[MuddyBoots]

I was completely off stimulants for a few weeks because I wanted to switch to an extended release and not have to use an extra blister pack and remember to take it everywhere. I ended up going from 10mg in the morning and at noon of methylphenidate IR to 20mg of dexmethylphenidate ER.

My brain feels soooo boring. I guess it’s good, every doc I’ve seen says “we want [me] to aim for boring,” but this feels too…flat? I mean, I have emotions and shyt, but I don’t feel like myself in a very drastic way. I feel organized and in control. Too organized and in control! I feel like I should’ve gotten into a fight or something by now (just moved a couple days ago), but, no. Just been reading and writing, walking, getting things for the apartment as the need arises, and making small talk when I run into someone.

My appetite is also low enough I forget lunch until about this time of day (2:30pm), and then like right now I made clam chowder and am having trouble finishing it. Actually think I’m gonna reheat it.

[Nammu]

It’s unfamiliar and takes getting used to. I agree with your docs that boring is what you need to aim for. Non boring wasn’t doing you any favors. Give it two or three weeks before your fight it.

[unaluna]

I needed a muzzle to ride my elevator. Geez i need to apologize to a lot of people.

[Blueberrybook]

For a long time, I was flat, and my pdoc was very happy with that. I wasn't but would could I do? Go off meds, get depressed again or manic? But adding the SAD lamp was like the magic ingredient for me: I'm happy, stable, but not too happy. On the other hand, the issue with your appetite you do need to address with your doc b/c of your history with an ED; it's just not good to skip or forget meals. Or you have to absolutely force yourself to eat. I don't know, maybe I'm making too much of it; I'm usually pretty hungry, but I do exercise quite a bit, and I'm sure that plays into it.

[MuddyBoots]

I get hungry, but I don't really have an appetite if that makes sense. Like I'll hear my stomach growling and feel the emptiness, but brain doesn't really tell me "yo, Muddy, eat something." Although I did finish up my chowdah. I set alarms to force myself to eat, so hopefully I don't just hear those, turn them off and say "I'll make lunch in five minutes" and then five hours later go "oh shytttt...."

It's not like I'm not "happy." I just am not used to this complete lack of intensity, speed, and reactivity that it's weird and uncomfortable. I'm gonna stick to the new meds (I do realize they just upped my Trileptal dose to 300mg 2x a day too) for now and just emotionlessly (comparatively) rant about feeling dull in therapy and then when I see my pdoc. The funny thing is I know I'm not "dull," I just can sit still and don't feel like I'm going to get in trouble for over half the shyt I do now
(although I went on the highway today after a few days of just city driving and took too much advantage of not having to stop at a traffic light or stop sign every 30 feet, but it's not like going 75 in a 55 isn't going with the flow of traffic).

[Brentus]

Well, there is a fine line between zombie effect and a "flat/boring" feeling.. It may be your med is too much. Definitely talk with your doctor about it. There could be alternative formulations or dosages that help. Methylphenidate in particular has a ton of dosage and formulations.

[MuddyBoots]

I’m not feeling too much of the flatness today. I do feel kinda the same, but it doesn’t feel AS weird to be in control now.

[SquarePegGuy]

I think it's a good change, and I agree that you should give it time. Your body / head might start to get acclimated to it.

[MuddyBoots]

How do I eat on this shiiiit???

[SquarePegGuy]

If your appetite is "off" but you're not nauseous, you could nibble on your favorite fruit throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This would be a "fruit fast." I find this way of eating is actually energizing because my guts aren't burdened with moving all kinds of stuff. Do you still have your usual sense of taste?

[MuddyBoots]

Originally Posted by SquarePegGuy

If your appetite is "off" but you're not nauseous, you could nibble on your favorite fruit throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This would be a "fruit fast." I find this way of eating is actually energizing because my guts aren't burdened with moving all kinds of stuff. Do you still have your usual sense of taste?

Yeah. Im not big on fruit though. Too sweet or sour most of the time.

[ArmorPlate108]

What about granola?

You can mix up things like granola, shredded coconut, chocolate chips (dark chocolate is especially good in this), nuts, etc. it's pretty high calorie, doesn't require any additional preparation - you can just grab a handful whenever. It does tend to be a bit high in fat, but if you just need some calories for the time being....