Are My Aduvanz Effects Due to the Medication?
**Age**: 19 **Gender**: Female **Height**: 159 cm (5'3") **Weight**: 47 kg (103 lbs) **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Nationalities**: Norwegian/Spanish **Diagnosis**: ADHD **Medication**: Aduvanz (60 mg), occasional alcohol use, significant nicotine dependence (smoking and pouches), rare marijuana use. **Duration of Symptoms**: 1-2 months, progressively worsening. No additional diagnoses or medications reported. I find myself in a dilemma, questioning whether the sensations I’m experiencing are truly side effects of Aduvanz or if they stem from other factors, possibly even amplifying each other. To give you some context, I have a history of intermittent episodes lasting a few months during which I feel somewhat uneasy and, at times, “depressed.” Despite feeling this way, I often find myself bursting with energy but in an anxious manner. During those moments, I tend to develop a compulsion to restrict my food intake, resembling a temporary eating disorder, along with an urge to avoid sleep. In November, I began taking Aduvanz, starting with a dosage of 30 mg before quickly escalating to 40 mg, where I remained until early February. This timeframe coincided perfectly with the resurgence of my unsettling feelings, albeit initially mild enough for me to overlook. I did notice a significant increase in my energy levels throughout the day, as well as an uptick in side effects. Initially, I viewed these occurrences as separate events, but gradually the issues of decreased appetite, insomnia, and a sense of mental instability began to dominate. About a week ago, I had a realization regarding the extent of the side effects I was encountering and that my overall productivity wasn't as high as I had hoped. I started keeping a journal last week to monitor how I was feeling daily, grading my symptoms on a scale from 0-10. The fluctuations are quite pronounced; while some effects are bothersome, others aren’t as troubling but still distract me. My experience varies significantly — some days I’m productive and feel fine, while on others, I struggle to function at all. My appetite drastically changes too; on certain days I manage to eat properly, but there are times I consume nothing at all. Recently, I was compelled to eat against my will, which triggered discomfort, especially considering my food issues. Anxiety levels also fluctuate, oscillating between overwhelming and completely manageable. I’m reaching out to determine whether this variability is a common aspect associated with this medication. Am I possibly taking too high of a dose? Might these side effects be influenced by accumulated caffeine, irregular eating habits, or even excessive thirst? Is there a connection among all these factors? Could my current state be a direct consequence of the medication, or is it effective but impacted by other external factors? I would greatly appreciate any guidance on how to navigate these concerns while not jeopardizing my academic responsibilities, especially given my current pressing deadlines.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 8:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex mix of symptoms that could be influenced by your medication, Aduvanz, as well as your lifestyle and psychological state. It's great to see you taking proactive steps, like keeping a symptom journal to track how you're feeling.
Key Points:
- Potential Side Effects of Aduvanz: Common side effects of Aduvanz, which contains lisdexamfetamine, can include decreased appetite, insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Lifestyle Factors: Your caffeine intake, eating patterns, and use of nicotine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and mood fluctuations.
- Variable Symptoms: Fluctuations in how you feel could suggest that your symptoms are indeed influenced by both the medication and the lifestyle choices you’ve described.
Explanation: Aduvanz, like other stimulant medications used for ADHD, can lead to increased energy levels but also side effects such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes. The feelings of unease you’re experiencing could be a side effect or a reflection of underlying anxiety triggers, which might be worsened by your usage of caffeine, smoking, or irregular eating habits. Mood variations can be common as well, especially when adjusting to new medication.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Medication Effects: Continue to keep track of your daily symptoms and how they correlate with your medication intake, food consumption, caffeine, and nicotine usage.
- Evaluate Caffeine and Nicotine: If you're consuming caffeine regularly, consider reducing it, as it can increase anxiety and interfere with sleep. Likewise, think about the effects of smoking; nicotine does impact mood and could be contributing to your symptoms as well.
- Focus on Eating Regularly: Try to establish regular meal patterns that include balanced nutrition. Even small, frequent meals may help stabilize your appetite and energy levels.
- Assess Playtime for Sleep: Prioritize sleep hygiene, creating a bedtime routine that encourages relaxation, like dimming lights or reading a book, to improve your sleep quality.
- Check-in with a Healthcare Professional: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing your experiences with your healthcare provider. They might evaluate your medication dosage or suggest an alternative strategy for managing symptoms effectively, especially in light of your significant academic responsibilities.
You're doing a significant job by tracking your symptoms and seeking clarity; it’s important to stay engaged with what works for you. Let me know if you need more tailored advice or support in any specific area.
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