I often see ADHDers describing their mind/thoughts as anxiously zipping from one thing to the next, or like a bunch of loud voices talking at once, or something equally chaotic. Many also seem to say that stimulant meds really quieted or slowed down their minds. Maybe it's sort of covered by the Inattentive label, but my mind isn't like that at all. My thoughts have never felt fast or loud. My mind goes down rabbit trails a lot, but not usually quickly or anxiously.

I'm wondering if anyone who is like me in that respect has had success with stimulant medication. I tried Concerta for a couple months but I don't think it was helping and it was making me irritable. I tried Vyvanse (30mg for a month, then 40mg for a few weeks), and it didn't seem to be making any noticeable difference either. I also wondered if it was messing with my emotions, but I'm not sure. I was supposed to go up to 50 mg, but if 40 mg didn't doing anything, is it really likely that 50 will? Is it possible to have zero results up until a certain dosage, and then suddenly it makes a big difference? I thought I would notice a small difference already if it's going to work well at a higher dosage.

I just want to be able to stay on a task without thought tangents distracting me and making it take 3× longer than it should. And get started on tasks more easily. And it would be nice if I could listen when someone is talking.

I know you guys aren't doctors, but I don't think my actual doctors know much about ADHD. Did I give up on the Vyvanse too soon? Did anyone similar to me find luck with a non-stimulant option?

P.S. I love you guys. ☺️ This sub has made me feel so much less alone.