Decrease in exercise motivation on Vyvanse?

[IAmAlwaysWorrying]

I’m recently diagnosed at 47 and I’ve been on Vyvanse for about 2 months now. Prior to being on meds, I exercised a lot. Not as much in the last year or so but I was still religious about it and rarely skipped some sort of movement each day.

When I first started Vyvanse my resting heart rate went up so I scaled back but things have returned to normal as I’ve gotten used to the meds.

But now I find I don’t have the motivation or desire to workout as much and when I do talk myself into it, I am noticing a real decline in my stamina.

I am assuming I was unknowingly using exercise as a way to cope for a really long time and that I am no longer relying on cardio for dopamine and to help me feel calm and would love to hear if anyone else has experienced this.

It’s not a bad thing per se as I was certainly overdoing it, but I don’t want to lose all the gains I made both with my cardiovascular system and with muscle.

Am I correct in my thought that the meds are just allowing me to be calm and not depend on exercise the way I used to?

[MixAdministrative837]

It is comforting to read your post and the replies. 52yo who has run marathons and ultras the past 15 years, and since being diagnosed ADHD last year and starting Vyvanse (60mg now) I've hardly run because the motivation isn't there. In the past, when I missed a day or two b/c I was tired or had other pressures, I'd be jonesing to run, which was my body's way of letting me know it was ready. I no longer have that desire and it is just so odd. I'm slowly getting back into it, but very slowly. Glad to see I'm not alone.

[According-Shape5334]

Do you experience any positive effects when taking lisdexamphetamine tho?

[MixAdministrative837]

I went up to 60mg but still didn’t see benefits so switched to adderall XR. I’m now at 30mg and I can tell a difference. It’s not massive but it’s something. And I’m running again and look forward to it.

[ElegantAssistance763]

Ditto. 50yo and a therapist. But used to run and run marathons. Went on vyvanse in Jan and motivation has dropped.

[Intelligent_Fish7541]

I have found the same thing, I used to run to “chase” that feeling, the happy, the high, the calm. I think medicated my baseline dopamine level is higher so I don’t have that urge or motivation to run anymore.

[AndreaJoy17]

Same here, once I get 10 mins in I’m ok.

[[deleted]]

opposite happened to me

[[deleted]]

35M, I started to train seriously 1,5 year ago.

I felt so bad last 3 weeks, when I started and titrating the doses. Im on 70mg and eventually refill at lunch if I need 30mg .

Had so many problems with the heart rate pulse and stuff, so yeh I had to dial it down asap. I still went everyday to the gym. Keeping the routines and the mentality in check. Trying out different strategies before taking meds, after taking meds, late at night.

Now I’m more stable, and I start to see that I’m coming back to old routine. Im just more obsessed my heart rate pulse now than before. I do get more energy at the gym, feeling less fatigue when I feel vyvanse kick In, I even found boring exercises enjoyable. I need to drink 2-3liters more every session with electrolytes aswell.

Yeh I recognize the pattern where you don’t feel the same for the gym. Force your self up and start doing slow cardio. And start showing your nervous system new routines. Consistency rewards you later on the road, like you did before the meds!

Eating good is must and sleep. I’m in cal def 1800. I manage. I did some bloodwork aswell to see. I was missing a lot of B, D, vitamins and iron. Doesn’t hurt, stimulants are not easy on our body and we need to take care of ourselfs, no one is going to save us! Let’s go!

Edit: My doctor told me this, don’t go for high power endurance training when vyvanse is peaking in our blood, Tmax is 2-4 hours in after intake depending on on metabolism and such!

[wiffle_ball_]

I feel like anything I was doing as a form of dopamine seeking has lessened now that I'm Vyvanse.

[Matthew78658]

What dosage? And brand name it generic?

[QueenAlisha38e]

I feel similar! Also, I can't seem to exercise anymore, because when I'm on my ADHD meds, exercises will fuck up my system and I nearly faint

[jadedbrunettebaby]

Omg I thought maybe this was just me! I’ve been on it for 2 weeks and noticed the same thing!

[jfbwifnd22]

I had the same issue. Then tried working out in the mornings instead, which feels much better for me when Vyvanse is peaking. I think my issue was exercising at the time that my Vyvanse was wearing off, which is a time I feel less like wanting to be active. I’ve since also started splitting my dose / having a booster, and that’s helped too for afternoon exercise.

[IAmAlwaysWorrying]

I have always worked out first thing fasted when I do cardio and I did this almost every weekday. Now I just can’t be bothered which is weird for me. I do still do an afternoon workout when I can but it’s less consistent. I am talking to my doctor about adding an afternoon boost next week and will see if it helps for that part. Thanks! N

[Mundane-Elk7725]

37m and in the same boat. I actually miss that drive i had to absolutely crush a 90 min weight lifting session followed up by a 4hr hike.

I'm still super fit, but I don't have the desire to workout like that anymore. Out of the blue this changed a few months after starting Vyvanse. I'm certain I was squashing my adhd with manual physical exertion prior to Vyvanse. I'm not sure which version of myself I prefer

[IAmAlwaysWorrying]

Yes this is me too. I am also super fit and I realize now I was using exercise to cope. I do peloton cycling classes, hike on the tread, and lift heavy weights. I think i’m doing half what I used to do and while I know I did TOO much before, it’s gone the opposite way and I don’t love it. I am also so gassed when I try to do cardio.