Shire Pharmaceuticals has announced that its new ADD ADHD Medication, Vyvanse is now available in pharmacies across the US.
Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is the newest addition of medications available to treat the common Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (or Attention Deficit Disorder).
Vyvanse is a ‘pro-drug’, which means that it is inactive unless it is swallowed, and it goes through metabolism in the liver. This means that vyvanse cannot be abused, and there is no addiction with Vyvanse.
Vyvanse is similar in action to Adderall, and works for up to 12 hours. The capsule can be opened and sprinkled for children who cannot swallow pills.
Currently, vyvanse is approved for children aged 6-12 with ADD or ADHD. Shire has also applied to the FDA for approval for use in adults with ADD or ADHD.
Is Vyvanse right for you or your child?
The best thing to do is to speak to your doctor – because it is available now across the US.
In my ADD/ADHD Membership site, I taught an in depth lesson of how Vyvanse works in the body. To learn more, visit: ADHD M.O.R.E. (Member’s Online Resources and Education).
Technorati Tags: Vyvanse, ADHD Medication, ADD Medication, Vyvanse Addiction, Vyvanse Abuse
Vyvanse – Now Available Across the USA | ADD ADHD Blog.com…
Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is the newest addition of medications available to treat the common Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder…
Vyvanse – Now Available Across the USA…
Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is the newest addition of medications available to treat the common Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder…
Vyvanse – Now Available Across the USA | ADD ADHD Blog.com…
Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is the newest addition of medications available to treat the common Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder…
Dr. Kenny,
I appreciate the resources… thanks. Been following you since learning of you from Alex M’s course… I was a featured guest too.
As a long time ADD-Achiever who has a high level of mastery of my strength, weaknesses and medications, I find this movement to less dangerous, less habit-forming versions of ADD med’s to be a major setback.
I get that the idea is to take the bullets out of the guns, out of the hands of people who have been inclined to shoot themselves, metaphorically of course, but it’s also taken the freedom out of the hands of those who can manage their condition.
The idea that I take a Time-Release or some other release version of an ADD pharm and then set off on my daily “ride” to wherever it chooses to take me, is horrific. It makes for one bad, long, unproductive day… and often longer nights.
I’ve found that for me, the best medicine is fast-acting, pure, (BRAND) Dexidrine in 5 mg tabs that I can break into small little pieces to boost me when I need it, for what i need it for… and then not come crashing down or staying up for that matter, the ultimate perfection.
My experience with Adderral and all time releases has been miserable, at best. Out of options, I took 1/10 of a tab of Vyvanse the other day and it was horrific! I was agitated, felt pressure in my chest and head and NO more alert… except for my desire to call 911. It was like being overcaffienated with the flu!
So, I reject to TR’s… but unfortunately, the wonderful patent system in the US has us with NO MORE Dexedrine, no more even decent generics (which is a horrible word) and left with only one, dirt grade manufacturer of Dextro… 5 mg’s that are less focuses than a sledge hammer to the head.
And yet I gather up to Canada it’s Dexedrine central. Why is this fair? What gives? I’m moving!
Best,
Shawn
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for sharing your comments.
Yes, in Canada we still have generic Dexedrine (though recently, there was a shortage in manufacturing, but it was short lived).
In my clinical practice, I have had some patients who have only done well with the short acting medicines – i.e. better than the time released. That said – it is generally the exception rather than the rule.
It is also surprising to consider an american complaining that Canada has more adhd medication options – it is usually quite the opposite.
Come to Canada to get some dexedrine
Best,
Dr. Kenny
Hey Dr. Kenny,
Thanks for the response. Believe me, I do get the humor or it all. Me, having to go to CA for pharms? That’s like… well, you get it.
I think the reason it works for me is that A. I’m extremely sensitive to body-mind balance, and regulation. It doesn’t take much to get me off to the left or right, neither of which are good.
And… it’s the small, incremental doses I’ve come to take. I only use about 8 – 10 mg a week… but when I don’t have it, I find myself trying to make up for it with coffee and that does not work, at all. I’m so caffeine overloaded and no better for it.
As for coming up, am… I get up to Calgary at least every few months but I gathered from initial conversation with Pharmacies that my Dr. would have to be registered in CA. Seems odd… but ??? Hummm… clearly he’s here.
Coming up and confused.
Thanks,
Shawn
Hi,
Yes, you would need an Rx from a doctor licensed in that province. That would mean finding a doctor who would see you- arranging for an assessment (paying the doctor’s fee), then getting an Rx and filling it.
You always need a doctor licensed in the particular state or province to have an Rx filled.
Dr. Kenny,
Thanks for the details man… didn’t know the Province thing.
When you get a moment, drop me an email… love to ask about a referral and talk about some JV… been meaning to do that for some time.
Know a lot about the importance of focus, challenges with ADD and the nutrition, fitness connection…
Thanks!
Shawn
I am 54 years old. I have a histroy of chemical dependancy. I recently had a surgery and relapsed by taking 3 vicodin I had for the effect not pain. I have been taking adderall xl for 5 years. I was diagnosed when my son was… I am a health care professional, and I reported myself and entered treatment. There I have become aware of the different ways people are abusing the med. I am taking a lot of heat about using meds for ADD. I am ashamed to take medication, but my life has improved so much as a result of medication. Do you have an opinion about which medication may be safest for me to take, or which medication may be more social acceptable aka low abuse potential. Thank you
Hi Joan,
Firstly -I’m glad to hear that you are working to get treatment for your ADD. This will help to decrease your risk of misusing substances. When it comes to ‘non-abusable’ ADHD Medication – there is Strattera – the non-stimulant which has no abuse potential at all. When it comes to the stimulants – Vyvanse is less likely to be abused, as are the long actings (i.e. Adderall XR, Concerta, etc.). You should avoid the short acting medicines – i.e. Ritalin/ adderall.
When it comes to ‘socially acceptable medicines’ – I think you need to talk to your doctor about this issue – get some good facts, set up a plan on how to use and monitor your medication, and then use the medicine that works best for you. If people comment and make things difficult for you -they are being ignorant. So, either educate them, or ignore them. That’s my 2 cents
Dr. Kenny
this information is false and not correct. if you look in web md you will see that this drug id so highly addictive that doctors take you off it occasionally to keep one from having sever addictive behaviors. my son is taking this medication and it is a horrible drug with side effects that can kill young children if taken with simple things such as caffeine, and cold medications. parents need to look into this drug before giving it to children. sadly my son is living with his father and i cannot stop my son from taking this medication. i fear it will result in his death. my son for weeks has been complaining of stomach problems that the doctors say will go away, his heart rate is faster than normal and can cause tachycardia. he is doing mentally well but is the risk of death worth him being a zombie to satisfy society? please parents research this medication before giving it to your child..
Hi –
I have been looking to find Vyvanse that is affordable–I do not have insurance. I took Vyvanse a year ago, but it started to become to expensive. So now I take Adderall 3 times a day (the Adderall XR didn’t last with me very long) I have a long day that starts at 5am. I remember that Vyvanse works better….if its not cash-price-affordable, then I will have to increase my Adderall. ANy suggestions?
Hi Dr. Handelman,
Fantastic website and blog!
I was just diagnosed with ADHD-inattention, as of Thursday of this week. I got Vyvanse as of Saturday. I took one 30 mg capsule and didn’t notice anything. I took it around 1 P.M., as I got the meds late (pharmacy didn’t have it on Thursday). Though, it should have been taken in the morning not the P.M. Anyway, after taking it I just slept all day. I noticed some heart racing. But it wore off. Other than that, it doesn’t seem to have any negative effects. Then again, it’s only been one dose. Based on all the information I have read on your blog, comments from users, and other info on the web, it seems like most people have an effect of some sort right away. I didn’t have this at all. I will have my second dose tomorrow (Sunday)…maybe I will notice something.
With that all said, any insight into how fast I should feel an effect?
Thanks for any insight!
Best,
Shawn
Hello. I spent two years in medical school In Texas ( I won’t name the school) and 50% of the students used/ abused adderall or some other stimulant. I personally believe if you just get off your pussy ass and do work, you don’t need your little vyvanse or adderall. I firmly believe its for pathetic wimps who can’t crawl out of bed under their own power and do your work. At 70mgs of vyvanse (30 for adderall) you’re basically slamming a rail of cocaine in the morning to make your worthless miserable life that you hate manageable. I don’t take stimulants and I’ve never done cocaine, I think you fags are all just getting high on the down low. Peace out
(Shawn)
I’ve been on Vyvanse for 20 days. I first noticed the effects on day 6. I think it’s wonderful! I can finally concentrate. My short-term memory has improved, I can focus, my thoughts aren’t jumbled, and I’m able to be more productive.
It’s hard not to think “what if I’d had this years ago?” and get a bit down about it. I just try to remain thankful I’ve now been diagnosed and I can improve my future.
It’s expensive, but to me, it’s worth it. I now have a career instead of multiple jobs, a relationship instead of random dating, and a mind full of clear, rational thoughts.
Interesting details, just wondering if a Canadian taking 70 mg Vyvance would similarly has to have a US assessment and Rx from a doctor registered in the US in order to purchase the required dose in one pill which is only available in the US.
Is there any thought of Health Canada approving the 70 mg dose in near future?
Nancy
Nancy- I don’t think Health Canada will approve the 70 mg dose. They reviewed the same data that the FDA did, and decided not to give us the 70mg. A doctor could still prescribe 70 mg in Canada, it would just have to be in 2 capsules (ie a 30 mg + 40 mg or a 50 mg + a 20 mg).