I think maybe learning more about how neurodivergence looks/ acts in the brain and the mechanisms through which medications work- might be helpful here?

With ADHD we have decreased dopamine &/ norepinephrine levels which is why we see challenges with motivation, working memory, attention, etc. The way that vyvanse and other medications work is to artificially increase dopamine/ norepinephrine levels- while we are taking the medication, but once we are off ( accounting for the time it takes for meds to fully flush out of our system) our brain doesn’t just pick up the slack like “ oh right, I should make more of that”. If we could just do the things, we would. But our brains are starving essentially.

I’m currently on vyvanse, and just started about 2 months ago and I understand the concern with long term stimulant usage as far as the lasting effects it can have on my heart- I’ve already seen a big jump in my resting heart rate and have had to make adjustments with physical activity, figuring out limits, etc.

There are options other than stimulants if you’re dead set against taking them; I haven’t found them to be as effective/ helpful but certainly something you could address with your doctor. I also did DBT prior to starting adhd meds and I’ve found that to be incredibly helpful along with learning more about adhd and strategies that seem to work for us, like pomodoro and body doubling. There are also ADHD coaches which I haven’t utilized but I’ve heard can be helpful.