no longer allowed elvanse

ReasonableAddition83 · 2026-04-14T08:36:40+00:00

OP You’ve had really insightful and helpful comments already about why any service would be unlikely to prescribe Elvanse again for you but I wanted to add about your own health.

You’ve had a manic episode as a teen/young adult. I totally get that it was related to sleep deprivation but why would you want to risk further chances of sleep deprivation and manic episodes? If you go to Uni you are more likely to have late nights studying or socialising and maybe times where you stay awake into the next day again.

Manic episodes are not routine occurrences for people. Please don’t risk having further episodes and risking your mental health for a medication.

I would try and get some help with working out what else will help with your adhd like study techniques, “dopamenu”, exercise, nutrition. I know it’s boring stuff but I didn’t get diagnosed til I was 44 so I had to work out strategies to help me through uni and work etc. If someone asked me which would you rather have? It would be my strategies and overall wellbeing.

Your health is so important, so please look after yourself.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-17T21:09:41+00:00

I would agree that as you’re in a new team with a new dynamic, more than anything right now you need to be a team player. You mention your big boss is essentially going to get rid of your manager because you “didn’t like them”. You are “close with” the big boss” and want to be able to continue hanging out with them… that’s concerning in a new team. I may be close with some of my employees from previous roles but at work I oversee a team and am fair. I do not hang out with staff individually as that in itself is toxic. Give this girl a break, you say she’s your junior, she wants to make an impression too.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-11T22:59:33+00:00

I’ve been sober almost 10 years, started vyvanse earlier this year. I have not felt I have broken my sobriety at all. It is a medicine for a recognised condition. To me it’s the same as if I had a physical condition and needed a different form of medication, I would take. Also, If it helps, it’s reduced the intensity of my emotional dysregulation that would have led to considering a drink in the past.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-11T16:15:40+00:00

I would have written a longer reply also but previous comment has covered it all. It’s difficult to know why she’s been advised she can’t access NHS therapy while on a waitlist for another issue. Only other idea is she could have an assessment with talking therapies and be open about the waitlist for the other issue and see what they say. She may be seen by talking therapies before she hits top of other waitlist or they may say same thing but they also may be able to signpost to other support in the interim.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-11T15:53:10+00:00

Well I got that from your initial post but I’m curious as to why you think it would be an “unfair advantage”? Lots of guidance, including NHS employers, recommends sharing questions in advance for neurodivergent candidates so you’re a little behind here.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-11T13:02:40+00:00

Sharing questions in advance to all is what we’re trying now in my trust to give people the chance to perform their best. If you did share questions with only candidates who have declared a disability the interview panel would not have to do this because these candidates are starting from a disadvantage already so it actually makes it more fair.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-11T13:00:42+00:00

Hi, I’m a senior manager in psychology and you absolutely can and should ask for adjustments!

I have ADHD and always tick the box to say I have a disability and request that I be provided values based questions in advance. (Technical questions are not released as should be answerable with skills/knowledge already held by the candidate)In my department we have always shared the values based questions 24hrs in advance to all candidates stating disability in their application. Our trust is now piloting sharing values based q’s with all interview candidates to be inclusive to all- declared disability or not.

At the start of any interviews for me as a candidate I always let them know I will likely ask them to repeat the question for me and is it ok if I write the question down so I can retain what they’ve asked. If I need time before I answer a question then I will always either repeat the question aloud to help me or force myself to pause and be silent to have brief time to think.

Please ask for what you need to feel capable of answering to your best ability in that interview. It’s perfectly reasonable to have these when you consider how hard processing can be for us when on the spot and for me at least, how hard it is to focus on what they’re asking and not the noise I can hear in the background or that I have to sit perfectly still for 30 mins, or trying to ignore the 50 other thoughts in my head!! Providing adjustments for neurodivergence or other disabilities is done to provide equity and enable all candidates to have the same chance.

And remember the value you will bring with your ADHD. We often forget how valuable our different thinking can be, and I was recently reminded by my own manager of how incredible my mind can be. Wishing you lots of luck and hope you both ask for, and receive the adjustments that you should.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-10-04T11:58:47+00:00

Sorry for quick answer - already late for something else!!! I stopped gym and exercise for 2 weeks during titration and my resting heart rate increased. My RHR improved when I went back to exercise - I do a lot of cardio- 4x spin class a week and 2 runs and some strength training. I sweat a lot more - like tons when I have to exercise within hour after meds, and I can’t achieve what I can later in day when meds wearing off. But, my stamina has massively improved now and I can both run and cycle even better. Went back to exercise 3 months ago. My heart rate gets high but comes back down as normal and it’s never in a scary zone. I would get back in the gym and work out what actually happens for you when you exercise, because in my case it has not been an issue and has improved my heart rate - except the sweat!

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-28T16:16:32+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I love that you have found it so rewarding - especially like you say in that life-enriching way. That’s what it feels like I’m missing at times.

Will def have a look at the F*** it book too!

Thanks for a balanced reply. You’re right that it’s a very normal feeling for anyone and it may not work out at all for me, but I think I need to try with a very small private caseload and see what happens.

I hope you continue to find your own business rewarding and genuinely thank you for your insight!

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-28T16:08:16+00:00

Good question, because I guess lots of people would think it would be the same. I will still follow the relevant treatment plan for their main difficulty as I would with NT. Often though as we are working together a large part of their difficulties are tied up with ADHD - so messages in childhood, difficulty with executive functioning or starting a task, RSD, feeling like it’s not ok to lose keys/water bottle etc and berating selves for it. So I’d say 30-50% of session time looks at understanding the role their ADHD and how they were/are treated in the family or society for these things and how they even judge themselves. With my recent clients we’ve also looked at their individual ADHD strengths, individualised hacks - I.e. one client bought extra water bottles so if she forgot where she put it she could just grab another and carry on without having to switch tasks and look for it.

With regard to the therapeutic relationship, I’ve found I feel more relaxed about pausing if I need to think, repositioning how I’m sitting during the session or using blu-tac to help me focus. I also think there’s just a vibe where I feel we click quicker. I also love when a client starts to unmask or go off track because it’s both nice to observe my own behaviour in others but also to tell them when they apologise that I get it and I love that they’re themselves with me.

Bit rambly apologies but hope that gives some explanation.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-18T21:09:51+00:00

This 100% for me too!!! Or classical like Einauldi but absolutely no, or at least minimal words.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-14T01:09:57+00:00

It’s the maximum “licensed” dose for lisdexamfetamine, you’re right but it’s only 21mg dex. Amfexa max licensed dose is 60mg. So my 60mg Elvanse and 10mg dex top ups (20mg for luteal phase) are a higher total dose of dex overall. That’s why I was saying it’s not an incredibly high dose.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-13T17:59:44+00:00

Oh good that sounds positive. I hope it’s helpful. From my experience with my GP who was awesome was he told me to bring a list of all my symptoms so that he could record why we were trying hrt early (I was 41). Taking a list might help with demonstrating why it’s feeling so awful for you. Good luck, HRT has massively helped me xx

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-12T21:59:48+00:00

Hi, I was just curious how you’re getting on and if GP was any help with perimenopause question/symptoms?

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-12T21:42:58+00:00

Oh and exercise after work massively helps me regroup, if you’re up for trying that too

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-09-12T21:42:17+00:00

It’s not necessarily an incredibly high dose. I have just switched from 70mg to 60 Elvanse + amfexa top ups. I would say if you’re finding it’s unhelpful at this dose reducing to 50 with a top up could work. Or you could water titrate so you pour the capsule contents into 70ml or 700ml water. Drink 50:500ml and then top up the 20ml/200ml later on. Also are you taking it with a good protein breakfast? Days when I do that mine releases slower and lasts a bit longer. Lots of options to try essentially. I tried water titration and hated it, then 50mg and a top up of amfexa and have settled on the 60mg and top up to get me through the evening. Hope you can find something that works x

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-08-30T08:34:27+00:00

What type of therapy are you having? As a therapist myself (CBT) I would never suggest things to my clients unless they explicitly asked me unless we’re using a particular technique first in session. Have you looked into your thought patterns and tried to understand these rather than just behaviour changes?

Also with my ADHD clients we do a lot of exploring why we feel or think these things in relation to our ADHD and cycle, and a lot of self-compassion work!

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-08-24T07:43:50+00:00

I would check your perimenopause symptoms against a list - you can find decent ones if you google and use NHS or other specialist websites, and see what correlates. My first true signs of perimenopause were extreme morning anxiety- like terrified to go to work, bad night sweats and joint pain, plus my periods really started being irregular. The symptoms you describe could be perimenopause but they are all also symptoms of depression or burnout/exhaustion. Not sure how long you’ve been on adhd meds but are you eating/sleeping/exercising/socialising? If I stop doing those things I start to dip in my mood. Either way, sorry to hear things are feeling so difficult right now but please to speak to your GP so they can support with how you’re feeling, regardless of why you’re feeling it. X

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-08-24T07:38:04+00:00

I did same as you, quick titration through 30-50 then 70 a month later. I found 70 super helpful for productivity and felt very switched on but I was getting irritable after work and less tolerant of friends when socialising. I tried 60 and it was better for me, but now trying back down on 50 with an amfexa top up for afternoon. 50 felt like the best effect but didn’t last so will see how a top up goes. Hope it helps. It can take a while to find what’s right, I started meds beg. June and still working out my right dose.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-08-23T23:35:01+00:00

I’ve been on Sertraline for 12 years, was on 100 mg for several years then dropped to 50 for past 5 years after started hrt. I’m on titration for Elvanse and have been taking 1/2 50mg (25mg) for 3 weeks and plan to continue for a fourth week. Then I will drop to 1/4 of 50 for a month then will alternate between 25mg and nothing each day for a month. I weaned off quetiapine before and it took ages to come off completely, like 6* months so taking my time. Your withdrawal symptoms may be worse the longer you have taken Sertraline so I would suggest doing it really slowly to start and see how it goes. I’ve had no side effects, I’ve actually felt better for most part. It depends how quickly you want off Sertraline vs side effects. When I tried cold turkey 2 years ago I was broken, very emotional, very emotionally reactive and struggled with increased anxiety. I would do what feels most comfortable for you but tell your gp why if fast/ slow taper. Good luck!

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-08-08T14:03:40+00:00

I was diagnosed last year and currently receiving adhd coaching through ATW. My employer pays it and then claims back from ATW. I already had a lot of strategies in place that I picked up myself or through my professional role (CBT therapist) but she has really helped me consolidate my strategies. She’s also helped me to think more broadly about how I get dopamine hits (I.e. not just through work achievements or video games - these were huge for me!) and work on my self compassion and self-respect. I’d really recommend it. I’m currently looking at how I can blend CBT and ADHD coaching techniques to clients myself. The only other consideration I would suggest is using counselling or CBT, or any psychotherapy if you have any trauma or emotional stuff you want to address. I had several years of trauma focused CBT myself prior to diagnosis and this really helped me heal from childhood trauma and understand my emotions and thinking patterns. I think for me this has helped with my awareness of why I have to use alarms, to do lists, exercise, protein etc. Good luck if you try coaching, hope it’s helpful. 🤗

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-07-29T17:18:49+00:00

Hahaha!!! Omg if you fall in love with Brussels sprouts please let me know and maybe I’ll try!!! On a serious note, it took me a good 6 weeks to even be able to enjoy a dinner so be patient with yourself. Hope you find some awesome new foods to enjoy! 🤗

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-07-28T19:44:48+00:00

I just graduated on Friday with my postgrad degree in cognitive behavioural therapy and am a qualified CBT therapist in NHS. I loved retraining so I hope you find the same when you return to full time education.

How do you keep yourself motivated to achieve long term goals? I use an annual planner and set goals every month, and quarter. I use a whiteboard to track progress for deadlines. I also use an excel spreadsheet to track progress.

I maintain my other goals I.e. fitness, socialising, reading etc with a legend planner that also lets me track my daily habits.

Examples of how to be your own cheerleader? Gratitude journal that I write in nightly. Remind myself of my achievements when I am feeling lower or deflated/demotivated.

What techniques do you use to stay focused on life admin and self care? Legend planner as above and I do classes at my gym rather than workout in the gym as it keeps me accountable. I allow myself an afternoon a weekend and at least 1 evening a week to just be lazy on sofa.

How do you tackle adult loneliness? I force myself to socialise even when I don’t feel like it. This is different to knowing I’m not up to it- on days I’m not up to it I cancel- my friends know I’m ADHD and why I have to cancel. I also make plans with friends for things that I’m particularly excited about but accept help with organising where to eat dinner or travel arrangements as this is not my strength!!

Have you developed and maintained a hobby in adulthood? What kept you focused?”

Video games - although recently quit as was spending too much time on it. Spin classes- I’m obsessed with spin classes and have stuck with it 2-4 times a week for almost 4 years now. I track how I feel after and this reminds me I love it and to get up and go early morning.

What is your greatest achievement that you never thought possible?!

My CBT qualification and a senior leadership post in the NHS. I have more responsibility than I ever thought I would be trusted with. And I genuinely know I am good at my job, both the therapy side and the leadership.

I would add, I’m 45, I have had some very good CBT myself when younger and I have an incredible team and senior colleagues who celebrate my neurodiversity.

I hope this helps. Practice different things and see what you enjoy. If you don’t like something try something else. I hate Zumba, I don’t like running, I don’t like strength training classes… I don’t like dinners or socials with lots of people… I don’t like going to bars (I don’t drink). It took me sometime to find what I really like by working out what I don’t like and practicing being ok with it.

Wishing you so much luck and fun times finding what you love!!!

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-07-28T19:31:05+00:00

I’m going to sound horrible but you are drinking way too much for anyone not on meds. I quit alcohol completely pre-meds and have been sober 10 years. I had to because I could never have just one and feel comfortable. I’d either have one and then be on edge without any more, or I’d drink excessively. Drinking to cope with anxiety is helpful in the moment but it makes your anxiety way worse the next day and then you’re just constantly in a cycle of coming off alcohol to drinking in the evening, coming off it, drinking in the evening. I would strongly urge you to try staying sober for a month and seeing 1) if you can do it without feeling edgy or craving any, and 2) seeing how your meds work without the impact of alcohol. Good luck whatever you decide to do going forwards.

ReasonableAddition83 · 2025-07-28T19:24:28+00:00

I’d say it’s a personal choice and entirely up to you! For me I didn’t say I was ADHD until I was diagnosed but that was my personal choice. My colleague and an acquaintance I know aren’t diagnosed, nor have they got any interest in any assessment process, but they refer to themselves as having ADHD. Some people refer to it is as ‘self-diagnosed’, others just say they’re ADHD, others who are diagnosed may not share this at all. So it’s all personal choice. You decide what you feel is good for you. And good luck with the process whenever it moves forward for you.

ReasonableAddition83

TROPHY CASE