Vyvanse - The New Medicine for ADD/ADHD
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a new ADD/ADHD drug manufactured by Shire that was approved by the FDA in February 2007 to treat ADD/ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 through 12. It is a prodrug, which means that it must be orally ingested to activate its main ingredient, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (the same active ingredient in Adderall). Once it passes through the liver, a protein chain is taken off the medication and it becomes an active amphetamine. Therefore, the abuse potential for Vyvanse is much lower than most ADD/ADHD drugs.
In clinical studies, parents reported that their children’s ADD/ADHD symptoms were consistently controlled throughout the day, even through homework time from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Additionally, children taking Vyvanse in the study were able to focus and perform better on tests; in a timed math test, a group taking Vyvanse attempted 51% more math problems than the group given placebo, and provided correct answers 54% more often than the placebo group.
An overall improvement was recorded in 95% of children that took Vyvanse for 12 months.
What are the characteristics of Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is similar to Adderall; its active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It provides consistent ADD/ADHD symptom control for up to 12 hours. Vyvanse is a capsule that can be swallowed whole or broken up and mixed with water, ice cream, applesauce, or yogurt (for kids who can’t swallow).
Vyvanse is taken once daily and is available in three dosage strengths:
• 30 mg—white and orange capsule
• 50 mg—white and blue capsule
• 70 mg—blue and orange capsule
Three different strengths give you and your doctor some flexibility in determining which dosage is right for your child. The recommended starting dose for Vyvanse is 30 mg once per day taken orally in the morning. The dosage may then be increased by up to 20 mg per day at weekly intervals, up to a maximum of 70 mg per day.
Who is Vyvanse approved for?
Currently, Vyvanse is approved for children aged 6 to 12 years.
On June 29, 2007, Shire announced that they have submitted a supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA for Vyvanse for the treatment of ADD/ADHD in adults. The application is subject to a 10-month review period.
What are the side effects of Vyvanse?
Vyvanse was very well tolerated in clinical studies with children. The most common side effects were decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, irritability, and stomachache. Generally, the side effects were described as mild to moderate; occurrence and severity of side effects decreased over time. As with any prescription medication, it is important to remember that your doctor has prescribed it because he/she feels that the benefits will outweigh the possibility of side effects.
How much does Vyvanse cost?
Vyvanse will cost the same as Shire’s other popular ADD/ADHD drug, Adderall XR: around $3.40 a day. The cost may even be less than Adderall XR because it is estimated that patients who switch from Adderall XR to Vyvanse might need fewer doses.
Ritalin remains the cheapest ADD/ADHD drug; Vyvanse costs considerably more than Ritalin and Ritalin SR. The cost is comparable to the 36mg and 54 mg doses of Concerta, which is around $140 per month
When can Vyvanse be used?
Vyvanse should be taken once daily in the morning. It provides consistent ADHD symptom control throughout the day for up to 12 hours. In clinical studies, parents reported that their children’s ADD/ADHD symptoms were controlled at approximately 10 A.M., 2 P.M., and 6 P.M., and demonstrated consistent symptom control throughout the day.
Vyvanse is a once-a-day capsule that should be taken in the morning, either with or without food as prescribed by your child’s doctor. If your child is unable or unwilling to swallow pills, Vyvanse capsules may be opened and the entire contents of the pill can be dissolved in water or sprinkled on applesauce, ice cream, or yogurt. The entire portion must be finished and should not be stored for later use.
Can Vyvanse be abused?
The abuse potential of Vyvanse is extremely low; the medication is designed to have a reduced or minimal abuse potential. Since Vyvanse requires oral ingestion to be converted to the active drug, the capsule contents are highly unlikely to be sought out for inhalation or injection. Vyvanse is a prodrug; it must pass through the liver where it is converted to an active amphetamine.
How does Vyvanse compare to Ritalin, Ritalin SR, and Concerta?
Vyvanse is a new class of ADD/ADHD medication. Unlike Ritalin, Vyvanse is not an immediate release stimulant. Vyvanse must pass through the liver before it is converted to an amphetamine, so the abuse and addiction potential is much lower. Ritalin SR and Concerta are long-acting formulas like Vyvanse, but Vyvanse has been shown to provide more consistent symptom control over a longer period of time than Ritalin SR and Concerta.
Ritalin, or methylphenidate, must be taken two or three times a day for symptom control, whereas Vyvanse is only taken once. The effectiveness of Ritalin is often inconsistent. It is inexpensive, but abuse and addiction potential is much higher with Ritalin than with Vyvanse.
Ritalin SR is a long-acting formulation of methylphenidate with inconsistent performance reviews. It doesn’t work for everyone and usually lasts up to 6 hours. However, like short acting Ritalin, Ritalin SR is inexpensive.
Of the three, Concerta is the most comparable ADD/ADHD medication to Vyvanse. They both control symptoms for up to 12 hours and are generally well-tolerated. Concerta is not a prodrug, so the abuse potential is higher than it is for Vyvanse.
Where is Vyvanse Available?
At the time of publication of this article, Vyvanse will be available soon in the USA. It is not yet available in other parts of the world. Please check back, as I will update this article when Vyvanse will be available in other countries such as: Canada, UK, Australia, Europe, etc.
The Bottom Line About Vyvanse
Treatment and management of ADD/ADHD requires many components; this article focuses only medication. Vyvanse is a breakthrough ADD/ADHD drug and many doctors and parents will seriously consider switching from their current ADD/ADHD medication for the benefits Vyvanse offers: low abuse and addiction potential, one daily dose, and symptom control for up to 12 hours. For more information on the other treatments of ADD/ADHD: 1) sign up for my ADD/ADHD newsletter at www.TheADHDDoctor.com, and 2) peruse this blog for more articles about ADD/ADHD.
Technorati Tags: Vyvanse, ADHD, ADD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Addiction, Medication for ADHD, Medication for ADD, Adderall, Adderall XR
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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July 29th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Dr. Kenny,
How can you say the following:
Concerta is not a prodrug, so the abuse potential is higher than it is for Vyvanse.
What comparative trials do you base this on? What if I simply cleave Vyvanse? What if I double my 70mg to the PI noted level where liking was experienced? I don’t feel you are being very honest with visitors to your website. This all looks like it was taken from the Vyvanse website. What is the big deal about working between 4 and 6 pm. Don’t all the Long Acting products like Adderall XR and Concerta do that? How long does it take for Vyvanse to works since it is a prodrug? Why did they measure at 10am and not 8am? If it works until 6pm and was taken at 6am it should be working at 8.
July 29th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Hi Howard,
Thank you for your comments about Vyvanse.
To answer you comment about ‘cleaving vyvanse’, allow me to explain more.
Vyvanse is also known as ‘lisdexamfetamine’. The ‘lis’ refers to the proten ‘lysine’. The dexamfetamine - is the ADHD Medication.
A ‘pro drug’ means that the medicine doesn’t work until it is split and becomes active.
How is Vyvanse split into its two parts - the lysine (inert) and the dexamfetamine (the active medicine)?
It can only happen after the medicine travels through the stomach and passes via the blood stream to the liver.
So, although the other long acting medicines - i.e. Concerta, Adderall XR, Metadate CD, Ritalin LA, etc. are quite hard to abuse - the medicine within them is active right away.
However, Vyvanse is not active unless you swallow it and it goes through the liver. So, if someone got creative and tried to extract the vyvanse so that they could snort it, or inject it (to get high), it will not do anything.
But, if someone tried to extract the medicine from Concerta, Adderall XR, etc - they would get high.
That is the difference.
Hopefully this helps your understanding of Vyvanse.
Dr. Kenny
August 13th, 2007 at 12:50 am
THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION. MY 9 YEAR OLD SON IS 62 LBS. AND WAS JUST PUT ON VYVANSE 30 MG. TOMORROW WILL BE OUR FIRST TIME TAKING IT. I’M CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF INSOMNIA AND WHAT EFFECT DOES IT HAVE ON THE LIVER? HOW MUCH WEIGHT LOSE SHOULD WE EXPECT? I HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME GETTING HIM TO EAT. THE DR. TOOK HIM OFF OF ADDERRALL XR TO PLACE HIM ON THIS.
August 16th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Hi,
What would you recommend to treat ADHD with a comorbid mood disorder ? how is this med ?
Allan
August 16th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Krys,
Thanks for your question about Vyvanse. I can comment on what you wrote, but of course you will have to speak to your doctor about specific treatment issues and recommendations.
1) Regarding the starting dose of Vyvanse - 30 mg is the right starting dose for a young child like yours.
2) Insomnia may be an issue with Vyvanse - though each individual will react differently - so it may not be an issue with your son.
3) Regarding Vyvanse’s effect on the liver- in the research done and the reports so far, there are no negative effects on the liver from Vyvanse. I know that because Vyvanse is converted from the ‘pro-drug’ to the active medicine in the liver, that some people may wonder if Vyvanse harms the liver. The short answer is - ‘no’. There is no evidence that Vyvanse harms the liver.
4) With respect to weight loss and vyvanse -this is a potential issue - and this relates to the fact that some people have a decrease in appetite with vyvanse (And all stimulant medicines, including adderall, ritalin, concerta, etc). Your doctor will need to monitor your son’s height and weight on any ADHD medication and adjust it accordingly - especially if your son has this side effect with Vyvanse.
I hope these comments help.
Dr. Kenny
August 16th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Alan,
You have asked about the treatment of ADHD with a comorbid mood disorder.
There are two main mood disorders - major depression and bipolar disorder.
The treatment of bipolar disorder and ADHD is very complicated, and beyond the scope of this comment. The one line answer is - work with a doctor to stabilize the mood and then consider an ADHD treatment/medicine.
For ADHD and depression - firstly, you need to be assessed by a doctor for the right treatments, and approaches.
If the depression is first and foremost (And is severe to the point of suicidality), it needs to be treated and stabilized first before getting to the ADHD.
When the ADHD is primary, and the depression is less of an issue - then you can start with the ADD/ADHD treatments first (though only on advice from your doctor).
Strattera is often thought of as best for ADHD plus depression or anxiety - because it can benefit both conditions.
That said, sometimes stimulant medicines can do well as well.
When it comes to differentiating stimulant medicines from one another in so far as their benefits with ADHD and depression - I don’t believe any good research has been done.
Could Vyvanse be good for a comorbid (co-existing) ADHD and Depression?
The answer is yes - it could - depending…
I am not aware of any research of vyvanse specifically in the setting of ADHD and depression.
It ultimately depends on what your doctor suggests, and how you as an individual respond to any one medicine (which is likely mostly related to the genetics of your brain receptors).
I hope this helps.
Dr. Kenny
September 1st, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Dr Handelman,
Is Vyvanse available for adults?
In the article, it says the following,
“Who is Vyvanse approved for?
Currently, Vyvanse is approved for children aged 6 to 12 years.
On June 29, 2007, Shire announced that they have submitted a supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA for Vyvanse for the treatment of ADD/ADHD in adults. The application is subject to a 10-month review period. ”
I am an adult and taking Ritalin SR. When I started it over 9 months ago, it helped. Now, I find it not helping me. Do I have to what another 10 months before iI can try Vyvanse?
Thanks,
Ken
September 1st, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Ken,
Although Vyvanse has not been officially approved for Adult ADHD, it is still possible for a doctor to prescribe it for you.
You can talk to your doctor about trying it if you like.
Dr. Kenny
October 1st, 2007 at 7:45 pm
what about dry mouth what can be done about
October 5th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Hello,
My daughter was put on it, and she 7yr. weight is 38 almost 39 lbs. How should i make sure she Dont lose weight ? Im new to ADD so im doing alot of online research .
October 12th, 2007 at 7:16 am
I am 21 years old and I was just perscribed VyVnase. It seems to be working quite well for me. I am able to concentrate in class, and spend more time studying. I have an incresed rate of energy and sometimes I feel euphoria. This is not a good thing since I have had a drug problem in the past. But the fact that you can not snort or inject is great. I am glad they finally came out with something that is not as readily abusable.
Since I have had drug abuse problems in the past it has been very difficult for me to find an adhd medication that could be safe for me. But this seems to be working very well and I feel as though I have no need to abuse it.
The only side effects that have been bothering me are dry mouth, insomnia, and back pain. But the benefits outweigh the side effects. For an adult I would recommend this drug.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
My 14 year old daughter started Vyvanse 50 mg in August before starting 8th grade. This medication has been terrific so far. She has notes in her notebooks, her homework is written in her planner, her backpack is neat. I’ve seen a complete turnaround with Vyvanse vs the Adderol XR she was on last school year. So far she has not had any trouble sleeping and is she is still eating pretty well. Her soccer game has also improved tremedously. So far so good with this medication.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:02 pm
My nephew has just been put on this drug. The whole thing is frightening to me. I am greatly concerned for his health and I feel that the issue is so much more complex than just popping a quite expensive pill. It is awful to know that it breaks down in the liver (a liver must be healthy to absorb nutrients).
I realize as a parent your relief when your child has a great turnaround but anyone who has been on these types of drugs will attest that the honeymoon is short lived and you start a roller coaster of drug manipulation and changes that make you crazy and you end off worse than where you started.
I think this discussion would be more productive, if it highlighted the healthy changes that we can make in our lives to improve our quality of sleep, methods of reducing stress, ways we can improve our home air quality removing harmful pesticides and chemicals, as well as using safe alternatives.
Isn’t it interesting that now all our children have to be prescribed $3.50 drugs per day instead of removing white foods from their diets (white sugar, white flours and processed foods)? Or considering food allergens and hydrogenated oils and Corn syrups all of these wonderful additives that make it easier for big corporation to make more money that other Countries will NOT allow in there food distribution chains.
I hope the best for all who are forced by Physicians and Teachers to drug your kids, believe me, I have been there. I encourage you to ask questions and try to find out why this has become such a huge problem. We certainly are not saying “Just say no to drugs” to our kids while we pop them a pill everyday. We are teaching them that drugs are the answer to all of our problems. We all should try to medicate ourselves less and listen and play with our kids more.
Dr. Handleman, I challenge you to get creative on making a difference in peoples lives instead of contributing to the problem with your safe drug ranting. But I do want to thank-you if you allow my post.
Sincerely, Teresa
Medication free now for 4 years and finally starting to feel recovered from years of misinformation and prescribed drug abuse.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
i got perscirbed the 50 mg capsus they are blue and white and i love them they wear off in about 9-10 hours so your child well problly been fine and it is addicting…
November 13th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I am a 38 year old female who has parents and a sister with major ADD. Thru the years I have tried 2 other major ADD drugs (Dexadrine & Adderall) and currently I have been using Vyvanse for 3 weeks. There is a world of difference here. The article above states that the likelyhood for abuse is low. I can believe that… because immediately after taking the medicine I don’t get that euphoric feeling/ or high that usually accompanies these drugs. I feel more mellow and calm than usual. As a matter of fact my only complaint would be that I am forced to slow down physically at work. The pluses : (there’s many). I’m able to organize my thoughts. I’m less likely to fly off the handle or be unreasonable at any given time, but especially in the AM after taking my pill. I can think and process information better than ever before. I feel like I can do better at work, stay focused in conversations. Remember more of the subjects at hand than before.
Bottom line : I don’t think parents who just get their child started on this drug have to worry as much as their children starting other ADD drugs.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
My 10 year old son stopped taking Adderall XR about a year ago due to statements he made about hurting himself. He cried all the time on Strattera and was irrational and enraged when we tried Concerta and Ritalin. He has been on Risperdal for over a year, and this has changed our lives! Though we no longer have behavior problems, and his irritability is tolerable, he’s having focus problems in school. His doctor has reintroduced Adderall XR 5 mg once daily. It’s been about 2 weeks, and my zombie boy is back. He’s irritable, angry and not sleeping well. He has terrible bags under his eyes. At his recheck next week, I would like to discuss Vyvance with his doctor. I first heard of this drug from his therapist, who thought it might be a good alternative. How does Vyvanse compair to Adderall regarding side effects? I read somewhere that a study showed the side effects are 4x worse with Vyvanse than with Adderall XR.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I just got prescribed Vyvanse today. i’d tried Strattera, which worked ok at first, but then made me very tired & lethargic. I am an adult, & have not yet tried the “stimulant” adhd medicines. I understand the potential for addiction with these types of drugs, but what i worry about more is that this is a new drug, & it seems that the newer drugs end up having some bad affect to your body down the line -for example vioxx. The older drugs that have been on the market for a long time always seem to be better for a person when it comes to those “hidden side effects” that no one realizes until its too late. I worry because this medicine breaks down in your liver–will it mess up your liver 2 years from now?
December 28th, 2007 at 1:17 am
my 8 year old son was perscribed vyvanse, 30mg in oct. at first seemed to work wonderfully, had some side effects, he didnt eat alot, had some episodes of insomnia, now- for the past 2 weeks my son has had moments of complete rage is all i can describe it as, i have witnessed my once sweet caring child turn into an angry little boy, he has punched glass windows, kicked furniture, punched walls, throws things, and cries very easily, when he is upset he will hide from us for hours and wont speak a single word for hours after coming out from hiding, he also says he feels like his heart is going to explode, has frequent headaches, states that he hears voices in his head and sees things that are not there. it is the holiday break now, so i havent been giving him the medication. after the break i will be taking him to see his pcp. i feel this medication has done good when it comes to helping him focus, and he is doing well in school but i fear the actions at home will soon crossover to school. in all honesty i want my sweet boy back even if he is hyper, its better than the way its making him feel now.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
nicole. welcome to my life. vyvanse website does NOT lie when it says episodes of psychosis may occur. the meds do good in terms of helping ADD. but the effects from the medicine are everything but worth it.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Teresa?
What did you do to get off of the medication?
My 8 year old is taking Daytrana 10mg for ADD and it is working extremely well. The only problem that we have had it with is that within the first 3 weeks she cried at times. It wasn’t bad, almost like when your feelings are hurt and then she was fine. Only lasted for about 2-3 minutes. Her doctor said that I could try the Vyvanse, but after reading this blog I am very concerned. she doesn’t act hyper it was just for the attention in school.
I am vey anxious to hear what you did to get off of the meds.
January 10th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
My Daughter went on these for a day (6 years old),my wife gave them to her at 3:30 in the afternoon.The doctor failed to tell her it lasted 12 hours.My daughter was a lunatic ,nonstop talking ,coloring ,crying ,writing ,Until 3:30 in the morning .She will not be taking these anymore,or anything else after that ,scary.Oh and she is not a hyper child these were just supposed to be for attention .
January 17th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Hi Nicole and Lisa,
Nicole I completely agree with you. My son’s teachers say he is staying very focused and doing well in school. But about 5 p.m. he just changes and has the fits and rages like you were explaining. What did your Dr. say. Mine wants to increase his med. I don’t know what to do.
January 21st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe this is happening. My son is 8 years old and we have tried Concerta, Adderrall, Adderrall XR, and now he is on Vyvanse. He has been taking this for 1 week now. He is so angry and violent most of the day. He is also taking risperdol for mild PDD-NOS. My question is do I stop giving him this medication or is this just a side effect? I don’t know how much more I can take. He is hurting his 2 year old sister. Please I need someone to talk too!
Kelly
January 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hi, My daughter is 8 almost 9!! She is add, ans has wonderful behavior. She just can’t focus. Do your kids ever seem depressed? She has a lot of belly aches and just seems sad. It tears me up, but she is better focused in school;, which helps her self-esteem.
Anyone experience the same thing??
Thank’s,
Lesa
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Hello. I have a 16 year old who has been through Adderal XR, Concerta and now is on Vyvanse. He needs it for ADD. He is typically a very funny, happy boy. He has been SO depressed. Angry at himself. Even breaks down and cries. I read that sometimes this will *pass* but not sure if the road to get there is worth it. I have a call in to our doc. Anyone else experienced these side effects and noticed that they just subsided with time? I always want what is best for him but not sure anymore just WHAT that is. Thanks for your help!
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
HELLO EVERYONE
OVER THE WEEKEND I HAD SOME OF MY SON’S CONCERTA LEFT AND I GAVE IT TO HIM JUST TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE. HE WASN’T ANGRY, YELLING, HITTING. WHEN HE WAS IN KIND. WE TRIED THE ADDERALL AND IT THRU HIM RIGHT OFF HE WAS SWEARING AND RUNNING UP AND DOWN THE HALLS. THE RITALIN AND CONCERTA PRODUCTS FOR HIM WORK THE BEST, YES, HIS FOCUS ON VYVANSE WAS A LOT BETTER , BUT HIS HOME LIFE WAS NOT. I HAVEN’T YELLED AND FELT MORE LIKE A WORTHLESS PARENT SINCE HE WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED. KELLY MY SON ALSO TAKES RISPERDAL AND WE HAVE KEPT THAT, I THINK IT DOES HELP. EVERYTHING YOU GUYS ARE SAYING I AM GOING THRU AND UNDERSTAND. IT JUST DOESN’T SEEM FAIR DOES IT. STAY IN TOUCH.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Hi, I am 37 yrs old I have been on many medications in my time for depression and ADD, I have Dreaded each one I am not prone to addictions and hate the idea of drugs in my body. I have never taken any that worked well without bad side effects. Most medications make me tired including stimulants and I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrom, and vitamin deficiency. I was on Adderall XR for the past 6 yrs or so, it certainly has not been the miracle drug I hoped for. Most of my time has been spent obsessing over how horrible the side effects make me feel but when I would stop taking it I could barely get out of bed even months later. also everytime I stop taking adderall I eat Sooo much I really do have a bottomless pit and I gain 25 pounds or so. It is horrible, I truly believe these meds have Changed me for life. I am also seeing signs of Rapid aging, Fast aging absolutely does Not run in my genes, my grandparents & parents have hardly any grey hair or wrinkles, they are amazing. Strangely I am only 37 and lately have been plagued with grey hair (good thing I dye it) and wrinkles, especially dark dark circles and lines under my eyes. my skin is also losing it’s elasticity. Very Very Sad. I do believe these meds alter our bodies in many ways. anyway- My doctor just gave me a coupon for Vyvanse and I have taken 4 days total. Day 1 - seemed awesome, I accomplished so much. Day 2 - I did not take it due to a bad migrain, Day 3 - I took again and seemed a little highish but the side effects are 85% less then the Adderall XR. it is amazing, Day 4 - was Same as day 3 except I had a hard time breathing all day and all night which is very dissapointing to me since everything else seemed great. I have had some breathing issues with all stimulants but this seemed the worse. After reading about heart related issues with these meds I am now affraid to take it . I have had physicals in the past & never had heart or blood pressure issues. I just don’t know what to think. As I said I wish I could Take Nothing, but have resorted to the fact that I will probably be taking something for the rest of my life and my life span is probably shortened by miles. If anyone has experience breathing difficulties please let me know. Also I will be praying for everyone taking these meds It breaks my heart that we are plagued with disorders and No healthy cures. My heart especially breaks for the children who are given these meds. Having taken so many myself as an adult and knowing how Strange and Un-Natural they can make you feel I can’t even imagine a child taking these things since they are too young to express and be aware of exactly what is going on in their bodys.
February 13th, 2008 at 12:44 am
First of all , don’t give up. My 12 year old has ADD and also stutters. Through out the years I have tried many things to help. Including NOT giving him drugs, UGH. Well, after working with doctors, specialists and other professionals (he was diagnosed at one time with tourette’s syndrome ! ) we have finally found help and it was Vyvanse. We had tried other medications and either he never ate a thing and lost weight, zoned out, or became depressed. Finally we found a specialist who took the time and found the right treatment. Make sure that the people you talk with are up to date with the lastest info and are truly concerned about your child.
Not one thing is right for all people. Everyone has a different chemical makeup.
Medications do different things to different people !!
There is hope and help.
Thank you Shire.
You’ve made a medication unbeliever a believer out of me for my child.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I was told not to give my son vitamin c with vyvanse. Is this true? Is there anything else he should not be having with this medication?
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I have recently put my son on 30mg of Vyvanse. He was having difficulty focusing and concentrating at school. A full dose was too much for him each morning. He became weepy, sad, and not hungry. Bedtime was a struggle. The doctor said this was normal and to ride it out, things would get better. They weren’t. I now dilute the full capsule in water and give him half. This has worked great. What a difference. He has brought his grades up from D’s to A’s and B’s. I hear they are coming out with new varied doses starting at 20mg. Has anyone heard when those may be available?
February 29th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
My step-son is was taking adderall for about a year he was on 60 mg. Now all of a sudden they switched it to vyvanse with 140 mg (take two 70 mg a day). To me that sounds wrong, could the doctor miss write the dosage.?? Is that dangerous. He is only 9 years old. About 50 lbs.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
monica there is definitely something wrong. 60 mg of adderall? nine years old? 50 lbs? oh my goodness. check again with your doctor.
March 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
monica, change doctors RIGHT NOW!
I’m 27 and have been diagnosed with ADD. maybe i have it maybe i don’t. i feel like doctors will prescribe drugs on a whim and not take the time to really understand you and explore every possibility. My physician gave me ritalin, which was interesting, but there was chance for abuse (i have enjoyed drugs recreationally in the past). My psycho-pharmacologist put me on vyvanse (how can someone trust a psychopharmacologist? they make a living on prescribing drugs. they will never turn anyone down for a prescription be aware). This is my 2nd day. Yesterday i felt kind of nervous, my heart rate was up, my hands were a bit clammy. im going to give this a try for a bit longer, weigh out the benefits against the side effects. i think meds (especially something this intense) are not a good idea unless the diagnosis is extreme. i dont want to accept drugs as the answer, but rather i would like like to use vyvanse to learn good work habits, organize my life, and then stop using it. I don’t want to become dependent on the pharmaceutical industry to have a successful and productive life.
I think giving any ADD medicine to a child is an extremely bad idea, unless the child has an extreme disorder. all add meds are amphetamines. Do you know what else is an amphetamine? cocaine. Giving a child Vyvanse, Ritalin, Aderall, etc. is like giving a child a line of coke for breakfast. Rather, i think therapy and learning how to be aware of and live with the disorder is a better idea. explore options, do research and don’t settle for the easy answer Big Pharm wants you to accept. I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite, these are just issues I’m currently struggling with, and am just expressing them. To the parents of kids with extreme ADD, I empathize and hope you find the strength and support to raise your kids well.
Sorry for my rambling I will stop now. I will come back in a few weeks and post an update of my experience with vyvanse
March 20th, 2008 at 8:32 am
My husband was put on vyvanse today, I hope this works. After 9 years of marriage and trying to understand his problems, he was left undiagnosed since childhood. Unfortunately, he has had all the “classic” signs of ADHD, possible another disorder also. It has been a very trying period. I am exhausted and don’t know what to do.!He’s very disorganized, either wants a divorce all the time, or is crying. The children can see his mood problems. Please someone out there offer a little hope that this medication might work. He’s never been treated for his ADHD. He was treated for depression. At this point, he is so mad at me for taking him to the Psychiatrist. But, he did take his first dose. I only pray he continues and it works. Thanks, Jen
March 20th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Mickey,
I am curious to find out if this medication is working for you. Please let me know. My husband has had the same experiences as you. He has had a substance abuse problem in the past. I was fearful of starting him on this medication also. Hope your doing well.
Jen
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Do I have to give the medician ever day or can I just give this to my son on school days?
Kaye
April 4th, 2008 at 12:28 am
As a 20 year old college student who has taken Vyvanse this morning (it is now 11pm) I could not be happier with the results during the day. But now that I am “coming down off” of the med, I hardly feel normal…very depressed, get angry easily, feel “to my self”, dont want to do anything. I have only been taking Vyvanse for a week so maybe this will pass, but im beginning to notice that I am not my “happy go lucky self” anymore, and I don’t like it =( Need suggestions please!!
April 12th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I’m going to be a lab rat and abuse this drug for the name of science. i will keep you updated on the effects.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
sorry for late follow up. I stopped taking vyvanse shortly after my post above. it was nothing short of horrible. while normally i am a very rational person, this med caused nothing but anxiety. On my third day on vyvanse I had an argument with my girlfriend, and while this is normal and I can handle an argument, vyvanse casued me to have a near anxiety attack. I was EXTEEMELY depressed (soemthing I have never felt before) and just couldnt get myself to think any positive thoughts). At first i thought this is just part of “getting used to it” since I had been anxious the days prior as well, just not to that degree; after work I would have A beer and things seemed a lot calmer. so I decided to still give it a chance.
Another major side effect I noticed was my heart rate was WAY up, and this casued me to worry a bit, but I knew that vyvanse is a stimulant and realized i might just have to put up with it (heart rate would go down by 2 pm or so).
Up to now I had only been taking 20 mg, the lowest dosage, and wasnt feeling a great benefit. the next week, following doctor’s orders, I increased to 30 mg. this is when the final straw came: my heart was RACING and my chest hurt, sweaty palms (I had this before, but now increased), and jittery and anxious. continued for 2 more days, and decided this is absolutely not good. My physician agreed with me. these side effects came after my EKG results were fine with no problems. I have now gotten an echo cardiogram and am awaiting the results. I have to say though, that I am now feeling strange sensations sometimes in my chest or around my heart sometimes, something I didnt feel before. I hope I am only imagining this and have not had permanent damage done to my heart.
In conclusion, I would advise everybody to stay far away, but only based on my experiences. the fact that it affected my heart in such a dramatic way I would think it is not good for children. Considering it is such a new drug, we don’t even know the short term effects really, nevermind what it can do in the long run. As far as adults taking it, I feel that the doctors prescribing vyvanse, are conducting experiments on patients rather than having an educated opinion.
In closing, I have just watched the new Frontline special on PBS about medicating children, but I feel it is very eye-opening in terms of the Big Pharm Industry practices in general. It can be viewed here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/
April 21st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
My daughter is 10 years old and just started Vyvanse for ADHD in October. SHe has lost 20 pounds as a result. Her performance in school has been great. I am concerned about the weight loss. My pediatrician said not to worry.My husband and other family members see her weight loss as being extreme.I do not know if her weight loss is only from the decreased appetite or from the fact that she has been very active playing soccer since then as well.She went from playing 2-3 times a week to playing 5-6 times a week. We are so pleased with her behavior and her ability to focus for school and home.
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
4hrs after taking the 30mg capsule for the first time my 12yo son’s pulse increased to 150. 4 hrs later he was back to normal. Is this normal? In the time that he had it in his system, I saw TREMENDOUS improvement in school work (I homeschool), and know that we obvioulsy got the right stuff. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms?
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hi,
While I can not give medical advice over the internet - I do want you to know that there are cardiovascular warnings with all of the adhd medications. See this new report:
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday/080421/cardiac-screening-recommended-for-kids-taking-stimulants-for-adhd.htm
I suggest you contact your son’s doctor right away.
Dr. Kenny
April 25th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Mickey,\
Thanks for your reply. My husband since my last posting has been on a roller coater ride, taking me along with him. His med was increased and seems a bit better. However, after it wears off he is angry, irrational and difficult to deal with. The Psychiatrist is now starting him on a short acting med to take at 4:00 pm to combat this. I hope it works. He seems to be a bit better. I don’t know if this is the best thing for him, but only time will tell. He is going to the Cardiologist for evaluaion; i’ll let you know about it. I found out he’s been drinking red bulls during the day with it. It doesn’t sound good; I think he is going into an addiction now.
Jen
April 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Hello T,
The Physician should have told you to take his heart rate and blood pressure daily to monitor. My husband also was experiencing these symptoms. I hope your son is well. I know parents have a hard time putting their chldren on medication for ADHD; however, the last thing you want is to leave it un-treated; because adult ADHD is HORRIBLE to live with for both the patient and their loved ones. It only brings negative effects to everyone.
Good Luck,
Jen
April 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Dr. Kenny and Jen,
Tests turned out great. He is still ok to take the med, however, it was not mentioned by the Psychiatrist about daily monitoring, only the family doctor after the fact.
Thanks again
April 29th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Erin,
I am so sorry that I did not see your post. Coming off of medication is a very slow process. I worked with my physician, who prescribed them in forms that I could cut or rather just shave a little at a time. You want to reduce medication by incremental amounts, so the body doesn’t realize what you are doing. If you have been on meds for less than 2 years, you can come off over a 6 to 8 mth period. However, I was on for 15 years and I came off over a 2 year period of time. I took a really amazing supplement by Market America called OPC-3. Double blind studies have been done on this product. We all know that antioxidants from grape seed, pine park, bilberry extracts are phenomenal in health benefits. This product passes the blood brain barrier and is isotonic. It is made by Market America and I attribute it to saving me. I used to be asthmatic, I have been inhaler free for so many years I can’t even count. A great vitamin, antioxidants, use citrus smells to uplift mood and reduce the drug so slowly that your system copes. I am happy to share more info, but this is the jist of how I became medication free.
Take care, get off those drugs, we don’t need them. Our bodies can make what we need if we try alternatives. I am living proof.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:15 am
To all the parents of children who have experienced symptoms of depression/mania/rage/psychosis (hearing things, unexplained violent impulses, etc.) — PLEASE talk to your doctor (perhaps your regular physician/pediatrician if a psychiatrist is prescribing the ADHD meds) — there are a number of medications on the market to control ADHD symptoms, and people react VERY differently to each of them. I’m not a doctor - but I feel confident that the dr. I have been seeing is among the best, and he’s been very careful in choosing/monitoring side effects.
I am 29 years old, and was diagnosed with a severe non-hyperactive ADD (”distractable type” - apparently much more common among women/girls and often undiagnosed) about a year and a half ago. I got through my younger life - high school, college, law school, bar exams, and a large firm legal practice - purely on last-minute adrenaline, cramming, and an unusual gift of the ability to learn and remember things very quickly. Beyond that, my life has always been in complete dissaray - cleaning, organizing, paying bills on time, remembering appointments, effectively engaging in conversation - I was a disaster who happened to always stay afloat… but by doing the bare minimum to avoid failing, getting fired, or declaring bankruptcy.
Over the last year, I have tried several different medications - some with great results: mostly Adderall (non-XR) and Focalin (ritalin derivative). The Adderall has been very effective in certain ways - not a miracle cure, but has helped me a great deal. The downside is that I have nervous ticks now (chewing the inside of my lip compulsively until its swollen and bleeding, increased nailbiting, and teethgrinding at night) and often cannot fall asleep until 3-4 am, even when tired. But the benefits for me outweigh everything else.
When I started Focalin, even on a very low dose (my total daily dosage of regular Adderall is 60 mg (20mg 3x daily)) I didnt notice much change for a few days, and then I started crying for no reason (or no good reason). It was shortlived, so I ignored it. Within a few weeks, I felt like the world was going to end, I lost the will to get out of bed in the morning, and for the first (and only) time in my life, I had thoughts of driving my car off the road into a tree…things like that. I have never been depressed in my life - and in 3 weeks that medication brought me to a place where I contemplated suicide. I called my doctor, who immediately changed the medication. He instructed me that some people have those types of reactions to Adderall and do great on ritalin… it all depends on the person.
So, please dont ignore those symptoms - I know how scary it was for me, and I imagine that as a child it would be even harder to communicate how it makes you feel or try to be aware that the medication might be the cause….
(sorry for the length)
May 7th, 2008 at 10:23 am
On another note: I have been on Adderall - short acting - 20 mg 3x a day for about a year. My doctor has just prescribed Vyvanse for me - because my work day is generally a solid 12 hours, and this may be the first extended release medication that will be effective for as long as I need it… (also to try to balance out some of the yo-yo side effects of taking short acting doses, sometimes on an irregular schedule).
What would the corresponding dosage of Vyvanse be for an adult who requires 60 mg of short acting adderall total throughout the day? I noticed the chart that had dosage info for Adderall XR, but I don’t know if it would be the same as 3 doses of short acting, 4 hours apart. Thanks for any advice!
Also, if any adults have taken vyvanse, has sleeplessness been a significant issue for you? If so, has anything you’ve tried worked for you? I;d be very interested to hear any suggestions! Thanks!!
May 7th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
my name is sara and im 23, i began taking vyvanse 50mg about
3 weeks ago, and so far it has been a pretty stinky 3 weeks. 1st and foremost, i know that insonmia is a side effect, but the other night after going to bed at about 1, i than woke up at about 3am, only to not go back to sleep and had to get up at 6.45, to go work 8-5. Now correct me if im wrong, but i believe a good nights sleep is more important than being able to concentrate a little better, which brings me to my next point. Since taking this medicine i have noticed no improvement whatsoever in my ablilty to focus and get things done in a more timly matter. I am even questioning if i even have ADD now. My 3rd and last point, i am on depression meds for anxiety and becoming nervous and stuff, which has been going pretty good till… you guessed it!! started taking vyvanse!!! i now can not keep my legs still even at 4am, if im sitting i shake my legs, i bite on the insides of my jaws, which concerns me in that they are starting to look really bad and i worry it may mess up my teeth or jaw alignment. im also always playing with my hair. so oboviously i have become very hyper. I plan to quit taking it after my 30 day precription is up! I am just wondering if anybody else has experienced any of these same syptoms, or is it all just me????
May 9th, 2008 at 3:16 am
I’m 44 and just started taking Vyvanse. Over the past 15 years I’ve tried all of the above mentioned drugs with the latest being Dexedrine (for six years), so I’m well aware of what to expect for negative side effects. My concern is the waning about MAO inhibitor. I’m also using the Emsam patch (which by the way has zero side effects) and I’m a little concerned about this statement:
Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Vyvanse before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Does anyone know exactly what the dangers are? It might sound a bit careless, but If I followed all warnings that go along with these meds, I wouldn’t be able to drive, operate machinery, eat cheese, etc. The Emsam will take a month to become effective again and I rather not give it up if this is normal cover your bee-hind hype.
Thanks and best of luck to everyone who is seeking relief.
Dean
May 9th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Hi Dean,
Here are a couple of links which may help you:
1) A review of MAOI’s:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAOI
2) The description of a hypertensive crisis - which is the risk of taking an MAOI medicine and a stimulant medicine (like Vyvanse):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertensive_crisis
I strongly suggest you check with your doctor before mixing these two medicines.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
May 15th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
My daughter is years old. She needs it to focus. I have been so worried today. I hope I did not right thing. I have called her school about 20 times today to see how she is doing with it. I think that I will go to her school tomorrow and sit with her. My husband is totally against it. Has any children died from this drug or developed heart issues or torrettes sydrome.
concerned parent
May 16th, 2008 at 3:37 am
I’m 100 percent sure my doctor knows I don’t have ADD, but he gives me a large prescription to adderall every month. Adderall is fun and will help you get a lot of work done without fatigue. Recently he gave me a prescription to Vyvanse , so I could get the free sample. After taking roughly 20 mgs I have to say this drug is waaaay more cocaine like than adderall. I sort of felt like I woke up on another planet when it kicked in. Very euphoric and smooth. My heart was racing. I’m used to the effects of adderall, but this was far more all encompasing. Once it started to where off I felt TERRIBLE. Amazingly cranky and cracked out. I didn’t feel like myself for the next day. The ad campaign that Shire is now running for this drug is a DISGRACE. The idea that a developing brain should be put on a drug of this intensity is utter, NON-SCIENTIFIC NONESENSE. Do you want your child to have to be on drugs to be happy for the rest of their lives? Thats what you are doing. I’m not a scientologist. Psychiatry has its place. If you’re an adult these drugs are fun and can help you get through work with less effort. For a few they might even be necessary (a very very small percentage of the 3 million on adderall). Try meditation first. Read about neuroplastisity (a great book: the brain that changes itself.) Make no illusion to the fact that these are powerful pschoactive DRUGS —close relatives to street drugs. In fact they are street drugs for many people of my generation (I’m in my mid twenties). Good luck to all.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:07 am
My phychiatrist precribed me to Vyvanse to day 50mg , I took it at around noon , its 4 in the morning and im still awake….I have had ADHD since I was a small child but my parents refused to let me take these type of drugs…and I fully understand y since I turned 18 I have taken Strattera(hate it severe depression) and Adderal XR the Adderal does work …but I have a past of drug use….the Vyvanse is addictive more like doing cocaine cause its not such of a rush….but other than that Vyvanse does help my concentration im more productive at work and my studys….I would only refer it to mentally and emotionally mature adults, NOT CHILDREN
May 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Dear Dr. Handelman,
I am 18 years old. Recently I have tried the drug Concerta. I liked it at first but then I became extremely anxious and depressed–sobbing all day. Also my heart was pounding and now I am lethargic and don’t want to do anything but sit in my basement all day and watch tv. I looked online and found Vyvanse. Do you think that Vyvanse would not have these terrible side effects like Concerta?
May 24th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Jed,
Vyvanse may be helpful. It has a similar mechanism of action as concerta - but it is sufficiently different that it may work better for you .
Best to talk to your doctor and discuss vyvanse as an option.
Dr. Kenny
May 26th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I have a niece that is 7 years old. She has been taking Vyvanse for about 6 months. She has becomes angry, violent, runs off, says she wants to kill her self and she is destructive. Sometimes her arm shakes, her heart races, she has headaches and stomach aches. She doesn’t eat and can’t sleep. Her Dad has tried talking to her psychiatrist and he won’t change her med. He prescibed her sleeping pills. Told her to eat ice cream. What will help her? We are all trying to cope, but it is very hard.
May 26th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Hi Kelly,
I’m concerned about those symptoms.
As you describe the symptoms and the behavior, it seems very logical for the medicine to be stopped (i.e. who wouldn’t stop the medicine if it were causing these symptoms/side effects?)
The ultimate question is: are these behaviors caused by the vyvanse, or are they due to only partially treated ADD/ADHD?
This is likely the critical question to ask the doctor, and get some decent answers.
If the doctor won’t give you the answers you need - for this symptom or for other aspects/concerns, best to ask for a second opinion, or another doctor who can answer your questions.
I hope that helps.
Dr. Kenny
May 27th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I am 39 years old and I have had ADD since I was a child. My doctor prescribed 70mg of Vyvanse right off the bat…after I explained to him that the 30mg of Adderral XR was no longer working. He said that the two doses were comparable.
I experienced EXTREME jitteriness, confusion and depressed mood. Needless to say, could get nothing done. I stopped the med after 2 days. I’ve been on so many other meds and they all worked for awhile and then stopped working.
I am at my wits end and I don’t know what else to do…not to mention the expense of these meds. Foes anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks alot,
ANB
May 27th, 2008 at 8:37 am
April,
I would ask your doctor about trying a lower dose and gradually increasing- this may make it easier to tolerate the vyvanse (but then again it may not).
While you haven’t listed all of the medicines you’ve tried, if I assume that you’ve tried methylphenidate medicines (i.e. concerta, ritalin, focalin, metadate, daytrana, etc.), then you may want to consider the ‘non stimulants’. The main one here is Strattera, or the antidepressant wellbutrin.
Talk to your doctor about your options.
The other option, is talking to your doctor about higher dose medicines - i.e. according to Canadian ADHD Guidelines, some doctors are using up to 50 mg Adderall XR for adults with ADHD (this is an ‘off label’ dose and needs careful monitoring).
Look down the page here:
http://www.caddra.ca/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=124
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
May 27th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Re: my 7 year old niece. My brother contacted the dr’s office before I received your answer because my niece had two episodes on Monday afternoon. They said that they would either up her dosage from 50 mg to 70 mg or change it to adderall. Is this dosage ok for a 7 year old that weights about 40 lbs?
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Update: It has been just over a month now, and my son’s dosage has increased from 30mg to 50mg. To be honest I don’t know what to think of this medication. With the 30mg I would see instant relaxation and focusing with school work, with the 50mg it seemed to take nearly 2hrs before I would see such things. On the 30mg the side effect was the heart racing but over time it no longer did that, on the 50mg he complains of stomach aches, the feeling of “life flying by”, and no longer wanting to have more than 2 meals a day. Both medications never showed an all day coverage…maybe 4-6hrs. Any suggestions?
June 10th, 2008 at 1:06 am
T,
PLEASE contact Shire and submit an adverse reaction report. I have also had issues with the 50’s not working. They have not heard any other complaints (see the rest of my post below…)
I am a 46 year old adult. My daughter is 14. We both have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and are taking Vyvnase. This drug has been a life changing experience for both of us.
We started on 30 mg in March 2008. My daughter moved up to 50 mg, and I followed shortly after. The 30’s worked great, but it was evident that we needed more to attain better focus. Once we switched to the 50’s, we both experienced a return to some of our original symptoms. It is hard to explain, but it almost feels as though the pills are only partially working. I can definitely feel some focus, but not to the degree that I think I should feel. I had a few 30 mg pills left, so I decided to take 2 of them to see if there was any difference.
I immediately felt better, as if these pills were actually fully working. I took them the next day, same result. Then I switched back to the 50’s, as a test. I did not feel the full effect again.
I thought that perhaps Shire changed the ingredients or that some component of the pill might have changed, but I checked on FDA.gov and did not see any change document.
I am happy to finally find someone else who has experienced issues with the 50’s. I have switched to a new Rx of taking 2 30’s per day. I am hoping this will help. If not, I will try the 70’s as a last resort.
This drug has worked so well for us initially that I hate to give up on it. It actually helped reduce my daughter’s anxiety a bit.
I’d be interested to know if Shire has heard any other complaints like this.
I called Shire directly and we filled out an adverse reaction report. It is critical for people to do this, so others can be aware if they experience the same effect. Asof the date of my report, they had not heard any other complaints about the 50’s. Please call Shire and notify them so they can begin logging this issue and investigate. This drug is helpful…I would hate for someone to have an adverse experience due to some product issue that might be resolved upon investigation.
Thanks and I will post again with followup
June 15th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I have been taking ADHD drugs for the last 9 months with varying levels of success: 1st was standard ritalin, within 4 weeks I was having crying spells and feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness, so I switched to standard adderall. Things were fine on that, and I was taking it daily, then I developed the worst temper you can imagine, to the point of being enraged.
I stopped taking the drugs and felt better within a week, and stayed off them for a full month. I consulted my Dr about it, and he suggested that I might be have a very low tolerance for such drugs and should take them only when necessary (like days that I know I really need to be on my game at the office or at a social event) and he prescribed me 30 mg of Vyvanse, which I had to cut down to half because I found that 30 was waaaay to much.
I have to say this is exactly the experience that I was hoping I would get from ADHD drugs, I’m more on top of things, more productive, my concentration is absolute when I’m working, and has renewed my confidence in my ability to learn (I just though I was a slow learner and was unable to process information like everyone else, so I grew up thinking I was not as bright as other kids, and you can imagine what that did to my self esteem). I’ve had such great improvements that I’m heading back to college in the fall to complete my degree in psychology and minor in philosophy.
Also, my Dr. also had me try out Adderall XR, in the lowest dosage available, and I get the same results.
The real improvement for me came when I take the drugs on an intermittent schedule, i.e. I take it every other day or sometimes just twice a week. I can feel the effects of my meds for a day longer than the Dr. says I should, so that’s what I base my dosages on.
I read reports with people saying that they have to keep bumping up their dosages in order to feel results, it could be that you are taking too much too often and you are building a tolerance to it. I’m not a Dr. so I’m not giving medical advice, I’m simply reporting an opinion based on my personal experience.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I am alarmed. While I did not read all of the many comments here, I read a lot of them and am struck by several very important – crucial – things.
1. Doctors are clearly not informing patients and parents about the nature of AD/HD or about the medications prescribed for it. I consider this unconscionable.
2. Patients and parents are not doing effective research on their own about AD/HD and its treatments.
3. On this blog there is a lot of misinformation being passed back and forth; I urge you all to find additional sources for information. It’s not my blog, and I don’t wish to intrude, but this is worrisome to me.
Please understand, I am not criticizing people who contribute here. Good, solid information is available if you know where to look. Families with AD/HD are very busy trying to cope, and don’t always have the time to do research. I implore you, though, to become informed – somehow – and you will find it easier to set up the structures and think up and execute the strategies that everyone with AD/HD (with or without medication) needs in order to live more effectively.
Children have so much to learn in a normal childhood; this is made more difficult by having a brain that doesn’t handle things the same way as most people’s do. And on top of that they will need to learn a lot of coping techniques in order to manage themselves.
Parents need help. It is a lonely, tiring, extremely difficult experience every day, and the rest of the people are mystified and/or ignorant. Many people like to take the moral high ground on these things about which they have not troubled themselves to learn.
I have walked this road for years. I have AD/HD, my offspring do, and I am a clinician who works with people in the office every day who have AD/HD. I am old before my time and have very little to show for years of heavy labor. Medications have made life manageable and I am glad to live in a time when they are available. But then, I have been lucky to be well informed and to be able to advocate for us all with doctors, the best of whom have accepted us as part of the team. My kids are becoming their own Treatment Team Leaders, thank goodness.
June 21st, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Betsy,
Thank you for your comments, but I was left with a feeling of confusion after reading your post. I understand that you are alarmed by some things that are being said on this blog, but you don’t quote specific things that alarm you, so it will be difficult for anyone who might be uninformed or misinformed to actually seek out the correct information. I would like to hear the specifics, since I am trying to become informed about this disorder. You can email me directly if you are uncomfortable about leaving information on the blog. lortherapy at yahoo dot com
Thank you,
L
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 am
Will do. I was not being critical of anyone, and should have been more specific. Thanks for asking, and you’ll hear from me.
bd
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:58 am
My son, 13 yrs old, has been on Vyvanse for several months now. A few months ago the doctor switched him from 30mg to 50 mg because he seemed to need a little higher of a dosage to help with concentration at school. Within a week he started experiencing “ticks” in his shoulder blades that eventually were making his muscles hurt. The dr stopped the medicines for a week and the ticks stopped. We put him back on the 30 mg dose and eventually the ticks came back but no where near as bad as it was on the 50mg dose. My son said it’s ok, he’ll deal with the ticks because the medicine is helping his concentration etc. The doctor said it’s up to us! We’ve tried adderal, concerta, etc and none have helped like Vyvanse. I’m so confused on what to do! Anyone else experience similiar problems?
June 24th, 2008 at 1:11 am
L here:
Well, I asked my doctor to increase my dosage since I did not feel the double 30’s working. I actually felt my progress reversing, and I am not ready to go back to my old ADHD fuzzy ways.
Another note: the capsules came apart REALLY easily, which I thought was strange, since my husband’s 70’s were so tight that I broke the bottom of the capsule trying to pull them apart.
Anyway, I decided to go to a different pharmacy for my new prescription. These capsules (70 mg) are closed tightly. I felt them work, the way I expected them to. Focused, calm, able to handle things, “smooth” is one way I describe how I feel. I’m not sure what the source of the issue is, but I am sticking with the 70’s and the new pharmacy.
I wonder how different my life would have been if I had been able to (or even knew that I needed to) correct my brain chemistry years ago? At least I can move on from here.
By the way, I have been “anti-drug” as well as pro-organic and anti- processed foods for many, many years. Diet and exercise helped my condition, but only to a certain degree. I have NEVER felt as focused and confident as I now do. Ever. This doesn’t mean I can abandon my healthy eating and exercise, since that is critical in helping the medication to work properly. It just means that the combination of diet, exercise and the missing brain “chemical” can help me to function to my potential.
Ok, I’m done preaching. Good luck to everyone, keep seeking the answer, you CAN find it…
–L
June 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Jenn,
I notice a slight tic, not too pronounced, almost like an involuntary head shake every now and again. It occurred more often when I first started taking Vyvanse in March, but seems to be happening less frequently lately, or maybe I am just not as sensitive to the feeling anymore. The meds work so well I am willing to deal with it.
I’m reading alot regarding diet and exercise for ADHD. I make a protein shake for my daughter and myself in the morning (milk or yogurt, egg white protein powder, frozen strawberries, cocoa powder, and sweetener if needed [organic sugar or blue agave syrup (dark)]). We blend it up with some ice. I read that you should eat protein prior to taking the meds. I also found an interestng website that talked about studies on ADHD and certain vitamin deficiencies. I think that ADHD is so different for each individual that you need to go down all the paths until you find what works for you. Eliminating certain foods help both my daughter and me (high fructose corn syrup, non-whole grains, processed foods in general). My nutritionist gave me the rule of thumb: If it doesn’t grow that way, don’t eat it. It was amazing how great we felt when we followed this rule. And it really wasn’t that difficult.
Anyway, I am rambling, mostly because I forgot to take my meds! ooops….
July 1st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I’m 39. I just found out I have ADD. A good step to finally know, but now going through my mourning period of frustration for experiencing almost four decades of a hindered life.
I take VyVanse. I like it. It keeps me focused. I write a blog about my VyVanse experience from time to time. I’d like to share it to you. To help others with it and also to get encouragement. Because having ADD feels like a curse, and I am second guessing how I feel all the time because I don’t know if it’s me or if it’s the ADD.
DN
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
DN,
I understand your frustration, but I feel you are over thinking all of this. We all naturally experience times in our lives when we can’t focus. I am medication free and thrilled to be living life and feeling my feelings again. If you read these posts, you will see a theme that I am very familiar with… “It is great to feel focused and I am finally better on medication”, then “I can’t seem to get my med level right”, then “you are bounced around on different drugs”.
I lived that life for 15 years, the Doctor’s never got it “right” again. I worked with a Psycho pharmacologist to help me too. I finally couldn’t take it any longer. I had to take control of my life. I have created natural medication free coping skills.
I honestly believe anyone could take this substance and feel better, whether they needed it or not. Sometimes you have to look at lifestyle, diet, emotional and spiritual health to make adjustments to finally find your way back to feeling better.
I also suspect all the electronic devices zipping through the air. Just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean that they could not be affecting those of us that may be at little imbalanced anyway. Especially when you look at the latest research of how science believes that they can zap bacteria, viruses etc. by identifying the frequency that kill it.
I don’t feel that medication is the answer. Before you get sucked into the ‘drug me’ black hole, consider looking for answers in all aspects of your life. The best of luck to you. (By the way, I didn’t see your blog address. Did you post it?)
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 am
DN,
ADD can be frustrating, but now that you understand what’s been going on in your life, you can accept it for what it is and move forward. I have always believed, even as a child, that things happen for a reason, and that the experiences you live through, good and bad, have brought you to be the person you are today. Maybe you needed to struggle for 39 years in order to appreciate the quality of life you can now have, or maybe this new change will start you in a new direction. I was recently diagnosed. I am 46, and have felt the frustration all my life as well. I let myself grieve for what I thought I could have been if I was diagnosed earlier. Then I chose to focus on now, and how I can better myself and my relationships with this new-found understanding. Part of my untreated ADD involved poor self-image, lack of confidence, and moodiness/short temper, as well as other things. They were extremely limiting. All of these symptoms have improved dramatically once I found the right medication (Vyvanse) and the right dosage (very important). I had some issues with several dosages (still not sure of the cause of the issues), but I hung on and finally found the right amount (70 mg). I also take Lexapro, since I fell into a depression after several back-to-back family health issues.
Mourning your past is ok as long as you can move into the next stage. If you are not in counseling/therapy, I would strongly suggest it. The fact that you are logging your thoughts is great. I do this also and share the journal with my therapist, so he has greater insight into my deepest thoughts, in order to be able to better help me. You’d be surprised how quickly an hour session goes, it’s nice to continue it on your own to share later.
Hang in there and celebrate the fact that you are who you are. ADD is a part of you;if you believe it is a curse, it will be one. If you find a way to make it a positive part of your life, you’ll accomplish much more and your satisfaction with life will be unlimited.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hey DN, I had a similar response, feeling like I had spent 34 years on this planet not running on all cylanders, or more appropriately, not living up to my potential. All my bosses, teachers, friend would say to me “You are so smart, but you just are so all over the place, you lack focus/direction/goals and if you would just do that you could be so much further along that you are.”
Also: Instead of looking at ADD as a curse, look at it as a specialization: you are not broken, you just work differently than others, and you can use medication and simple things like keeping a regular appointment book for better organization. If you let a label defeat you, then you are defeating yourself. Don’t second guess yourself: ADD isn’t “doing” anything to you, it’s just the way your brain works. So learn to cope with the idea that it’s part of who you are and how you might use it to your advantage.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Theresa,
I’m curious: Are you a physician, or in the medical field? It’s wonderful that you are able to manage your condition (you don’t actually mention what you were diagnosed with) using medicine-free alternatives, however not all of us are so lucky. Our situations are in reverse: I spent over 20 years trying all of the drug-free, healthy alternatives that I could find, diet, exercise, meditation, therapy, supplements, positive thinking, chiropractic, etc, you name it, I tried it. When I finally was unable to fully rise to my potential, and when my daughter (and niece) also experienced similar symptoms, I “gave in” and agreed to try medication. Every person’s body is different. You may be one of the lucky ones who can make the appropriate changes with needing medication, There are many more who cannot, who have done their due diligence and would rather live a happy fulfilled life with medication than a miserable, unsatisfied life without. I am one of those, and I am proud to say that although I have based my life on an organic way of living, I am able to accept the fact that at this point in my life, I will allow the one deviation of Vyvanse, if my life will be a better one for having done it. If I had cancer, diabetes or some other condition, I would not allow myself to think I could control it with alternatives. That would be life threatening, not life-enhancing.
Congratulations on your successful management of your condition, but please be sensitive to the others on this blog, Drugs are not a “black hole” to everyone. For some, they are a way out of the abyss…..
L
July 4th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
L,
I am not trying to offend anyone, but speaking from my 15 years of medication hell, with only the first 6 months of being euphoria. I am all for medication intervention for short periods of time. I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, Anxiety and Dysthymic Disorder.
I thought I was stupid in school because I couldn’t remember what I was reading, could not focus in class and felt like a complete failure. But I muddled through. Sadly, in this country our educational system fails a large portion of it’s students (they drop out) because in my case, my learning style is different and had they engaged me with tactile and more visual activities, I may have been more successful.
I am 46 years old. One of the simplest ways I have found to deal with my issues is using natural oils. I will diffuse a peppermint spray to stimulate my mind which really helps me focus. I use a grapefruit smell to elevate my mood and lavender does wonders to help you rest. I have found I am extra ordinarily sensitive to smells. Chemicals make me feel angry, nervous, nauseas. I clean with natural things like vinegar and do everything I can to eliminate chemicals from my home and work place. (There was an amazing study done by the Japanese on citrus smells with incredible success in alleviating depression, smells stimulate the limbic region of the brain.)
I am suggesting that maybe you are not abnormal at all but sensitive to something else in your environment. I think it is absolutely frightening that teachers just want to medicate kids. You are an adult, good for you, drug on!
Creative teachers engaging the three different learning styles teach children without drugs. I believe the educational system needs revamping rather than medicating kids.
I understand your decision to medicate, I have been there, I will not say I will never go back there because should I become extremely ill again, I would have to consider it. I am asking you all to be careful of the roller coaster. I feel that I had some excellent care and it wasn’t enough. Then I failed coming off the drugs because I did not realize how powerful they were. I learned I had to trick my dependent body and had to shave small amounts off of my medication to come off successfully and I did it so slowly, it took two years. Just remember how powerful these medications are.
My nephew started vomiting, the second day he took these meds. He had a severe reaction thank God! However, his teacher thought he was on them. She couldn’t believe his transformation. Can you imagine the look on her face with my niece said he couldn’t take them? Thank God!
July 4th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
To piggyback on L’s comment, and offer a somewhat different view: When I diagnosed myself (and had this corroborate by a psychiatrist), I was ready to try medications immediately. I had — not knowing I had AD/HD — taken the trouble and spent the money on the best psychotherapy money could buy, with excellent result.
I vanquished whatever baggage a person gets to adulthood still carrying, I learned so much and was glad to have made the investment. But it did nothing for the symptoms of AD/HD. That excellent therapist told me I was “wired funny” but he also cautioned me not to try to do anything about it (what would that have been?) because my thinking was exceptionally clear and I had a rare sensitivity that I was putting to good use.
When life handed me a handful of significant stressors, I found myself in Barely Functioning Land. My sister and I figured out it was AD/HD and I went to a psychiatrist who corroborated that and I asked for medication immediately. I’d already done it all and knew nothing else I tried would be sustainable unless something changed from within.
I do not mind relying on medication, because everybody relies on correct body chemistry to function. I just have to get some of mine from outside sources. To me there is no shame in having AD/HD, though I am certainly sorry about the things I mess up on that affect other people negatively.
Psychostimulants are NOT supposed to make a person FEEL different. Their purpose is to change COGNITIVE function. If they change feelings, that bears investigation of dosage, another medication, the diagnosis. And, I know that medications are not helpful to everyone, but it is a very small minority who, with careful titration and a fair trial on every medication group, do not benefit. Nonetheless, this post is referring to those who may forgo medications out of an idea that it’s weak or wrong to use them.
I am profoundly grateful to live in a time when science has developed to the point that these medications are available. I would not like anyone to endure what so many have endured in past generations due to misunderstanding, moral judgments and that abiding subjective awareness sense that one is unable to do what one wishes to do and sets out to do. Most people are better at relationships, empathizing with others, making good on agreements when they can rely on their brains to do their job, freeing the person from some of the management of the organ that is supposed to be manager.
Coping and Toughing It Out are not virtues, to me. And they ultimately compromise one’s ability to contribute to the common good.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I have problems with coming down off of the vyvanse and becoming really depressed… then it goes away after a few hours. We have increased my mood stabilizing meds and are trying vyvanse again and also changing from a once in the am dose to a small am dose and then a dose around noon or so. I am hoping this helps me not get as depressed coming off of it. Also - does this symptom get better over time?
July 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Heather, there is an excellent resource for medication matters, and there is info specifically describing how Vyvanse works and how to discover the “therapeutic window,” which is the exact amount per dose that assists you to make the best use of your brain.
I will include the URL right here, and hope I am not breaking any rules by doing so. I have no connection to the doctor whose site it is, except that I think he does very good work. In other words, I receive no gain by mentioning the site.
My own experience and opinion based on working with many many people taking stimulants is that when people say things like “coming down,” they are using “drug” talk and not medicine talk; and they may be experiencing the stimulant in ways which are not related to Cognitive Function, and it is Cognitive Function it treats. More on this site.
http://www.corepsychblog.com
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
II have been taking medication for my diagnosed ADHD since I was in second grade, and I am now a senior in college and have seemed to have found the best drug for myself. I have probably taken every single medication available out in there, but Strattera has seemed to be the best for me. I am on the highest dosage available, but I am curious about this new Vyvanse. My father just got prescribed it and I am wondering if Vyvanse might be better than strattera? I do understand all the differences in medications since my ADHD has always been something I embraced and tried to treat because it interests me alot, therefore I am asking if strattera and vyvanse are almost on the same level?? if anyone has thoughts on this please let me know, I am always curious as to if there is a better medication out for myself.
mb
August 18th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Vyvanse - The New Medicine for ADD/ADHD | ADD ADHD Blog.com…
Once it passes through the liver, a protein chain is taken off the medication and it becomes an active amphetamine. Therefore, the abuse potential for Vyvanse is much lower than most ADD/ADHD drugs….
August 21st, 2008 at 1:28 am
Hi how are you? I’m 28yrs old been on VyVanse 50mg for about 3mons it has been great able to get more done. The sleeping thing has been hard, stay up late. over all have been really happy with the out come, and wife is happy, I let her talk with out jumping in, that drove here crazy. I find myself lesioning to other people more often. It keeps my mind less clodded. I also don’t bite my nails, like i used to, 1 of the ? the Doc asked. some of the old habits I have been seeing come back. I have lost about 30 LBS, don’t upset about that, I have to remind myself to eat… Its has helped me abound 60% (give or take) Worth it…. U BET>><<
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:45 am
My sister put my 7 year old neice on vyvanse. My sister and her doctor say she has ADHA. She is hyper, and destructive. She has outbursts and says hateful things. My sister can’t control her. I have been a nanny for many years and have taken care of alot of “ADHD” children. I find that in most cases all it takes is some time, NOT meds. Kids were hyper before “ADHD” was discovered. My neice does fine in my company. She is well behaved, manored, and gets along with my kids just fine. I think the bigest problem is the parents. Do you realy connect with your child? Or are you just going through the motions? Anwser honestly because being a parent is the most important job of your life! I understand a hyper child can drive you nuts, but have you tried being hyper with them? Run around, act crazy, have fun with your child. Forget the rules to the game, and just play with them. Sure your old and tired (well I am…lol) But do it anyway. I promise this is a much better approach than meds. Or you can be like my sister and take the easy way out. Drug your child.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Again, another person judging others without understanding the circumstances. My family struggled for 10 years to try and resolve our daughter’s “issues” for lack of a better word. Although she also had a pancreatic tumor, ADD/ADHD has played the largest part in her mood disorder. We held off on meds until she was 13 and well into her menses, (suggested by our nutritionist). Diet also played a part, and we were able to control some of the symptoms by following a strict (and I mean strict) “meal plan”. Have you ever tried to convince a 14 year old to eat only yeast-free bread, organic foods, no sugar or other off limits snacks? I’d rather stick pins in my eyes. Regardless, the dietary part, while minimizing the symptoms, did not resolve them all and not completely. Once we finally pinned down the diagnosis and started Vyvanse, my daughter thanked us for helping her feel “normal” again. Incidentally, after listening to her discuss her feelings and reactions after starting the medication, I realized that many of the symptoms that I had been suffering from my entire life were the same things she was describing. So I made an appointment and started Vyvanse as well. If I didn’t already believe in it from seeing the change in my daughter, taking it myself was all I needed. I am now able to focus and make sense out of things that have evaded me for years, things I didn’t even realize, such as keeping the house straightened and organized, finanacial stuff (paying bills, organizing checkbook), etc. I no longer lose things around the house, or forget why I came into a room, and I no longer struggle to think of simple words like “coat” or “hanger” or “dishcloth”. These subtle symptoms are not usually identified as ADD/ADHD, and I never realized that low self-image, fidgeting (biting nails, lips, cuticle-picking), and other symptoms I have experienced forever could be part of a condition. I just thought I had low self-esteem and was unorganized. The last few months have been an eye-opener, especially for someone like me who NEVER takes meds unless I absolutely need to, not even for headaches. Unless you experience it, live it, through DAILY, PROLONGED interaction with a family member or yourself, you have no place judging those of us who choose to help ourselves and our loved ones. My daughter has a new life now, and so do I. Our family spends time together, we always have. That is not the issue. Brain chemistry, that is the issue. Time spent with the family will not replace what her physical brain needs in order to function properly. If it did, she’d have more than enough.
Thanks for listening, call your sister and apologize for being so insensitive. Oh, and incidentally, giving drugs to your child is not “the easy way out”. It is a decision that is made after many sleepless nights and second-guessing, and it is a decision that is made for the good of the child. ADD/ADHD is hereditary, so be careful;karma is a powerful force to mess with. Just something to think abou