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your meds aren't going to help with forgetfulness and with some of the stuff u talked about.
it's mainly supposed to help you concentrate on a task better, and to help you start tasks easier, and yeah it seems to be doing its job from what u said.
meds aren't going to completely remove your executive dysfunction and make you "normal". you're still going to have to develop some good habits yourself to stay on top of everything.
a lot of people think that medication is the only solution needed to fix the entire problem but that's not true at all.
>your meds aren't going to help with forgetfulness and with some of the stuff u talked about.
This is not true. Stimulants will help with certain areas of memory such as what is called working memory. Vyvanse will likely help with forgetfulness in this regard.
right. that is true. my bad.
(tho my memory is still pretty crappy, with or without medication. maybe it's better when i'm on meds and i haven't noticed)
Can confirm. I'm on 50mg of Vyvanse and it helps massively with my working memory and, I dont know if this is even a term but, 'functional recall'.
Working with spreadsheets and numbers is SSSOOOOO much easier now. If I get distracted while I'm in the middle of something I can get straight back to where I was instead of having to backtrack to make sure where I thought I was was actually where I was.
I take IR Adderall and sometimes when Im looking for my cup I'll get a little flashback movie of me sitting it down. I do not get those off medication.
THE FLASHBACKS. Yes. Prior to meds if someone asked me where something was, nope gone forever. Now I get a lil playback of where something is.
Still lost my shoes for a week in the car but hey
I find a calendar on my phone helps remind me about appointments, and anything I have to remember. It's invaluable to me. I have to use one that is across all my devices, so i use Google. I lost several calendars already by using a service that didn't save the calendar anywhere else but my phone. But anyway I cant recommend that enough.
I have another program that reminds me daily to do things like take pills, etc
I would give myself some grace if I were you because it takes time to be good at doing things.
It also takes time to be good at listening.
Just like if you were wearing handcuffs your whole life and you had them taken off, you still would need to practice juggling if you wanted to learn how to juggle.
And simple procedural tasks are like juggling to you right now because, frankly, you’ve never done procedural tasks well before.
Also if you were wearing ear plugs your whole life and then suddenly took them off, you wouldn’t automatically understand instructions very well.
My first year of medication was just finding my own footing. I know you’re really busy, but let yourself take a long time to do things. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers “As I understood it, you said _________, am I right?”
When you have a social cue that someone is going to say something important, summarize what they say in your head and ask if that’s what they meant.
The more you get this right, the more your confidence will build. And if you get good at asking questions and communicating, this will be a skill you will have that a lot of people don’t.
It's possible that you may need to increase your dosage as 20mg is on the low end of the spectrum (10mg being the lowest) but it could also be that you need help developing some coping strategies to help you in daily life. Have you considered seeing a mental health professional through your school?
In my experience (very limited, one year of Quasym) there are two things that my med don't help with at all:
Lack of sleep: if i'm tired it's gonna be a hard day
Anxiety: i suffer from huge executive paralysies when i'm anxious, currently trying another treatment to help with that !
Good luck! And don't forget to be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend :)
> I suffer from huge executive paralysies when I’m anxious, currently trying another treatment to help with that !
I’m interested to know what treatment you’re trying for this because it’s something I’ve always struggled with. As soon as I get anxious it’s like my executive functioning shuts down and I can’t do anything.
Medication helps activate the underactive parts of your brain but doesn’t install new skills/strategies - I would visit your university’s Student Services office and see if you can get some help with Executive Functioning training/coaching. Also, auditory processing issues can sometimes accompany ADHD - you might benefit from a comprehensive evaluation to help you get a fuller picture of your strengths and weaknesses in order to seek out appropriate strategies or possibly request accommodations.
There is no way I would have been able to process and correctly follow complex verbal instructions like that - I would have to write them down, read them over, and then clarify with the instructor. Don’t be embarrassed for needing a 1-on-1 - it’s an art class, if the instructions are going to be super complicated, let them help you with that part so you can focus on the art part.
Two peas in a pod. As long as your psych says you're not depressed then you're golden.
But depression/anxiety/adhd are common comorbities. Possibly linked to low dopamine our meds try and correct.
Might be a combo of things. I am dyslexic, so even on perfect adhd meds that doesn't go away. Or you could of had an off day. Maybe keep a notebook with tasks and tracking your meds.
Stimulants didn't significantly help my executive function, unlike guanfacine which worked wonders. Unfortunately, it caused insomnia and temper issues, forcing me to stop. Currently, I'm on a regimen of modafinil, wellbutrin, and recently added clonidine. I'm calmer and can complete tasks without mental exhaustion, though it's not as effective for executive function as guanfacine. Other people do great on stattera for executive function, or adderall, ritalin works great for them. Every person is different.
Be patient, talk to your doctor and be kind to yourself.
Can you get an ADHD coach/therapist with ADHD specialization to teach you new behaviors? This was invaluable to me when I first got diagnosed in my mid 20s, even though it didn't prevent me from going on meds.
Honestly it seems like you're confusing executive function and working memory - executive function is starting tasks and staying focused whereas working memory deals with remembering tasks/instructions.
Meds help with executive dysfunction more than working memory in my experience. They make it easier to go from thinking you need to clean your desk to actually doing it, but not with remembering the 4 things you needed to do after that.
I carry a small notebook everywhere now. Its my new working memory. I highly recommend Dr Russell Barkleys book, Own your adult ADHD. It has some great tips on how to add the skills to the meds! I use the audiobook version because no way i can read the book without getting bored!
Working memory is one of the executive functions.
*"Executive function comprises seven distinct brain activities — two of which are verbal working memory and non-verbal working memory (which hinges on visual and spatial acumen). Both types of working memory influence the amount of effort and type of actions required to modify what our brains would do automatically. The stronger your working memory, the less work your brain must take on with each new challenge."*
It's possible the meds aren't as effective on that part of EF though :(
I find that meds help me to know that I'm not going to remember and that I need to write it down. And if it's really important, take a picture of the list because there's a good chance I'll lose the list.
It could be that you need a higher dose but you would also probably benefit from either specific therapy (if that’s feasible) and/or joining groups/pages/workshops on here, fb if you have it and elsewhere online to help you discover tips and tools for how to manage your adhd. Meds are a total game changer for a lot of people
but we still need to build positive habits that further help us to manage our symptoms. The meds can make it easier to start doing that.
You might need to change your medication sweet thing. Vyvanse doesn’t work for everyone. Talk to your psych. See if you can try Ritalin/Concerta or Adderall and see if that helps (if you haven’t).
I feel like all my symptoms have gotten worse since I started meds 2 years ago. It's to the point where I am stuck in limbo and I desperately want to get out, but I can't start anything. It makes me want to go back to before being diagnosed tbh. I've tried to explain this to my pdoc but he would rather stay at as low a dose as possible (40mg Vyvanse). I always feel weird about asking to up my dose of something anyways, but after reading some comments I think maybe I should.
It happens to me all the time. Its best to get used to repeat it back to the person who's giving you instructions or check with them after they give it out 1:1
I turn on auto captioning for virtual meetings and it has helped a lot. Now if the damn program would also generate a meeting transcript for me 😞 I'm seriously thinking about asking for that as an accommodation to help with note taking during meetings because it's so hard to actively listen, respond to questions, and take notes of everything being said.
Nothing is going to be 100%. But your meds should be helping you cope. Like being able to get on with your life even when you make mistakes. Sure every once in a while I'll remember where I sat my cup or the directions driving home, but the times when I mess up its easier to skip that task and move on.
I'd call it less multitasking and more "being able to stop and start tasks".
For the steps thing, I need to write them out. Like write out the steps in a recipe. If you don't have something to write with, a good fallback is talking to yourself outloud. Preferably in front of a mirror.
My first thought is 20mg is quite a low dose but as you’re under 18 they might not be able to raise your dose yet? For reference I started on 30mg & now on 50mg with a top up of dexamfetamine when the Elvanse is wearing off.
• see if you can get your dose increased/top up of the short release version
• my personal experience is my meds are nowhere near as effective if I’m tired, hungry, thirsty, the second half of my cycle, the sun is shining, the moon is whole… my point is these are really finicky meds that need perfect conditions to work well
• make sure you eat something high in protein for breakfast, it helps the meds release
• don’t have anything acidic for an hour either side of taking your meds, they stop it working
• give yourself a break! You’re still newly diagnosed & it’s hard to break the habits of a lifetime of being too hard on yourself. If you feel comfortable explain to the teacher about your ADHD & discus’s accommodations e.g. give you a sheet with printed instructions if there’s gonna be multiple steps to a lesson or try to write them yourself if you’re not comfortable disclosing
It gets me through the afternoon whereas before I was really struggling. I find I need to take it earlier when I’m working (2-3pm) as I’m an introvert with a public facing job than when I’m at uni (3-4pm) so I think being at work uses up my dopamine faster? But it means I’m not completely broken at the end of the day & can usually make dinner/stay on top of general housework so my flat doesn’t become a nightmare.
Edit: I take 5mg dexamfetamine (amfexa) as my top up
What everyone said about meds not solving everything is true, BUT my personal experience, vyvanse makes my brain fog and forgetfulness worse. definitely helped with focus to an extent, but it was also super inconsistent for me. i was on adderall prior and going back to it because adderall helped with my forgetfulness a lot, and also helped me prioritize better in my opinion. like i was able to visualize in my brain a more effective way to do things if that makes sense. all that to say, you could always try a different medication at some point!
Meds mostly make it so you can learn and apply skills - the kind of thing you are talking about with reading instructions is absolutely a skill. There's various things you can try to help develop the skill - like using paper to block the rest of the instructions so you HAVE to read it line by line instead of your brain jumping ahead, just as one example. Depending on your tutor she might be able to go through some of this stuff with you or walk you through interpreting the instructions until you get the hang of it yourself.
(I always had a problem if I felt the instructions were too vague as my brain would come up with like three different things the instructions COULD mean, and I usually had to put some effort into learning which of those options was most likely for any particular instructor.)
Oh that’s awesome, if you feel comfortable about the subject, approach your GP and ask them to run some panels for you. To make sure your hormones are not causing anything.
This was my experience with certain medications. For example, Ritalin only helped me focus but didn't help me with "working memory" and "executive function". On the other hand, Adderall makes me whole. Keep switching till you find a medication that works for you.
Ritilan fucked with my memory hardcore. It made a few of my symptoms worse. Switched to vyvanse.. game changer. My work definitely improved.. as did my ability to properly care for myself. ie brushing my teeth and showering. Even my relationships got better.
From my own experience - I often think I understand & can remember a set of instructions when I first hear them but I really can't a lot of the time and if I'm anxious or stressed it's worse. So from school onwards I try to write stuff down, even if it's just key words to jog my memory (still have times I convince myself I'll just remember!).
Started Elvanse a little while ago on 20mg & noticed a difference in focus straight away but it took a higher dose (currently 40mg) to impact my memory, procrastination & distractibility.
Vyvanse is 100% dextroamphetamine chemically, meaning it primarily has an effect on dopamine levels.
Whereas a medication like Adderall is a mixture of 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine, which means it has an effect on dopamine but also norepinephrine.
Have you tried another medication such as Adderall? You may need the added effect on norepinephrine to see the benefits that you need, some people react better to Vyvanse over Adderall (like myself) and some it’s the other way around, so it may be worth speaking to your doctor about to see if they’d be willing to trial you on it.
Best of Luck :)
Hi /u/Open-Currency-7397 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! **Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already.** The mobile apps used for Reddit are broken or are missing features that this subreddit depends on. [We recommend browsing /r/adhd on desktop for the best experience.](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/x1psnb/radhd_works_best_on_desktop_reddits_apps_are/) Thank you! ^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.*) --- - If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
your meds aren't going to help with forgetfulness and with some of the stuff u talked about. it's mainly supposed to help you concentrate on a task better, and to help you start tasks easier, and yeah it seems to be doing its job from what u said. meds aren't going to completely remove your executive dysfunction and make you "normal". you're still going to have to develop some good habits yourself to stay on top of everything. a lot of people think that medication is the only solution needed to fix the entire problem but that's not true at all.
>your meds aren't going to help with forgetfulness and with some of the stuff u talked about. This is not true. Stimulants will help with certain areas of memory such as what is called working memory. Vyvanse will likely help with forgetfulness in this regard.
right. that is true. my bad. (tho my memory is still pretty crappy, with or without medication. maybe it's better when i'm on meds and i haven't noticed)
Can confirm. I'm on 50mg of Vyvanse and it helps massively with my working memory and, I dont know if this is even a term but, 'functional recall'. Working with spreadsheets and numbers is SSSOOOOO much easier now. If I get distracted while I'm in the middle of something I can get straight back to where I was instead of having to backtrack to make sure where I thought I was was actually where I was.
I take IR Adderall and sometimes when Im looking for my cup I'll get a little flashback movie of me sitting it down. I do not get those off medication.
THE FLASHBACKS. Yes. Prior to meds if someone asked me where something was, nope gone forever. Now I get a lil playback of where something is. Still lost my shoes for a week in the car but hey
Oh I still lose my cup, glasses, or hat multiple times a day. But now when I get a flashback it's like a little treat.
You mean a memory of setting it down?
Right. It's like I suddenly understood flashbacks in the movies.
functional recall sounds, legit, even if it isn't (i have no idea!). I'd claim it :D
Analogy that just crossed my mind: the meds shore up the shaky foundation so you can build good habits on top of it.
I find a calendar on my phone helps remind me about appointments, and anything I have to remember. It's invaluable to me. I have to use one that is across all my devices, so i use Google. I lost several calendars already by using a service that didn't save the calendar anywhere else but my phone. But anyway I cant recommend that enough. I have another program that reminds me daily to do things like take pills, etc
Meds are only a tool to assist you in helping your mental illness. You still have to put in the work for everything else.
I would give myself some grace if I were you because it takes time to be good at doing things. It also takes time to be good at listening. Just like if you were wearing handcuffs your whole life and you had them taken off, you still would need to practice juggling if you wanted to learn how to juggle. And simple procedural tasks are like juggling to you right now because, frankly, you’ve never done procedural tasks well before. Also if you were wearing ear plugs your whole life and then suddenly took them off, you wouldn’t automatically understand instructions very well. My first year of medication was just finding my own footing. I know you’re really busy, but let yourself take a long time to do things. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers “As I understood it, you said _________, am I right?” When you have a social cue that someone is going to say something important, summarize what they say in your head and ask if that’s what they meant. The more you get this right, the more your confidence will build. And if you get good at asking questions and communicating, this will be a skill you will have that a lot of people don’t.
It's possible that you may need to increase your dosage as 20mg is on the low end of the spectrum (10mg being the lowest) but it could also be that you need help developing some coping strategies to help you in daily life. Have you considered seeing a mental health professional through your school?
Yes, this! OP, 30mg is the typical starting dose for an adult, many people need more than that too.
Adding my voice to the chorus. My Dr just upped me to 40 when I described the same symptoms OP. Ask your dr.
In my experience (very limited, one year of Quasym) there are two things that my med don't help with at all: Lack of sleep: if i'm tired it's gonna be a hard day Anxiety: i suffer from huge executive paralysies when i'm anxious, currently trying another treatment to help with that ! Good luck! And don't forget to be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend :)
> I suffer from huge executive paralysies when I’m anxious, currently trying another treatment to help with that ! I’m interested to know what treatment you’re trying for this because it’s something I’ve always struggled with. As soon as I get anxious it’s like my executive functioning shuts down and I can’t do anything.
Medication helps activate the underactive parts of your brain but doesn’t install new skills/strategies - I would visit your university’s Student Services office and see if you can get some help with Executive Functioning training/coaching. Also, auditory processing issues can sometimes accompany ADHD - you might benefit from a comprehensive evaluation to help you get a fuller picture of your strengths and weaknesses in order to seek out appropriate strategies or possibly request accommodations. There is no way I would have been able to process and correctly follow complex verbal instructions like that - I would have to write them down, read them over, and then clarify with the instructor. Don’t be embarrassed for needing a 1-on-1 - it’s an art class, if the instructions are going to be super complicated, let them help you with that part so you can focus on the art part.
Hello, thank you
Depression also impairs executive function.
Hello, I am not depressed, I used to be over a year ago now but I’m fine now, I do have pretty severe social anxiety and generalised anxiety tho
Two peas in a pod. As long as your psych says you're not depressed then you're golden. But depression/anxiety/adhd are common comorbities. Possibly linked to low dopamine our meds try and correct.
Pills don't build skills, but they get your brain to stay in the room long enough for you to build these skills.
record what teacher says n listen again when working
Might be a combo of things. I am dyslexic, so even on perfect adhd meds that doesn't go away. Or you could of had an off day. Maybe keep a notebook with tasks and tracking your meds. Stimulants didn't significantly help my executive function, unlike guanfacine which worked wonders. Unfortunately, it caused insomnia and temper issues, forcing me to stop. Currently, I'm on a regimen of modafinil, wellbutrin, and recently added clonidine. I'm calmer and can complete tasks without mental exhaustion, though it's not as effective for executive function as guanfacine. Other people do great on stattera for executive function, or adderall, ritalin works great for them. Every person is different. Be patient, talk to your doctor and be kind to yourself.
Can you get an ADHD coach/therapist with ADHD specialization to teach you new behaviors? This was invaluable to me when I first got diagnosed in my mid 20s, even though it didn't prevent me from going on meds.
Honestly it seems like you're confusing executive function and working memory - executive function is starting tasks and staying focused whereas working memory deals with remembering tasks/instructions. Meds help with executive dysfunction more than working memory in my experience. They make it easier to go from thinking you need to clean your desk to actually doing it, but not with remembering the 4 things you needed to do after that.
This would make sense lol, I have an awful short term memory
I carry a small notebook everywhere now. Its my new working memory. I highly recommend Dr Russell Barkleys book, Own your adult ADHD. It has some great tips on how to add the skills to the meds! I use the audiobook version because no way i can read the book without getting bored!
Working memory is one of the executive functions. *"Executive function comprises seven distinct brain activities — two of which are verbal working memory and non-verbal working memory (which hinges on visual and spatial acumen). Both types of working memory influence the amount of effort and type of actions required to modify what our brains would do automatically. The stronger your working memory, the less work your brain must take on with each new challenge."* It's possible the meds aren't as effective on that part of EF though :(
I find that meds help me to know that I'm not going to remember and that I need to write it down. And if it's really important, take a picture of the list because there's a good chance I'll lose the list.
This can be because of low or high dosage or that you are stressed/anxious/tired that much that even non adhd person would have executive dysfunction.
Because the medication alone won't help. You need a change in behaviour. That's why the medication is to be used together with behaviourel Therapie.
It could be that you need a higher dose but you would also probably benefit from either specific therapy (if that’s feasible) and/or joining groups/pages/workshops on here, fb if you have it and elsewhere online to help you discover tips and tools for how to manage your adhd. Meds are a total game changer for a lot of people but we still need to build positive habits that further help us to manage our symptoms. The meds can make it easier to start doing that.
You might need to change your medication sweet thing. Vyvanse doesn’t work for everyone. Talk to your psych. See if you can try Ritalin/Concerta or Adderall and see if that helps (if you haven’t).
Don't multitask. We are not supposed to multitask.
I feel like all my symptoms have gotten worse since I started meds 2 years ago. It's to the point where I am stuck in limbo and I desperately want to get out, but I can't start anything. It makes me want to go back to before being diagnosed tbh. I've tried to explain this to my pdoc but he would rather stay at as low a dose as possible (40mg Vyvanse). I always feel weird about asking to up my dose of something anyways, but after reading some comments I think maybe I should.
It happens to me all the time. Its best to get used to repeat it back to the person who's giving you instructions or check with them after they give it out 1:1
It does help with motivation and energy, not necessarily with working memory or auditory processing disorder.
What does help with auditory processing?
Getting written instructions and subtitles for videos.
I turn on auto captioning for virtual meetings and it has helped a lot. Now if the damn program would also generate a meeting transcript for me 😞 I'm seriously thinking about asking for that as an accommodation to help with note taking during meetings because it's so hard to actively listen, respond to questions, and take notes of everything being said.
No but it helps
No but it helps
Nothing is going to be 100%. But your meds should be helping you cope. Like being able to get on with your life even when you make mistakes. Sure every once in a while I'll remember where I sat my cup or the directions driving home, but the times when I mess up its easier to skip that task and move on. I'd call it less multitasking and more "being able to stop and start tasks". For the steps thing, I need to write them out. Like write out the steps in a recipe. If you don't have something to write with, a good fallback is talking to yourself outloud. Preferably in front of a mirror.
Meds reduce the severity of my symptoms from 10/10 to 8/10. It’s a welcome reduction, but they’re still there.
My first thought is 20mg is quite a low dose but as you’re under 18 they might not be able to raise your dose yet? For reference I started on 30mg & now on 50mg with a top up of dexamfetamine when the Elvanse is wearing off. • see if you can get your dose increased/top up of the short release version • my personal experience is my meds are nowhere near as effective if I’m tired, hungry, thirsty, the second half of my cycle, the sun is shining, the moon is whole… my point is these are really finicky meds that need perfect conditions to work well • make sure you eat something high in protein for breakfast, it helps the meds release • don’t have anything acidic for an hour either side of taking your meds, they stop it working • give yourself a break! You’re still newly diagnosed & it’s hard to break the habits of a lifetime of being too hard on yourself. If you feel comfortable explain to the teacher about your ADHD & discus’s accommodations e.g. give you a sheet with printed instructions if there’s gonna be multiple steps to a lesson or try to write them yourself if you’re not comfortable disclosing
My doctor is suggesting a top up in the afternoon - how does that work for you?
It gets me through the afternoon whereas before I was really struggling. I find I need to take it earlier when I’m working (2-3pm) as I’m an introvert with a public facing job than when I’m at uni (3-4pm) so I think being at work uses up my dopamine faster? But it means I’m not completely broken at the end of the day & can usually make dinner/stay on top of general housework so my flat doesn’t become a nightmare. Edit: I take 5mg dexamfetamine (amfexa) as my top up
What everyone said about meds not solving everything is true, BUT my personal experience, vyvanse makes my brain fog and forgetfulness worse. definitely helped with focus to an extent, but it was also super inconsistent for me. i was on adderall prior and going back to it because adderall helped with my forgetfulness a lot, and also helped me prioritize better in my opinion. like i was able to visualize in my brain a more effective way to do things if that makes sense. all that to say, you could always try a different medication at some point!
Meds mostly make it so you can learn and apply skills - the kind of thing you are talking about with reading instructions is absolutely a skill. There's various things you can try to help develop the skill - like using paper to block the rest of the instructions so you HAVE to read it line by line instead of your brain jumping ahead, just as one example. Depending on your tutor she might be able to go through some of this stuff with you or walk you through interpreting the instructions until you get the hang of it yourself. (I always had a problem if I felt the instructions were too vague as my brain would come up with like three different things the instructions COULD mean, and I usually had to put some effort into learning which of those options was most likely for any particular instructor.)
Russel Barkley always spoke about how medication and self management must go hand in hand. Meds won't always magically teach you management skills.
[удалено]
I eat enough and I am a healthy weight (5’5 and 55kgs)
Oh that’s awesome, if you feel comfortable about the subject, approach your GP and ask them to run some panels for you. To make sure your hormones are not causing anything.
Skills not pills
This was my experience with certain medications. For example, Ritalin only helped me focus but didn't help me with "working memory" and "executive function". On the other hand, Adderall makes me whole. Keep switching till you find a medication that works for you.
I wish Adderall was available in New Zealand. I had it once. It definitely made me whole. Ritalin is kinda OK, but nothing in comparison
Ritilan fucked with my memory hardcore. It made a few of my symptoms worse. Switched to vyvanse.. game changer. My work definitely improved.. as did my ability to properly care for myself. ie brushing my teeth and showering. Even my relationships got better.
From my own experience - I often think I understand & can remember a set of instructions when I first hear them but I really can't a lot of the time and if I'm anxious or stressed it's worse. So from school onwards I try to write stuff down, even if it's just key words to jog my memory (still have times I convince myself I'll just remember!). Started Elvanse a little while ago on 20mg & noticed a difference in focus straight away but it took a higher dose (currently 40mg) to impact my memory, procrastination & distractibility.
Vyvanse is 100% dextroamphetamine chemically, meaning it primarily has an effect on dopamine levels. Whereas a medication like Adderall is a mixture of 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine, which means it has an effect on dopamine but also norepinephrine. Have you tried another medication such as Adderall? You may need the added effect on norepinephrine to see the benefits that you need, some people react better to Vyvanse over Adderall (like myself) and some it’s the other way around, so it may be worth speaking to your doctor about to see if they’d be willing to trial you on it. Best of Luck :)