Understanding Why My ADHD Medication Makes Me Sleepy
I’m a 24-year-old female, weighing 225 lbs, currently on several medications: Zoloft at 100 mg once daily, Buspirone 30 mg three times a day as needed, Propranolol XR at 80 mg daily for migraine prevention, Rizatriptan 10 mg as needed, and Vyvanse at 50 mg. Additionally, I take Iron and Vitamin D supplements. I had a C-section six months ago and deal with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and migraines with aura. To get to the point, I’m puzzled about why I feel so sleepy after I take my Vyvanse. Typically, I consume this 50 mg dose accompanied by a protein bar and coffee, but within an hour, I become incredibly drowsy and often need to lie down for a nap. After resting, the medication seems to be still working, but I can’t figure out why this drowsiness occurs. Initially, when I began my Vyvanse treatment, I used to feel energized—different from how I feel now. Can anyone shed light on why this might be happening? I’m just really confused about this change in my experience.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 4:00:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing unexpected drowsiness after taking your Vyvanse, which can be confusing, especially since you initially felt energized. Let’s break this down to understand potential reasons and what steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can cause different effects over time.
- Interaction with other medications or changes in your health may contribute to drowsiness.
- Monitoring symptoms and making changes to your routine may help.
Explanation:
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD. While it often increases alertness and focus, some individuals may experience drowsiness instead. This can happen for several reasons:
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Tolerance: Over time, your body may adapt to the medication. Initially, it may stimulate you, but continued use can lead to diminished effects.
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Medication Interactions: Other medications you are taking, such as Zoloft (an antidepressant) or Buspirone (an anti-anxiety medication), may interact and contribute to fatigue.
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Sleep Patterns: If you've been having disrupted sleep or other lifestyle changes (like caring for a newborn after your C-section), it might affect your energy levels.
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Diet and Intake Timing: Sometimes, what you eat before taking medication can influence how it affects you. High sugar or heavy meals may lead to a crash afterward.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when you take Vyvanse and any accompanying symptoms, including your sleep quality and daily energy levels. Tracking this for a week may reveal patterns.
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Evaluate Lifestyle Factors: Ensure you're maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating balanced meals throughout the day, and managing stress levels effectively, which can all impact your overall energy.
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Reassess Medications: Consider discussing your experience with your prescribing physician. They can evaluate potential interactions or adjust dosages to better suit your needs.
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Diet Consideration: Experiment with what you're eating before taking Vyvanse. Consider lighter meals that are balanced with protein and healthy fats instead of just a protein bar and coffee.
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Hydration and Physical Activity: Staying hydrated and incorporating moderate physical activity may help boost your energy levels and counteract drowsiness.
It's normal to feel puzzled about changes in how you respond to medications. Remember, these feelings are valid, and you're not alone in this experience. If changes in routine or monitoring symptoms don't help, definitely reach out for professional advice to tailor your treatment better. Let me know if you have further questions!
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