My Experience Taking Elvanse | Xaggitin Comparison | Lisdexamfetamine ADHD Medication

How I've found making the switch from Xaggitin to Elvanse.
Since filming this video I've been on Elvanse for 6 weeks in total. The only thing that I would add is that my appetite is completely unaffected!
Disclaimer: Please be aware this is my personal experience and you should speak to a professional before making any decisions.
You can follow me on Instagram @she_has_adhd 🤍
Leave me a message if you have any questions x

[@mrtommyP80]

I was a person that I had lots of energy and struggled to focus my energy to one task without feeling rushed, elvanse has helped me feel calm and let's me off load the right about of energy to a task, helped with my highs and lows,

[@Godshole]

Ollie Edward is documenting his journey and he makes quite a few very informative videos of what to expect. One thing he talks about it the euphoria (honeymoon period) for the first weeks, or even months of taking Elvanse and how you can find yourself chasing that feeling by upping the dose. It's important to live with a dose for a period of time before you chop and change so that not only can your body get used to the changes but your brain chemistry and neuropathways have time to adapt as well as your behavioural adjustments. I am 3 months in and for the last month have been on 40mg, starting with 30 for 2 months. There is a change but what is completely baffling me is as it wears off about 4 or 5 hours after taking it I get cravings for SOMETHING / ANYTHING and believe me if I knew what that something was I would be at it by the bucket full!! Hoping when I see the Psyc in September I can up the dose, or even split the 40 /20 (or30) later in the day and not be chasing this craving round the house for half the day. Hats off to you for all the other things you are working on for yourself to improve and manage your life. Keep at it Sian. Linking to Ollie Here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJqVqZ6Xi7ygi6s

[@lizcaddy6316]

Thank you so much for your videos, it’s really helpful as I’m on the start of my journey with ADHD in finding the right medication.

[@SianKatie]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found them useful. Good luck with your meds journey! 🤍

[@onehiccup]

Thank you for the video. Will be starting Elvanse soon, and it's nice to hear your experience with taking it (pros and cons).

[@SianKatie]

You’re welcome, so glad you found it useful. I hope it works for you! I still feel like I’m better on it than Xaggitin because I’m more myself but also very chaotic if I don’t take it 😬

[@martinogold]

What you have said gives me hope, I started taking Elvanse today. Thanks.

[@SianKatie]

Good luck on your journey!

[@anthonygrundy6318]

Interesting video, thanks for sharing. I’ve just taken my last 50mg Elvanse today and I’ll start on Xaggitin XL tomorrow. I’d noticed some benefits on Elvanse but I still have a busy head and still can’t start tasks. The dry mouth was awful but subsided quickly. The first few days I was also so sleepy, as if I took sleeping pills but again that subsided too. I have overall had better sleep. Looking forward to Xaggitin, fingers crossed this is the right fit for me.

[@sharkeys]

Have gone from 40mg to 60mg (which I pick up tomorrow). After a whole month or so on 40mg I can honestly say it actually works, whereas Xaggatin did nothing for me. However the effects are so short lived for a slow release tablet that it still isn't much help for me. Fingers crossed. Keep up the vids you've helped me a ton already and its a great resource for people yet to go through medication for ADHD

[@SianKatie]

Will have to get an update on how you’re finding being on 60mg. Will message you on Insta 🤍

[@jophillipsillustration]

Thanks for sharing x

[@jermainejennings1514]

Thanks for sharing!

[@unfairy333]

thank you for the vid

[@kenzashenna]

Whilst I felt like nothing really happened to me with methylphenidate (medikinet), the first day of elvanse adult i finally had the "medicated" experience so many youtubers spoke about.. A clear head, focus, no rushing thoughts of worry, anxiety and ideas... Oh, and thirst/sweat lol. But it's also summer. Sooo. I had work that day, and my job is pretty redundant. Type in data, interpret that data, write a report. I work in psychological diagnostics (which is how I discovered my adhd btw). So like the least stimulating, and a very attention/concentration focused task. That never bothered me though since I work in a small office with very nice colleagues so we usually chat throughout the day, and when we don't feel like it, we each put in headphones and listen to audiobooks, podcasts whatever. That makes it enjoyable and I get to finish my reading goals, and my focus is better when multitasking. And today, after an hour of work, I suddenly realised that I wasn't listening to anything!! Hadn't started a podcast, was just working. All that was in my head was the numbers as I was typing each one in. I think that counts as a successful medical trial 😅 as I'm typing now I'm realising im having a hard type replying to my friend in the phone. Usually I do three, four things at once. I type, think, listen... Now I need to actively do one thing or the other. It's like I'm a horse wearing those flaps that cover their eyes so they can only look straight ahead. I hated being interrupted at work today because I was so scared of loosing my flow as I usually would, but I could go straight back in, no inner conflict bc of lack of dopamine. Whaaat. It wasn't like that on methylphenidate at all. I just felt normal, and jibbery with a racing heart 😅 Honestly the biggest benefit is the focus. I'm still forgetful, but I finally have energy to get up and do something, and not stop until I'm done, no matter how far away the deadline is. I am usually overzealous, taking on anything else I want, not being able to say no to others for new projects. Today I JUST wanted to do one thing, and finish that thing. So that was amazing. But I am TIRED. My body has to get used to it I guess, and I'll try to update you all here how it goes the next few weeks. I have exams coming up and the library environment might be different to workplace. 😊🎉 I also have the jaw clenching and dry mouth issue and I hope that will subside.. The dry mouth was worse with methylphenidate though. And I don't chew my nails anymore like I did unmedicated which is amazing! Aside from that I have huge cravings for dopamine after 8-10 hours (I re-downloaded tiktok which is shouldn't have, kept me up til 6 am.. 😢 Adhd's worst frenemy). And my hunger is COMPLETELY gone. I've eaten twice in the past 48 hours, a lunch that I had to force myself. It's so weird. I love food but I don't feel like it anymore. Then again I know elvanse is used to treat binge eating disorders... But logically I had thought that would come back when it wears off haha. I'm waiting for my menstrual cycle still, interesting to see how that affects it.

[@ianhenderson589]

You are looking good my dear. Thanks for the video.

[@georgiacopley]

I just came across this video whilst researching xaggitin. I have been on it for 3 weeks now and was wondering if elvanse is worth asking about as I'm experiencing a couple of debilitating side effects. Your video has validated so much of what I've been experiencing! I'm also with psychiatry UK so that's a bonus. Thank you for sharing your journey!!

[@SianKatie]

Hey thanks for sharing your experience, just a tip, keep on top of your psych contact with P-U.K. I've been discharged now and wish I had been more pro-active so I'd got to try more meds before they discharged me. Now I'm back with NHS and they refuse to change my meds so I'm currently not taking any.

[@georgiacopley]

@@SianKatie heya! I'm so sorry you had that experience. I'm currently in my first week of starting Elvanse after having an awful time on Xaggitin. I really like my PUK nurse/prescriber and she's been pretty helpful. I did have to advocate for myself just how debilitating these side effects were as initially she kept saying "it's normal in the beginning"

[@SianKatie]

I guess it can be hard for them too because it’s such a unique experience for each patient. Definitely requires a lot of self direction and time. I haven’t ruled out meds forever but would like to try a non stimulant next

[@louiseanne830]

Thanks for making I just started Xaggitin with Psychiatry UK too and have seen other good reviews of Elvanyse so curious whether to try both

[@SianKatie]

Thanks for watching! Yeah they’re quite different from each other. I feel like upon reflection Xaggitin worked better for focus in the short term I just don’t know if it’s beneficial to take long term.

[@FusionRush4LIFE]

the jaw lock is bad yeah, but what u expect when taking a stim ey....ive been on 70mgs since MARCH this year, and its changed my life. but hurt my tounge, teeth, and jaw mainly, so i wear a mouth guard now at night, all is well :) !

[@asniffer6532]

My personal opinion is that Jaw clinch is one of the signs that the dose is a bit more than you need for your body. The drug should be subtle. Even if you think it's not working, it's. After a while using the drug they will go away but all you are doing it's making your body adapt to already an higher dose. Anxiety also is another sympton. Racing heart as well. On people with AHDH, the amphetamine works differente, in neurotypicals, they get a rush, as for us who have the disorder, we feel calm. I can even lay down on my bed and chill with Elvanse, while on no Med, my whole life and thoughts keeps popping non stop in my head.

[@SianKatie]

Yeah I do think I can see the benefit upon reflection but it's the lack of appetite for me, I got sick of not eating.

[@NoName-ug9hf]

Hi Sian, I’m switching to elvanse tomorrow (from Xagattin) and wanted to understand if you’re experience of using elvanse was overall better than the other? I ask because the effect of a new drug for first few weeks while on titration might be different to the effects of it after taking it for a sustained period of time. Do you personally prefer one more than the other for focus and distract-ability?

[@mccannger]

Would definitely be interested in hearing how you go to with 50mg. Also curious if you’ve noticed any difference in emotional regulation on Elvanse? Of course it might not be an issue for you. For me I’ve a hair trigger and am hoping it really helps when I start it in near future. Thank you for these videos, they’re very interesting 👍

[@SianKatie]

Hey, so I only did a week on 50mg and it didn't go well for me at all. It's possible other factors had an impact on my extreme moods and lack of appetite too but yeah, I don't think I'll be making the switch to 50mg again anytime soon. The emotional regulation one is so difficult to judge but I would like to say I've been a bit better since taking Elvanse at having that second to question my reaction before it comes out. I'm also having a lot of therapy at the moment and I think that's having a huge effect. Wishing you all the best for when you start Elvanse!

[@mccannger]

@@SianKatie cheers for your reply. I’ve gone from 20 to 30 to 50 to 70. Really, really not feeling much difference! Per a video on youtube on the subject of how you know meds are working: “when they’re working you’ll just know!” I experienced that for a few days when I started 50mg when I was incredibly productive and able to focus for hours. However that faded pretty quickly and now I’m lucky if I get anything in terms of focus. Surely I can’t have built tolerance within a few weeks use? I tried a short med holiday over the weekend and when I started back, no additional effects! Think I’m going to ask to switch from elvanse/amphetamines to concerta/methylphenidate! There is info online that for some folks one family of meds just doesn’t really work. I’m thinking the amphetamines family doesn’t work for me! Time will tell… Nothing to lose and everything to gain!

[@SianKatie]

If you’ve been up to 70 and still not feeling the benefit I definitely think you’d benefit trying something new. I can still feel the effects on 40mg but it will depend on your body but it’s worth trying something else. 😌

[@ryanhitchcock2585]

Hi Sian! Thank you very much for this video - very insightful! I'm just about to begin my treatment with Elvanse. I have a question, I love coffee.... especially first thing in the morning, have you noticed any negative interactions between caffeine and elvanse? Regarding the recall of numbers etc., that may be a strength of ADHD... I find it hard to purposely memorise things but every so often, random numbers and details stick with me... for example, I once looked at a wifi code and can still recall it to this day... However, I cannot control when this happens... Hoping Elvanse can help me figure that one out!

[@SianKatie]

Hey Ryan! Thank you for watching! Ah, so it's hard to judge this because it's hard to pinpoint the factors but... this morning I did have a normal coffee that wasn't decaf about an hour after taking 30mg Elvanse and by time I'd finished my porridge my heart was beating out my chest, it only lasted seconds but very unusual. So I'd say yes, try to switch to decaf if you can! I can relate to that haha! I can remember something I made a bet to remember when I was 13 but not the conversations I had yesterday haha. Elvanse has really had a significant positive impact on my ability to remember things at work. Good luck with your journey!

[@ryanbthiesant2307]

Thank you.

[@hossap3067]

I had the same strange experience with the numbers while I was on Atomoxetine. It felt good actually.

[@chloegem2734]

Ryan try drinking your morning coffee 30 mins to an hour before taking your Elvanse with food.

[@ryanhitchcock2585]

@@chloegem2734 Hi Chloe, I've worked it out. I take my Vyvanse first thing in the morning and head out walking about a half hour later. I don't have coffee until an hour to two hours after taking the vyvanse and I'm tolerating it all perfectly now

[@alanmassie1585]

Iv just taken my first 20mg been using weed since 16 I'm now 35 was on ritalin to start with as a child then went on to concerta I stopped the meds at 16 I'm now fed up with using weed as it only keeps me chilled I'm hoping this medication will help me come off weed and better my life and make me want to do more as I realized the weed made me do less but at the time it was my rage that I couldn't control and weed just help so much with that but the ADHD is so much more than that and it's taken me a long time to even acknowledge it I used to think I grew out of it and ignored it thinking back on my life I see now the effect my ADHD has had on my life and Iv decided I need to do something about it so I called the doctor and got diagnosed again and they have started me on Elvanse 20mg so I'm now looking in to the effects I like the sound of it so far from what you've said how long was it till you noticed the drug take effect

[@SianKatie]

That seems to be a pattern young people fall into to manage their symptoms and it makes sense when you don't fully understand your body, your mind or your sense of self at that young age. I think you're doing an admirable thing trying to change your coping mechanism. Even though I have seen the benefits of cannabis myself, I don't think it can be a long term solution either. I hope you find a balance. For me Elvanse was a slow burn, but other people I've heard had positive reactions immediately. It doesn't have to be the permanent solution so maybe give it 4/5 months and then try and make some comparisons. I'd like to learn more about microdosing mushrooms 🍄 to see if that's an avenue for me.

[@st33Npuist]

🌻

[@GoADHDGo]

I’m on Vyvanse and I do the jaw clinching thing and I get the anxiety feeling. I fixed that my “splitting” my Vyvanse. I take half when I wake up and the other half a few hours later. I made a video about it. Best ADHD medication decision that I’ve made. :)

[@SianKatie]

Thanks for sharing, I’ll check it out!

[@sabrinathespiritual8380]

@@SianKatie hey lovely great video! vyvanse is the same as elvanse it’s just it’s name in america i think xx

[@SianKatie]

Aw, thank you! ☺️ Ohh, I see, thank you xx

[@crystinals]

What are the timings you use for this method, including your bedtime? Very curious, trying to figure out my dose but can't afford another private appointment. Interested to try this method out!

[@GoADHDGo]

@@crystinals Currently, my schedule is: First dose at 5am. Second at 7am. Third at 11am. Forth between 3pm or so. Each dose is 1/4 of 70mg capsule.

[@ttul]

Ask your psychiatrist about combining the Elvanse with a small dose of guanfacine. The combination will help control your ADHD symptoms better, but guanfacine is basically an “anti-stimulant”. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure and will chill you out. My doc uses this combination for people who need more control of symptoms but can’t go any higher on the stimulants.

[@SianKatie]

Oh my gosh this is gold. Thank you so much for the suggestion! I’ll definitely enquire about it because the Elvanse at 40mg is definitely my highest dose but does not cover it 😁

[@ttul]

@@SianKatie best of luck with it. I think some docs also prescribe atomoxetine, but it takes much longer to find the right dose. Guanfacine you increase in five day increments.

[@ttul]

Interestingly, the UK's medicine guidelines say that guanfacine should not be given to adults to treat ADHD. However, it can be prescribed off-label since it is also a blood pressure medication... Your doc may have to get creative.

[@lucyrobinson2814]

@@ttul My understanding with this is something to do with it being thought to only be prescribed for under 18s. A mindset and stuck in its ways approach. I know adults who do take it. No alcohol allowed. At all. Whatsoever.

[@letmetellyalilstory9122]

I've just started Xaggatin XL 27mg. I find it really helpful until it feels like it wears off late afternoon and I start feeling depressed! I hope this gets better. I may ask for a dose increase

[@SianKatie]

I found Xaggitin really helpful too for improving my concentration and slowing me down. I think the feelings of depression once it wears off I took as being really low energy. I wonder if you tried an activity like high energy exercise or a hobby you really enjoyed just for an hour once it wore off it could lift you back up? I didn’t try it personally though because I was sooo low energy so no pressure if you feel like that wouldn’t work for you.

[@JV-dj6mo]

Hi Sian. I’m currently taking lisdexamfetamine for the first time ever (5 years ago I took Ritalin for when I was first diagnosed aged 16.) Each week I go up a dose. First week 20mg, second week 30mg and I’m on my third week now taking 40mg. Altough this helps me focus, I’ve also had to give up exercising and going to the gym because I suddenly feel lightheaded , weaker, feel like my foods going to come up (despite eating over 3 hours earlier) so I’ve had to stop. This is only whilst taking 40mg, wasn’t a huge issue on 30mg and not at all an issue on 20mg. My question is, is this normal? I’m having to go on 60mg next week and the thought of not exerting really annoys me. Did you experience anything like this? Thank you so much for reading!

[@Stefman1983]

Why go up in dose? Find a dose that works and don't up anymore than needed. When the side effects go up and there is no added benefit, I would go down a dose instead of up.

[@JV-dj6mo]

@@Stefman1983 unfortunately I don’t have a choice. It’s a process where I have to take a higher dose for another 2 weeks to see how I react.

[@Stefman1983]

@@JV-dj6mo you always have a choice. You are in control on what you are putting in your body. And if your doctor doesn't agree on finding the lowest dose while being effective, find another doctor. Keeping the dose as low as possible while being effective should always have priority. Please discuss this with either your doctor or parents because raising the dose just because it's a set path, and not finding the optimal one is just complete bs imho. I started vyvanse/elvanse just now at age 39 and trying to find an appropiate dose for me. My doctor told me to go as low as possible, and I agree on that. Side effects of these amphetamines suck so hard, and the ones you are describing sound as they come from too high dosage. Please discuss the situation with your doc. Sorry for my English, Dutch here.

[@SianKatie]

Hey, whilst I haven’t had a similar experience with those side effects I have had experience with the affects between doses increasing hugely even when only going up by 10mg. I was told to increase in the same way up to 40mg and trial 50mg however based on my weight, it was decided I should stay at 40mg. I didn’t read that message until after trying 50mg for a week, and that week was awful for my appetite and my anxiety. It’s definitely normal for a small increase to have a huge impact. I wouldn’t personally want to keep increasing whilst feeling those side effects, and if you’re not doing well with 40mg I can’t see it getting better with 60mg. Keep noting down your side effects and if you feel too badly, don’t be afraid to tell your Psych or GP you’re not willing to go any higher with the dose. As far as I’m aware the dose is calculated on your weight, but if lisdexamfetamine isn’t working for you at 40mg you could always consider trying a methylphenidate. You should be increasing to feel the benefits not side effects. Everyone’s experience is so individual it’s hard to notice trends but if it feels wrong, you can stop increasing. I watched a video yesterday on how ADHD is a spectrum and it made me realise that I might not experience ADHD as debilitating as another ADHD’er and that’s why I can afford to have weekends off meds and other people find them life changing. Hope this supports your decision. Stay safe & healthy my dude 🫶🏼

[@JV-dj6mo]

@@SianKatie Thanks for the detailed reply! Sorry I’m replying days later ( u can tell I got ADHD LOL) Basically the doctors / company who I’m trying it out with are making me take my pills over a 6 week period, going up an mg a week. Week 1: 20mg Week 2: 30mg Week 3: 30mg Week 4: 40mg And then for week 5 & 6 it’s 50mg. I’m currently on my last day of week 5 so tomorrow will be my last week. They’re seeing how well I react to different doses and ofc because it’s a relatively knee drug it’s an interesting analogy for research for ADHD. But it’s weird because the higher doses are very hit and miss. Some days, I’ll be focused get stuff done etc whereas other days I’ll be extremely anxious and work myself into a nervous wreck and not achieve anything all day. It’s not pleasant but it’s only got another week and it’s important. I feel the best on 20 or 30 mg as they provide me with enough focuse to be successful but not enough where I feel like my hearts going 100MPH, overthinking etc. I’ve Also found taking it at 7 in the morning helps me sleep better because it wears off earlier. Whereas because I was taking it at like 10am. But yeah. I have been noting down all my side effects and by next week I’ll hopefully be on the dose right for me. I’ve found them helpful, but also don’t wanna rely on them I’m 22 an adult gotta learn how to get on top of the condition without relying on meds. Once again thanks for the reply and have a great day!🦾🦾

[@rossgriffiths9752]

How to did you start your journey? I struggle to focus my choices change weekly, I can’t focus on anything it’s really affecting my life, do I go to my gp to speak about it!?

[@SianKatie]

Hello, yeah I called my GP, you have to jump through the hoops of I have anxiety/depression/whatever else they would rather label you with but keep pushing and explain that these are just symptoms of something deeper and more complicated that you need investigating by a professional mental health team. You can also take some online tests to see which symptoms you align with out of adhd, you can use this for reference when explaining to your GP what you’re struggling with.

[@yanix1609]

my therapist started after a failed methylphenidate therapy and switched to elvanse 40mg so now i can concentrate better and i write better essays than ever but i got side effects, im not hungry at all and lost after the first 2 weeks 3kg of weight my mouth is always dry and my pupil’s are wide open and one weird thing is i need to listen to music…idk if i should take it any further

[@SianKatie]

It's a tough one at first, hopefully it has improved for you but if not weigh up the prons and cons. I took medication for almost a year before stopping because I'm in a better place mentally and would like to live without the side effects for a while.

[@FusionRush4LIFE]

that means its working buddy, keep on taking it.

[@zandergray4945]

I also need to listen to music! I’ve just had a nice calm lofi playlist playing all day and it’s been awesome

[@SianKatie]

I’ve started listening to those frequency tracks on KZbin that are supposed to be good for healing and mental clarity.. they do me good

[@yanix1609]

@@SianKatie interesting imma try it

[@simsthre4078]

Have you tried ritalin? (Concerta)

[@SianKatie]

I’ve tried Xaggitin XL which is a methylphenidate but not Concerta. I did find that the Xaggitin worked well for getting me to focus intently but also had more side effects for me. I don’t necessarily believe that Elvanse is the perfect fit for me but it’s really difficult when you have one 10 minute appointment and medication swap with no follow ups for months to try other brands and doses

[@TheGardener54uk]

How old are you ,?? Iam 52yrs m I got diagnosed about 8 months ago , am so paranoid about taking the stims , Alenvce ! , cannabis keeps me calm , I use cannabis for chronic pain ,

[@SianKatie]

I’m 27, congratulations on your diagnosis. Onwards and upwards! I get that, I was too but they’re actually similar to cannabis in the way they clear your mind (you’ll have to test doses & brands) almost like testing different strains. I am thinking about trying to get more medicinal cannabis too because I’m so lost in the world of stimulants and I know the clarity I can get with cannabis

[@alicelauren614]

So I started yesterday on 20mg and I just feel so anxious currently. I’m gonna keep going but it’s so disconcerting. Did anyone else experience this?

[@kathyb72]

I just started on 10mg yesterday. Felt pretty good. Good energy, yet relaxed. Today, complete opposite. Have had anxiety and an overall sense of just feeling blah. Trying to be patient and let my body adapt, but its hard not knowing how you're going to feel from day to day.

[@toni5543]

Thank you for uploading 🥰 -(adhdwomanwaits)

[@SianKatie]

Thank you for watching! Hope you’re well! X

[@toni5543]

@@SianKatie thank you! Hope you are too x

[@work_in_progress161]

Did Elvanse also increased your heart rate?

[@SianKatie]

Yes but not consistently and other things effect it too like having caffeine with Elvanse

[@work_in_progress161]

@@SianKatie I only drink decaf but that might be it. Thank you 🙂

[@alexia7022]

What dose are you on?

[@SianKatie]

40mg now but not sure at the point of making this video! 😌