Does Vyvanse Work?
ByVyvanse is the newest medicine for ADD and ADHD. It uses an innovative approach so that it is an ADHD ADD medication that cannot be abused.
As a Canadian doctor, I am not able to prescribe Vyvanse, because it is not yet available outside of the US.
So, my biggest question is: Does Vyvanse work?
I have read the research, I have heard the presentations, but I don’t have real life experience with this medicine.
This is where you can help me out.
I want to hear from anyone who has tried Vyvanse, or even considered trying Vyvanse.
Just go ahead and enter a comment below.
Please realize that when you click submit, it will take a little bit of time until your comment reaches my blog. That is because every comment is moderated (i.e. I want to make sure that there are no spam comments, and nothing hateful, racist, etc.).
I found this video – where someone shares his or her experience with Vyvanse – and you can watch it here:
Now, it’s your turn. Please type in any of your own personal experiences with Vyvanse so that the readers of this blog can benefit from your knowledge and experience. I know that the readers of this blog span the whole globe – so if you have experience with Vyvanse, all of the readers of this blog (American, Canadian and International) will appreciate your contribution very much!
Thank you for your help,
Dr. Kenny
Technorati Tags: Vyvanse, ADD, ADHD, Medication for ADHD, Adult ADHD, Adult ADD, ADHD Video, Vyvanse Video
I stopped taking Vyvanse about 2 weeks ago cold turkey…
For awhile, it was working fine. But, it had gotten to where half an hour after taking it in the morning, I was so wired and talkative that no one wanted to be around me. It took me about an hour to settle down, and then I would focus on one or two things for so long that I wouldn’t even move to stretch for most of the day. I was getting really bad headaches — a few became migraines bad enough to make me vomit, and the last two weeks before I stopped taking it, my blood pressure was extremely high. I felt very tense and irritable and anxious, because my pulse was so rapid, and sometimes I would get dizzy from it.
I just decided this was about enough. I was too irritable at the time, so I had my mother call my psychiatrist and was informed that Vyvanse is a stimulant equivalent to 5 or 6 cups of coffee?
I know that different professionals say different things, but I have NEVER heard this before, and from the doctor who prescribed it to me? There is already a history of arrhythmia in my family; it was very dangerous of her to prescribe this to me.
My focus has been pretty bad since I came off of it, but physically I am feeling better, and I’d rather be unfocused than constantly feel like I’m about to have a heart attack…
Chama,
I’m sorry to hear about your bad experience on Vyvanse. Have you and your doctor considered trying a non-stimulant medicine? Strattera is a non-stimulant approved for ADD/ADHD. I also seem to think that Wellbutrin can also be used to help with ADD/ADHD. It’s an anti-depressant, but it seems like I’ve heard that it works on a chemical in the brain that helps with focus.
I’m an adult with ADD/ADHD, so I can empathize with you. I currently take Vyvanse with success, but know that it sometimes can be a long process before finding the right medicine combination that works for you. Hang in there! Have you tried any organizational or relaxation techniques?
Best of luck! Take care.
Amy
As a physician I see this game all the time. As Adderall XR, the big money maker for Shire, is about to go off patent, they push a new novel drug out that has minimal benefits over the already adequate ones on the market. Vyvanse is good for people who have a potential to abuse the adderall XR, beyond that the benefit is very minimal. In my practice I have noticed more nausea, insomnia and intractable itching with Vyvanse compared to Adderall. Anorexia (loss of appetite) is more common with Adderall XR, however it is still common with Vyvanse. Another effect is the longer duration of action, which can be sometimes undesireable with the Vyvanse (again, issues with insomnia). My rec’s would be to keep with the XR if it works for you. You will save yourself and the healthcare system some money by sticking to what works. Now if your child has been caught selling or crushing and snorting adderall – the vyvanse is the perfect switch!
These are my personal oppinions and experiences with my patient population and by no means is it a randomized double blind study. However, with a new drug such as Vyvanse, anecdotal evidence is better than no evidence!
My son who is 5 just started Vyvanse and this is his first ADHD med. We’re on our second day. I am noticing a some improvements but I do have some concerns. He’s a talker but it seems to make it much much worse. Is this normal? Will it go away? Also he’s not napping and going to bed much later than normal. Is this normal? Thanks!
My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD/Combined Type in 3rd grade. We have tried Adderall XR (made her vicious), Straterra (no effect). We used Concerta for a number of years…seemed to do well, but she had behavior difficulties despite good focus. Last year she “maxed out” on the Concerta, so we tried Vyvanse 50mg.. The first few days were great, but she developed a rash. Back onto Concerta for one month, then back to the Vyvanse…three days later had to increase to 70mg.. Since she started her menses her behaviors rapidly spiraled downword. To make matters worse, she simply “winked out” of the Healthy Kids’ database around that time. I was paying out of pocket for MD visits AND meds until now. To make a loong story short…until October 2007 I had NO idea ODD and CD were comorbid disorders that run alongside ADHD!! Since the start of this school year (7th grade) she’s had referrals/work details/a 3-day suspension for threatening to hurt someone, and now a 6-day suspension with alternative school the rest of the year for having a knife found in her back-pack. I had her Baker Acted that day (3/17/09) and after all this time, she has been diagnosed with Conduct Disorder.
The Pych. M.D. now has her on Vyvanse 50mg. with Clonidine 0.01mg. at night to see if it will help her. I can only hope and pray intensive counseling and behavior modification techniques will have a positive response. I wish I’d known about ODD/CD back then!
Bottom line? At least I know I’m not guilty of being a “bad Mommy”. I’m just gearing up for the fight of my/her life to keep her becoming a full-fledged sociopath.
Thanks for just letting me vent….Teresa
Hi everyone,
On or around March 9, I disconitnued Vyvanse altogether. Refer back to entries 495 and 496 to bring yourself current. Two weeks have past and I am back to the old me…easily distracted…restless…and short fused…Ughh….I am an irritable mess…
Ms. McD –
I am considering stopping myself as I feel like the effectiveness has gone and am tired of having “wiggle hands” as my daughter says. I am more focused, but oh so irritable by 6. I have tried skipping days and turned into a monster. My question is how long were you on it before quitting? For me it has been since August 08, and I just want to see how i do without it, but do not want to flip out in the process…. Thanks!
p.s. – I am on 50 mgs as well.
Hi,
My 8 yr old son is on his second day of Vyvanse 20 mg. He was just recently diagnosed with ADHD and this is his first med. I almost think it is making him worse. Today he walked around the yard (3 acres) for almost 4 hours listening to his MP3 Player. I’m happy that he was focused on something but he couldn’t sit still. He went to bed sometime after 12Am this morning and was up at 6 AM. It is now 10PM, he has not stopped all day and is still wide awake. It is almost like the meds work in waves. One minute he is calmer than usual then the next he is talking non stop. When I ask him to stop for a minute he tells me he has so much to say that he can’t stop. Instead of anger he seems more emotional. Every time in the last two day something had not gone his way he cries uncontrollably, to the point of I think he is going to stay home from school tomorrow. The last thing I need is him being teased because he is crying at school. Has anyone else had these symptoms??
By the way he has major dry mouth.
Thanks in advance fo any advice! I will take anything I can get right now!! I am so CONFUSED!!!!!
I have posted on here a number of times… I have been on vyvanse for about 6 months… For the parents that post after only a few days, you have to give it some time… The first two weeks I took it, i loved it but i will admit that it did seem to come in intervals, every two hours or so i could almost fee like the meds reloaded and i got a burst of energy… I started on 30mg and after about 2 months any side effects, i did have subsided almost completly, i dont eat as much, but i do eat as many small meals as possible while im on it and then when it wears off i am starving… but i did think i could get more out of it so i went to 40mg, again at first i could feel the difference but it then subsided… my life since has been the best it has ever been, but i do have to admit medication can not and will not be the only answer. I eat healthy, take supplements and work out as much as possible. I am in the process of putting together a business plan and i really wanted just a little bit more focus, so i went up to 50mg… This was too much, some of the side effects that i hear about besides the usual, i started to experience. I got real hyper and then i crashed, i was in an unexplainable mood that was miserable and i could not bear to see if the side effects would wear off… I would open the capsel and pour some out… my conclusion is that it sounds like some of the people or your children may just be on too much… The medicine is by far the best in my opinion but you cant rely on it for everything or expect it to be a perfect cure… I am back on the 40mg and i have learned to control it through diet exercise and just paying attention to what works for me… When i need to concentrate more then normal, i put on my IPOD and listen to music that has no words… it blocks out anything going on and i can concentrate better… when i was in high school, and not on the meds because the ritilan and aderal killed my appetite so bad, I would lock myself in the bathroom to do homework because it was the only place that i could not procrastinate… For someone that is dealing with this themselves i suggest you pay attention to the things that work and talk to other people, either adhd coaches or on the adhd boards to get tips… the coach i talked to for a while also had adhd and it was amazing to talk to someone that could realate and understand exactly what i was going through because other people just think adhd is an excuse to lean on… For parents that dont have adhd i suggest you read “You mean I’m not Lazy Crazy or Stupid?!” And last for parents to understand when it comes to getting your child to do something or correct them, the best rout it to challenge them and offer small rewards. When a challenge or competition is in play someone with adhd can focus better because they get excited about the challenge that lies ahead. The more they realize they can make accomplishments the more confident they will become… The usual parenting ways of punishments and put downs to say the least will just reck there confidence and make them feel even more stupid. For the longest time no matter how hard I tried at school or work I always lost focus and would screw something up and couldnt understand why… and I did graduate high school and college with out medication but it was by the skin of my teeth always rushing at the last second and putting serious stress and depresion in my life… not to mention my grads were terrible and i lost plenty of opportunities because of it… yet I am more creative and intuitive then all most all of my friends and once some one with add realizes every possible way that it effects their life only then can they make the right changes and then unlock the possitives with this problem… and trust me their are many benefits to capitalize on but its only possible once you learn to control and live with it first, otherwise you will continue to sink into a hole and then have to dig yourself out time and time again…
Hi Carolyn,
I starting taking the drug early September. At first, 20 mg for 2 months. It stopped working and the doctor increased the dosage to 50 mg. I maintained at that level for three months and that was when outsiders pointed out my behavior changes that I mentioned in entry 495 above….Ugghhh….I am seeing my doctor tomorrow after work…Will keep you posted…
Respectfully,
Ms. McD
Amanda,
Vyvanse is a stimulant based medicine. I notice during peak time (1-4 hours after administering), I was filled with energy! I honestly felt better about myself because of the stimulant. Perhaps this is the reason for his energy boost. Medicine effects people differently, but it didn’t effect my sleep pattern….It just made me overly obsessed with things….Good luck! I hope this helps..
Oh and yes….Vyvanse gave me wicked dry mouth…I always carried a bottle of water….
Hi everyone…
My doctor took me off from Vyvanse 50 mg and now I am taking Strattera 40mg….What should I expect from this drug? I am aware that it isn’t stimulant based. How does it affect appetite? Vyvanse really killed my desire for food….I lost entirely too much weight….If you folks can give me a heads up, I will be eternally grateful! Take care and good night!
Thanks for the advice!! I have been fighting behavior problems with my son since I can remember. At the age of two he started seeing a phsycologist. He has seen 4 in the past 6 yrs. We are no longer seeing a phsycolocist because for some reason we always get an old one and they end up dying. This last one that died had a real bad effect on my son. Since all 4 have died he felt that it was his faultor he was in some way causing it to happen. After 6 months of greif counseling he is doing better and no longer blames himself. I tried every approach but meds to ADHD, counseling, diet, exercise, and spent hundreds of dollars on almost every natural cure there is. The last thing I wanted to do was medicate my son, I love my son and have little difficulty dealing with him at home do to all my traing with the phsycologist. However, we chose to have him medicated do to problems in school. In the past month he has almost been suspended twice and came very close to expolsion for bring a weapon to school (scissors), and has been a costant disruption to his 2nd grade class. I understand that I didn’t give the meds a long time before my first post (2 days) but I am worried about the social and emotional effects he will face on this drug. He is only 8 and instead of getting mad he cries uncontrollably!! Can you image what will happen to him at school if he breaks down and cries for an hour?? Unfortunatley kids are flat out mean and cruel and I don’t want to know what will happen. I took him to the doctor on Monday and his dose has been adjusted to 10mgs. WE have to mix the capsule in 8 ozs juice then he drinks 4ozs. I kept him home from school yesturday and we tried it. He still had dry mouth (nothing a water bottle can’t fix) but 10mgs seemed to have no effect on him. He was his normal usual self (fine by me), we are going to keep with this until friday then re-evaluate him. The doctor is almost positive that my sons ADHD is hereditary since his sperm doner has ADHD and is Bi-Polar. However we don’t think stimulants are going to work on him. I have a condition where meds work opposite on me than others. If I take vicodin or tylenol 3 I will pass out in a long sleep 10-12 hours usually. However if I take percoset or even oxycotin I function like a normal person. In order to take an antibiotic I have to be admitted in the Hospital and be kept under close watch because they usually don’t work. It is very possible that my son has the same condition which doesnt even have a name because it effects so little people.
Once again thanks for the advice.
Ms. McD –
I took Stattera some time back and do not recall that it did much of anything and in fact, my son’s doctor said it is not really effective in the long term for ADHD. Thanks for the info and I am trying to find the right time to try and go off the 50 mgs. My doc says you can just stop, but the label clearly says do not so i want to time it over a weekend of low stress, like that is ever going to happen as a single mom with 2 young children
I can see the super focus part in me as well, but on stuff like work, NOT stuff I do not like (like housework). I am now avoiding all but work, but then again having been out of work for 5 months and almost losing the house kind of scared me too
Thanks for any more info or tips from anyone of how to gently come off this (even if just fo a break). Thanks!
I have tried various ADD medications, experimented with dosages from my psychologist and am now on 50mg of vyvance. 30 and 40 gave me the feeling of being overly happy and energetic an hour in, but didn’t really help me focus. I am pleased with the results of 50 now, but since then I’ve been experiencing all of the bad side effects like dry mouth, increased heart rate, weight loss, etc. There’s a huge difference between 40 and 50 for me, but I can’t try in between. Does anyone have any advice or information about increasing my dosage from 50 such as whether the side effects continue to get worse as you increase dosage from this range?
I am a 20yr old female and had my first day on vyvanse yesterday. I was diagnosed with ADHD about 3 or 4 years ago and was prescribed adderall 10mg twice a day. I was on it only briefly, because I experienced very very aggressive outburst for hours after coming off of it. For the rest of the time I have been taking focalin 20mg twice a day. With focalin, I would almost immediately feel the side effects; very sweaty, agitated, not wanting to be touched, having to sit still and do something repetative for hours at a time, needing to smoke a lot and becoming very aggressive and agitated if I was not able to, feeling like I was on cocaine except for all the nice effects of it. I am very excited to try vyvanse, had a good, focused day yesterday without feeling zombie like or way too jazzed up. I did have a really hard time sleeping even though I take 100mg of trazodone for sleep. I was up until around 4:30am. I was not aware that this medication lasted so long, I think I just took it too late in the day. So far, I am having a MUCH better experience than I did on any other ADHD medication and am very excited to see continuing positive effects from it!
My son is almost 12 and i recently started him on Vyvanse 30mg. I tried for 3 years to help him with herbal remedies and change of diet before i finally had to face the fact that for him to function in school and not be labled as a bad kid he needed something more.
The firt week was amazing! He was still his outgoing loud funny self however his focus and attention to detail was fabulouse. He was reading books kicking butt in school and he felt good about it. He had some trouble sleeping and eating but nothing real terrible.
The second week he is still very focused and doing great in school, sleeping better & eating better however his need to finish projects or to simply complete a task is overwellming. He will argue to no end with me over stoping what he is doing or if i tell him no to doing something. I have had experience in the past with people who have done speed ( Meath ) and it seems like when i look in my sons eyes he is high on speed ( Meath ) is this anything any of you have experienced. It scares me to see him this way, yet he realy isnt doing anything wrong.
Other than this one set back i have been very happy with all other results. No complaints from teachers at all.
I thought that maybe you might like to hear this from a fourtneen year old girl taking this medication. When I was in third grade, my teachers and my doctors decided that I had ADHD. I was prescribed ADHD medicine (I don’t know names), but that very afternoon I had a splitting headache and I was crying. Since then we have been too cautious to take another ADHD medication. This year, as an eighth grader, I have been having serious problems in class with concentrating and cooperating. Today, at 11:00, I tried one dose of Vyvanse (30mg). By 1:00, the results were like a miracle! I have felt extremely patient and very calm the entire day. The results from this medication or like night and day. I feel so relaxed and perfect; I feel really cooperative, and that I can tune in to whats happening around me.For the first time this year, I don’t feel the need to argue or resist. I don’t even feel overly aggitated anymore! If you knew me, you would be amazed. This is only day one, so I dont know about long-term effects. As for now, I LOVE THIS FEELING! I never want this to wear off. My mom and I agree that I have turned into the old Sadie that I used to be. I never thought that medication could do so much, because my mother never believed in taking medicine. I just thought maybe you would like to hear it from the perspective of someone who is experiencing the medicine first hand.
T-
Hi! I am a 35 yr old female who has been ADD/ADHD all my life, but was not diagnosed until I was 28 yrs old. I too have tried the herbal route, especially during my college years, but I didn’t know I was ADD/ADHD. I just knew I had trouble comprehending and remembering what I was reading, etc. I did not see many results with the herbals , so I finially broke down in frustration (and fear that I was losing my mind) 7 years ago to see a professional. In the last 7 years I have taken Adderall XR, Straterra, Concerta, and Vyvanse. I have take breaks on the medicine and even had a baby off of the medicine (of course). By far, the Vyvanse is the most smooth in starting, meaning, I don’t get a racing heart like on the Adderall XR. I did experience frustration and irritability similar to your sons on Vyvanse. The nurse who manages my medicine says that this is a common side affect, especially when the medicine is wearning off in the afternoon/evenings. Is there a certain time of day that your son is more irriatble? You may want to keep track of the time because he may be reacting to the medicine leaving his system. I also have a history of Anxiety Disorder. With the ADHD and anxiety mixed together, I get frustrated when not properly medicated and spiral into depression. As is turns out, the anti-depressant I was taking (called an SSRI) basically was not producing the results needed for me to be successful with life skills, handling situations, etc. With a simple switch in anti-depressant, my irratibility and frustration was relieved by 90%. I’m not saying to put your son on an anti-depressant, but again you may want to be mindful about when he is starting to argue with you, etc. I’d also tell his docotr about the anger, etc. I too have felt speedy on the Vyvanse, but if I limit my caffeine and sugar consumption, it helps greatly. For the most part, I’m very stable on Vyvanse now. I just needed a little tweeking with my anti-depressant and caffeine intake.
Regarding your son arguing with you when you want him to stop doing something: it could be the Vyvanse or maybe not. Even on the Vyvanse, I must FORCE myself at times to do the work that needs to be done. For instance, if I start surfing the internet or cleaning the house when I take the Vyvanse, I could be doing those tasks for hours because I’m so focused. I still have to remember to priortize my tasks when taking Vyvanse or I get bogged down on something that does not have to be done that day. Also, I’ve thought about something interesting in the last few months as I was trying to figure out my own frustration level: those of us who are ADD/ADHD have had to fight all of our lives in order to focus, read, get tasks accomplished, and just get by in school, jobs, home responsibilities. Being on medicine that works is really like a miracle for us, we feel “normal” and relieved that we can actually focus for awhile and get something accomplished. We feel like we’ve observed all our friends and peers functioning. Maybe his anger is the medicine leaving his system and he’s unconsciously getting frustrated because he’s having difficulty focusing again. So maybe this angee/frustration is just the drug leaving his system and him having to re-adjust to focusing again. Just a thought. I hope all this makes sense. Take care and keep us updated!
I am 33 years old, and was FINALLY told I had ADD after starting my first year of college, 14 years ago. I was put on Ritalin, along with an anti-depressent. This worked great for awhile, but upon getting married, and starting my family, I took a 10 year break from all ADD medication. Upon completing my family, I decided it was time to go back on the medication, and started taking Vyvanse almost 1 year ago.
The first couple months I was on it, I felt wonderful! I felt like I was becoming the person I always wanted to be. I really felt this was a huge blessing in my life.
Around this same time (about 3 months after taking the medication) Myself, and my family were hit with one hardship after another. The last 8 months I have had to face some very hard things. It seemed like around this time I started noticing the side effects of the medication,(or what I thought were side effects?) which I had not seemed to notice before. The biggest one seems to be the irritability, which is really bad, and what I would describe as loss of my personality. I don’t feel like the same person, I just want to be “me” again. I am having a real hard time deciding if this is side effects of the Vyvanse, Depression, because of all that I have been through recently, or a combination of both.
My Dr. is NO HELP TO ME! I want to switch Dr’s but because of the insurance I am on, I can only see a family Dr (that’s all they will cover) I have no idea who to pick, and who would work well with me.
I really would love to continue taking medication for ADD, if at all possible. I love the changes I have made in my life for the good. For the first time life seems to make sense, It’s like my eyes have been opened, and I wonder how I have lived so many years like I did before. I not only notice this, but my parents, brothers, sisters, all extended family ect…
However, I can’t take much more of what I would best describe as a “Mood disorder” I need me again, but wonder if there is any way of having the best of both worlds. The good of the ADD medication (I have only tried Vyvanse) and yet to still feel some what of the same person again?
Also, about 4 hours after taking the medication, I feel horrible! I usually need to lay down, because my body hurts so bad. During this time as well I cry a lot, and feel like the world is against me. About an hour later, I feel better, pysically and emotionally. The irritability gets a little better as the day goes by, but is at it’s peck, until about 12:00 pm. (I take med at 5:30am) OH! also (is this normal) In the morning, when I first wake up, before taking the medication, I seriously feel horrible! My joints hurt SO BAD! feet, hands, and knees. As I start walking around, I feel like, what I would describe as the flu. Most of the time I have to lay around until the medication kicks in, then I feel great. I feel like my body is addicted to it, but Dr. says this is not possible. Why would i feel horrible without the medication in me, if my body didn’t depend on it? I have never abused it, in anyway, I take one 60mg pill in the morning and that’s it. I tried the 30mg and then the 50, and then up to 60, where I have been at for the last 6 months.
PLEASE, any advice would be so helpful! I am at loss at what to do anymore. Also is there any way of getting a question to Dr. Kenny? I am new to the website, and have not done much looking around.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP!
Julia,
Hello! I am a 35 year old mom who was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at age 27. I too, have taken breaks from ADHD medicines to conceive, give birth, etc.
I can somewhat relate to your issues with Vyvanse and I have had similar irritability issues while on the Vyvanse. However, I do believe that the irritability that I experienced was related to an outside stressor and not the Vyvanse. I too, thought it was the Vyvanse, but once the situation was improving and I saw a counselor and an RN who specializes in psychiatric medicines, I am much better. I am still taking Vyvanse (70mg) along with Sertraline (generic for Zoloft). You can read my April 13th post to get the details. Basically, I was on the wrong anti-depressant, it “pooped out” said the RN who manages my medicines. I also have started to take care of myself better. As moms, it’s so easy to take care of everyone else and forget about ourselves. I’ve started taking vitamins again and I think that’s helped too. I’m taking baby steps and intend on starting excersice again too.
Regarding your muscles aches in the morning, are you getting enough sleep? I know when I don’t sleep well and I am exhausted, I feel achy. I have just had a recent bout with not sleeping well and not getting to bed at a healthy hour. I’m getting it under control by getting off of the computer by 9 pm or 10 pm. It messes with your sleep rhythms and can make you more stimulated, thus not feeling like you want to go to sleep. I also started taking Melatonin Time Release (3 mg) before bedtime. They say to take 20 minutes before bedtime, but I take it about an hour before retiring. It’s all natural and seems to help me. I’m on my 5th night of taking Melatonin.
You’re doing the right thing by telling your doctor all of your symptoms. I too, was seeing my general pratitioner for management of ADD/ADHD and depression/anxiety, but he seemed to not see the entire picture, so a specialist helps. I understand the whole insurance thing too. It stinks!
I believe that Dr. Handelman checks these blogs and has responded to questions directed to him. There is also a blog for adult add/adhd which may be helpful too.
I also wanted to tell you that I take breaks from Vyvanse for one day every so often, it seems to help and the next time I take the Vyvanse, it seems to work even better. Don’t know if it’s a placebo effect, but it works for me.
Hang in there, try to relax, and have a good weekend. Hope it’s sunny where you live. It’s a beautiful day here and that always helps me! I’m off of work on Fridays, so it’s nice.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for sharing your expertise and helping out.
I did respond – the same question was put in a different post.
You can see my response here: http://www.addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-dosage-how-to-get-the-right-dose/#comment-89335
Also – the social network: http://www.adhdworld.com is a great place to share and discuss about ADHD.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
I took my first Vyvanse today, and felt more anxiety than I had before? Will this go away after my body gets used to it? Also, how long does it stay in your system? Is it safe to drink at night and not be affected by it as long as you take in the morning? I don’t want to find out the hard way =( It is almost Saturday, and I’m planning on going out, so would hate for my 2nd day to be a bad one! Thanks! =)
Dr. Kenny,
Hello! Thanks for your response! I can feel Julia’s frustration through her post and I can relate. Maybe that’s where my “expertise” came in with this situation.
I’ll look at your post and check out the adhdworld.com. I think I’ve been to that site in the past, but have not visited for quite awhile. Thanks again. I feel honored that you responed! I’m sure you were able to help Julia too.
Enjoy the weekend,
Amy
Amy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me. It’s nice to have someone out there, that’s in a simular situation as me.
It’s comforting to know, that what I thought to be side effects of the medication, could possibly be due to my circumstances in life now. I’m glad to hear that things improved for you, when your situation got better. And your so right, it’s so hard to take time out for yourself as a mom. I’m sitting here right now typing this, all my kids content playing, and yet I fell guilty for doing something for me, even if it’s trying to improve myself, so in return I can be a better mom to my kids. Why is that???
As far as the sleep things goes, I don’t get enough. I honestly really never considered that my crapy morning feeling, could be due to the lack of sleep. Thanks for suggesting that. I will have to get a good nights rest tonight and see how I feel in the morning. Thanks!!
And it’s so funny, your April 13th post (which I read, before doing this last post) is what inspired me to consider that I might just be depressed. So from what I read, (and understand, correct me if I’m wrong) but being on the anti-depressent now, not only helps you with your depression (and anxiety?) but it always helps with balancing out the side effects of the medication (or like i said, what I thought were side effcts, but could be depression?) Do I make sense?
Do you think trying an anti-depressent now, would be my next best step, along with the Vyvanse? And also, with feeling like the medication is wearing off 8 hours later, with having the crash in the afternoon that i do, Should I considering going up to 70mg, or would the dose not matter at all with this? Is it just my body, and for me it last 8 hours?
I hope you don’t mind all the questions. I just know for myself, I seem to learn the best from hearing what others of tried, and what works well for me. And having a bad Dr. does not help either.
And today is BEAUTIFUL here as well! Nothing makes me more happy then a nice, sunny, warm day, spent outside enjoying it. Love the Spring!!
Have a good weekend!
Julia
Julia,
It’s so nice to hear from you! Don’t feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself! I know it’s easier said than done, but if you can’t take care of yourself and be well, then you can’t take care of your family. I feel guilty at times too. I think it’s a female and mom thing with guilt.
Yes, you make sense. If I understand correctly, certain antidepressants (SSRI meds for example) do work to help anxiety, but not all help with the anxiety. I would definately talk with your Dr. I tried talking with my GP physician when I felt like I was slipping into depression and anxiety, but he told me antidepressants just don’t stop working. I believed him eventhough I thought differently and spiraled even further down until I saw the specialist. I had enough of feeling like crap and my husband didn’t care what it took regarding money spent, etc, to have the old Amy back. Luckily, our insurance pays fairly well for mental health. I would talk with your Dr. about the whole antidepressant thing to get a professional opinion. I think that certain medicines work better together for some people, but remember that we all have different chemical make-ups. The Vyvanse 70 mg sometimes still stops working around 3pm or so, but sometimes I also think that I’m just exhausted. I work with toddlers three days per week, so you can imagine the tiredness.
You could need to go to 70 mg, I don’t know. I went between 50 mg and 70 mg for about 3 months before we got the dosage right.
I don’t mind all the questions. I am just so relieved to speak with another mom in her 30′s who is in a similar situation. You’re certainly not alone. Enjoy your beautiful day! I need to go, our daughter is “bored” and whining.
Amy
I am 24 years old US female & I have been diagnosed with adult-ADHD. My Dr. has prescribed me Vyvanse (originally 30mg, now at 40 mg) and my world has changed. I am able to finally accomplish tasks with out distraction and I feel that I have a place in this world again. Unmotivated, disorganized thinking, trouble reading a CHAPTER of a book in one sitting was usually how my days before the medicine were. There are two things that really seem to bug me about this medicinde however,
1. It wears off (for me) in 6 hours as opposed to the “promised 12 hours”
2. I a huge coffee fan! I cannot drink more than 2 cups now with out feeling jittery and paranoid.
Even with that being said, I still wouldn’t trade those 6 peaceful hours for any thing. Plus there is not a debilitating crash as opposed to Adderall, per say. Everything is in balance with this medication.
i just began taking vyvanse today. it’s amazing. my focus and energy is great, i’m not so out of control anymore. however, i am a recovering drug addict. this drug was perscribed to by a psychiatrist specializing in addiction psychiatry. we thought this would be a good choice and it has been, aside from the fact that i feel almost too good on it. it could be a dosing error i’m sure, but this has made me aware that it can be abused, just not through illegal methods such as crushing it and snorting it.
I had been on Adderall for over two years – a combination of XR and IR. I was just started on Vyvnase at 30 mg (low for me but we are starting slow) and I have to say YAYYYYYYY. I can focus, do what I need to do, etc, without the ‘buzz’ or rollercoaster ride of Adderall. Still a low dose, but I will keep you posted where I level off.
This may sound crazy, but does anyone have experience with this medication for an elderly person? My mother is 84 years old and hs been “scatterbrained” all her life. Nickname is “dizzy Izzy”! She is very disorganized, misplaces things, can’t stick to a subject, gets upset about small problems, doesn’t concentrate well, etc. Since ADD first came to public notice we joked that she has AADD.
She has been on tranquilzers and anti-depressants, but make her too sleepy and she won’t take them. Anyone have experience with this age group? Maybe I could go with her on her next appointment with the doctor and see what can be done. She’d be so much happier.
I am currently taking vyvanse. I gotta tell you, it gives me a lot of energy and does help me focus a little more. I am wondering how similar it is to cocaine. are there some of the same ingrediants in the two? and what would happen if i emptied a pill and snorted it like cocaine. Any ideas?
Hey Brian! That would be a good idea!! not. It’s time released so even if you did snort it it would not give you the high you are craving. Are you prescribed this medicine or are you just abusing it? Sounds to me like you need to discontinue the Vyvanse and even though I AM NOT A DOCTOR, just go ahead and take 1 gram of cocaine instead. Or better yet, why dont you put your cocaine in an empty Vyvanse capsule and then swallow it? Maybe you could do an experiment and see if swallowing cocaine is like snorting Vyvanse? How does that sound, buddy? And uh, what are you doing up at 320am? hmmmmm
I am 15 years old and currently take 60 mg Vyvanse and have been for about 4 months. Before that I took 50 mg and 40 mg Vyvanse for about 1 hr and a half. I’m not sure what to think of this drug. This year has honestly been the saddest year of my life. I have no appetite and usually eat 1-2 meal every two days not including snacks (bag of chips here and there..).l feel sad very frequently and occationally think suicidal thoughts although they aren’t at a serious level where I am about to commit suicide… only thinking about like ending the sadness or wishing I could die to possibly be happier or imagining killing myself and seeing the reactions of others.
I am doing much better in school now, and my gpa has risen dramatically. But, when I am on the medication its like I am a different person. I can get extremely focused to the point where I don’t want anyone to talk to me or make annoying noises near me, and I am not a cheerful laughable guy that I can be when I am off the medication.
My last side effect that I will mention is this. For about 7 months I have had this throat problem. It’s almost like I have a “tic” or something. It feels like I have stuff running down my throat so I will clear it but have to do it 3 or 4 times to make the feeling go away but it just comes back in a minute or two. It’s really wierd. Any link to some sort of OCD problem??
And when I don’t think about it I don’t have to do it so I am led to believe that it’s a psycological issue. I need some help here. I go to my annual check-up in a month and will hopefully get some things figured out then.
Also, Bryan- snorting will make no difference. The medication won’t have any effect until a body enzyme activates it so theres no advantage there. Sorry man.
Thanks guys,
Paul
Hi Paul,
1) If you are feeling suicidal – talk to your doctor about this! Also, please develop a safety plan – i.e. who can you talk to if it gets worse? I hope one of your parents can be there for you.
2) The throat thing can be a ‘tic’. These can be side effects to stimulant medications. Talk to your doctor about that as well.
3) If the medication helps you but takes away your personality, it may be worth trying a different medicine. I like to aim for people to have good symptom control AND maintain their personality. If Vyvanse isn’t right for you – maybe Concerta or Strattera could be helpful (of course I don’t know what you’ve been on before). Again, talk to your doctor about this.
Thanks for ‘stopping by’ and sharing your thoughts.
I hope these comments help.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
Thanks for the responce. I think that the medication just makes me feel depressed. I am going to talk to him about it. I’ve been on cencerta before and we switched to Vyvanse for the same issues thinking that they would be solved.. I will check out new meds and let you know how it goes. Thanks
Hi–
I’ve been struggling through the process of addressing both ADHD and clinical depression for about 4 years now. (I am a 35 year old male.) The only medicine that has worked ‘as advertised’ for me is Wellbutrin at 450mg a day. Most of the other meds (Adderall, Ritalin, Effexor, Strattera) all worked briefly at first and then tended to just make me extremely sleepy and/or zoned. (Effexor never worked. I was on it for 4 days and felt like I slept the entire time.) I felt like I was on a roller coaster and, when they did work, it was for a very brief time during the middle of the advertised duration. I also was on Prozac for a time when my depression seemed to briefly worsen. It help initially but eventually made me zoned, tired, and apathetic. (The medical term is ANHEDONIA — look it up, it was the first time I read a description that EXACTLY described my major, on going symptom.)
I’m excited reading about Vyvanse because the people it seems to work for sound a lot like me, both in terms of symptoms and reactions to other meds. I have an appointment with my Doctor this evening and will be asking about Vyvanse.
One specific question — can anyone talk about using Vyvanse with Wellbutrin? I’d be hesitant to go off the Wellbutrin since it has helped the depression side of things and takes a while to build back up if I need to go back on it.
Thanks!
Jeff
I took adderall and adderall xr previously. My Pdoc started me on 60mg of vyvanse. the first day it seemed to work but on a very even-keel. There were no ups and downs or highs and lows. Just a low key humming in the background almost. But the important thing was that I was able to focus and stay on task. That’s how I knew it was working.
Without any medication I cannot organize my day or even connect with the world around me. I’m now at around the end of one full week and think I’ll need to have it increased because it is no longer working all day. Hope this helps.
Jeff,
I take wellbutrin xl 300mg. I also take 70mgs of vyvanse(40 when I wake up, 30 around noon or one). I have not really had problems with this combination. The only thing I noticed was that the dry mouth I already had with wellbutrin seemed to get worse. I also take lexapro(20mg) for depression, so you may have a slightly different experience. You should definitely just add in the vyvanse, without stopping your regular meds. I haven’t read anything about the drugs not working well together, and I have had no problems. Hope this helps!
my 9yr old daughter has been on vyvanse for a while, in school she is doing great, better grades not getting in trouble, the best thing ever, but at night it is horable not sleeping, nightmares, emotional, moody. we tried concerta but did not get the same effect for school so we went back to vyvanse, the dr also put her on clonadine (blood pressure med) to help with sleep but nothing seems to help, but again its the only med that works for school, im not sure where to go from here….
I have been taking Vyvanse now for 3 weeks. 30 mg. I also take Lexapro, Abilify, Lithium, Lorazapam & Trazadone. Prior to starting Vyvanse I was on Serequel. I was a zombi sleeping 15 hours or more a day. Since starting the Vyvanse my whole life has changed. Now I can focus, concentrate on getting things done to the end and I’m not sleeping all the time.
I find that the last 2 days I wake up fatigued until I take my Vyvanse and then about 30 minutes later I’m able to function. It has made a big difference at work but I’m worried that I may be addicted to the Vyvanse. Is this possible when I’ve only been taking it for 3 weeks?
Hi, I was just put on 50mg of Vyvanse and i was wondering if there is a big weight loss with this pill. I was on Adderall XR and dropped like 30 pounds, i cant afford to lose anymore..any ideas?
Thank you
I am a junior in High School and I have been on Vyvanse since the beginning of December of ’08. They put me on trials. First 30 mg, then 50 mg, then 70 mg. 30 mg didn’t work for me, 70 mg made my head hurt – shortness of breath, and dizziness with mild headache while doing aerobics class. 50 mg seemed just right for me. Since I’ve been taking it, My math grade went up from floating between a D and an F to an A-! History went from D to a C- to sometimes a B-. This A.D.D medication has really helped me with those because those are my worst interests. I am able to finish what I start. I’ve taken Addoral from age 8 to age 13, but that didn’t help me. I felt so jittery and my handwriting sucked because I was always shaking. So now from 17 on, I’m taking Vyvanse. I started out 52.1 kg (115 lbs) and then I ended up to be 45.4 kg (100 lbs) because loss of appitite, and Vyvanse, for some reason, acts a depressant to me. I’ve been feeling depressed ever since I’ve been taking it, and I just don’t feel like eating. Once I was so depressed I ended up being 44.5 kg (98 lbs)but now I’ve gained since then, and stable at 48.5 kg (107 lbs). Stuffing things covered in cheese or fattening things really helped! And weight-gaining shakes helped too.[I'm short so that's why I weigh so little.] With Vyvanse, the worst thing I’ve noticed about it is that you get kind of autistic. All you focus on is what is put in front of you. My friends can be talking to me while I’m doing my work and I don’t hear them, or their words go in one ear and out the other. Or, sometimes, you forget everyone around you, and when you actually look to see who’s around you’re surprised by how much people are actually around you. I’ve become less sociable and lost many friends because of it, but I manage. I get headaches everyday,and when you’re stressed, that doesn’t help either. Between Addoral and Vyvanse, Vyvanse is working alot better for me. I don’t have to worry about getting fat or anything, but worrying about sudden death while taking it is a biggy for me. It makes people have a low Sex Drive too, but that’s not a prob – once that’s gone, you can actually focus on life and see people for who they are, and realize there’s more to life than that kind of attention. I love my good grades and I know I’m going to graduate since I’m taking Vycanse.
alissa,
i am in like the same situation as you. im a sophmore in high school so the meds really have helped my grades (went from a 2.9 to 3.65 gpa once i started on 60 mg). but the medicine makes me constantly depressed. i dont want anyone to talk to me, and i want to be left alone to either to school work or something else. i also never have an appetite. i eat one meal a day or sometimes go a whole day on a bag of chips.. like you said, i also dont interact socially as much as i used to nearly. i think it has to do with the meds themself and the depression sideeffect that it gives me. i dont want to do things on weekends and am somewhat nervous to go to parties or big social events, especially with a bunch of girls. sounds sad, but i also think it has something to do with the fact that i am shy around new girls and i also go to an all boys bording school…
my question is this: anyone know a medication that would not have any of the sideeffects that i listed that effect me? ive also been on concerta a while back and that didnt completely work…
thanks
For alissa and Paul, I may be wrong but I think if you lower your dose just a little bit the depression might subside. I also think a small anti-depressant may help out in more ways then one. For Paul when I was in high school I didnt take the medication even though it helped because i didnt want to lose anymore weight, so my doctor put me on prozac, it didnt help my grades but it did help my depression that also helped me eat more because I wasnt so down about my weight, the depression caused an un easy stomach that made me eat even less. I feel like the vyvanse will always curve your appetite but over time its seems to subside more then others. Coming from someone whom still has trouble with gaining weight, I suggest working out and taking weight gain along with supplements. Some of my supplements seemed to help with the add as well and exercise helps with my depression more then any medication. If you want some more information on supplements and gaining some weight e mail me at JoeNRamirez@yahoo.com
I’m 30, and on adderall-60mg for four years and love it. Can’t live without it. It sucks it will be discontinued I don’t know what I’m going to do! My boyfriend 29, was started on 30mg vyvanse yesterday so I tried it. 15mg adderall 30mg vyvanse and it was great. I read a book, taught both of my kids to ride their bikes without training wheels, ran around all day, then took them for a bike ride that night. (I probably could have done this on adderall alone but it could have been the two together) anyway, it seemed to work pretty good, But I didn’t have that speedy feeling I get from adderall. I took 60mg of vyvanse today and no adderall. Again, no speedy, buzzy feeling I get from my adderall but I can totally concentrate! So for kids, definitly! For me, NO! I like that speedy buzzy feeling I get from my adderall and I don’t want to get switched to anything else but I tell you right now, if they ever have to put my kids on anything, vyvanse will be the one I ask for without a doubt!
My son took Vyvanse for the first time yesterday afternoon. At lunch he called my wife/his mother to rave about how well his day was going– he was able to concentrate better than ever, was getting a lot done in class, and the only noticed side-effect a mild headache.
Two hours later, he started feeling extremely strange, and tried to go see his guidance counselor. On the way there, he came across a friend and was overcome with an overwhelming sense of rage– punched his friend in the back of the head after he walked past. He has no idea what set him off, but the timing is consistent with what I have read is when some experience a ‘crash’.
He won’t be taking this medication again. It may work wonders for some or even most of those who take it, but there is no doubt in our minds that for some it can cause extremely undesirable bouts of rage 5-9 hours after administration.
Apologies– he took it for the first time yesterday morning.
The bad effect happened yesterday afternoon.
My son is 7 years old. He has been diagnosed with ADHD since age 4 and takes Vyvanse 50mg. He has been taking it for two years. It works the entire school day and the only side effect is his appetite. He isn’t hungry until it wears off 10 hours later. He had difficulty sleeping until he was prescribed a pill called clonidine. This pill counter acts the vyvanse and he is asleep within an hour every night. If he misses a vyvanse dose and goes to school they definitely call me because he is too hyper to stay in the classroom or sit still. Vyvanse has made it possible for my son to excel and be the super smart student that he is. I had him on Adderall and Ritilan and the patch also a few more. Vyvanse is the best medicine he has taken. He has no side effects while on it.
I started with Vyvanse 30 mg not too long ago. Beside a little dry mouth and decreased appetite, my work drive is out the roof. However, in leisure social situations I get annoyed with people, even my girlfriend. I guess I prefer to be alone. Any suggestions?
I started in college at UVA back last fall. I did alright first semester, with like a 2.8 gpa, got prescribed on vyvanse in the beginning of this semester in January. It helped me focus extremely well, ended the semester with a 3.5 gpa making the deans list for the semester. I saw side effects at first with the trouble sleeping and lack of appetite, but after a couple weeks of getting used to the medication that all supsided. I never was prescribed on any other medicine for ADHD, but I know vyvanse works very well for me. I have noticed becoming less social though, preferring to be on my own, but that helps me focus on my studies as well I guess. Any knowledge on what would help me get back to my social life with keeping the positive affects of vyvanse on my education??