Positives

• A 14-month long-hauler took their first Vyvanse dose and reported feeling “95% recovered” from brain fog within hours, regaining ability to do impromptu speaking and organize complex thoughts Reddit.
  
  
• A long-hauler described Vyvanse as the only thing keeping them functional — the difference between dozing constantly versus having the energy for 1–2 light activities per day, though still unbelievably fatigued Reddit.
  
  

Negatives

• A patient who took stimulants (Vyvanse/Adderall) during Long COVID believes they caused their condition to become severe because the medications masked PEM and led to overexertion, eventually leaving them bed-bound Reddit.
  
  

Hurdles & Side Effects

• Vyvanse can elevate resting heart rate to 100–110 bpm in Long COVID patients with dysautonomia, potentially worsening POTS; a graduate student reported her heart rate stayed elevated the entire time she was on it Reddit.
  
  
• Stimulants may mask the body’s true energy limits, preventing proper pacing and leading to PEM crashes; one patient described it as a “bandaid at best” that enables functioning but does not address underlying energy issues Reddit.