Comments on: Vyvanse vs Adderall XR – Benefits, Problems http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/ A medical blog to explain complex medical stuff to you Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:35:36 +0000 hourly 1 By: Bill http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-719 Bill Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:36:13 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-719 The key take away is that everybody's body and inner-workings are different. Some will likely do better with one drug vs. another. I will say that most of the time Vyvanse will probably come out on top. Research the prodrug technology for some insight. In order for Adderall XR to release the extended release portion of the medication (the second bead which is coated by a ph-sensitive polymer) it relies on gastric ph. Look up all the foods and medications (ie. Nexium, Prilosec, O-Jay etc.) that can impact gastric ph, could this be a big cause of the side effects of Adderall XR by an early or later peak? Vyvanse as stated above does not rely on this sort of delivery, rather it is thought to be partially metabolized in the gut and then convert to the blood stream where the remainder is metabolized. (keep in mind this has not been proven but from what I understand it's what research suggests, ask your doctor for clarification). It seems that Vyvanse although thought to do the same thing in the brain as Adderall XR (block the reuptake of neurotransmitters and increase the flow of them into the synapse) has a superior delivery system that may be more beneficial for longer action, more consistent delivery and probably less side effects most of the time. (Again this is all an opinion based off of latest science, talk to your doctor and do your own research as well). For the last comment posted, Ritalin is a methylphenidate (ie. Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana, Medidate etc.) Vyvanse and Adderall are amphetamine. The thought from what I understand is that amphetamine blocks the re-uptake of neurostransmitters and increases the flow of these neurotransmitters into the synapse while methylphenidate from what I understand is thought to block the re-uptake but not increase the flow. This theory also states that a low level of this neurotransmitter function would be associated with ADHD, a high level with impairment in function (ie. stress, agitation etc.), so you want a moderate level of these neurotransmitters working in the brain. Again, this is all based on scientific theory, nobody knows for sure, the best thing to do is research for yourself, make your own informed opinion and then consult your doctor. Make sure you challenge your doctor so that you are not put on something blindly. They should be able to explain all the medications thoroughly with no bias to one medication. There only bias should be that it fits your lifestyle, your disorder and your comfort. The key take away is that everybody’s body and inner-workings are different. Some will likely do better with one drug vs. another.
I will say that most of the time Vyvanse will probably come out on top. Research the prodrug technology for some insight.
In order for Adderall XR to release the extended release portion of the medication (the second bead which is coated by a ph-sensitive polymer) it relies on gastric ph. Look up all the foods and medications (ie. Nexium, Prilosec, O-Jay etc.) that can impact gastric ph, could this be a big cause of the side effects of Adderall XR by an early or later peak?
Vyvanse as stated above does not rely on this sort of delivery, rather it is thought to be partially metabolized in the gut and then convert to the blood stream where the remainder is metabolized. (keep in mind this has not been proven but from what I understand it’s what research suggests, ask your doctor for clarification).
It seems that Vyvanse although thought to do the same thing in the brain as Adderall XR (block the reuptake of neurotransmitters and increase the flow of them into the synapse) has a superior delivery system that may be more beneficial for longer action, more consistent delivery and probably less side effects most of the time. (Again this is all an opinion based off of latest science, talk to your doctor and do your own research as well).
For the last comment posted, Ritalin is a methylphenidate (ie. Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana, Medidate etc.) Vyvanse and Adderall are amphetamine. The thought from what I understand is that amphetamine blocks the re-uptake of neurostransmitters and increases the flow of these neurotransmitters into the synapse while methylphenidate from what I understand is thought to block the re-uptake but not increase the flow. This theory also states that a low level of this neurotransmitter function would be associated with ADHD, a high level with impairment in function (ie. stress, agitation etc.), so you want a moderate level of these neurotransmitters working in the brain.
Again, this is all based on scientific theory, nobody knows for sure, the best thing to do is research for yourself, make your own informed opinion and then consult your doctor. Make sure you challenge your doctor so that you are not put on something blindly. They should be able to explain all the medications thoroughly with no bias to one medication. There only bias should be that it fits your lifestyle, your disorder and your comfort.

]]> By: Mimi http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-718 Mimi Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:49:53 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-718 How long does it take for this med to get into your system and start working. My son was on adderal 30mg and is now on vyvanse. I am hopeing that it get into his system fast because this is really detering this school work. He is normally an A student but he has manged to fail all his classes except for art and band. Thanks for any info How long does it take for this med to get into your system and start working. My son was on adderal 30mg and is now on vyvanse. I am hopeing that it get into his system fast because this is really detering this school work. He is normally an A student but he has manged to fail all his classes except for art and band. Thanks for any info

]]> By: Just Me http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-695 Just Me Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:47:17 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-695 I too am going through the same worries, my son is seven and also in first grade; We've started him on Ritalin.5mg and for two weeks we notice a different in school and home. But I heard that if one takes Ritalin too long can hurt future jobs and such, can this be true?? And this is why we may give Adderall a try. I too am going through the same worries, my son is seven and also in first grade; We’ve started him on Ritalin.5mg and for two weeks we notice a different in school and home. But I heard that if one takes Ritalin too long can hurt future jobs and such, can this be true?? And this is why we may give Adderall a try.

]]> By: ROBBIE http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-687 ROBBIE Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:52:54 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-687 MY SEVEN YR OLD IS A VERY SWEET AND PASSIVE CHILD BUT SHE HAS TROUBLE SITTING AND FOCUSING IN HER FIRST GRADE CLASS. I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE HER NAME CALLED OUT EVERY FIVE MINUTES SO I CALLED THE DR. WE TOOK HER AND THE DR. PRESCRIBED VYANSE 20MG. MY DAUGHTER COMPLAINS THAT HER TUMMY HURTS, WILL THIS GO AWAY WITH TIME? SHE HASN'T BEEN ON IT FOR LONG JUST GOING ON TWO WEEKS. THIS DRUG HASN'T CHANGED HER PERSONALITY WHICH IS AWESOME. MAYBE I'M JUST A MOMMA THAT WORRIES TOO MUCH HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM? MY SEVEN YR OLD IS A VERY SWEET AND PASSIVE CHILD BUT SHE HAS TROUBLE SITTING AND FOCUSING IN HER FIRST GRADE CLASS. I DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE HER NAME CALLED OUT EVERY FIVE MINUTES SO I CALLED THE DR. WE TOOK HER AND THE DR. PRESCRIBED VYANSE 20MG. MY DAUGHTER COMPLAINS THAT HER TUMMY HURTS, WILL THIS GO AWAY WITH TIME? SHE HASN’T BEEN ON IT FOR LONG JUST GOING ON TWO WEEKS. THIS DRUG HASN’T CHANGED HER PERSONALITY WHICH IS AWESOME. MAYBE I’M JUST A MOMMA THAT WORRIES TOO MUCH HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM?

]]> By: meg http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-679 meg Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:23:59 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-679 I'm a woman in my 40's taking 50 mg of vyvanse. It's working well, no real problems but I have a really noticable heart beat sometimes. I didn't have high blood pressure but I do have heart murmur. I've had echo cardiogram and it's fine...before vyvanse. My blood pressure does run higher on vyvanse...124/70...some variations on that...I exersize and eat well. Should I be concerned? I’m a woman in my 40’s taking 50 mg of vyvanse. It’s working well, no real problems but I have a really noticable heart beat sometimes. I didn’t have high blood pressure but I do have heart murmur. I’ve had echo cardiogram and it’s fine…before vyvanse. My blood pressure does run higher on vyvanse…124/70…some variations on that…I exersize and eat well. Should I be concerned?

]]> By: AnxietyInhibitsLife http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-676 AnxietyInhibitsLife Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:25:24 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-676 I've been taking Vyvanse now for about a week after taking Adderall XR for a couple of years. The reason I was switched is because of the overwhelming level of anxiety that I have experienced since my teen years. My doctor had hoped that the switch from Adderall XR to Vyvanse would lower the overall anxiety level that I typically experience. I had been taking Adderall XR 25mg twice a day and I now take 30mg of Vyvanse once a day. There has been no reduction in my anxiety whatsoever and in addition, I feel that the medication wears off far too early in the day. This if anything increases my anxiety as I have an extremely hard time concentrating after about 2:00pm. I do have a doctor that I've long suspected of prescribing whatever the drug companies are marketing at the time and using a "rubber stamp" methodology of diagnosing patients. My own diagnosis has been changed at least twice by my doctor at times that coincide with a new drug marketing campaign. After speaking with many other patients of this doctor, my suspicion is even stronger that he is a puppet of the drug companies. Unfortunately, my primary care doctor insists that I use this doctor for my mental health needs or else my PCP will cut off my Suboxone therapy. At least with the Adderall XR I felt like I could concentrate throughout the entire day. Since Vyvanse has done nothing to improve my anxiety and only helps with my concentration for part of the day, I'd just as soon go back to Adderall XR. I feel that Vyvanse has been created to make money, not help treat patients. It would be nice to see far more regulation in the drug industry so that money is not the primary motivation in the creation of new treatments. I’ve been taking Vyvanse now for about a week after taking Adderall XR for a couple of years. The reason I was switched is because of the overwhelming level of anxiety that I have experienced since my teen years. My doctor had hoped that the switch from Adderall XR to Vyvanse would lower the overall anxiety level that I typically experience. I had been taking Adderall XR 25mg twice a day and I now take 30mg of Vyvanse once a day. There has been no reduction in my anxiety whatsoever and in addition, I feel that the medication wears off far too early in the day. This if anything increases my anxiety as I have an extremely hard time concentrating after about 2:00pm. I do have a doctor that I’ve long suspected of prescribing whatever the drug companies are marketing at the time and using a “rubber stamp” methodology of diagnosing patients. My own diagnosis has been changed at least twice by my doctor at times that coincide with a new drug marketing campaign. After speaking with many other patients of this doctor, my suspicion is even stronger that he is a puppet of the drug companies. Unfortunately, my primary care doctor insists that I use this doctor for my mental health needs or else my PCP will cut off my Suboxone therapy. At least with the Adderall XR I felt like I could concentrate throughout the entire day. Since Vyvanse has done nothing to improve my anxiety and only helps with my concentration for part of the day, I’d just as soon go back to Adderall XR. I feel that Vyvanse has been created to make money, not help treat patients. It would be nice to see far more regulation in the drug industry so that money is not the primary motivation in the creation of new treatments.

]]> By: will http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-649 will Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:37:33 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-649 @ Denny From what I have been reading, 70mg is WAY to high. Yes, the comedown would feel like hell as you have been superdosed with this stuff. Some that have blogged are on 20mg or 30mg I have been on 50mg. You see it is just a guessing game for dosage. It's okay, I lose my appetite, I've lost 4 lbs in a month. My anxiety has lowered, but my cognitive behavior is still consistent from before starting (I still think the same thoughts), so if I've developed a coping behavior (avoidance, distraction or some other mental rationality in stressful situations), that still continues. I highly suggest seeing a Cognitive Behavior Therapist. BE CAREFUL>>> To all those taking: 1) Please do not take Caffeine! This is extremely dangerous and will aggravate symptoms. 2) Remember to check your weight and see if you are eating. If it kills your appetite, we just will be working with low blood sugar levels and that will aggravate things more (making it harder to focus, blurry, harder to rationalize and make sense of things). Eat good healthy foods. Keep blood sugar levels normal. Not to spike or drop. 3) Get good sleep. 4) Get outside more (this is so so crucial for so many reasons. Sunlight, smells, just walking and have the mind moving is very helpful, rather than just sitting still and locking your thoughts in. 5) Please exercise. An active and agitated mind and body just keeps getting more agitated without a release of energy. The drugs manage this in a chemical way, but it does not address this in a physical way. I know this is mentioned everywhere, but even though I know this, it is very challenging to make it happen, yet the results are so noticeable. - That's my two cents. Good luck everyone. @ Denny
From what I have been reading, 70mg is WAY to high. Yes, the comedown would feel like hell as you have been superdosed with this stuff. Some that have blogged are on 20mg or 30mg

I have been on 50mg. You see it is just a guessing game for dosage. It’s okay, I lose my appetite, I’ve lost 4 lbs in a month. My anxiety has lowered, but my cognitive behavior is still consistent from before starting (I still think the same thoughts), so if I’ve developed a coping behavior (avoidance, distraction or some other mental rationality in stressful situations), that still continues. I highly suggest seeing a Cognitive Behavior Therapist.

BE CAREFUL>>>
To all those taking:
1) Please do not take Caffeine! This is extremely dangerous and will aggravate symptoms.

2) Remember to check your weight and see if you are eating. If it kills your appetite, we just will be working with low blood sugar levels and that will aggravate things more (making it harder to focus, blurry, harder to rationalize and make sense of things). Eat good healthy foods. Keep blood sugar levels normal. Not to spike or drop.

3) Get good sleep.

4) Get outside more (this is so so crucial for so many reasons. Sunlight, smells, just walking and have the mind moving is very helpful, rather than just sitting still and locking your thoughts in.

5) Please exercise. An active and agitated mind and body just keeps getting more agitated without a release of energy. The drugs manage this in a chemical way, but it does not address this in a physical way. I know this is mentioned everywhere, but even though I know this, it is very challenging to make it happen, yet the results are so noticeable.

- That’s my two cents. Good luck everyone.

]]> By: S.B. http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-646 S.B. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:31:25 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-646 I take 40 milligrams of Adderral in the morning (two 20's) before I even get out of bed. If I don't take the adderall, I can't even get out of bed; much less, function. This medication works great for me! Not only am I alert and able to focus, but it curves my appetite (only in the a.m.) as well. The only problem is that the appetite suppressant effect only lasts a few hours. By mid-day and early evening I am famished! I also get up several times in the middle of the night to snack. I just can't seem to help myself with my immense appetite for the rest of the day and night!!! I am also on 40m of Cymbalta and 20m of Abilify. I workout consistently and try to watch my diet. Yet I suffer from "extreme hunger" early evening and throughout the night!!! I am 210lbs. and desperate to be rid of the uncontrollable appetite!!! Please don't suggest that I take the Adderral later in the day. I would literally be an insomniac and be up all night. Taking it in the morning works great for me. But that's the only time my appetite is under control. Would Vyvanse or anything else help with my appetite? PLEASE HELP ME...I AM DESPERATE!!! Thanks to all. I take 40 milligrams of Adderral in the morning (two 20’s) before I even get out of bed. If I don’t take the adderall, I can’t even get out of bed; much less, function. This medication works great for me! Not only am I alert and able to focus, but it curves my appetite (only in the a.m.) as well. The only problem is that the appetite suppressant effect only lasts a few hours. By mid-day and early evening I am famished! I also get up several times in the middle of the night to snack. I just can’t seem to help myself with my immense appetite for the rest of the day and night!!!

I am also on 40m of Cymbalta and 20m of Abilify. I workout consistently and try to watch my diet. Yet I suffer from “extreme hunger” early evening and throughout the night!!! I am 210lbs. and desperate to be rid of the uncontrollable appetite!!!

Please don’t suggest that I take the Adderral later in the day. I would literally be an insomniac and be up all night. Taking it in the morning works great for me. But that’s the only time my appetite is under control. Would Vyvanse or anything else help with my appetite? PLEASE HELP ME…I AM DESPERATE!!! Thanks to all.

]]> By: EliCash http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-621 EliCash Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:53:10 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-621 Sara, I take 60mg Vyvanse and it wears off for me in the afternoon too. I didn't think to say anything to my psychiatrist until he asked me if it wore off in the afternoon, according to him it is pretty common and his fix was to prescribe me 15mg Adderall IR to take when the Vyvanse wears off. Sara, I take 60mg Vyvanse and it wears off for me in the afternoon too. I didn’t think to say anything to my psychiatrist until he asked me if it wore off in the afternoon, according to him it is pretty common and his fix was to prescribe me 15mg Adderall IR to take when the Vyvanse wears off.

]]> By: Sara http://healthlifeandstuff.com/2009/07/vyvanse-vs-adderall-simple-vs-complex/comment-page-1/#comment-614 Sara Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:35:17 +0000 http://healthlifeandstuff.com/?p=21#comment-614 I am taking 30mg of adderall 2 times a day and then 10 or 20mg in the afternoon. I have tried 40mg, 50mg, and 60mg of the vyvanse...it seems to work the best at 60mg but still wears off by the afternoon....is this normal? any suggestions? I am taking 30mg of adderall 2 times a day and then 10 or 20mg in the afternoon. I have tried 40mg, 50mg, and 60mg of the vyvanse…it seems to work the best at 60mg but still wears off by the afternoon….is this normal? any suggestions?

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