Does it take hours before you're able to get up out of bed, and has stopping Adderall made your lupus fatigue worse?
You're definitely not alone in needing hours to get going. Many MyLupusTeam members describe similar experiences with severe morning fatigue. Between 67 and 90 percent of people with lupus report fatigue as a Show Full Answer
Does it take hours before you're able to get up out of bed, and has stopping Adderall made your lupus fatigue worse?
You're definitely not alone in needing hours to get going. Many MyLupusTeam members describe similar experiences with severe morning fatigue. Between 67 and 90 percent of people with lupus report fatigue as a symptom, and it's often that bone-deep exhaustion that rest doesn't relieve.
Your "old car warming up" analogy really captures what chronic lupus fatigue feels like. The fact that you need 3-4 hours before morning appointments and then quickly become depleted afterward is a pattern many members share.
Regarding Adderall, several MyLupusTeam members have reported it helped their fatigue and brain fog significantly. One member shared that Adderall was "a game changer" for fatigue, while another said it helped them go back to college and get a full-time job. Since you have both ADHD and lupus, a medication like Adderall may help treat symptoms of both conditions.
However, experiences vary. Some members found it didn't help their lupus fatigue even though they took it for ADHD. One member noted the fatigue remained "ridiculous" despite being on Adderall for years. It's understandable you're frustrated after those difficult experiences with psychiatrists, especially being pushed toward antidepressants when you weren't depressed. That kind of medical trauma can make it even harder to advocate for yourself.
If you felt Adderall was helping before and want to try it again, consider discussing this with your rheumatologist. They may be able to work with a psychiatrist or prescribe it themselves, especially since you have documented ADHD alongside lupus. Be clear about what worked before and how stopping it affected your functioning.
It's worth noting that Adderall is a controlled substance, so there may be prescribing limitations depending on where you live. There have also been ongoing supply shortages since 2022, which could affect availability.
Other strategies that might help your morning fatigue include:
* Planning activities for times when you typically have more energy
* Practicing good sleep habits
* Staying as active as possible
* Eating a healthy diet
* Asking your doctor about vitamin D supplements
Your experience of feeling like life went backwards after stopping Adderall is valid. Working with doctors who listen and respect your experience makes all the difference in managing lupus.
March 26
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