Vyvanse vs Adderall XR – Benefits, Problems
Vyvanse vs Adderall XR:
Vyvanse is a new treatment for ADHD and this article compares it to Adderall.
If you want to learn the 10 most important things you should know about Vyvanse, see here.
Are you confused by all your medication options? (Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse, Intuniv, Metadate, Pemoline – and that’s just getting started!) Figure things out – a Full List of ADHD Medications tells you what you need to know.
Now…
First, it’s important to realize that Vyvanse is Shire’s replacement for their old blockbuster drug, Adderall XR, which is losing its patent.
If you’re being suggested to take Vyvanse, it’s not necessarily because it’s a better medication.
Shire wants to turn it into a billion dollar drug, and has unleashed a marketing campaign of that magnitude, aimed at consumers and doctors.
On the other hand, Vyvanse does have some advantages over Adderall. It also has a few disadvantages.
Comparing Vyvanse vs Adderall is made slightly harder because both drugs are amphetamines. If you take either, you’re getting pretty much the same thing.
That said, there are some important differences.
1) Vyvanse is 100% d-amphetamine, while Adderall XR is a mix of 4 different d and l-amphetamines.
This mix in Adderall may make it more effective, stronger. But it might cause more anxiety or physical side effects. See later for discussion of the differences between the amphetamine types.
The next big difference is that:
2) Vyvanse is released via digestion, while Adderall is released by bead technology.
The digestion release may make Vyvanse smoother, last longer, and have less variability. What you eat might not effect it so much, while Adderall XR may be more effected by, say, having a cup of orange juice.
This release also means that snorting or injecting Vyvanse provides less of a high. As many have pointed out, however, Vyvanse can provide a high just by being taken at higher doses.
Advantages of Vyvanse
We have a full article discussing the Advantages of Vyvanse.
Vyvanse has been shown to have effect for a very long time, up to 14 hours in some studies. While realistically that duration of effect may not happen, it works fairly well for fairly long.
This is likely because its release mechanism is typically smooth, meaning less variability.
Finally, Vyvanse is pure d-amphetamine, which may mean less of certain side effects compared to the l and d-amphetamine of Adderall.
Disadvantages of Vyvanse
Vyvanse is basically nothing more than extended release Dexedrine. And while it seems to have fewer side effects relating to anxiety and release, it may cause more side effects like reduced appetite.
Because Vyvanse is so new, it may be significantly more expensive than other options or not covered by insurance, especially since both Dexedrine and Adderall are available in generic form. We also simply do not know as much about it as we do about the older drugs.
Finally, some users feel that it’s not as strong as Adderall, and that it stops working earlier than advertised.
l versus d amphetamine
Remember that Vyvanse is pure d-amphetamine, while Adderall is a mix of d- and l-forms.
The d form may be more effective at reducing impulsiveness and overactivity. The l form, on the other hand, may increase concentration better, but it may also cause more anxiety. It is also per molecule less effective than the d form, but such a distinction is perhaps irrelevant.
The d form may effect more dopamine, as opposed to both noradrenaline and dopamine in the l form. This theory, however, is not established. Noradrenaline is involved in anxiety responses, which may explain why Adderall XR seems to be worse for anxiety.
Adult ADHD:
ADHD is a lot different in adults than in children. Hyperactivity, for instance, is not necessarily there or in the same form as in kids.
If you are over 18 and worried that you might have ADHD, check out an ADHD Test Made for Adults.
Learn what the 4 Secrets To Success with ADHD are – it could really help you understand what’s going on in your life.
Related Articles:
- Long Term Effects of Adderall
- Ritalin vs Adderall – Which is Better?
- Is There a Physical Test for ADHD?
- Intuniv for ADHD: Efficacy, Side Effects
ADHD and ADD Online Diagnostic Test
ADHD/ADD Natural Remedy Report
Overcoming ADHD: A Guide for Parents
I’m kinda like nick…I went un treated all my life, till I was 17 and my friends let me try a 10mg of adderall. I was dagnosed with adhd when I was 9 and was given the option for medication, I have always beed to scared to try drugs the only one I’ve reallytryed was marijuana. but befor I started adhd meds my grades were crap! I could never focus so aftr I tryed adderoll I loved it and went to the doctors and got a perscription for vyvanse! it has dramatically changed my life, befor I could never make friends I always just thought I was too much to handle… anyway adhd in my opinion is a real disorder but it is over diagnosed! tereason why I don’t think children shouldn’t take stims is because you can diagnose adhd to any child that acts like a child (they have energy, caant sit still, ect.) At least not untill middle school. A person with adhd’s brain doesn’t start to un ravle untill middle school. (I know because I did wonderful in eementary) but as soon as 6th grade hit I went down hill
i have a 17 year old that was dx with adhd with impulse disorder at 2 and a half school work has always been in the d and f range although iq test r off the charts tryed meds with him at 5 years old and had bad side effects took him off and tryed diet control (suger control) grades and behavior continued to go down hill till he was 17 and a half he started to express his concerns and wanted to try something to improve his concentration i set up an appointment to address his concerns but in the mean time a friend gave him 2 whole scripts of addarell where he took and over dosed after a paticullary i got dx with cancer and we had to put his cat down due to side effects of diabetes it was to much and he overdosed at school had a siezure at school and became unresponsive he was 911 to nbgh er woke up became combative it took 10 police security male nurses and a doctor who shot him up to restrain him even then he was restrained and had bouts of combativiness and his HEART RATE was dangerously tachycardic at 163 he stopped breathing twice since then he has started on vyanse prescribed by his physc doctor the only thing because he is a minor and i do still have say so to agree to this is that while he was takin addarall his grades became b and c average although i have grave concerns with these meds im respecting his wishes.
I was prescribed Ritalin when I was 18 and flipped between every cheap option without insurance until my doc got me patient assistance thru shire cares for Vyvanse. I was lazy and couldn’t focus in high school, I had a 2.999 when I graduated and had missed over 190 days, an entire year of high school. Now I’m turning 20 in a month and I’ve been going to college for chemical engineering/biochem dual major, I have a 3.8 and work 30 hours a week. And I haven’t ever done so well socially, academically, or mentally. It has really helped me move forward and focus on the bettering of myself
I have sufferd from a.d.h.d sence I was nine yrs of age. listening to your storys brings back alot of my own issues, and untreated a.d.h.d untill the age of 27.I was on adderal from 27 till the age of 34, and now I am on vyvanse.It is my first day on the new drug but I can say now what a difrece in delivery and the level of conchessnes awairness and the abuility to look at a problem disect it rearange it and solve it in FULL completion is a gift. I can not begin to exspress my gratitude greatfulness and regaind faith in lurning better ways to harness my gift not disabuility thank you so much!!!
I feel you 150% adhd to me isn’t a disorder but a gift, of being able to process more info faster then the average joe, more and more people have adhd because its the first steps to the new version or next evolutionary step of the human spiecies! who knew lol :)
@MatthewF
Thanks for your perspective. I notice that I do process info faster than others do. I also read very fast. And think very fast. And walk very fast. And talk very fast. But I have never thought of this disorder as a gift before. My negatives are still outweighing the positives. I may switch from Adderall to Vyvanse. If it doesn’t help, I can always switch back, right? Thank you.
@ Terron
I totally agree with you on the kid thing. I was diagnosed as a child, but never treated. And I did not start unravelling until 6th & 7th grade. My teachers used to embarrass me in front of the class. They would say things like “once again, Angela had more important things to do than her homework..” or “Why don’t you just apply yourself? Are you just too lazy?” I had 2 different teachers who would inform the class as to how powerful my brain is, “She has tremendous brain power- she just chooses not to use it” my mom would get so frustrated with me, and finally just say that I was worthless. “I’ve wastedd my whole life on you and now you’re not gonna amount to anything. You’re just a nothing, a waste of my time…”Obviously, this made things worse. And the vicious cycle continues. I’m 36 now and have sought treatment for myself. I look at my daughters and wonder “which one of them will have this, too?” I know that since I do, their chances are increased. I also know that I will support them, and never make them feel like nothing. I will never LET them feel like nothing.
Take care…
I have been on Adderal for the last 2 1/2 years, I have been able to focus and work like never before. I was contacted by my Dr. yesterday and she stated that there is a Adderall shortage and then she suggested Ridilin in high doses…plus it is cheaper thru Wal-Mart. Does anyone know the difference or even a drug that does have similar effects to control my ADHD?
Im sure I have ADD. Im sure vyvanse or adderall would help a lot. Unfortunately my mom told my doctor I smoke pot. When I called and asked for information for tests for this kind of stuff, he told me to go to rehab.
Idk what to do.
I am 47 and just started vyvanse 40mg. I really don’t feel anything different. I know there’s a shortage of Adderall. But when it comes back in supply. I think that might be better for me. Or maybe 40mg isn’t enough. I don’t know for sure. I never thought I had ADD, but i’ve realized I get nothing done. I start everything and finish nothing. Tired of not getting nothing done.
I have been on ADHD meds since mid-May of this year. Other than having had taken Wellbutrin and other antidepressants I had not been on ADHD meds. I am in my 40s and have managed to get my AA degree when I was younger and have always worked full time; I worked 40-50 hours per week while taking 18 credits and having a full life – friends, family and boyfriend. My GP started me on Adderall at 5mg – twice a day, then one week later I told her the 5mg was not phasing me so we went to 10mg – 2Xs per day. By August I needed 20mg 3Xs a day because I was just crashing and falling asleep by the time I got home from work and I needed to have a life after work. In between I tried the timed-released but when it kicked in during the afternoon I got severe heart palpitations like my heart was pumping over 100 beats a minute and I was totally wiped out and afraid. I tried it two more days and it did the same thing and I called the doctor and had her put me back on my regular Adderall. But then my body is very sensitive and always seems to have the complete opposite side-effects to meds than the rest of the population. The October shortage hit and I had to travel 20 miles to my doctor’s and another 20 miles to the pharmacy that had the meds – after calling countless pharmacys (i.e. like 5 CVSs, Walgreens – they’re networked, 3 Walmarts, Publix, etc). November was the same. Having ADHD is hard enough , let alone feeling like a hostage. Adderall from the beginning drys me out – I told my doctor, ”there is not enough water on this Earth – you can’t drink enough to keep up with the dryness”. Seriously, you have to keep gum or mints or something on you at all times and drink a bottle of water every 20-30 minutes. Although I must say the Adderall did nothing to my sex drive which has always been high. Also, from the time I started taking Adderall I had menstruation issues. The “one” I had was very short and barely there and since then I have totally stopped – since June and it is now almost December. No, I am not in menopause – I had my TSH, LH and Estradiol checked and had been on schedule, etc. I told my GP I did not like that – it was unnatural and could not be the best for my body. So, between the shortage hassles, having to increase the Adderall again – which I thought was 30mg 3Xs per day would be getting too high and the crazy dryness we decided to try Vyvanse. It’s more expensive – my generic Adderall co-pay was $10; Vyvanse with the card my GP gave me and my insurance – my co-pay is $40. BUT…..Day one, I can tell the dosage is not enough but what a difference! No highs or lows – you cannot tell when the timed-release kicks in and it mildly wears down – almost unnoticeable. Not that I wasn’t great at multi-tasking and prioritizing but I needed lots of notes and the sticky notes and tags were everywhere. And of course, I’m the “show me” state – I could never be a waitress or receptionist; I have the shortest short-term memory. I am much more focused, it stopped the anxiety that I had before the meds and also with the Adderall once your body acclimates to it – no more biting and picking at my nails to the nubs…and the severely excessive dryness is gone which has been wonderful for my entire digestive system. They also think I have Narcolepsy from being tested at the sleep center twice. Go figure ADHD and Narcolepsy. I had excessive tiredness and would go into REM in my 5-10 minute daytime (after getting home from work) naps, etc. I increased my coffee intake – but I could drink two cups of strong coffee before bed and fall asleep. I thought I was low on iron and increased that, then I doubled my vitamins, stopped eating lunches a long time ago because when I did I would either be so tired and trying to stay awake it would either make me sick to my stomach or I would be crying from being so tired. No standard behaviors you would think of like falling asleep while talking to someone or driving (cataplexy) but things like hypnogogic where you are coming out of REM from your 5 minute nap and be talking to someone that you’re excited about having a dream while still in your dream. It is the weirdest feeling – being that aware of being in between dreaming and awake. Before the Adderall, I could remember a dream during the night in a blue moon – almost never. The sleep doctor put me on Ambien which I was so excited I could finally fall asleep but after a couple weeks I started to notice that the severely upset stomach I was getting could only be the result of the Ambien. Everywhere I went, I immediately was on the prowl for a trash can or bathroom in case I vomited; it really bummed me. So after months of arguing with the “Pulmonary” specialist – my GP put me on Lunesta – thank God and my GP! She also put me on .5mg Xanax for the anxiety. After 5 months I asked to have my Lunesta increased from 2 to 3. I’ve been making sure I stop any snacks 2 hours before bedtime and I’ve added 1/2 of the .5mg Xanax before bed – and man-o-man….I sleep like nobody’s business. I also added powered Magnesium to my regimen to 250-300mg and vitamin D 2,000 per day plus I drink one cup of cranberry juice every morning. This has all but fixed my short term memory loss – it feels like it is almost back to what it was 2 years ago. I was really, really scared I was getting MS or some sort of early dementia. I hate putting out all the money on these meds but I sure like the way it is turning me around… I’d say, “try it for a while – if you don’t like it go back to Adderall or Ritalin or try something else” because we are all worth it!!!
@Cheryl – After reading your posting I am a little concerned…. You may be a bit overmedicated OR there is something else going on. Your post is tangential and very long. It may be helpful to see a psychiatrist to get a clear diagnosis. GPs are great, but sometimes it is best to see a specialist (i.e. a psychiatrist) to treat psychiatric symptoms.
Let me start by saying WOW!! I can relate to all the above comments in one way or the other with one exception and of Stacie. You did not specify what kind of impulse disorder he was diagnosed with at such a very young age. It seems to me that there must have been some real issues for either diagnosis to be made at that age. Please do not be offended but it was very irresponsible to allow him to take any drug, much less a potentially dangerous and addictive drug that someone gave you without first seeing a doctor. The fact that he overdosed suggest one of two things: it was an incorrect dose or he was taking more than he should to escape the problems at home by getting high. If he has an impulse disorder he is predisposed for being at a high risk for addiction. And therefore should have been followed closely by a psychiatrist. I hope that he is now.
I was looking for some opinions on Adderall and Vynase from someone has taken both. But I do not think that I found any here. I was diagnosed two years ago by my psychiatrist. He prescribed me Concerta and it worked very well. I made honors both semesters last year. I did not take it over the summer since I was not working or going to school and very seldom had days that required any level of concentration. When I returned to school in the fall I started taking it about a week before school started to give my body time to acclimate to a therapeutic dose and it never happened. When it first kicked in I was to wired to settle down and do anything and then it just made so miserable that I did not want to do anything but was very anxious. So my psychiatrist first suggested Vynase but after discussing the fact I did not have insurance he suggested Adderall XR. I was very hesitant to take it because I am a recovering addict and my drug of choice was speed. As it turns out it has worked great for me. I am able to settle right down and focus on what I need to do with minimal side effects. My only complaint is that in exactly eight hours I come down very hard. I am very tired as if I have not slept in days. And that is not enough time to get everything done that needs to be done. I am so tired it is a struggle to do anything. After researching the difference between both drugs i wondering what other peoples experiences were that had taken both. I found no answers. I do not normally post anything but felt compelled to this time for some reason.
Like some of you have said it was not until junior high that I started to have problems in school. I thought I was just lazy as well as everyone else. Now I realize it was my inability to focus and concentrate. I was very bored because I did process the everything faster. I talk really fast because if I do not I will not remember what it is I wanted to point out. And because my mind is going so fast I go from subject to subject losing the person who is listening. I cannot say that the medication has helped with that aspect but the people who know me know what I am doing. So if anyone out there has any advice or personal opinions about the two drugs it would be great to hear them.
@Cheryl – I agree with Laila but I will go a step further than that. And you probably will not like it. You sound like an addict to me with a GP who will write you a script for just about anything and it does not appear to know the signs of addiction. Your post is very long, all over the place, and lacks focus which sounds like someone who is wired out of their mind. All this rambling you do about sleep contradicts you contradict yourself. You say you cannot stay awake during the day but you need Lunesta and Xanax to sleep. These dreams you are describing are the same dreams that people addict to speed have from lack of sleep. I know this not only from my own personal experience but it is documented as well. Short- term memory loss is also a symptom of amphetamine addiction. The fact that you called so many pharmacies and are willing to drive how ever far you need to drive is the same thing a speed freak would do. From your post you have named several symptoms of addiction, I am not trying to pick on you but giving you the benefit of the doubt that you do not realize that you may be in denial. My psychiatrist would not even consider an ADD diagnosis until I had been seeing him for 8 months once a month. I was seeing for anxiety and depression. And because I told him about my prior history is why I had to see him every month until he knew that he could trust me. I was taking Xanax (still do) and he did not want me to call in before I was due for a refill because “my dog ate my drugs.” He even did a drug test to make sure I was not using. I have taken Lunesta in the past but a responsible doctor is not going to prescribe you both. I did not write this to pick on you but only hope that at some point you stop and think about I am saying to you. If you really want to resolve your issues go to someone that is not willing to write a script for all the drugs you are taking because if its that bad you need to be followed closely by a psychiatrist.
@Sam – sweetie if you really want help you need to prioritize. Quit smoking pot. I would love smoke too. But I cannot if I want help with my issues.
@Laila and @ krisd
Thanks for your concern but I would be more focused on those that have addictions. My long post was due to the fact that I was tired, this was my first time on this site and I only saw the “short” posts. I had no problem going off the Adderall for over a week before I saw my GP for the Lunesta. I didn’t take my scrip to get it filled until 3 days later – I’m not an addict. I had not taken the Vyvanse that day nor the day before. I have an extremely demanding job that requires me to constantly multi-task all day, every day. I’ve seen two psychiatrists and three psychologists – once a week for months and a year or so with the psychologists depending on my current issues. I don’t have ADD; I have ADHD and mine is very hyper. My sleep tests indicate no “slow wave” sleep, very poor sleep architecture and probable UARS. My GP is scheduling an appointment for me to see an ENT with the possibility of a third sleep test. I’ve been using this GP for over eight years and the one before for twelve; I trust their honesty, experience, education and integrity. I have no problem dismissing an MD that I feel is incompetent or not a good listener or not willing to work with me. Thus, the quick dismissal of the “young, male Pulmonary doctor. Both of my GPs know I have an exceptionally high tolerance for pain and that I don’t like to take pills – I’m a pill phobic and certainly not an addict. I mentioned the REM issue and Narcolepsy because that is overlooked when testing for ADHD and I wasn’t taking any medications “five” years ago when I started pursuing why I was so tired. I am an extremely sensitive, empathetic and altruistic person. If I would elect to travel 50 miles a day instead of moving into my other home that is only 3 miles from my job for an additional two years so my daughter could remain at her high school and graduate and continue her friendships then I decided I could do the ridiculous drive for myself for once a month. I am open to try a new medication especially since the chaos over the Adderall is a result from deceitful people and I refuse to feel like I’m being held hostage because of ”addicts”. My post was to warn others, especially “females”, to get all the tests required, work with your doctors and then to medicate as necessary. Also, be persistent when you know something is not right or normal; it should not have taken four extra years to determine the reasons for my EDS. If you have health insurance or not – insist on a sleep test and ask every question possible before and afterwards. Some others who had posted earlier as to whether to treat ADD or ADHD with meds should be concerned but from my experience and the results of research – our brains require these types of meds until something comes out that is better. There is higher incidence of dementia, MS and Parkinsons – especially for females genetically and/or environmentally predisposed and those with low levels of Vitamin D. The Vyvanse is smoother on the system and not dehydrating like the Adderall. Ladies – please note my earlier posting concerning amenorrhea because it only took two weeks to be off the Adderall for it to return.
i like how they put on here how to get high off them and what wont get you high. Im sure parents would love reading this. But 3 does make me feel pretty good;)
I take a 40mg dosage of vyvanse and I think it has a smoother effect rather than the short-medium range lasting my 25mg dosage of Adderall did. My grades have improved from average “B” range to high “A” range. For the people saying that kids shouldn’t take medicine until middle school I disagree because of personal experiences I had with my ADHD before my first dosage of Focalin. I remember always making barely passing grades because I could not pay attention or concentrate and this would lead to me constantly getting in trouble. That was up until 6th and now being in 9th having the ability to function normally feels great. The vyvanse works best for me but the only downside is that I don’t have an appetite for 8 hours. Focalin was my second favorite except it would make me too focused I wasn’t able to interact in a positive way. Adderall was okay except for the feeling afterwards if you had eaten something that will change the side affects. Vyvanse is also nice because it isn’t very well know so I don’t get constantly badgered with people trying to buy it from me.
@ Cheryl – I am just concerned for you. I do not think you are an addict or anything like that. I just think you are trying to find the right “fit” for you with your medication combinations.
However, I would like to clarify a few things -
1. In the DSM-IV TR (which is the psychiatrists “Bible”; it lists all the diagnoses and criteria an individual must meet in order to receive a diagnosis) there is no diagnosis of ADD (attention deficit disorder) there is only ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder), Within this diagnosis there are subsets: Predominantly Innattentive Type and Predominantly Hyperactive Type
2. An “addict” can go a few days without medication or their drug of choice – It all depends on the severity of the addiction (i.e. substance abuse or dependence). Just because someone doesn’t get their prescription filled for a few days or doesn’t use their drug of choice for a few days doesn’t mean the individual does not have a problem.
I say all this to just point out that there is reason to look into the medication combination you are on and perhaps get a little more psychoeducation on the conditions you have mentioned and medications you are on may be helpful. I think it is great you are so successful and are very high achieving. Good luck in everything you do.
I take adderal for narcolepsy but hate the up and down of it from when i take it ton whenof it wears off take itto again and it wears off again. i want to try vyvanse to hopefully havei a longeri lasting effectiveness. ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS?
@Laila & Cheryl
I apologize Cheryl for coming off as being insensitive & harsh. That was not my intention at all. I am not judging you. I have no place to judge. But Laila did a better job at expressing the concerns. People who abuse legal drugs such as pills & alcohol have a harder time recognizing they are dependent. Most people do not realize or deny they are “addicts” to themselves or others until its too late. And amphetamines of any kind are highly addictive. Xanax is physically addicting. Your develop tolerance to it and require higher doses and eventually you will literally need it everyday or you will feel horrible. I am prescribed a very high dose but I do not take my prescribed full dosage. But I do have to take 2mg by every night and if I do not take it everyday I am physically miserable. I am prescribed 2mg 3x day but only take those doses when it is absolutely have to & then I take the lowest dose. Just be careful, try not to take it everyday if you can help it. I have been trying to wean myself off for sometime now . Whenever I get to 1mg a day it never fails something happens. I am sorry for being so abrupt but I only said what I did out of concern & not judgement. Sometimes we need people to be blunt, even when they are not seeking your advice. But Laila has a very good point.
I switched to vyvnase yesterday. It was actually cheaper than the generic Adderall XR. It is much smoother but I didn’t sleep but 2 hours last night. I am hoping this will level out in next week. It has decreased my appetite (which is a plus for me). I gained weight on the Adderall. I would have liked to have slept longer but I woke up on my own and I do not want to dose later in the morning since it does seem to last longer. I cannot say yet how effective it is on my concentration or focusing since I have nothing that requires my attention at the present time. Only reason I started taking it is so I can get it adjusted before I return to school. So far no complaints except not being able to sleep. I did not think it would be that much different than the Adderall. Lets see how I am in a week.
Cheryl, again I apologize. Just please keep in mind how dangerous these drugs can be & how very addicting they are. Its been all over the news. I do believe they can be beneficial and therapeutic but you have to be aware that anyone is susceptible to addiction without even being aware of it.
I have to say adhd is definetly very real. I was in the gifted program in elementary and then by about 5th grade my grades tanked. school bored me and it was horrible to sit in a chair all day!. My parents basically just said it was brattiness. I failed school and got horrible grades until i just dropped out. A year later I went and took my GED. Never studied or anything and passed it with flying colors. Joined the military and they found it after I was in about a year. Put me on ritalin which was a godsend as far as behavior and concentration went. I hated the side effects it made me so sick and I lost weight constantly if i took my prescribed dose and had massive aniety from the roller coaster effect of the meds wearing off and taking the next dose etc.. If i took only half my dose it gave me a horrible headache. Tried adderral and it had the horrible anxiety still so then i tried concerta. Even at the strongest dose allowed concerta did NOTHING for me. Went back to ritalin because I had no insurance and just recently I started vyvanse. This med really is MY miracle. I dont have the horrible side effects and I feel Great!! It definetly is the best thing that I have found. There is discount cards for it and some insurances are paying for it. (my copay is 27 dollars for a 90 day supply, 13 with the discount card) It is a little pricier but id rather spend a little more money and feel like a normal person than take any of the other ones i took in the past!
@jordan – try the Vyvanse for the Narcolepsy – I had mine increased to 50mg but I think I could go a bit higher. If you need to, you can always supplement with a low dose of Adderall when you wake up and/or around 3p to suit your schedule or hit the caffeine. I do take mine early – around 5:30a which allows plenty of time for it to wear down before bedtime. @sam – stop using the weed and find another doctor who will treat you for ADD/ADHD. They know a lot of undiagnosed people use weed, coke or alcohol to self medicate. Besides that, you will get way more out of achieving your goals and dreams than what the partying now will ever do. Also, enlist the services of a psychologist as needed for behavioral or talk therapy. They can teach you relaxation techniques, biofeedback and/or self hypnosis. The latest research indicates it is all about the SSRIs so they are now targeting those. @krisd – don’t sweat it – we’re cool. BTW, I was a Psych major and did major research in a level 400 class for causes of brain injuries in neonates using an ethological approach that covered single celled amoebas to pup and adult mammals (i.e. rats, monkeys, cats, dogs). This was before the research was published for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome so I think I’m fairly astute in this area. We all have variances of whatever they want to “label” our symptoms – just continue to discuss symptoms with your physician/psychiatrist to work out a treatment plan for you and don’t be afraid to try something different, something new. Also, once diagnosed make sure you check out every available resource in school or college for assistance with your disability; they provide lots of assistance if you have your documentation and know who to contact. Since I also have congenital GI issues, I have increased my focus on natural approaches by increasing my aerobic levels, weight training and yoga along with my dietary intake. I’ve dropped caffeines, sugars, etc from my diet also and increased my water consumption. There are foods, herbs and supplements that can be taken to increase dopamine, melatonin, or decrease cortisol, etc. Also, be aware of your sleeping environment, amount of daylight/lights, room temperature, noise control, etc. Everything can be tweaked and re-tweaked according to your daily needs. Actually, for the last two weeks I’ve only been taking the Vyvanse and every couple of days I take the Lunesta. So – keep working, keep progressing, keep informed. It is hard for peers, adults, parents, physicians to refute someone who is on their game. I hope everyone has a nice, safe holiday with family and friends.
Hello Cheryl, thanks for your comment. Where can I find the natural products to increase dopamine and lower cortisol? Can you tell me about the products? Also, Do you have narcolepsy as I do? I need to find something that will help me stay awake and motivated. I’ve struggled a long time and will get to try Vyvanse next week, and I hope it works for me. Thanks, Darlene
How does taking Adderall/Vyvanse effect drug testing for employment. My son is worried that he will not get the job d/t taking Adderall. I have been reading the blogs on ADD/ADHD and I do see my son. He is funny/smart/excellent-different sense of humor. He wants to be a police officer, but i worry his ADD/ADHD will cause him to fail. Need your feedback. Thank you
@Darlene – start a good regimen of aerobics, walk, run, dance, whatever but do it regular then fast intervals for 20 minutes a day. Start lifting weights. Add more vegs and fruits into your diet – the brighter darker ones and those you thinormally wouldn’t try.. I start mornings off with a homemade shake: banana, five strawberries, blueberries, nutmeg, teaspoon of cinammon, greek yogurt, agave. Buy natural spices such as thyme, parsley, oregano, correndar, ginger root, etc. I would research natural and supplements @Christine – I would make sure I have the
proper documentation from a Psychologist and MD and that should cover his bases and allow for additional support since it is a disability that can be worked with.
I was finally DX late in life (46) with ADHD and my Doctor tried me on every med out there for it, finally when we got to the Vyvanse it was like night and day. I can focus, concentrate…I can read a book, watch a whole sitcom or movie, I can sit still and wait my turn, listen to people and not interrupt, I start and finish one project at a time, more organized..etc….it’s improved my life greatly and I only wish I could have had help when I was younger. I know I would have done great in school if only I could have been treated back then. I know all drugs work differently for every one, but for me Vyvanse is the only one that did the trick…plus the only side affect I had was in the beginning and that was a small reduction in appetite, now even that is not a problem. I always thought ADHD was just a DX that the drug companies and doctors came up with to sell a new drug, now I know first hand it really is a dissorder and is treatable, tho I still tend to think it is over DX’d in many cases.
what will you feel if you take ridilin and you dont really have adhd !
can you get high on vyvanse which is better or is adderall better?
I’m wondering if someone can help me, so far this page has been great. My son is in 6th grade and for the last 6 months has been showing symptoms of ADHD, or more of the ADD symptoms. I have started him in counciling and tomarrow we are seeing his pedetrician for Rx/Dx on this, My concern is with the meds. He is such a good boy who is in the mist of struggles…All the symptoms…trouble at school, at home and I believe with his friends too. Are these drugs scary?? i dont want him to change too much, is he still going to beable to play sports and ride his dirtbike and everything 121/2 year old boys love to do? Is there any of these drugs that are recommended over others for kids his age??
Thanks for your time!
I’m a 27 year old college student that was diagnosed with Adhd, Bipolar type1, and Panic Disorder in my early teens. I was never treated for the Adhd since the main focus was getting my other two disorders under control. I started taking Adderall 15mgs over a year ago and I have had continuous negative side effects. It made my anxiety worse, chronic insomnia, irritable, and had frequent bowel movements. On the positive side, it suppressed my appetite, gave me energy, and I could focus for the first time in my life. I always did poor in school and now I have a 3.8 gpa. I switched around a bit to methylin, ridilin, and stratera but always went back to the adderall because they did’nt work as well. A month ago, due to the Adderall shortage I was put on Vyvanse 30mgs. I noticed immediately that I wasn’t as anxious, and the insomnia got better. The Vyvanse lasts longer and I never have the crash feeling when it wears off. I am happier on the Vyvanse and am glad I was switched to it.
I took a shit on ADHD when I got Vyvanse.
@Brooke, I am 21 years old and was just diagnosed with ADHD PI. Adderall saved my career and relationship. I haven’t experienced other ADHD medications, but Adderall is not scary in any way and is a godsend.. The thoughts in my brain were scattered and bouncing around everywhere. When I take adderall, those thoughts fall into a cohesive chain. Instead of being distracted by random thoughts and noises, I can concentrate on a task and follow through with it. It has also improved my love life. I stopped interrupting my boyfriend and pay better attention to his stories. I wish that my parents were as caring and open minded as you. My primary school years would have been way better if I had treatment then. Now I’m making straight A’s in college and am no longer being screamed at by my boss at work.
I read it fast and lost my focus. What’s the point of putting a list of examples when you can hardly stand to read it
I’m 39 and just started taking Vyvance last month. I will keep up on this blog. As of right now, I’m not tired, can focus better, (does keep you up) and finally after 20 years did a brand new resume. I haven’t been able to focus in years! Until next time.
Switching from generic Adderall (AM/DX) to Vyvanse tomorrow, and certainly hoping for the best. The Adderall seemed to only have a slight effect for a few days and then all of a sudden has little to no effect, but rather only negative side effects. From what I’ve heard Vyvanse is much more stable and has less of the crash/anxiety effects. I hope this is all true and i really hope this medication finally works for me and can give me a nice, stable solution finally because im at the end of my rope with trying all these different meds (as im sure many of you have been as well lol) and just want to have successful treatment once and for all. Any feed back would be great! Ill report the effects and my findings tomorrow!
Dear Sir:
I am writing this letter to obtain information about the drug VYVANCE.
In 1995 I was involved in an accident and received a TBI. In 2010 I tool some tests and Dr. suggested I take Vyvance to help me concentrate. After the 1st day of taking vyvance (40mg) I felt great and was able to concentrate much much better. I even received an “A” on my schoolwork.
In November 2011 I had a heart attack and my blood pressure is always very high. My Doctor told me that “maybe” its because I me taking vyvance.
I have several questions to ask you please. They are:
➢ Does Vyvance cause high blood pressure?
➢ Is Vyvance given to people who suffered from a TBI or is it just for people that have ADHC?
➢ Are there any sign effects for folks my age (58) who take it for a long period of time?
➢ How long can I take it? My post TBI problems will not go away so I will have to take Vyvance the rest of my life. Is that going to be a problem????
➢ Does Vyvance stop working if you take to long? Currently, Vyvance seems does not help me focus or concentrate like it did before.
➢ What effect will have on me if my Doctor increases my vyvance from 40mg to 50mg or 60mg or 70mg or 80mg? Will it start working again?
➢ My Doctor says that there is only thesis about Vyvance long-term effect on people and there is no scientific data to support the long term of taking Vyvance . Is that true? By me taking Vyvance the rest of my life…will that hurt me?