Vyvanse Dosage: How to Get the Right Dose
ByVyvanse is the newest medicine for ADD or ADHD in the USA. I have written several articles on this blog on Vyvanse, and have had great feedback and comments from readers of this blog. For example – if you want to find out if vyvanse works, visit this post to read many people’s first hand experiences.
One question which many people ask is about the dosing of Vyvanse.
This article will provide you with the answers you need to get the right dosage of Vyvanse.
Research studies compared the dosing of Vyvanse with Adderall XR. What this research showed was the following:
- Vyvanse 30 mg = Adderall XR 10 mg
- Vyvanse 50 mg = Adderall XR 20 mg
- Vyvanse 70 mg = Adderall XR 30 mg
The recommendations for the starting doses of Vyvanse are as follows: Doctors should start Vyvanse at 30 mg, and then gradually increase the dose to 50 mg, and then up to 70 mg if needed. Of course the doctor would monitor response to the medicine (i.e. if there is a great response and ADHD is controlled at 50 mg, then there is no need for 70 mg of Vyvanse). The doctor will also monitor for side effects – i.e. if there are too many side effects at 70 mg, then the dose may need to be dropped to 50 mg of Vyvanse.
The importance of the ‘conversion’ dosing listed above relates to those people who may switch from one stimulant medicine to Vyvanse. Using the information above, you can figure out how to change your dose of Adderall XR to Vyvanse.
When it comes to the available strenghts of Vyvanse, Vyvanse is now available in the US in the following dosage strengths:
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 50 mg
- 60 mg
- 70 mg
In Canada, all of the dosage strenghts are available except for the 70 mg dose. The dosage recommendations above are the general recommendations for dosage. That said, your doctor may start lower, and may take a different approach to your dosing. When Vyvanse was first release, there were fewer strengths of the medicine available – i.e. only 30mg, 50 mg and 70 mg. Now, there are the ‘in between’ doses as well (the 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg). This does give doctors more flexibility in adjusting the dose to tailor it to suit you.
If you are switching from Concerta to Vyvanse, then you will need to follow these rough guidelines (and of course, talk to your doctor – who can personalize the information to suit your treatment):
- Concerta 36 mg = approx. Vyvanse 30 mg
- Concerta 72 mg = approx. Vyvanse 50 mg
I have to say that the dose changes from Concerta to Vyvanse are based on logic, and not on research.
Here is the logic:
- Concerta 36 mg works out to approx. 8 mg of regular ritalin three times daily.
- That is approximately 5 mg of regular adderall twice daily.
- That works out to approximately Adderall XR 10 mg once daily.
- Since Adderall XR 10 mg daily is equal to Vyvanse 30 mg, once can guess that Concerta 36 is equal to approximately Vyvanse 30 mg.
[Click here for a full review of how to calculate concerta doses.]
There are two important points to remember here:
- Even though I can suggest what the equal doses are, you may react differently to any one medicine. Only testing, monitoring and talking to your doctor will help to sort out what the right dose is for you.
- Please talk to your doctor about your individual care. Even though this blog article may help you to find the right dose of Vyvanse based on a combination of my review of the research and my opinion, your doctor is an expert in your care.
Thank you for reading, and please post any comments or your experiences with the dosing of Vyvanse in the comments below.
Dr. Kenny
(Updated May 2010)
I am a 45 year old man. After losing countless relationships due to mood changes and rage, and after much therapy, I am now taking Vynanse. This has change my life!! I thank God that my outburst of anger can be controled by anger management practices and Medication. My question is. Will I have to take Vynanse for the rest of my life. In the last year since I have started Vynansee for my ADHD, the only time I have lost control of my anger is when I was without it for 5 days. Is it just a fact of life for me that I need to acept that I need this med?
My 7 yr old daughter started vyvanse 30 mg yesterday 12/1/07. W/in 30 minutes of taking it she turned into almost a zombie. Her eyes were glazed over for the first 1-2 hours, she said she was dizzy and she just wanted to sleep. I tried taking her shopping and she was too messed up to walk that I had to put her in the cart, shop quick and take her home to bed. After a couple hours she started watching TV and playing a video game, so she was up, but had no pep. She had 3 20 second boughts of crying expressing frustration with the video game. She also chewed on her tongue for about 9 hrs. I asked if something was twitching and her answer was basically that was was “doing it on purpose”, but couldn’t stop. She had never done that before. It was what I would consider to be a tic. When she got up this morning, that was gone. . She wouldn’t eat and she couldn’t fall asleep til after midnight. I knew there were going to be side effects, but she seems to have gotten all of them. The dr said there would be an adjustment period of about a week. I wasn’t sure which of these side effects would be for the first week versus which normally go on and on. I did give her her pill for today just about 15 minutes or so ago and will be checking on her shortly. Please comment.
Hi Kim,
Thank you for sharing your experience.
All I can say is this: You need to talk to your child’s doctor to ask if you should be continuing and what to do about it.
I can’t really say more – for two reasons:
1) as a Canadian doctor, I can’t prescribe Vyvanse yet – so I don’t have personal experience.
and
2) I can’t make treatment suggestions on a blog! You need to talk to a doctor about these concerns.
All the best (and please come back and let us know how it goes, if you’d be willing)
Dr. Kenny
Dave A,
Yes, some people need to take medicine for the long term. I am reluctant to say ‘for the rest of your life…’ because that’s a long time!
Talk to your doctor about this question and see what he/she says.
Dr. Kenny
Dr. Kenny,
The Vyvanse is really helping. The 30mg dosage had to be adjusted to 50mg. I do seem to need alot of cognitive therapy, which I can’t find the time to get. I think 70mg may be my Dr’s next advice, we’ll see on next apppointment.
The Dr. saved my life using by diagnosing the ADHD. I was at the end of my rope, and today am improved enough at least to seek more answers, and more help. Self-esteem issues and having a fuller life still somewhat out of reach at this moment, but again, this doctor has given me much hope. JH
Dr. Kenny,
Hi. I was diagnosed with ADD 7 years ago, I am 34 yrs old. I’ve taken Adderall XR 30 mg in the past with much success, but was switched to Concerta 56 mg a few years ago because of all the hype about Adderall being addictive. A good friend of mine thought I was acting different on the 56 mg, but my husband didn’t see anything strange. After her comments, I thought I was acting strangly too, so I told my physician & he switched me to Concerta 27 mg. The power of suggestion!!! I took Concerta for 2 years. It only helped a little, but I never said anything because I didn’t know what else they could do for me and is was helping just a bit. I took over a month break in December 2007 from Concerta and my ADD symptoms came back, full blown within a month and a half. My physician just prescribed me Vyvance 30 mg and I started it on Tues, Jan 15th. It is working great, but wears off between noon and 2 pm. I spoke with my physician’s nurse on Thursday to share my results on the Vyvance 30 mg. She said that I would need to wait until my current prescription for Vyvanse 30 mg is finished before they can increase it. Is this because it is a controlled substance and there are certain restrictions on how much ADD stimulant drugs they can prescribe within a month?
Thanks.
P.S. I made a post last night under the name of “L-” to tell my story. I was too embarassed to use my real name because I was parinoid of “people” I work with and others finding out my story. I really don’t care anymore if they were to find out. Am I crazy??? Thanks again for all of your information.
Hi I am 15 years old but i am the size of a grwon man. I am now as of today on 100 mg of this medication and I would say it works. W\Switching over form Concerta to this medication made me feel very high and stone and light headed. But now it is worth it because i am starting to like it.
I TAKE 100 MG OF VYVANCE AT 170 LBS.
IS THIS DOSE EXCESSIVE?
Vyvanse Dosage: How to Get the Right Dose | ADD ADHD Blog.com…
Vyvanse is the newest medicine for ADD or ADHD in the USA. I have written several articles on this blog on Vyvanse, and have had great feedback and comments from readers of this blog….
Vyvanse Dosage: How to Get the Right Dose…
Vyvanse is the newest medicine for ADD or ADHD in the USA. I have written several articles on this blog on Vyvanse, and have had great feedback and comments from readers of this blog….
Vyvanse Dosage: How to Get the Right Dose…
Vyvanse is the newest medicine for ADD or ADHD in the USA. I have written several articles on this blog on Vyvanse, and have had great feedback and comments from readers of this blog….
100mg isn’t really excessive. 100mg of Vyvanse is like 50mg of Adderall XR which is not uncommon at all. Vyvanse (and most other adhd meds) don’t seem to matter much on the age and weight of the patient. Doctors used to think it mattered but there can be a grown man at 300 pounds taking 30 Vyvanse and a 16 year old 110 pound kid on 100mg. It varries from patient to patient.
i am 49 and started on 30 mg and weigh about 125 lbs. It worked great at first but could not sleep (woke at 3:30) and finally got so tired of not sleeping stopped and restarted and it just does not seem to do much except I still am waking at 3:30. My son is on 30 as well, should I be taking more or would this make the sleep matter worse?
I was on 30 mg and the sleep thing went away, in fact I slept great, but then the effect started to wear off, I was upped to 50 mgs and the sleep was only disturbed on night 1. now effects (focus better) seems to have worn off again. I cannot find sites which recommend what dosages I should be on based on weight. I do not have the hyper thing going – just total disorganization and focus (switching around from thing to thing). Both are greatly helped at first. Can anyone (Doc?) answer or point me to a site with guidelines. My doc seems clueless and i start a new job next week and have to go for a refill or up in mgs tomorrow which was, but do not want to suggest an increase if it will make me zoomy…. ANY thoughts would be appreciated!!
I was experiencing a new life after taking Vyvanse. I took 30mg for about a week and then the doctor bumped it up to 60 mg for 1 1/2 weeks. When I asked her to please let me go up to 70 mg – she told me this was the wrong drug for me. I am devastated. I have read about people who needed even higher doses for the best results. I have lived for 54 years with ADHD and I have had 2 1/2 weeks of really feeling that I belonged in my skin.
Do patients have any rights?
Im a 16 year old girl had just (finally!) got diagnosed with ADD 3 months ago. I’m on vyvanse right now and am taking 70 mg. I have noticed that it is not working as strongly as it was in the beginning, so i was wondering if it would be okay to take both a 70mg AND 1 30mg at the same time. I have already done this on one occassion because my sisters boyfriend is also on vyvanse for the first time and he saw results when he combined 2 30mg pills. Is this safe to do and if so can i continue to do this? It did work well ..but maybe a little too well because i was super super calm the whole day. Merci!
Amanda,
I’d strongly advise you to talk to your doctor before using a dose higher than what was prescribed for you.
Your doctor may approve it, but he/she should evaluate you first.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
i started taking vyvanse this past week on 11/19/08 at 40 mg. im 20 yrs old in college and i have taken it wednsday and thursday. on wednsday it made me high and stoned basically and thursday i felt so weak that i could faint at any time. also i timed my heart rate it was 96 at rest. i dont want to take this any more. i cant see the reasoning behind having to take a pill to make you consentrait i think i should be able to tell myself when i need to focus and concentrait. it wasnt like i was taking medicine to help me it was more like taking a drug to get me high.
I’ve read that quite a few people are asking about weight and Vyvance dosage. My doctor told me that Vyvance is not weight restricted like some of the other medications. My son had to switch to Vyvance from Straterra beause he didn’t weigh enough to increase his dosage.
Now I have a question…my son started Vyvance at 30mg about 3 weeks ago. He says he really notices a difference in his ability to focus but it wears off by mid-afternoon. I’m assuming he probably needs to increase his dose. The thing I’m concerned about is that though he seems more able to focus, he seems a little more hyper than usual. Will increasing his dosage cause even more hyperness?
I thought I liked Vyvanse (started at 50 mg.) because the Adderall XL had gotten way too expensive. Basically, that was the only reason I switched to this Vyvanse.
Now I’m on 70 mg. of Vyvanse because 50 mg. didn’t do the job and my doctor would not write for 50 mg. two times a day because the instructions don’t specify that amount for adults! Oh, please. 100 mg. would have done the job adequately, but I am convinced 150 (one 50 mg. 3 times a day) would have been just right.
I find, however, that 70 mg. of Vyvanse makes me feel moody and dysphoric. I’d never want to take another one. It feels as though the 70 is not even the same formulation as the 50. Yet I see on the label that they are both made by “Shire.”
Frankly, I don’t trust Shire and I don’t like their company at all. Things started to get weird over there after their patent expired on the Adderall XR at which point they began to step up the marketing push for Vyvanse while at the same time appeared to be decreasing (or compromising the quality of) the composition of Adderall XR. I can’t wait to see what the generic Adderall XR is going to be like — i can just imagine; Shire probably gave the generic mfr. only half the ingredients in their “recipe.” This way customers will buy more Vyvanse or whatever other drug they’re promoting at the time.
See, I told you Vyvanse makes me moody and irritable. This post is a perfect example….. Grrrrr—–
hey, i am a 16 year old male i just started takeing the Vyvanse 30 mg. but when i started the pill i noticed nervous tension and yes i was also a little hyper but i was able to control that before it got out of hand. Also another thing I noticed was that my (feet), and (hands) were really, really cold even when i tried to warm them it never went away. So i waited it out but its been about a week and couple days now and its still there (WHAT SHOULD I DO)? And also from reading one of the articles above about it (wearing off) for me its in the after noons about 12:30 1:00. But other then that i like it it has really made a tramindis change in school i am more focused and in to what i am doing and from switching over from concerta pshh thats nothin i hated that pill but now i look forward to takeing Vyvanse……. THANKS EVERYONE and dont mind leavin a comment.
Dr. Kenny,
I’m a 24 year old female and I have recently started working in an office. In doing so, I have gained 20lbs (total 145lbs). I’ve become soo desperate to lose the weight that I’ve started researching Adderall. I’ve read several lists of symptoms, many of which I actually do exhibit. Should I speak with my doctor about the symptoms, not mentioning the weight loss reason, hoping that she’ll prescribe it? Or should I be honest about doing it for weight loss and if I can’t get it with a prescription I’ll just buy it online?
Thank you for your help!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I would really caution you about using an ADHD medication to lose weight. There are side effects to these medicines, and in my experience, most people don’t really lose much weight – i.e. they aren’t hungry during the day, but then they are very hungry in the evening and make up for it.
If you think you have ADHD, then go to your doctor to get an assessment.
If you just want to lose weight – then the reality is that there are no short cuts.
Basically, eat sensibly, and exercise more. Go to a weight loss program of some sort, or better yet, join a gym or get a trainer.
I appreciate your honesty here – I hope that you can do that with your doctor so that you won’t make a decision to take medicine for the wrong reason.
Please have an honest discussion with your doctor before making a decision.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
Dr. Kenny,
Thank you for this excellent resource for information on ADHD. At 48, I have taken Vyvanse for four months now, and am delighted to have my mental energy and focus back. My doctor has adjusted my dosage several times based on my feedback; as of this week I’m at 80 mg / day (40 at breakfast, 40 at lunch). Overall the 80 my dosage is working well for me. I’m sleeping well, too (at 90 mg, I had problems with that). But because of an occasional, slightly distracting “hyperness,” there are some days when I’d prefer to take 60 mg (40 / 20) rather than 80.
My question is: Are there any risks or drawbacks associated with varying my dosage from time to time in this way? I’ll check with my doctor, of course, but was curious if you or anyone else had any experiences or insights to share.
Best,
Barry
Barry,
You’ll need to talk to your doctor about whether this works OK with you in particular.
In general, it’s not a problem to vary the dose as you describe.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
http://www.adhdworld.com
Interesting replies. I came here to see what folks said about dosages.
My 15 year-old daughter has been taking 50 mg 2x/day for 2 years now (she weighs a little over 100 lbs) and it’s been great. We switched after her first day of HS, when we knew she wouldn’t survive with the Adderrall. She takes the meds every day, all year long.
Now, I think she may be skinny because of the meds. As an adolescent female (with a great figure) she likes that. Unfortunately, it only reinforces absolutely HORRIBLE eating habits (only carbs – she’s also Bipolar).
Anyway, I just wanted to say that it’s working for us. Let me qualify that with “pretty much” working. I think that she’ll always have attending/focusing issues. But that’s the name of the game. I don’t expect meds to be the quick fix. However, I think we’re doing OK. Gook luck to others.
I am 29 years old with AD/HD and was on Ritalin until I was a sophomore in high School. Due to problems concentrating at work and relationship issues I decided to work with my daughter’s pediatrician on getting me back on meds. I started with Stratara, which had lots of side effects including weight loss, VERY poor sleep and it had no positive effects. Then I tried Vyvance witch offered a little help with the ADHD, but caused loss of breath and faintness every time I stood-up. Now today I took 54mg of Concerta and I am doing great (as long as sleep is not interrupted)! Remember if something isn’t working try different doses and different meds. A doctor that is patient with this and will work to get the right meds for you is better than how much they know about AD/HD. They will learn and be better Dr.’s for it.
do most people take this med seven days a week are do they skip the weekends?
I am 20 years old and after slowly increasing my dose of Vyvanse (starting at 30 mg) I am currently taking 150 mg a day. (100 in the morning, and 50 in the afternoon) I feel like this is the correct and perfect dose for me but when I asked my regular doctor (not my psychiatrist) if he would be able to perscribe it, he said he would only do 70 mg. I am trying to save my parents money by not visiting an expensive psychiatrist on a weekly basis, but I know that 70 mg will not fully help my ADHD. Is 150 mg/daily really excessive or is my doctor just not familiar with this newer drug Vyvanse?
I have to say that I am ecstatic to have found a doctor who is brilliant with psychotropic medications. I suffered horribly throughout elementary, junior high and high school not understanding why many adults became so upset with me. I spent a lot of time locked in closets, in the principals office or staying in during recess time. I did have one wonderful teacher in the fifth grade who several times a day told me that she just loved to see the way I could run! She would continue to teach class, but would have me run around the school grounds and wave at me from the window. Thank goodness for this teacher who helped restore some of my poor self esteem. I practically failed in the public school system. I went on to become a BSN-RN and specialized in pediatrics. How I wish that we had the information on AD/HD back then that we have now. Unfortunately for me I contracted the Human B19 virus in 2002. It attacked my CNS and caused problems with memory, word finding, motivation and extreme fatigue. The ability to focus, organize tasks, get anything done and being extremely impulsive became very real problems. Recently my doctor recommended starting me on Vyvanse 20 mg working up now to 60 mg. I am astounded at the results. I am able to use a day planner and pretty much keep to it. I have a long ways to go as I believe that along with medications a person must instill the principles used in cognitive behavioral therapy. I am surprised at the decrease in anxiety as I had expected that with a stimulant my anxiety would be through the roof. I believe that the opposite has actually occured in that I am not so overwhelmed by everything that is ocurring all around me and am able to break tasks down and ignore. The only problem that I am having as you can see from the time of this note (3:30 am) is with sleep. This has been an ongoing problem so I can’t realistically blame my insomnia on the Vyvanse. I am still trying to get the dose right. The problem with this is that insurance companies don’t like to help with the titration process so you end up paying a lot out of pocket. I have never taken anything for my attention problems. I can see that I have missed out on a great deal of basic life skills because of inattention to details. It makes me sad. My brother said it best when he described himself as a dog who happily ran off to get the ball his master had thrown, but then he saw a butterfly he wanted to chase and on the way to catch the butterfly he saw a twig he thought he would pick up. On the way to pick of the twig he passed a ball that looked familiar. Then he remembered that he was playing with his master and grabbed the ball only to find that his master had gone on without him a long time ago.
When I take a 25mg Adderall XR I will sweat under my arms excessively. It’s pretty annoying because I have to leave my arms down when in class or outside. I also have a suppressed appetite and won’t think of food for hours when normally I would be in stomach pain from not eating. Also when trying to sleep at night, toss and turn and mind wonders on and on.
Guess I should find 20mg instead, I have two 70mg Vyvanse but im nervous about taking those
Is it OK for someone on Vyvanse to take weekends off? In other words, are there any benefits/disadvantages with stopping the medication for a few days or even a week during school breaks and then starting again at the previous dose?
Dear Doctors,
I was wondering if adderall XR can have any side effects on ones teeth, mainly the jaw structure and teeth themselves. I’ve noticed after I have been prescribed 30 mg XR that I have dry mouth, which is common. However, my teeth are moving almost as if they are shrinking in diameter. I did some research and know all the technical terms and what not, but I would love your opinion also. If they adderall is causing some horrible side effect I’ll just live with the ADD and ADHD because my teeth matter more. Thank you, I really appreciate it.
For those of you that have been prescribed and are now taking more than 70mg, I was wondering if when you first started the increase in dosage if you had any side effects. I am currently taking 75mg daily and doctor is thinking 50mg twice a day would be good. I tried taking 50mg twice a day for 3 days about a month ago and felt kind of weird (headaches, a little agitated and restless and more hungry than when taking the lower dose). I am needing more because the effects I once had I no longer have, but I don’t want to increase my dosage if it is not going to be beneficial or if it is going to make me body dependent on a greater amount. I am worried that there have not been enough research and studies completed on individuals taking more than 70mg and therefore I do not know the side effects or risks. Does anyone know what is the largest dose of Vyvanse that can be prescribed without being harmful. I am fearful that if I go up to 50mg twice a day when I want to stop taking the medicine one day it is going to be harder than if I continue to take 75mg. Last question, is anyone taking 50mg twice a day, but sometimes taking the 2 50mg tabs at the same time first thing in the morning. Has anyone taken 100mg at one time? And, what was the result? I ask because sometimes I take 50mg in the am and the other 25mg at lunch and other times I take 75mg first thing when I get up. I notice taking the entire 75mg in the morning seems to work better for me but only lasts a few hours.
Has anyone noticed that when they increased their vyvanse dosage they were more tired?
Hi:
Good morning!
I have a son that is 12 years old, he as ADHD. The doctor’s increase his med’s to 54mg. What do his weight as to be for that dose? My husband and I are finding that he been having trouble sleeping, is this normal? I look forward hearing from you!
Thank You!
I have been taking vyvanse 50mg since november after being upped from 30mg in th past 1.5 months the effectiveness has been wearing off I’m still much better of then without it. Yesterday I went and saw the doc and instead of upping to 70mg prescribed me 36mg concerta. I took the concerta today for the first time and the last time I’d rather take nothing than the concerta it produced the complete opposite effects than working it made me really tired all day and I pretty much felt stupid all day I couldn’t focus on the easiest task for more than 2 minutes. I was all over the place so hopefully I’ll go to 70mg vyvanse or I’ll just stay with 50 but I definitely won’t take concerta again.
I’m 22 years old, 130 lbs. and I normally take 20mg of Vyvanse.
I’m really sensitive to medicine, so very low doses of anything work very strongly for me.
After about 5 months of taking Vyvanse, I started becoming very restless and irritable feeling, and noticed that my heart was always pounding. I talked to my mother and mentioned it, and she told me to stop taking it. I called my psychiatrist, and she also told me to stop taking it. A few days later, I found out that my psychiatrist was supposed to be keeping track of my blood pressure, or should have at least let me know to. The only warning I had was text in a list of side effects, but nothing to indicate it was any more likely than all the other side effects, so I didn’t notice until it was extremely high.
Anyway, I had been off of it for nearly a month until today. I was pretty upset at having to stop taking it, because until my blood pressure became high, it was working wonderfully. I was getting all of my projects done, keeping up with my life, not staring into space at random ten minute intervals and not having to drag myself out of bed after 13 hours of sleep.
So, I took one this morning and I can already tell that it’s kind of making me tweak out.
I’m going to see a regular doctor on Friday, but I also wanted other opinions…
Is it plausible for me to open the pills and take half of a 20mg (so, 10mg) every day? Would it still work correctly outside of the capsule? Because it gave me high blood pressure before, would even 10mg still be too dangerous? (Remember that I’m sensitive, so 10mg would most likely have an effect on me even though it sounds so extremely low compared to other peoples’ doses)
I’m not going to take it again unless my doctor says it’s okay, but any thoughts on this would help me a lot. : ]
~Chama
I live in MN and have been taking vyvanse for about a year with excellent results, up until recently. The 70mg dose is just not effective in controlling my adhd symptoms and this is causing a problem for me at work. Unfortunatly my doctor refuses to prescribe anything over 70mg. Does anyone know of a doc who would be open to prescribing a higher dose of vyvanse? I can be reached at pdanderson5@yahoo.com.
In response to Chama, you can open the pill and half it but I would double check with your doctor. I have read somewhere that you can open the med, but I have also read you should take all the med at once. I figure if you can open it and only take a smaller amount, there wouldn’t be much harm. But also, I suggest asking your pharmacist about stuff like that too. Alot of times they are very wise.
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,
Hi Julia,
I’m sorry to hear of your trouble.
I dislike hearing that you can’t get to a specialist who can help you because of your insurance coverage.
Based on what you’ve said – you may be experiencing a mood disorder as well as your ADHD. I can’t tell that from online comments. You’ll need to talk to a doctor about that.
Regarding medication – there are many others to try outside of Vyvanse.
In general – you can view ADHD medication as really only being 3 medicines.
They are:
Methylphenidate (including ritalin, concerta, metadate CD, focalin, etc.)
Amphetamines (including adderall, adderall xr, dexedrine)
Non stimulant (including Strattera).
If you are taking a medicine from one group – and it isn’t working, consider a medicine from another group. You may actually get a different response from Vyvanse and Adderall – because Vyvanse is actually unique.
I hope this helps.
I did a comprehensive course on ADHD medication – and you can find out about it here: http://www.medicationmastery.com
It is completely digital at this point – though it will soon become a physical course – with DVDs, CDs, a manual etc. (of course the cost will have to go up when it goes physical).
Please do consider signing up for my email updates – the subscription box is in the top right hand corner of this blog.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
One thing I’ve always wondered about Vyvanse was how much genetic variability there is in the response to the medication. I know that it exists as a pro-drug, and that in order to be “activated”, part of the molecule must be cleaved by enzymes (I believe this takes place in the liver).
With regards to some ADHD medications, an individual’s genetic make-up can play a significant role in the necessary medication dosage due to how effective some of that individual’s enzymes are (there is actually a fair amount of genetic variation among the genes that code for these enzymes throughout the population, and some people have more “active” forms of a particular enzyme). The level of activity of some of these enzymes, such as one called Catecholmethyltransferase or COMT, play a role in the dopamine levels in the central nervous system, which is an influencing factor as to the level of stimulant meds (Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) required.
However, do the enzymes responsible for activating Vyvanse have a similar level of variability between individuals? If so, would people with the less active form of the enzyme receive significantly lower levels of the activated form of the drug? This may explain poor absorption patterns and higher-than-normal levels of the medication than one might expect from an analogous medication such as Adderall. If this holds true, it might possibly explain some of the variability into Vyvanse’s effectiveness between otherwise similar individuals with the disorder of ADHD.
Very interesting that some people respond better to Methylphenidate, Amphetamines, or non stimulat medicines! That answers my questions as to why Concerta and Strattera never seemed to work for me. I do better on Adderall XR and Vyvanse.
Thanks.
Amy
Thank you Dr. Kenny!!!
You have provided me with great information, on the different medications. I am exicted to look into the medication mastery, and would love to get email updates!
Thank you again for your time, it’s much appreciated!
Julia
Dr. Kenny,
I am a 25 year old ADD victim. I have one of the worst cases of ADD possible. I absolutely have no attention span, no matter how hard I try. My mind subconsciously wanders very wild on the most random things from remembering a day in Kindergarten, to a phrase my mother said last week, to thinking of an ex girlfriend (all while I am trying to focus in school or at work.) Teaches blamed me growing up that I did it all on purpose and didn’t want to pay attention, but I truly cannot help it. I really struggle with college work because of my lack of concentration abilities.
I’ve been on all sorts of medications (ritalyn, stratterra) and others for different reasons. Through the years, all most medications did was cause me side-effects. Only Paxil proved effective long-term, but didn’t help with ADD. My ADD is worse than ever in my life. A new doctor recently recommended Vyvanse, but I have no insurance. I am willing to invest if you think it really will help me. I am worried, considering all the medications that did not help me through the years. Should I try? What dosage should I start at? The doctor was so inept, she didn’t know. What is your recommendation for my problem if not Vyvanse? Thanks for your time.
I am a 36 yr old man and after years of suffering w/ adhd have finally got some help. My doctor prescribed me 30mg and has moved me up to 70mg over the past 3 months. My problem is it works great during the morning but lacks its effectivness in the afternoon. My work day starts at 4 am every morning and ends around 6 or 7pm. I am wondering about the next step. I weigh around 290 and have lost very little weight and I sleep well everynight so the side effects are minimum to me.I am not sure if I should ask about dosing issues or ask about changing to a different med. please help
I am 37 and have dealt with add for ages. 60 mgs of Adderall combined with 2 mgs of Clonazipam 2ce per day stabalized me. My psychiatrist cut my adderall to 30mgs 2ce per day which sent me on a downward spiral. I did a little research on vyvanse and suggested the switch to my conservative doctor. Happily he started me on 70 mgs of vyvance. I like the idea of the drug working in the blood enzyme. Adderall xr did not work for me. Perhaps due to my gerd. He told me that 70 mgs of vyvanse was equal to 30 mgs of adderall which was too small a dose. He said that 140 of vyvanse was equal to 60 mgs of adderal and next month was willing to go to that dose. The second day I took the 140 of vyvanse. This was ideal for me. I accomplished much that day. Day 3 I went back to 70mgs of vyvanse. It was too small of a dose. Though I will suffer for 2 weeks, I will stay at 140 mgs. To get me up in the morning while I wait for the drug to kick in I take 12.5 mgs of asma medicine, generic at walgreens rather than primatine tablets. With the generic I am able to wash off the yellow coating revealing the white. I take that with 2mgs of Konopin, chew them and take 200 mgs of caffiene. I would recomend Pepback which is caffiene anhydrous with the blue coating washed off. This gets me on my feet rather than waiting for the vyvanse to work alone. This combination keeps me on my feet when I am out of add meds rather than suffer. I am not a doctor but discovered it by trial and error. I do not chew the caffiene in any form. Though the motivation to take on tasks is not there I make it through the days. I will stay at 140 mgs of vyvanse for the 15 day supply ’til I see the doctor again. I just wanted to share this with you all as we all suffer with this horible malfunction together. Thank you.
The ‘konopin’ is klonopin, aka clonazepam. Asma pills is another mistype. Sorry for the mixup.
Hello! Does anyone know if the maker of Vyvanse has plans to increase the available doses, especially for the adult population? I am a 35 year old female who does well on Vyvanse 70 mg, but it seems to stop working too quickly. I’m not getting the full 12 hours of focus as stated by Vyvanse. My focus time on Vyvanse 70 mg is usually 4 – 6 hours and I’m thinking an increased dose may last longer. Thanks!