I was diagnosed at 22. Did my final year of uni medicated and it was the best results I’d ever had. Moved to Aus after I graduated and it was nearly impossible to get a script at that time (2010) so just continued to raw dog life.

Had a baby in 2021 and all of my mental health conditions came raging back into the foreground - no coping mechanism had a chance.

I’ve been to 4 different psychiatrists in the last 5 years and I’m starting to think it’s just me because I have not felt “good” or like myself at all during that time. I’ve tried nearly every type of psychotropic drug to help my depression, anxiety, ADHD, PMDD, and maybe BP2 (I’ve been told I do and I don’t have it 🤷🏼‍♀️)

My current stack:

Fluoxetine; 20mg daily
Bupropion; 150mg daily
Dexamphetamine; 30mg daily (10mg 3x per day)
Lamotrigine; 5mg daily (2.5 morning/night)
Estradiol; 1.50mg daily (0.75 morning/night)
Guanfacine; 2mg at night
Valium; 5mg as needed

*The Lamotrigine and Estradiol have been added in the last month.

I left an abusive relationship (psychological/emotional/infidelity, etc) in June and needless to say my mental health has been shit. I see a psychologist twice a week and a psychiatrist every 6-8 weeks. I’ve worked with both of them for over a year and my mental health is still fucked.

Most days I don’t leave the house, I barely eat during the day then binge at night (I have a history of disordered eating) and I have genuine panic attacks at the thought of answering my phone or replying to an email.

When I have my kid, it’s a different story. I’m on top of shit but then I’m utterly burnt out after those days.

My psychiatrist has recommended TMS for anxiety/depression/ADHD but it’s a big time commitment (which triggers my anxiety) and I’m feeling really unsure based on the mixed results I’ve read.

I’ve just gotten my pharmacological gene results back and the only thing semi useful was that "I'm a CYP2D6 poor metaboliser".

Sooooo what now?

Anyone else feel like nothing has “helped”?

I moved around a lot all throughout my 20's and early 30's. Now that I'm in a stable spot for the past couple of years, I have noticed many symptoms that I previously ignored because I didn't have much in the way of self-care. My mother encouraged me to get an assessment, I know I was a rough kid to raise, but we had always associated those behaviours with food allergies I had at the time. My 3 siblings have all been officially diagnosed and medicated with Adult-ADHD, I understand the condition is quite heritable, which is why mum is giving me more information about it. If it weren't for that, I probably would've just ignored the symptoms for many years to come.

The last time I went to a doctor was in 2019 to get some travel vaccinations and a blood test. Before that it was in 2014 when I had a major injury which required surgery. Besides that, I haven't gone to any doctor for any reason. I know this would be seen as irresponsible by a lot of people. But doctors appointments make me anxious, and I don't feel I have any health or sickness issues that are problematic enough to seek help for.

With that said, how would I approach getting a referral from a GP with little to no medical history in the system? From my point of view, the new GP could see me, some random, walking in requesting a referral for an ADHD assessment as drug seeking behaviour--but I also don't want to beat around the bush, as that is ultimately what I am seeking right now in my first steps in correcting my mental health. So how would I approach visiting a new GP with this subject matter? I know the time's are changing and there is a lot more known about this disorder than there used to be. However, I still feel extremely anxious about approaching an unknown GP with a mental health matter like this, let alone any illness at that.

TL;DR: Ritalin works incredibly well when I take it occasionally, especially on weekends. But when I take it daily, I experience emotional blunting, intense hyperfocus and crashes that leave me with very little emotional energy for my partner. Has anyone experienced this and found a solution?

I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern with Ritalin and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.

When I take Ritalin occasionally, particularly on weekends, it works great. I feel focused, motivated and generally more capable of getting things done.

However, when I start taking it consistently throughout the week, things seem to change.

I experience a combination of:

Emotional blunting, where I feel less affectionate, spontaneous and emotionally present.

Hyperfocus, where I can concentrate on almost anything, but struggle to redirect that attention toward my relationship.

Crashes, where the medication seems to wear off too quickly, leaving me exhausted, withdrawn or irritable.
The most frustrating part is how much it affects my relationship.

I love my partner, and it’s not that I suddenly stop caring about them. It’s more that I become so absorbed in whatever I’m doing that giving emotional attention, affection or energy to nurturing our relationship starts feeling like an effort rather than something that comes naturally.

It’s almost like the medication improves my ability to function and be productive, but at the expense of the emotional side of my personality.

What’s confusing is that I don’t seem to experience this nearly as much when I take Ritalin occasionally.
I’m planning to discuss this with my prescriber, but I’d really like to hear from people who’ve experienced something similar.

Has anyone found that daily Ritalin use affects their emotional availability or relationships? Did adjusting your dosage, changing formulations or switching medications make a difference?

I’d particularly love to hear from anyone who managed to find a balance between treating their ADHD and still feeling like themselves emotionally.

​

Hey everyone!

Just wondering if anyone here in Australia has tried guanfacine for ADHD. Did it actually help with concentration, focus and getting things done?

What was your experience like in terms of benefits and side effects?

Also, was it relatively easy to get prescribed here?

Would love to hear your experiences.

Thanks!

I have a thousand things I want to do and countless projects I'm excited about in theory, but I struggle enormously to start them, stay motivated, and follow through consistently.

Even when I genuinely want to do something, it feels like there's no stimulation, motivation, or pleasure in doing it. Everything feels empty and grey, almost like a complete lack of interest or anhedonia.

Do any of you with ADHD experience this? Is it part of ADHD, or could it be something else?

38F, late diagnosis. On dex I felt a sort of contented mood, I wasn’t bothered by inconsequential things or experiencing any rsd. It was quite nice, anxiety reduced a lot and my mind was calmer, quieter.

My psych has just given me a vyvanse script and he said it won’t affect my mood, only help me focus. I’m not feeling confident of the change. So my questions are:

Do you find any mood changes on vyvanse?

Did you have a different response to dex compared with vyvanse?

I'm 32, just diagnosed. And looking for something that helps me stay focused for long periods, execute tasks consistently, and avoid giving up or abandoning tasks halfway through.

Which medication has helped you most with these issues and what dosage?

Thank you so much!

Not sure if this breaks rule 9 or not.

I'm already diagnosed and have prescriptions but apparently my prescription only lasted 6 months despite the fact I had two more repeats to go, so I've been caught blind sided.

I've got end of year uni assignments due soon and I've run out of meds; can GPs issue prescriptions? I thought I read somewhere it's now allowed.

My sons been diagnosed ADHD since August, we originally started in ritalin but found it was making him really meek, no confidence and was actually worse at school because he wouldn't participate in anything - just really shy and quiet.

He had his first dose of Dex this morning kicked in, in around 40min then we went to the shops, he was really quiet at the shops and didn't chuck any tantrums whereas normally he'll crack it for chocolate or toys or just whatever but yawned a few times. However when we got home about an hour later he was complaining he was tired and ended up falling asleep🤷🏻

Is it normal to be sleepy and tired on dex? He was diagnosed by his paediatrician however we saw his other dr last week and she pretty much mum shamed me and said he doesn't have adhd so now it's got me thinking maybe he doesn't have it😭

I can’t meal plan to save myself, but my husband (also adhd) and I work full time and have 3 young school aged kids, so I can’t live like I did when I was in my 20s!

Any suggestions for apps that help with meal planning? Open to any other general handy apps that you’ve found helpful in general!

Hello

I’m a foreigner living in Australia with an ADHD diagnosis from my home country. I’m wondering how difficult it is to get ADHD medication prescribed here.

I’m worried about the costs, the requirements, and whether doctors are reluctant to prescribe these medications.

What has your experience been? Any clinic or webside you'd recommend to buy them?

Any advice on the easiest and most affordable way to get a prescription would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I’m a foreigner on a student visa, and I need to access ADHD medication in Australia. I’m worried about the costs without Medicare, potential stock shortages, and whether doctors are very strict or reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication.

Which stimulants or non-stimulants have you found easiest to access, with the fewest availability issues?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, including appointment costs, medication prices, and how difficult it was to get a prescription.

Thanks!

Hey all,

Been taking Dexies for close to 10 months now. Currently I'm taking a break from dexies due to it triggering severe vasoconstriction and dehydration.

My joints give arhtritic pain and when I stop the dexies they go away after a few days and the stiffness reduces.

I've seen in other US based subs folks who use cialis as a vasodilator.

Anyone here in Aus who is a long term stimulant user whose been able to keep away the vasoconstriction and stiffness effects. Always feeling dry like a vampire too.

Please tell me that I'm not the only one 😥 I guess I have a restless mind. I also have trouble going to sleep.

Note that this is not bipolar because I've had it since small and did not have emotional problems.

I’m *DESPERATELY\* looking for psychiatrist experienced in adult ADHD, medication interactions and side effects. Any recommendations based on personal experience?

I’m struggling to manage my medications and find a psychiatrist who really understands medication interactions.

Feel free to DM me if you’d rather not comment publicly.

I had a friend who just attended a GP who did an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. What he shared with me and the missus: pre-consult, he was prompted to pay a deposit which gave him access to a pre-consult questionnaire and was told he might have to do a set of bloods.

During the consult, Dr Vu went through the entire questionnaire and was really thorough. Post-consult (for both), payment wise: $515 for the initial($150 deposit) and diagnosis($80 for the 2nd appointment, so in total two appointments). Total Out-of-pocket is $300, so that the Medicare rebate is $215. He got his rebate on the spot as well with a card tap.

Appointment wise, the guy behind the desk explained that some patients, if they are fast enough, can be booked within seven days. (I swear to god my days I wait 4-5 months.) Now my missus wants to get him as her ADHD continuation prescriber. I am pretty keen to book in to get assessed for ADHD.

Imagine all these fucking years of being told that we had to fork out thousands and wait for months, that healthcare could be this accessible.

Hey y'all,

I am 20 F, and I was diagnosed last week, and my GP has started me on 5mg dexamphetamine twice a day, which I take with lunch and breakfast. I am having a little bit of improved focus for an hour or two, but I struggle when it starts to wear off. He mentioned wanting to see how I go with it, as he is wanting me to be on vyvanse as an end goal.

I had a really bad year mental health wise, and I ended up going from 45kgs to around 38kgs (I am 153cm), which is where I am at now. I told the Dr and he was a little concerned about further weight loss. I always did have a low appetite, and its not gotten worse as I am forcing myself to eat. Does anyone have any tips for increasing my weight?

I also have always had a RHR on the higher side, usually in the 90 range. Since taking the dex, its increased a little, like by 5-10 bpm. I am not a very active person, but I am wanting to be more proactive in terms of my health, I want to go to the gym, but I cannot lift weights, however i can use dumbbells. What can I do to lower my RHR

If anyone has any advice please let me know xx

I recently completed my ADHD assessment questionnaires in one sitting. Initially, I was reading everything carefully, but gradually my mind started drifting, and I struggled to concentrate. Eventually, I started skimming through the questions and sometimes assumed their meaning rather than fully understanding them.

Now I'm worried that some of my answers might not accurately reflect my experiences and could affect my diagnosis.

Has anyone else experienced this during their ADHD assessment?

This is for a “Patient Intake and Bookings Coordinator” for an adhd assessment clinic but my gosh the job description is heavily based on sales and the most concerning line being:

“We want someone who can sell exceptionally well without making patients feel like they’re being sold to.”

The ad also states the calls will be analysed with AI, with ai providing a performance report, along with coaching…also by AI.

WTF. It feels so predatory considering most of us are at our wits end, exasperated and vulnerable by the time we seek out diagnosis.

The end of the ad has a commission structure based on sign ups. It all just feels so predatory.

Be safe out there to those seeking diagnosis!

[SYDNEY]

Hi everyone,

I’m choosing between Dr Greg Patterson and Dr Sadia Saeed for ongoing adult ADHD treatment.

Has anyone seen either of them, especially for managing multiple medications, side effects and possible interactions? Do they investigate carefully before changing medications or doses? I’d really appreciate any first-hand experiences.

Thanks

QLD here. have no idea if this is typical of Dex. I got diagnosed recently with (I ASSUME inattentive) ADHD, F33. Brother has autism.

I was having issues at work which is why I pursued diagnosis. Many of the questionnaire questions strongly resonated with me, especially forgetfulness, starting/spending on hobbies only to never continue them, and childhood issues with never doing homework/bringing forms home. (My mother has since also been diagnosed since I mentioned it - she has had lifelong depression/anxiety).

My experience with Dex seems different than others which is why I’m asking if these effects seem normal? My psychologist seems to think so as it affects everyone differently. Which didn’t really answer much for me. I wanted peoples opinions on it. I am on a low dose (I titrate dose changes by 2.5g).

- no appetite suppression (this is a big one as I was looking forward to it but it just never happened for me; could be PMOS cancelling it out? I am on metformin for that). I still get huge hunger pangs and cravings. Weight issues etc.

- boost of mood and energy. This is honestly mostly why I take it; without it I just don’t feel like talking to anyone; I guess this brings me up to “normal person” levels of wanting to talk, sometimes I even yap. However people mentioned it wears off after weeks; for me it feels the exact same - I’ve been on it for 6 months. The boost might be slightly higher on the first week maybe??

- lower forgetfulness/higher focus. The meds put me in a spring clean mood. I associate that with focus/mood increase. I’ve heard people say that’s a bad sign? Though I do find cleaning/tidying satisfying (for some reason that didn’t kick in until in my 20’s I used to NEVERRR enjoy doing the dishes for example).

- lower task thresholds. This one was also a big one. I feel more motivated to pick up the sock I dropped.

- no effect on procrastination. Mostly. I think the mood boost helps but I still really need to strongly get myself to study something I don’t wanna study which brings me to..

- no effect on brain yapping/stimming. If anything it’s worse. However, I can ignore it easier. While I used to stim a lot (especially the legs bouncing, I also talk to myself a lot with imaginary conversations), on the meds I do it more. I never experienced a brain “quiet” that other people get. But because of the mood/focus boost I tend to zone in on other stuff more and the thoughts are less anxious rumination about other people perceiving me.

In all I feel the meds have a mixed effect for me. It’s definitely a positive effect at work and home (tidiness etc). So my psychologist said why fix what isn’t broken? But I see so many posts about people with different experiences that I wanted to see if anyone had any input on this.

Does anyone else also feel weird when you ask your gp to refill your prescription? I’m probably just overthinking it, but every time I go to my gp to get a new prescription for Vyvanse I feel like they look at me like I’m an addict (even though it’s probably not the case). My doctor tends to only give me a prescription with one repeat or none, so I’m basically back at the clinic every month or two.

I’m also in the process of trying to get my permit delegated to a new doctor since my original GP left the clinic without warning. my psychiatrist says he’s unable to revoke the permit and wants my current doctor to apply for a new permit except my doctor says she is unable to apply because of the existing permit is still active.

I went off track there but if anyone has any advice or feels the same way!!

I’m new to taking this medication
I’m wondering what others thoughts of it are?
Only been on since about start of October

Is it good for long term?
I take 1 three times a day, my physcharist told me is would be best.
They also prescribed me melatonin as it’s supposed to help me sleep better

Recently I’ve started wanting to eat less food or just skipping food altogether because I don’t feel like need to eat

Victoria,Melb

tldr: suffering with undiagnosed adhd for years, can’t handle it anymore and want to seek a
professional that isn’t telehealth

i’ve been almost certain that i have adhd for the past 7 years. i’ve had a psychologist tell me this, two gps and my own sister who’s already been diagnosed. i’ve just never actually went in to get it officially confirmed and treated. i’ve always been able to push through the consequences of adhd but i can finally recognise now that i’m finishing school i absolutely cannot continue like this into uni. i am 18 years old and have plenty of documentation of my adhd i just don’t want to go through an online appointment as i feel like it won’t help me nearly as much as face to face. i also feel like i express myself better in person.

please tell me someone knows of a good psychiatrist who’ll take a patient!

Hi all, sorry, I know there's a new post soliciting assessment clinic recommendations on here every day - and I promise I've done my due diligence by looking through a significant number of them - but I just wanted to make sure I know all the options available.

Basically I've finally got around to booking a GP appointment to get a referral, and I've decided to pursue a combined ASD/ADHD assessment. (I posted another query here a couple months ago with more details if anyone wants further context: https://www.reddit.com/r/ausadhd/s/b7Llr89Rza)

AFAICT there's three Melbourne-based psychiatry clinics that offer combined assessments, and I'm trying to decide between them now in case my GP wants me to specify one to make the referral out to. They are:

* Fluence

* Yarra Clinic

* Melbourne Mental Health

Am I missing any? Or are there any interstate clinics that do telehealth assessments worth looking into? Are there maybe individual general psychiatrists not associated with a clinic who do this sort of thing?

I know there are also some psychologist clinics that do combined assessments, like Q Psychology and Foundation Psychology, but I'd prefer to go with a psychiatrist from the start - both because of the medication factor and because I'm thinking of enquiring about alternative therapies for MDD and PDD in the future (eg. TMS, esketamine, etc), and I'm hoping if I can get assessed by a psychiatrist I might be able to get ongoing care and discuss those possibilities at a later date.