Dopamine, Vyvance And A Rude Awakening

Have you ever wondered if you’re getting the best support for your ADHD or neurodiverse brain? In this episode, I open up about my personal journey with ADHD medications, what worked, what didn’t, and the sneaky role dopamine plays in our everyday lives. It’s honest, a bit raw, and hopefully helpful to anyone trying to navigate this world of ‘hyper-focus’ and ‘brain crashes.’

This episode begins with my experiences on Ritalin, those dreaded afternoon slumps, and the complicated dance with caffeine. I also explore how dopamine drives so many of our actions, especially for those of us who are neurodiverse. Then I touch on the book Dopamine Nation, which opened my eyes to society’s obsession with short, sharp hits of pleasure. Finally, I talk about the power of nutrition and how taking care of our bodies can keep ADHD medications from driving us up the wall.

My ADHD Medication Journey

I started out with Ritalin because it’s one of the most common ADHD medications around. It gave me a boost in the morning, helping me manage tasks that used to feel impossible. But by early afternoon, the crash was real. The energy bars I’d eaten for breakfast did nothing when the fuel ran out.

“For me, the crash from Ritalin some afternoons felt brutal. It was like my brain hit a wall at 3pm.” — Stephen Martin

I learnt pretty quickly that coffee wasn’t my friend while on Ritalin. It either ramped up everything into overdrive or sent my body into jitters. After a while, I decided I needed to try something else. That’s when I gave Vivance a go.

Vivance felt different, giving me a steadier flow of focus. I wasn’t on edge the way I was with Ritalin, and my afternoons felt smoother. It also taught me the importance of trial and error. What works for one person’s ADHD won’t always work for another. If you’re going through this, please remember you’re allowed to ask questions of your medical professional and tweak things so they fit you.

The Dopamine Roller Coaster

With neurodiverse brains, dopamine is often running the show. Dopamine is sometimes called the ‘motivation chemical,’ and for many of us, it can make the difference between getting stuck and getting moving. When we don’t get enough dopamine naturally, we go looking for it in other places—like social media, sugary snacks, or good old Netflix binges.

That’s why ADHD medications can be a game-changer. They effectively top up our dopamine so we can function on a more even keel. But it’s not a magical fix-all. It just means we might not crave that can of energy drink at 2pm—unless the day has been so dull that we need an extra jolt of excitement.

‘Dopamine Nation’ and the Modern World

During my journey, I stumbled upon Dopamine Nation, a book that dives into how our society is hooked on quick dopamine hits. Think about how often you check your phone or scroll through social media feeds. We’re all getting these tiny bursts of reward. When you add ADHD into the mix, you can see why the temptation to chase that next little burst is strong.

This book gave me a new perspective on how I was living my life. I realised I was seeking dopamine in all the usual spots—food, screens, and sometimes random hobbies that came out of nowhere. By noting this pattern, I began to change those habits. I learnt to channel my dopamine-seeking nature into more productive outlets, like creative projects and fitness routines.

Why Nutrition and Balance Matter

When we’re on ADHD meds, it’s easy to forget that our bodies need more than just a prescription. I noticed when I started eating healthier, my afternoon crashes weren’t as intense. Making sure I got enough protein became key, especially in the morning. I also cut back on too many impulsive sugar hits because they turned into sugar highs, then sugar lows.

Food isn’t the only factor. Getting outside, taking breaks, and staying hydrated also help. I realised medications are there to help us manage, but if we don’t look after the rest of our lifestyle, we might struggle anyway. It’s all about balance: a bit of help from medication, a sensible approach to eating, and letting ourselves rest when we need to.

Takeaways

• Different ADHD medications work differently for each person. Keep exploring what fits you best.
• Dopamine drives much of our behaviour. Be mindful of where you’re getting those hits.
• Our modern world is hooked on quick dopamine bursts, which can make ADHD trickier.
• Nutrition, hydration, and rest play huge roles in keeping medication side effects in check.
• Balance and self-awareness can make all the difference on this journey.

If you want to hear more about my experience, tune in to the full episode of the podcast. If you’re keen to dive deeper into dyslexia, ADHD, and how they all connect, visit truthaboutdyslexia.com. You can also join our growing community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. Every day is a chance to learn something new about your brain—embrace it, and find the path that works for you.