through music and movies constantly without finishing them. My mom noticed I’ve become more rigid, displeased-looking, and avoid eye contact more than before. When it wears off, the intense daydreaming is so hard to switch off. I can feel people somewhat acting weird with me?

​**Missed Doses:** If I miss a dose time, I immediately feel sick, get slurred speech, clumsy movements, and make mistakes at work. I feel sick.

​If you’ve been through this initial adjustment period, what helped you navigate the physical side effects?

**Any Aussie-specific tips or product recommendations for eating/drinking would mean the world. Also any tools (apps, blankets, pomodoro etc) that has helped you? Would be great to know if I should invest in anything to make myself more confortable.**

Thank you for your time! xx

Hey all, I've tried so many things at this point I've lost count. I spent like two weeks building the Notion setup. Color coded, templates, databases, the whole thing. Used it for maybe 4 days. Then just stopped opening it. I also tried a physical planner. A nice one too, but same story.

I think there's a gap somewhere between setting up the system and actually doing the thing. A beautiful planner sitting on my desk doesn't help. Even when I know what I need to do, I just can't make myself start.

So I'm just curious what's actually working for people. thanks for your advice.

Just wondering if anyone else is on Dayvigo (lemborexant)?

Since being on Vyvanse/dex, I’ve had horrific sleep, sometimes only getting about 1-3 hours and then it would affect the stimulant efficacy the next day.

Currently been taking 5mg as required, right before I go to sleep and have been getting the best sleep I’ve gotten in forever.

Working well so far over the past 2 months. I’ve managed to slowly wean down my clonidine and stop metatonin completely.

Only problem is it is not covered by the PBS, so about $65 for 28 tablets…

Hi there. If my psych transferred prescribing rights to my doc and they change practices, are they able to still see my details or is that all locked at the old practice?

Due for a new script and have just found my doc has moved (closer to me which is nice) and not sure if I need to book in with the old practice or I can just follow the doctor

So I'm on Vyvanse 40mg for the last few weeks and I feel as if I'm more blunt and assertive on this medication. I don't really feel the need to conform; I feel less anxious but on the flip side, I feel more disconnected around people for some reason.

For instance, I feel an acute sense of being around others but not really feeling a sense of belonging. Like at work, I get along with nearly everyone but, except two people whom I consider my friends, I don't hang out with anyone during my break.

No matter how much I like those two friends at work, I won't go to them unless they speak to me first and around others, I'm consciously aware of every social interaction (my mind has a running internal coach telling me now say this, don't say that, look sad because they said something sad, ok maybe end the conversation now because their eyes are wandering they're starting to look bored but should I wait for them or do it myself? urgh this is agony, I don't know but I don't want to drain this conversation etc).

I also have developed a 'devil may care' attitude to work - like if anyone says anything disrespectful, I will say something back, I will not take it lightly and get really angry when I feel I've been wronged (I wasn't like this before medication unless I was extremely provoked). I can be all or nothing and pretty judgmental deep down too and get really upset if someone doesn't say hi (I almost resent them) and when they do say hi, I like them immediately again as all is well now.

Can anyone else relate??

I've been weening off of my ADHD meds over the last two months and I've noticed an increase in depression symptoms. I don't know if they're related or if it's just other things in my life causing depression. Does anybody know if coming off ADHD meds (atomoxetine specifically) can cause depression? I didn't notice a decrease in depression when I started taking them so I'm not really sure what to think. I will be seeing my doctor about it as soon as I can but in the meantime I'm just curious if I need to maybe go back up a dose and take things slower.

I’m prescribed 25mg of Dex instant release per day so I’ve taken 15mg + a 50mg vyvanse is it safe if I have another 50mg vyvanse (I can take a lot)

Hi everyone, I know that Omega Mind Clinics has been a big provider of ADHD assessments so I was wondering if anyone knows about their sudden closure? I just got the email an hour ago about it.

It's kinda stressful that I'm going to have to deal with a new clinic - hopefully the places all the psychiatrists are going to are decent!

Hi all,

I’ve never actually posted on reddit before just am unsure where else to go for help. Last Saturday I lost a bottle of vyvanse (around 18 capsules left) and I’m about to go back to work and uni. I’m unsure what to do as I believe they can’t replace what I’ve lost due to it being highly regulated. I am from Victoria. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance :)

I'd just like to clarify that I'm not suicidal. Quite the opposite, I'm really trying to improve my position in life and get better and seek help.

However, I have been experiencing suicidal ideation for the last year or so, and quite a few times in life before then. I've never actually been suicidal or come anywhere close to thinking of doing it. They're like intrusive thoughts that I don't want and I get them when I'm feeling particularly down.

My question is - if I bring this up to my GP in order to access the right treatment, will they have to send me to hospital or call my emergency contact? I just need to talk to a psychologist about it and let my GP know so they can help me get the right medication but I'm worried about what will happen if I bring it up because as I said I'm *not* suicidal and I don't want to be misinterpreted or for me to be committed to a psych ward because that would just make things worse for me right now.

Hey all, I was diagnosed last last year and prescribed Vyvanse late Jan. My psych prescribed me 40mg with a 5mg dex top up when needed in the afternoon. He also recommended I start with 20mg (splitting a capsule) for the first 2 days, then 30mg if needed for the following, then 40mg if still needed. I found it that 20mg and 30mg didn't have a huge effect, 40mg did have a noticeable effect, but lasted quite short (taken at 10am, would feel it drop off around 1pm and very noticeably crash around 1:30) so I would take the dex at 1pm, which didn't have really do much. I have taken dex by itself and usually find around 10mg at a time will have an effect.

After communicating this with my psych, he recommended that I try 50mg, then 60mg with my remaining supply and then tell him. I found that 50mg was optimal in terms of effectiveness, but it only slightly improved the length. He also upped my top up to 10mg which has been a bit of a help.

I'm lucky enough to be only working from 1pm - 5pm, so I can at least take my Vyvanse at 11am, then the top up at around 2:30/3pm which only really lasts until around 5:30. It's annoying because I am only really under the effects of my meds during my working hours, so before or after work is quite a struggle. My next appointment is in about a month, so I figured I would try and get some different perspectives. I am thinking it might be worth switching to just dexies alone, my psych did mention potentially trying Ritalin so that could be worth a try I guess. Has anyone else's experience with Vyvanse been like this and if so, would switching to Ritalin give me different results with the length?

I take vyvanse every day, but I saw on the side of the hydralyte package that you should ask your doctor if you take other medication if it's okay to take hydralyte with them. I take vyvanse. Is it okay ? Sorry if this is a stupid question I am just scared right now

Hey everyone,

Mid-thirties female here, diagnosed two years ago with inattentive ADHD. Just wondering about others' experiences with ADHD meds and POTS. I weigh 51–52kg. I've had AI help me write this out to organise my ideas better, so apologies if it sounds a bit robotic!

I was first diagnosed and started on Vyvanse. It helped a lot with emotional regulation but not much else. I also got huge cigarette cravings after starting it. I never smoked full time and was more of a social smoker when younger, but since starting ADHD meds I constantly crave cigarettes. I don't want to smoke, it's just this urge that hits after my morning dose kicks in.

I started on 20mg, then 30mg, then went up to 50mg. I had better cognitive function on 50mg but physically I felt like my body was under a lot of stress. I lost my appetite, lost too much weight (dropped to about 47kg which wasn't healthy), and had heart palpitations. I also only seemed to get about 6 hours out of it before a mood crash in the afternoon. I tried my best to eat but the thought of food made me feel ill and I'd just forget. I also gave up caffeine because coffee and ADHD meds sent my heart rate way too high (I didn't know I had POTS at the time).

I then switched to dexamphetamine, and it's definitely smoother physically with less of a crash. I take 5mg 3x per day. I got my appetite back straight away which was great, and over the past year I've put the weight back on. Still have the cigarette cravings though.

The weird thing is, dex doesn't seem to help my attention much at all. If anything, my motivation, procrastination, and distractibility feel worse. I feel more emotionally regulated but less driven and focused. On days I don't take it I genuinely can't tell much difference, except feeling sleepier. And sometimes my afternoon dose actually makes me want to take a nap, which is strange.

I've also recently been diagnosed with POTS and prescribed midodrine, so now I'm trying to work out what's ADHD, what's autonomic nervous system stuff, and whether stimulants are affecting that too. I have episodes of tachycardia during the day (picked up on a Holter monitor and BP monitor) and my heart rate shoots up to 150bpm just from standing. My POTS specialist said the dex can actually help with POTS because I have really low blood pressure. It helps with brain fog and energy, but I also feel like it might be pushing my heart rate too high, and on top of that it just doesn't feel like it's doing much for my ADHD. My POTS specialist didn't want to touch my ADHD meds and said to talk to my psych about it.

I've got an appointment with my psych in a few weeks and I'm thinking about switching to Ritalin. From what I've read about how Ritalin and dex work differently, I'm wondering if Ritalin might suit me better.

Has anyone had similar experiences with dex, made the switch to Ritalin, or navigated ADHD meds alongside POTS? Would love to hear what's worked for others.

Thanks :)

After many years of raising my kids, managing my mental health as a single mum and working on a mostly casual basis self employed, I need to find permanent full time work. This fills me with dread and heightens my anxiety so much. But I know I have to do it. What jobs do you all have that works relatively well for your mental health?

Edited to add: I live in Victoria.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) by a psychologist who specifically advertises her business as Autism and ADHD assessments. In the initial discussion I had with her, I asked her psychiatrists were able to prescribe meds based on an assessment and diagnosis from a psychologist. She told me that in her experience, psychologists were happy to prescribe because of how thorough her report is.
The assessment took a total of around 6 hours across three appointments and my husband had to complete a questionnaire about me too. The report I received back is very detailed, however the recommendations for managing my ADHD were very general and everything I’ve been doing to look after myself anyway. I had an appointment with GP today so I could have a referral to a psychiatrist to discuss stimulant medication, and my GP advised me the psychiatrist would have to first assess and diagnose me in order to prescribe meds, and that there’s a ‘substantial’ cost involved. I’m now wondering what the hell I paid $3800 (no rebates) for the combined assessment for, and why I wasted months of my life getting this assessment if I need to go through this all over again with a psychiatrist. I’m feeling shattered. I’ve recently been made redundant and don’t have money to pay for another assessment. Has anyone had similar experiences?

So I was diagnosed with combined ADHD a couple days ago. How long did it take before your psychiatrist sent through the letter and diagnosis?

I’m waiting for that to get sent to my gp so she can apply for a section 8 permit. I understand it can take a while but was curious what other peoples experiences were

I’ll be starting on vyvanse 20mg but wanted to know if anyone has any tips and tricks, recommendations or advice in general

Thanks!

Hello, Im 27(M) with audhd. I have resistant depression, ocd/social anxiety and introvert. My psychiatrist said I have severe inattentiveness (which I agree). I was on vyvanse before which worked amazing in the beginning but the crash would worsen my depression and anxiety so much that *i start having suicidal thoughts* (this was the scariest phase of my life ever). Then i tried concerta but it would make me look at the wall for hours and thoughtless, my wife would be screaming in the background and I would look at her like 😵‍💫. She said i look ‘high’. I am now on ritalin 10mg. I can focus but I feel dumber. I struggle comprehending sentences, books, instructions or subtitles. Whereas vyvanse made me hyperfocus and smarter. I can understand complex stories and follow intricate instructions with great detail (basically the movie limitless). I’m yearning for this feeling and function but I dont want to have suicidal thoughts again. I doubled my ritalin dose to 20mg but it only doubled my dumbness. I’m just loss at this point.
I also live in australia so Adderall or focalin arent available. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on what to do? Any help is appreciated.

Fyi: im aware of the protein, vit c, magnesium, nac, etc stuff.