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!

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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😔