Although I was diagnosed since childhood, doctors decided not to pursue any treatment. I am now on my 30s and got diagnosed with combined ADHD (even got the highest score in a couple of categories).
Spent my whole life surviving with a chaotic brain "that has 40 TV channels on at the same time". Can't even read books as my brain won't filter out the input that I don't need. I keep having foot/leg injuries as going for a run is the only way I can calm down and declutter my brain.
I started tritation last year and still haven't find a medication that works on me.
Elvanse: Tried 30mg,50mg,60mg and 70mg. They all feel like sugar pills and they only benefit I get is getting better sleep (paradoxical effect). Other than that 0 side effects and 0 improvements in ADHD symptoms. 0 changes to HR/BP
Amfexa (dextroamphetamine, IR). Tried all the way up to 20mg x3 times a day. 20mg made me sleepy/tired. Did wonders for my insomnia but nothing towards my ADHD symptoms. No changes to HR/BP
Atomoxetine 100mg plus Elvanse 70mg: 0 side effects 0 benefits. Heard horrible stories about Atomoxetine side effects. Told my doctor one day I took Atomoxetine/Elvanse on an empty stomach, and had a large coffee (3 shoots) to test my theory [me being immune to this medicine] and it didn't change my HR/BP. 0 side effects and I even went to the gym. Quit Atomoxetine after 2 months
Methylphenidate XR (Concerta): Titrated all the way up to 72mg. 0 side effects 0 benefits. No changes on HR/BP
I am now on Guanfacine. I did get side effects the first 2 weeks (feeling tired and drowsy. If anything, havingside effects made me happy as "it finally entered my bloodstream). I am on week 4 and increased my dose to 4mg. Both 3mg and 4mg don't give me any side effects but I also don't feel any changes/benefits yet. Will continue taking Guanfacine for another 4 weeks as it takes time to kick in.
I also got a full blood panel and don't have any deficiencies.
Tried taking N-Acetyl + L-Tyrosine supplements, L-Methylfolate, Omega 3 and Magnesium at night.
Since I am immune to stimulants, I did a pharmacogenetic test and I am a CYP2D6 normal metaboliser but a CYP2C19 rapid metaboliser (Atomoxetine is affected by this enzyme that's why it was ineffective for me). It still doesn't explain why I have such a high tolerance for these drugs.
My understanding is that a normal person without ADHD would get all sorts of side effects but in my case I can take Atomoxetine 100mg + Elvanse 70mg + a Coffee on an empty stomach and being able to go for a run because I am not getting any effects at all.
It also worth mentioning that Citalopram, Sertraline and Xanax gave me catastrophic side effects.
Is this how the rest of my life gonna be? Being part of the small percentage of population that has ADHD but at the same time an ultra fast metaboliser of ADHD drugs?
My private doctor said she would be open to prescribe me Bupropion (Wellbutrin) if Guanfacine doesn't work. Heard that Bupropion can increase blood levels of Elvanse so that's another option I would open to try.
I also tried taking all these medicines with high protein breakfast or on an empty stomach. Tried absolutely everything.
At this point I feel like I am losing the battle against ADHD. I hoped for the "putting on glasses" effect and quitting down my brain noise. Getting ride off my internal monologue and doing something against my executive function issues.
Nothing seems to help