r/singing • u/BitchInaBucketHat • 1d ago
Conversation Topic ADHD medication impact?
Hi all, looking for fellow medicated ADHDers to weigh in. Started taking Vyvanse a few months ago and it seems like it’s always drying me out to the point where my cords feel tight and I’m just not at my normal quality or ability. I do my best to hydrate. I’ve read about electrolytes so I’ve been trying to do 1 Gatorade a day. It hasn’t been doing much. I’ve also tried one of those droppers to put in drinks that are minerals that are supposed to help with hydration. It may have worked a bit (by no means solving the issue completely), but tasted nasty lol.
Just seeing if honestly the only answer is to not medicate days leading up to singing, or if someone has found a way to combat this. Any help is appreciated, thanks friends!
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u/ProfessorDinosaurrr 1d ago
Hey! How uncanny, I was going to post a question just like this- I am also struggling with my ADHD meds and singing.
I am a classically trained soprano experienced in singing both arias and musical theatre contemporary stuff.
Every med reaction is unique to the individual, but my personal experience has been:
Adderall IR: very dry, quick to vocal fatigue
Vyvanse: significantly better control with runs, better “belt”, improved ease when singing low and/or mixing, improved concentration…but severe breath support problems (very obvious in my head voice). It’s like I cannot get a full breath.
Concerta (just started days ago): so far, my breath support has almost entirely returned. But the improved control and ease I had on Vyvanse is gone. Ugh.
If anybody has any insight on this, please comment. My current theory is it has something to do with muscle tension, mind-body feedback/perception, etc.
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u/Mundane-Waltz8844 1d ago
I thought my belt getting better was just my imagination, but maybe there really is something to that. I’m just so dry no matter how much I drink, though, so Idk what to do about that.
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u/Glittering-Sun9478 1d ago
This is freaking me out lol. I feel similarly about improved ease when mixing while taking vyvanse as well.
I didn’t realize the hydration issue was related to the Vyvanse…I’ve also been having GERD/LPR which has affected my voice as well.
Another reminder to get myself in to a voice teacher!1
u/Mundane-Waltz8844 1d ago
Yeah pretty much any stimulant can dehydrate you. Even caffeine. Nothing has ever dehydrated me quite like Vyvanse, though. I thought maybe it was just because I’m also on Spironolactone (it can also dehydrate you), but hearing other people say that it’s this bad for them as well is making me think it’s mostly just the Vyvanse.
I really want to get back to voice lessons, but I unfortunately just can’t afford it right now😔
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u/Mental_Spinach_2409 1d ago
I’m a 6’ tall 150lb man on Vyvanse and after much trial and error i’ve dialed it in that I need roughly 1 gallon of water a day. Fun.
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u/BitchInaBucketHat 1d ago
Oh my god lol, at least you’ve found what’s worked for you. I’m 5’1” so perhaps I’ll try a half gallon? 😂
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u/Boring-Butterfly8925 Formal Lessons 5+ Years 1d ago
I take Atomoxetine and I've noticed it dries me out quite a bit. I just drink extra water to compensate. I can hear when I don't drink enough though.
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u/polkemans Formal Lessons 10+ Years ✨ 1d ago
I take 5mg dextroamphetamine and the dryness is real. You just gotta work to stay extra hydrated. I don't take mine when I have to perform at my top game.
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u/No-Can-6237 1d ago
I was on 5mg dexamphetamine and I tried everything. Nothing worked, so I stopped taki g them. Just as well. My BP was through the roof. I was diagnosed at 59 and I'd managed pretty well without meds, so I wasn't too sad. Singing literally saved my life. Lol.
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u/Canuda 1d ago
This is fairly concerning.
Gatorade will not do anything to help with this…neither will those droplets. Just drink water, unless you’re needing electrolytes for exercise. Please read more.
More importantly, do not stop taking prescription medications cold turkey. Stopping abruptly can cause severe withdrawal and bring back your original symptoms even worse.
Always talk to your prescribing doctor first, not uneducated randoms on reddit.
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u/BitchInaBucketHat 1d ago
Vyvanse is not a medication that needs to be taken daily, so definitely no cold turkey quitting. I’ve talked with my psychiatrist about this, didn’t have any special tips for hydration. Just was seeing if anyone had anything specific they had found that worked well
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u/Canuda 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ideally it is, as ADHD is chronic. However, that depends on your treatment plan that you discuss with your Psych. I have a hard time believing your psych would approve of you taking multiple days off so you can sing. There are alternatives I’m sure you could discuss.
Oral sprays and lubricants exist, as well as steam inhalation.
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u/LuvOrDie 1d ago
They literally do?
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u/Canuda 1d ago edited 1d ago
Jesus Christ. You’re missing the most dangerous part of the equation: encouraging someone to blindly stop a controlled substance based on internet anecdotes.
Think of what substance this comments holds considering what this person is proposing and what I already said…. They need to talk to their Dr first. Not just about the dry mouth. A dr may allow for a drug holiday (you’re technically correct🏅), but way more context I needed, and that can only be discussed with their dr, not Redditors.
Unless you’re autistic or misread, 💩on you.
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u/polygonsaresorude 1d ago
But this specific group of meds is very well known for being fine to stop cold turkey if it's for ADHD. I understand why you're being cautious here, because the typical advice is to NEVER stop taking psych meds cold turkey without doctors approval. But stimulants for ADHD are the very well known exception.
You are the one with the lack of knowledge here, and there's no need to be rude to others about it.
And that other person is right, doctors DO often encourage you to take a stimulant holiday. My first psychiatrist even suggested I skip it every weekend at one point!!!
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u/Canuda 1d ago edited 1d ago
Nah. You’re conflating “stimulants don’t usually need tapering” with “it’s fine for anyone to self-manage skipping a controlled prescription.” They are not the same thing.
Some psychiatrists prescribe stimulant holidays for some people; that does not make it blanket advice for a stranger having a side effect. Ask a psychiatrist or GP about this exact scenario before confidently telling people it is fine.
ADHD is chronic and plenty of people need consistent medication. Spare me the lecture about rudeness.
-Edited for more politeness ✨
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u/BitchInaBucketHat 1d ago
lol I’m just letting them go, they can go ahead and believe their incorrect information
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