FDA Approves New ADHD Drug Vyvanse
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) for the treatment of ADHD. Vyvanse was designed to lower the potential for abuse. Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD, but many clinicians are reluctant to prescribe stimulants because they are often misused in our society. However, children and adolescents with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of developing a problem with substance use, and effective treatment of ADHD significantly decreases that risk.
The route of administration of a stimulant has a strong affect on abuse potential. Drugs that are rapidly absorbed and achieve higher blood levels can produce a euphoric effect. This effect is easier to obtain by crushing short acting tablets and snorting or injecting them. Longer acting tablets and capsules are not easily put into a form that can be snorted or injected, and thus have a less abuse potential.
Vyvanse is d-amphetamine (dextroamphetamine) that is linked or bound to a naturally occurring amino acid, l-lysine. This compound is inactive (is inert) until this bond is broken by enzymes (metabolized) in the GI tract (stomach and intestine), releasing the active drug, d-amphetamine.
Since there are no enzymes in the nasal passages that can break this bond, blood levels would be 96% lower if Vyvanse were snorted than if d-amphetamine were snorted, and 75% lower if it were injected. When given intravenously to adults with histories of stimulant abuse, Vyvanse produced less euphoric effects than d-amphetamine, and the effects were not significantly different than intravenous placebo.
Absorption of Vyvanse is delayed, compared to d-amphetamine, and without a quick onset, the intensity and "likability" (drug-seeking behavior) drops. When Vyvanse is taken orally, increasing doses produce increasing blood levels, but only up to a certain point (130 - 150 mg), beyond which higher doses will not produce higher blood levels, which might reduce abuse potential and toxicity from overdose.
Vynase is given once daily in the morning, and it is significantly effective until at least 6:00 PM. Its effectiveness, potential for side effects, and safety is comparable to Adderall XR. It does have the potential to reduce stimulant abuse or misuse, and may protect against toxicity from overdose.
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Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, FDA, health-and-wellness, Vyvanse, stimulant medications, d-amphetamine, Adderall XR, stimulent abuse
The route of administration of a stimulant has a strong affect on abuse potential. Drugs that are rapidly absorbed and achieve higher blood levels can produce a euphoric effect. This effect is easier to obtain by crushing short acting tablets and snorting or injecting them. Longer acting tablets and capsules are not easily put into a form that can be snorted or injected, and thus have a less abuse potential.
Vyvanse is d-amphetamine (dextroamphetamine) that is linked or bound to a naturally occurring amino acid, l-lysine. This compound is inactive (is inert) until this bond is broken by enzymes (metabolized) in the GI tract (stomach and intestine), releasing the active drug, d-amphetamine.
Since there are no enzymes in the nasal passages that can break this bond, blood levels would be 96% lower if Vyvanse were snorted than if d-amphetamine were snorted, and 75% lower if it were injected. When given intravenously to adults with histories of stimulant abuse, Vyvanse produced less euphoric effects than d-amphetamine, and the effects were not significantly different than intravenous placebo.
Absorption of Vyvanse is delayed, compared to d-amphetamine, and without a quick onset, the intensity and "likability" (drug-seeking behavior) drops. When Vyvanse is taken orally, increasing doses produce increasing blood levels, but only up to a certain point (130 - 150 mg), beyond which higher doses will not produce higher blood levels, which might reduce abuse potential and toxicity from overdose.
Vynase is given once daily in the morning, and it is significantly effective until at least 6:00 PM. Its effectiveness, potential for side effects, and safety is comparable to Adderall XR. It does have the potential to reduce stimulant abuse or misuse, and may protect against toxicity from overdose.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, FDA, health-and-wellness, Vyvanse, stimulant medications, d-amphetamine, Adderall XR, stimulent abuse
117 Comments:
Any results comparing it's effectiveness relative to other stimulant meds. Is there any feedback from the medical community avsilable and if so, where can it be found?
I started taking it today and I used to be on Adderall XR. I felt such a difference in the two and felt no side effects as I did with Adderall.
I was on Adderall XR for years and was changed to Vyvanse a month ago. This difference is obvious. Instead of the immediate high then drastic low, Vyvanse really does give me the ability to focus, understand, etc. throughout the entire day. It just feels natural, not like Adderall.
Today is my first day taking Vyvanse. I already feel a difference as I sit in class. I did not feel the rush 45 minutes after I took it like I did when I was taking Adderall. It seems that the dry mouth side effect is gone. Hopefully there won't be an afternoon "crash" along with a screaming headache like when I took Adderall.
My 6 year old just got prescribed Vyvanse. Any info on not so pleasant side effects? His current medication seems to wear off at about 12pm and the change is dramatic in listening/attention/behavior and his pediatrician thinks this might be our best option rather than increasing the dose on the current medication. Thanks!
I've been off ADHD medication for over 14 years and it was bad, I started Taking Vyvanse Friday August 24th and I can feel a difference, I'm able to concentrate on my school work, and job
I took Adderall before, Now I am on Vyvanse. I am a college student with no insurance and these medications are the difference between being an "A" student or a "D" student.
I don't like Vyvanse so far because I feel like my heart is racing even when I am lying in bed relaxed, 12 hours after taking it.
Also seems to give me severe Mania:
For those of you who don't know what "Mania" is I pulled this definition.
"Classic symptoms include rapid speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, euphoria, grandiosity, and increased interest in goal-directed activities"
^This is totally what this medication causes atleast for me.
...Atleast the dry mouth is gone.
I'm a recently diagonsed (4 months) ADHD adult and switched to Vyvance from Adderall after 3 montns. Noticably absent side effects for me are no 'jitters' or dry mouth. I've also noticed an increased ability to concentrate versus the Adderall, and no hard crashes.
I just changed from Adderall XR 25mg, to Vyvanse 50mg, Today was my first day on Vyvanse and while I am definately more concentrated on things, it is almost to much to a put it has almost brought me completely down to where everyone I talk to thinks I am completely depressed! (I'm not). I am wondering if this will be persistant or if it will go away once I adjust to the new medication.
my ten year old daughter has taken three different types of ADHD meds. Monday was the first day to try Vyvance and so far its been great. No bad mornings or evenings.....it seems to be awesome
My first prescribed ADD med. I sampled some strattera before and it was awful. 2 days on Vyvance 30mg daily and I have only slept about 3 hours. I crashed at about 3pm the first day and drank some caffeine... big mistake. My mouth is very dry and I have low level headache. Its been the most productive 2 days in months.
I have been taking the vyvanse for a little over two weeks.
crash is terrible for me, I cried every evening for the first week. I also noticed that I would have a huge appetite, unlike other adhd meds after 10 or 11 hours.. Its okay, but too much hype IMO, there are better options.
The focus is not consistent either for me it was on and off.
I also forgot to mention, my experience with insomnia is terrible with this med . I have a hard time falling asleep even though I am exhausted.
My 14 year old daughter has been through the gammat of meds for ADHD. She was placed on Vyvanse 6 weeks ago and reports an amazing difference. I am seeing a stark contrast between this and Adderal XR. Her appetitie though is waning and she is already on the thin side.
My six year old has been taking Vyvanse for a bit over 2weeks now & he has been doing great. No problem with going to sleep as I was warned by Psychologist & best of all not as much lost of appetite. He is not having any crashing symptoms but he does tend to get a bit more emotional than usual for him.
I have been on vyvanse 30mg from adderall xr 20 for four days. It makes me high for an hour like REALLY high even slightly shaky then bam I really feel a drop two hours later. I lose concentration, thoughts racing, want to do a million things at once. I get a headache, dehydrated and feel in a haze. This med is not good for me. I had better success with adderall. I would even go far enough to say this med makes me feel like crap.
Oh and it makes me SUPER sensitive which I really dont need either!
Today is my first on Vyvance 50mg and so far it's been great. It says it takes a week to get into your system, but I feel wonderful, no shakes, no dry mouth, no highs or lows. I've been all every ADD med so far and this is the only one that has helped me concentrate and get things done. I hope I can continue to take it. I feel like I can do anything on it.
I was Dx'd with ADHD - Mixed Type a couple of years ago but never took any meds until enrolling in a clinical trial for Vyvanse about 18 months ago. So, I cannot compare it to other meds. However, when I first started the trial, the difference was patently clear. I knew from the beginning that I had to be on the real drug rather than placebo b/c my brain was working completely differently. Felt a few SE's for the first week or so (mild decrease in sleep, mild jitteriness in a.m.) and decreased appetite has continued to present (still able to eat and no nausea but less active interest in eating and 15 lb weight loss since starting drug). These SE's were so worth the change, especially in my ability to concentrate and continue working on tedious or involved tasks. I never knew how other people could make themselves stay focused on one task at a time! I have always worked very hard and tend (when no Rx) to get things done by working on five things at once. It's so nice now, though, to feel like I truly have the option of concentrating on project if it has priority over others.
Just wish that approval for Vyvanse in adults would come through. My insurance won't pay for it b/c it's only gotten approval for > 18 year-olds to date. Anyone else have this problem? Anyone successful on getting insurance to approve it?
ok its been 3 hours since ive been on vivance and i feel the urge to do everying i need to do, ive missed allot of school and didnt really care about anything going on ever since my mom thew away all my adderall on accident and wow this is like a totally diferent effect than adderall my heart is racing but i have the urge to do what i need to do and yeah im not shure how this will work in the long run bot as far as the first 3 hours i would recomend this to anyone who is taking adderall
I , too, just started on Vyvanse after trying Adderall XR for several months. I stuck w/the Adderall thinking that it HAD to help but I was fooling myself. I felt that 'crash' late in the day and really wasn't any more productive than w/o it. My dr. had me try Vyvanse and the first DAY I could feel the difference. What a relief! I can concentrate, finish a task completely and not feel like I"m coming unglued w/all the racing thoughts. I DO have side effects of being irritable and impatient... it gets better as the day goes on. I'm hoping it will decrease the longer I take it. I'm on 50 mg also from 20 Adderal XR. Is 50 the normal adult dosage?
I have never used adhd meds before so I can't compare it to any others. My MD started me on 30mg 6 days ago. I felt different immediatley. I am getting so much accomplished with EASE. I struggled to get things done and felt like I was working so hard. I don't feel like I'm focusing or accomplishing much, but then I'll turn around and all my task will be complete! I noticed a warmer body temperature, and an increased appetite. It actually helped some stomach pain I was having.(?) I get tired appropriately and sleep well. First night was a little "iffy". I had slight headache and dry mouth first day only. I feel happy and NORMAL>
I am 21 year old ADHD college student and just tried 30 MG Vyvance(from 30 MG Adderall XR.)It has been wonderful so far. While I don't feel as if I can "do anything," I feel just confident enough that I know I can do today what needs to be done today, without the racing thoughts, headache, and emotional crash. Basically, I feel normal and balanced, and that is a beautiful thing.
I have a 7yr. old, who was on Adderall XR for the last year. Before school ended last year they were talking about holding him back a year and I refused because he knew the work and ADHD was not going to go away. This year they already started talking about sending him back to 1st grade. Again I was fighting it because he knows the work. The principle said they would leave it alone for awhile because it was the beginning of the year, so they would wait a bit before making a decision. I had that meeting with the teacher on Tuesday. Before I left I informed her that my son was going to start Vyvance on Wednesday. I asked if she would please stay in contact with me for the first week or so. The next day I received a call from the teacher. She said that he was the 2nd person in the class that day to get all of his work done and done correctly. He was staying in his seat, he was not making any of the usual noises, his hand righting was beautiful, he was organized, focused, and on task all day. He came home that day complaining about silent reading not being long enough. So he brought his book home and finish reading his book (Goosebumps chapter book). Top it all of, the teacher a week later told me that my son was one of her best students. He has been on it for three weeks and I don’t see any side effects. He is eating better, sleeping, talking asking questions as needed, no anger outburst with his brother. Even doing better in football.
I have just been diagnosed with ADD as an adult yesterday and started taking the medication today. I feel a little wonky. Everything is kinda in slow motion and i feel real light on my feet. hopefully these side effects will go away.
The one thing that many people tend to forget is that not all medications are right for everyone. Some people will do really well on something, while others are negatively affected. My son was diagnosed first with the AHDH. I have always joked that we were both ADHD, but didn't really take it serious until his grades dropped to D's and F's in 4th grade. That woke me up. When he was diagnosed we tried 3 different meds before trying Focalin. That seemed to work "okay". I have been treated for depression for 5 years now. When researching the ADHD I found that left undiagnosed, it can cause depression. My doctor referred me out, and I was immediately put on Adderall XR. It seemed "okay" for 3 months or so. When I had to report back to school (teacher)I noticed there did not seem to be as much of an effect. My doctor switched my to Vyvanse in August. Can I simply say I have never had such clarity in my entire life. The first day I took it, I knew it was going to help me. I have since had my son switched over to it, and he started with the 1st dose today. When I asked him how he felt this afternoon, his words were "My head is clear." He has NEVER had that to say about any of the others. He was able to sit and work on school work for an hour with no fuss, whining, crying etc. Like I said - not all medications are for everyone. If you are thinking about trying it, or having your child try it, the very first thing is talk to your doctor. If they think it is a viable option then go for it. You don't know until you try. Just remember it is not a fix all, it still takes strong parenting and patience to deal with any child with ADHD!
Vyvanse really made me feel manic. It didn't especially help my focus. Rather, I felt restless, impatient, and twitchy. I'm going to try something else in hope it can reduce my distraction.
I am taking Vyvanse now, I was on 40mg of AXR and am now taking 70mg of Vyvanse. I love that you can open the capsule and drink it in water, it really helped me when I first started because I was having some insomnia and my dr told me to just take half of it by opening it and putting half in water and saving the other half for the next day. It doesn't taste bad either, just like a neutral taste. I am an adult and got it approved through my insurance, at first it was denied also like another person mentioned but my doctor got it through by telling them I still have ADHD symptoms and had failed other medications. It lasts like 14 hours for me and I can sleep pretty good on it now, I don't feel a "crash" at all. If you are on AXR you should definitely give Vyvanse a try.
I'm a 19 year old recovering drug addict which severe ADHD. I was on Adderall XR 30mg for about a year, but then went to rehab and had to get off of it. While I was on Adderall, I remember always getting somewhat of a high off of it, and crashing so hard at night. Being a smoker and drinking a lot of caffine, I could not bare with the combination of the 3. I was also on Strattera which I always hated and gave me nausea, so I finally got off that too. Wow I was an ADD mess. Finally my doctor told me about Vyvance, and how it was nonaddictive; so I was perscribed Vyvance 50mg. Let me tell you its amazing. I actually focus better then I ever have even on Adderall, or any other ADD medication. I dont get a high from it, I dont get any sort of come down from it. I can take it early in the morning and still have my focus for studying all the way into the night. It also gave me more confidence to do things, and work productivly day to day. I should be like the poster child for Vyvance. haha
I totally agree with one of the Anonymous readers about the effects of Vyvance. My 9 year old son was on it for 3 1/2 weeks and neither of us could handle it.
I must say some of his concentration in school was better, but the down side is that it also made him manic. He would talk a mile a minute without a breathe, his heart was racing, and he would lie in bed for hours and couldn't go to sleep.
This definitely wasn't a good choice for him.
I am 41 and was officially diagnosed with ADD in August. I tried strattera, but had too many side effects. Started taking vyvanse 30mg and gradually increased to 70mg. Initially I could tell a big difference, but now it doesn't seem to be working as well. I am going to call my Dr. Monday, but am wondering if there are adults who have been prescribed a higher dosage. I know that the 70 mg is still considered a pediatric dose.
My 7 yr old son started taking Vyvasne 30mg 2 weeks ago. He was just diagnosed with ADD b/c I didnt want to face the fact that he was ADD until I sturggled with him so much last yr. and this yr. started off badly. I could tell that he just couldnt conectrate no matter how hard he tried and he would tell me something then forget it the next minute. His grades got better within one week but by homework time (6:00pm) he starts losing concentration! I think the meds are wearing off that fast and from what I read, its supposed to last all day. He does this weird thing with his mouth and I looked it up and its Tourette's, caused by ADD. He used to do the blinking thing when he was younger but he stopped and now its the mouth thing... Esp. when he is trying to concentrate or gets overwhelmed during homework time. I dont know what to think of it. He also gets very emotional! I cant compare the Vyvanse to any other ADD meds b/c this is the first one he tried and I am scared to up his dosage even though he is 87 lbs which is big for a 7 yr old. Does anyone else have these problems?
My 12 year old son started taking Vyvanse 1 month ago and I noticed a change and so did he. He stated that he was able to focus and concentrate alot better. I do not have trouble waking him up in the mornings anymore. Appetite is not affected as it was while taking Adderall.
I have the misfortune of being dignosed with ADHD, OCD and severe BIPOLAR diseases. My psychiatrist, of whom I will never switch, Recently started me on Vyvanse 35mg. Today I went to 70mg. I am 6'3". Formerly 175lb. but dropped 10lb plus in 9 days. I am not saying this was due to Vyvanse. I am on the following meds as well:
Lamictal 150mg BID
Wellbutrin XL 150mg QD
Vyvanse 70mg QD
Trazadone 300mg QHS
It's really too soon for me to know for certain how the Vyvanse is working. I have, however, been cycling severely with my Bipolar disease within the past month.
I will see how my meds work and report back.
Thanks,
Dainbramage
I have had ADHD all my life, but never got tested until the beginning of the school year. I am 18 and a freshman in college. I was very aprehensive about taking any medication because i dont like the idea of my brain being chemically altered. And Its a stimulant and so is meth and Cocaine! and I am a person who wishes to be chemical free. My mom filled my perscription just in case. I was like whatever! She convinced me to at least try it. I did feel a bit jittery and would talk a mile a minute non stop. It almost made me very outgoing. And I could focous vey well. all day!!And normally i will want to take breaks and things but i didn't i just wanted to get things accomplished. around the 12 hour mark i felt a little bit of a crash but went to bed 4 hours later. Had a hard time getting to sleep and kept on waking up. I dont want to become dependent and I do not wish to take it on weekends so today, saturday I feel very tired but cant sleep and my head is so jumbled I cannot concetrate worth anything on any simple task. Worse than when i started taking the medication. I really only want to take it once in a while when I have a long day ahed of me or something. Does anyone have any advice????
Hey BrainDamage,
I am as damaged as you.Although, I am 30, and 5'6", about 120lbs. So, with my size less than you, I feel even more screwed!!
I am on the same drugs exactly. I take Vyvance 70mg in the a.m., Lamictal 150mg twice a day, 300XL of wellbutrin in the a.m., and only 50mg of Trazadone before bed. I love this combo, it really works well for the depression since I have tried so many in the past 10 years. I am definitely more normal on these, but I have been having major trouble catching that deep breath when I need it. It seemed to come on last week, although I had been from the 30mg Vyvance to the 70mg for about a week before that. Do you have anything like that? Do you worry what parts of our bodies will be falling apart from all of these meds in about 10 years?
I just started vyvanse 50mg after taking Adderall XR 20 mg for almost a year. I did not feel the initial jittery high that I did with adderall, unfortunately. My appetite is suppressed the same, and in fact, for a longer period than it was with adderall, and I also can go without sleeping just as easily. However, I have had trouble recalling things from my memory all day and I also have very brief sporadic bouts of sadness...very similar to adderall overall, I'll have to wait a while to see which I prefer.
I started taking Vyvanse a little over a month ago. They started me out at the highest dose. It worked wonders, as I have a very high stress job. My only qualm is that my insomnia became worse with it. The other bad thing I have to say about Vyvanse is the price of it is through the roof. My insurance only covers 20% of it since there is no generic to it. I'm going to have to switch back to Ritalin because of the outrageous price of Vyvanse. Even with insurance it still cost me $54 a month for ONE prescription.
kthought reading these "reviews" would convince me to switch from AddXR 25mg to Vyvanse b/c i think i already have or will have serious addiction probs. i dont think others meds will work & after reading these, seems like either loved vyvanse or loathed it, or just started it so unsure. comments?suggestions?ADVICE?
2nd week on Vyvanse; switched b/c was on Dexedrine since '93 and it just wasn't working anymore. Love the sustained release as it eliminated the drastic highs and lows; I'm on a much more even keel in regard to concentration and focus. A huge side effect is the uncontrollable crying and an obvious increase in apetite - neither of which I can afford in my job! I'd very much like to know if this will subside soon or should I go back to the Dexedrine.
well folks, another new med to try is all i can say-i have had success with adderall for the past 2 years, seems to be the best thing i have tried in the past 12 years of on again off again "samples"! Feel really weird on the vyvanse like i want to go but cannot??? Anyone else? my sleep patterns are all f'd up now and my eating is out of control at nite??? any input, no help for concentration because i tend to procrastinate, which my last meds helped???? GOOD LUCK_ and has anyone over 18 had luck with insurance covering the 150 for 30 pills? Thanks much,
I started taking Vyvanse 3 weeks ago to help with manic depression and anxiety. I have to take Xanax so I can at least get a few hours of sleep at night. I have never been on stimulant medication before and I am ready to crawl out of my skin. Other than that this is a great appetite supressant.
34yo female. Officially diagnosed ADD yesterday. I have always been unorgnaized, had to read things several times before they would sink in because I began thinking of something else, "scatterbrain", missing simple things due to inattention. You learn to work around it, but as life gets more stressfull...you have a harder time keeping things together, bills do not get paid on time, paperwork is misplaced incomplete or just plain late. A fe months ago, I was given a Rx for Phentermine to help get started with some needed weightloss. A few weeks after that I had to get off of them to have surgery. Got back on them after recovery but was inconsistent taking them. That is when i had a huge AHA moment. When I took the medication for the weight loss I was SOOOO much more focused. My work was getting done, and I was much more productive. As a wife, step mom and mom of ADHD children/spouse and as a speech pathologist that deals with ADD ADHD every day..I was absolutely floored to realize I..me...I was very likely ADD! WHAT?! I called my family doctor, and he suggested Vyvanse. Today was my first day. I was prescribed the 30 mg dose. I was thinking maybe it is too soon to tell, or perhaps it is psychological...but I have had a fantastic day sine about 30 minutes after that first dose. I feel so "even" and focused. I am not rushing to finsh something and run in circles because it is completed correctly the first time. This is fantastic. I was expecting to have to deal with the "rush" that i felt with the Phentermine..but this is just so much better...so natural. I am also take Diovan HCT for BLood Pressure, and Lexapro for depression as well as hormone replacement therapy due to hysterectomy. So far this combo is very good. I just cannot help thinking how much better I would have done in school and especially grad school had I known this then!
i was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I tried straterra and felt nothing.
I went from a 30 to a 50mg Vyvance. I feel like a motor is pushing me now. Im very focused and i can feel my heart pumping rather hard within my chest. I have a short temper and now i am even more irritable.
im going to try adderal to see how i react.
Hello i am a 21 yr old college student taking my third dose of Vyvance 30mg. I think it is great in many ways. Unfortunatly, i have only slept a total of 7 hours within this 3 day period. I am seriously considering an off day tommorow for some needed sleep! This medication really works, all of my instructers are noticing my improvements. THanks to VyVance for the help
My doctor stated vyvanse cannot be snorted or injected: also enzymes in the stomach breaks the drug down. anyone currently abusing their ADD/ADHD meds might rethink life and ask their doctor about vyvanse. I started today[50mg] and can tell you multiple doses are not as addictive as say aderall/adderallxr. i thank shire for a "real" chance to take vyvanse as prescribed, for 250mg feels about the same as 50mg. i feel the drug is safe even for a recovering addict. though tonight will be long the remaining 25 pills remain to be taken as prescribed. i will be smarter. i shall say too that self medicating by way of the street or previously prescribed pills can and will end in jail, institutions, or death. C-ya
I started Vyvanse about a week ago from taking no ADHD medicine. I am bipolar so mixing meds in really sensitive. I am also on Abilify, for mania, and Lamictal, for depression. So far, I have had really good results. I'm working on the things that need to get done, instead of distracting myself. It also doesn't throw me into mania (Which was a worry of mine). I have had horrible dry mouth and sore throat. And loss of appetite, but I still can eat... someone just has to remind me to stop working to eat haha. The results far out weigh the side effects.
I HAVE A 6 YR OLD WHO WAS JUST PUT ON VYVANSE AND IN THE PM HOURS HE IS HAVING SEVERE STOMACH ACHE AND TODAY HE TREW UP TWICE I WANTED TO KNOW IF THESE SYMPTOMS WILL GO AWAY ..
MY 6YR OLD SON WAS DIAGNOSE WITH ADHD A WEEK AGO AND WAS PRESCRIBED VYNASE 30MG. HE HAS BEEN ON MEDS FOR 3 DAYS NOW. I SEE A CHANGE STARTING THE 1ST DAY. HE DID HAVE A LOSS OF APPETITE AND INSOMNIA BUT I NOTICE IT IS GETTING BETTER. HIS TEACHER SAID THAT HE CAN NOW FOCUS AND NO LONGER GETS IN TROUBLE. I THANK GOD FOR THIS MEDICATION.
My daughter started Vynase today, I wanted to cry, am I doing bad. I have had people pulling me all directions, dont dope up your kid.... Well she is 6 years old, in the first grade. She had trouble last year in school.... she could not stay on task. This year her teacher is telling me that she is going to fell. She is so smart, she just can not sit still long enough to put it on paper. Well I have been putting it off long enough, I dont want her to fall behind. I need some encougaging words from someone that has been through this, thank you
I am an eighteen yearold high school senior and have been taking Vyvanse for ADD for about two and a half weeks. I really don't feel that different. I think I am focusing a little better in school, and I have felt very outgoing. Sometimes though, I feel like I cannot communicate, or think of funny things to say like I could before the medication. It is hard for me to tell if these are symptoms of the medication or if I am just obsessing(I also have obsessive culpulsive disorder.) Has anyone else had similar symptoms? Is it possible that to be disorganized and have trouble focusing without having ADD?
My 8 year old has been on 30MG starting on Wed.
Day One, came home with a queasy stomach but said he felt better focused. Came home and when the medicine was out of his system, he rattled off questions at lightening speed. Became very active and hyper. Woke up that evening at 1AM and could not sleep until 5AM, heart was racing.
Day 2, Stomach felt better and very focused. Woke up again at 1AM and stayed up until 4AM.
If this nighttime erratic sleep schedule continues I will need to discontinue. This is our first experience with ADHD medication.
My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 4 years of age (it is very severe). In addition he has language receptive/expressive disorder. My son is now ten years old and has tried every medication on the market for ADHD, as well as alternative medicine. The closest we have come to seeing positive results for his hyperactivity was Focalin XR however he seemed to be in a "fog" with the medication (just like all the other stimulants he has taken), which given his LD it was not the ideal solution. I took him off stimulants over the summer. Not only did I notice a difference, but my son's tutor also noticed that Justin had an easier time communicating over the summer. It was as if he could all the sudden explain himself and understand things he couldn't understand before. School came and I had to put him back on medication due to his inability to focus in the classroom and consistent hyperactivity. Within weeks his progression in language communication regressed to where it was before. I spoke with his doctor regarding the effect the stimulant drugs where appearing to have on my son's language skills and he recommended Vyvanse. My son has had AMAZING success with this medication...it seems to effect the neurotransmitters in a less negative way than other medications he has been on. His teacher and tutor cannot believe the difference. His language skills, reading comprehension, and math skills are improving dramatically. His teacher said it is as if a light bulb has turned on for the first time. He is happy, calm, and finally learning how to read. His self-esteem has been the best improvement. In the end that is what is important to me. While improvement in school contributes to the self-esteem; all I want is for my son to be happy and healthy. I intend to write the University of Virginia to see if they can research why the stimulant has made so much difference with my sons LD. Perhaps they could do additional studies for children with ADHD and LDs to see if typical stimulants could be complicating LD issues in children. I understand this is a Pro-Drug but I'm not sure how different it is from other stimulants. This much I know: I am so happy to have found this treatment for my son. If only it was available 5 years ago.
Follow up to my last post which is two or three above this post:
Day Three: 3 days my son has taken 30MG and a very good day it was. No stomach problems or as my son stated, his stomach made friends with the medicine. He also slept through the night which is a big relief. Now we can focus on his academic achievement in school and see if he has better control of his focus.
Because I hated doing this to my son, I decided to take one of the pills today to see what he was feeling. Keep in mind I weight 120lbs. more than he does but I am a diagnosed ADHD adult who has never been medicated. I am a teacher and I have coped with focus problems by becoming extremely organized with "things to do lists". A negative to this is I don't handle change very well. All of my colleagues understand that I work best when they make requests by email rather than in passing(because I will forget).
Well anyhow, the effect was immediate. At first I felt kind of hazy if that makes any sense but not in the drunk feeling sense. No stomach problems and my mind was not racing with random thoughts for the next 5 hours. It seemed to wear off after 5 hours. I had to pick up tile for a home project to be completed tomorrow and there was a mistake with our special order. No problem, spoke with the people and they went back and found some samples that solved the problem. Why is this a big deal, because without the medicine my mind would have run 10 different scenarios while they looked for replacement tiles and each scenario in my head would have been negative. To say I am high strung is quite the understatement. I have also been a nervous nail biter for most of my life, I stopped about 3 years ago. Even though I stopped biting my nails, I am constantly picking at them with my fingers, especially when I watch my favorite sports team. I went 5 hours without any thoughts of my nails or nervous habits.
I post this because as a parent, I want to know how my child is affected by the medicine and now I know. I hope my experience may alleviate other parent fears.
BTW- I don't endorse taking someone else's medicine and please understand my sons doctor knows I am ADHD as well and he said this is the medicine I would be prescribed if I were to be prescribed. He is my doctor as well and knows my entire medical history including current medications I take.
I am a mom of 3 special needs kiddos. My oldest was on Adderal XR but she crashed so hard and we couldn't get through homework. It was an improvement, but we still struggled. The dr switched her to 30 mg of Vyvance and WOW! I cannot say how THANKFUL I am for this medicine. I have my child back. She went from low c's in school to A's! She was a bit quesy the first two days, but now is eating normally and has GAINED weight. She was losing on the Adderall XR and couldn't afford to lose any. My oldest son is going to try it starting today and I am praying it will work for him too!
I liked Adderall XR soooo much better. Vyvance is really weird, I felt like I wanted to do everything and nothing all at once and I felt paranoid and mad at the world. It absolutely killed my reading comprehension. I was reading really super fast and I thought I was doing good until I came to the end of the paragraph and realized I had no idea what I had just read. It took me seven hours to read a chapter in my criminal justice book. SEVEN HOURS no way would I have done that on Adderall. My head feels so full and so empty I dont know how to explain it. It made me suspicious of and insecure around the guy I'm with for no reason. Basically I feel like a crackhead. Vyvance=no good.
I have been on Vyvance for only 3 days. I am really confused by my results so far. I have never been on an ADD medication before and did not know what to expect. I am wondering if anyone has experienced a burning sensation in their chest? I have been having this problem for the last 3 days. I also feel lightheaded and things are too slow. My reaction time while driving is also slow and this concerns me. Do these symptoms get better? I do have to say my concentration is substantially better and I am hoping these side effects subside. I am going to give the medication a full 1 week trial before I look for another option. Thank you in advance to anyone who my have any wisdom for me.
My 5 yr old has been on just about all the ADHD meds, they would work for awhile then stop helping. So the next has been Vyvanse 30 mg. He is also Bipolar,ODD, CD, Anxiety D/o. So far Vyvanase has been a joke. It has made him manic, not sleep for 4 days!!!, eats everything in site (thats ok his is skinny),more hyper. I want to scream!! Its almost christmas and he can sit for two seconds.
anonymous above me --
Maybe you should get a second opinion about the adhd diagnosis? seems like if he's responding the way you describe he might need a second opinion and a different approach. I'm not a doctor but it would drive me crazy to give my kid meds and have them do the opposite of what they're supposed to do.
Good luck and happy holidays!
My 6 yr old started taking this yesterday, he was up until 3:30 this morning sleeping on and off until 7:15. He was up and ready to go again. He cant stop talking the Dr says to give it through the weekend but will it get better.
My daughter is 9 and has been on Adderall XR 15 MG for about year I was wondering if I should ask my Dr. to switch her to Vyvanse? Just wondering one of the worst side effects is she does not eat much at lunch and her weight has flatlined since June of last year. I was just wondering.
I just started taking vyvanse yesterday. So far its helping with my mood and im able to concentrate more. The only bad thing is that im not eating pretty much at all. And i haven't really slept that much eather.
My 13 year-old son was diagnosed with ADD/OCT/PTSD, anxiety and depression 3 years ago. He has tried Concerta, Ritalin and Adderall and they have wreaked havoc for him because of the crashes and jitters. Now he sees a new doc and takes Lamictal, Lexipro, Vyvanse and Clonodine. The first day he took Vyvanse was like watching a miracle. He goes to a boy's boarding school 800 miles away from home and the house parents and teacher's report a miraculous difference in his attention, focus, mood and ability. These boys also perform and tour much of the year and some of their days are 20 hours long and he may find some difficulty during night performances but we are anxious to see how it works on tour as well. So far I totally recommend Vyvanse to those that have come up short with other ADD meds. I am so happy for my son and it is a huge relief for all of us that he can perform and produce at a competent level. I have never heard him so happy.
I started taking Vyvanse, 30 MG yesterday....however, I mentioned to my doctor that my body tends to be sensitive. I took Adderall, given to me by a friend...30 miligrams on top of very strong Starbucks coffee, Coke, and smoking cigarettes last semester to get a 10 page paper done. I took all these stimulants as a person who has NEVER EVER taken any sort of medication for anything...and ended up vomiting, insomnia, had cold sweats, and had an intense feeling of pressure on my chest, and could not stop crying. I was a mess and was crying uncontrollably. I took the medication unresponsibly. I have struggled all my life with ADHD, but have never done anything about it due to the fact that my parents do not believe in medication. Now, as a 23 year old college student, I am able to make these decisions for myself. I have read and heard amazing things about Vyvanse. So after being prescribed it by my new psychiatrist, I was very hopeful and optimistic. My doctor told me to disperse the Vyvanse into a cup of water; drink 1/4 of the water for 3 days, drink half of the water for 5 days, and then start to take the actual pill.
I am now on Day 2 of drinking the water, and I have to say I have never felt so crappy in my entire life. I am immensely nautious and have a headache. Last night in one of my classes, I had to do an inclass writing assignment and could not FOR THE LIFE OF ME concentrate on the directions or writing. I have never felt so incompetent in my life, and I'm a smart girl. I feel very very nautious. At least with the Adderall, I was able to concentrate and get things done almost right away, it was an amazing feeling. However, with the Vyvanse, all I feel is side effects. I hate feeling like this.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking about getting back on Adderall, but this time, being prescribed the right dosage and type by a psychiatrist.
My son Dillon has had problems with his school and behavior. He almost did not graduate from the 5th grade and was told he needed to be hostpitalized for his behavior. He has now taken his school work to f's to A-B'S. I myself take aderall and it took 23 years to find out what was wrong with me. I had trouble focusing for many years. But I feel the best I have in years. My son is so full of knowledge and is doing the best I have every seen. I am truly amazed at Vyvance. I will be for ever grateful.
Thanks, Marcia Perry
My 5 yr. old son was diagnosed with adhd and his dr. put him on vyvance 30mg yesterday. I gave him his first dose tha morning when i fillrd it, sent him to school, and when i picked him up from daycare i saw a dramatic difference right away. It scared me though. He has a launguage difficultly and i noticed him focusing on what he was trying to say! At home however he was doing these wierd hand movements. Clinching his fists loosely and constantly moving his fingers to hit his palms. He had a headache, wouldnt eat or drink even though his mouth he said was thirsty, had a stomache ache, talked amile a minute(more than normal), and was up all hrs. of the night till at least 3am. It scared me b/c i have gotten alot have crap about "drugging my child" b/c he's only 5. We have known he had adhd since he was 3. So i have been fighting BS for a few yrs. For any parent struggling with the same things remember this, u know best. The other folks dont know what we go through and worst of all what our kids are going through while they are trying so hard to focus on school. Even though i was scared i noticed that for the first time ever my son did not worry about no other distractions around him while doing his homework! Not the TV, or little brother! When he was finished he grabbed a stool and decided he wanted to do the dishes for me. Needless to say we washed dishes then! THat was odd b/c i never new he new dishes had to be washed. LOL. He also cryed when I got on to his brother. He was definitley emotional.
My son was diagnosed 2 years ago in the 10th grade. The doctor put him on Focalin and he was an absolute monster! He went from being sweet and obedient to wild-eyed and out of control. I dropped the whole treatment idea and decided to just keep on with the behavior modification way of dealing with ADD but he still ended up failing English and had to go to summer school. The next year, I tried Metadate and he was very outgoing but not much else changed except he lost his drive to achieve so once again he failed English and Am History and sat again in summer school. We had alot of teenagers in the surrounding areas committing suicide so I decided his life was more important than his grades because he is an overall very well behaved child and not getting into trouble with drugs or drinking. Well, this being his senior year, he started failing English AGAIN! We heading back to the doctor and he put him on Vyvanse. His grades have gone from a 69 in English to an 85! He is more moody and suspicious of his girlfriends but the med has brought all his grades up tremendously! I took him off it for Christmas but I think I had better give it to him so he can get done with High school and then try college. I hope this helps.
I have been through almost everything out there from metadate cd to ritalin la to adderall to adderall xr and even stratera, this is the best and most effective med I have ever been on. I have no crashes like the other long lasting meds, only problem is it wears off to early for me, so I am still forced to take a 10mg adderall at night if I have to study, but by far the best.
My 11yr old son has battled with ADHD symptoms since he was in Kindergarden. We were very hesitant to put him on meds(with all of the HORROR STORIES out there. Major difficulties arose in 4th grade with him unable to stay on task, grades falling behind, and socially not fitting in due to his impulsive actions. By 6th grade he had gaps in his education and was very frustrated. I was ready to pull my hair out! Homework was taking 3-4 hours a night. His teacher's were very concerned and helped me fill out the necessary forms to look into meds. Our Dr prescribed Vyvance. Said he had had several patients doing very well on it and it was not addictive. I relunctantly agreed. WOW!!!!!!!! I wish for my son's sake we would have put him on this years ago. He is totally changed. He is an A, B student now instead of D's and F's!!!! He is very patient with his younger siblings. I am so Proud of him. No side effects. Sleeps and eats great! THANK YOU VYVANSE!!!!!!!
I started Vyvanse about a month and a half ago and i can now really fell a diference sitin in class and my behavior has gotin better after getting away from aderrall XR.
but now my insurance/peach care is trying to take it away from me and put me back on aderrall xr, and i did my behavior got worse/not that im using medicine as a exuse but you can see the drop...
about to here i want VYVANSE........!!!...!!!!
My son has been on adderall for years and he decided in 2006 that he wasn't going to take it anymore. Since he had been on ADHD drugs for most of his young life I let him prove to us that he could get through school without drugs to keep him on track. He actually did well for the rest of the year and made many more friends and girlfriends then he ever had before. Then this year began 2007 and he failed everyone of his classes except one with a low D-, my husband and I were at our wits end with this child and decided he had to have something to help him focus to pass these classes. We said well he needs contacts to see better and we wouldn't deny him of that so why deny him a drug that will help? We went to the Doctor who has treated him for all those years and she said let's try a new drug called Vyvanse and we did and as soon as school started back in 2008 the very first day a teacher emailed and asked what we had done differently over the break because Justin was paying attention and his behavior was great. And he has done much better every week. He doesn't seem to have any side effects except eating at lunch time he only wants half a sandwich. God bless Vyvanse!!!
My 9 year old started Vyvanse 30 mg 2 mths ago. We upped him to 50mg as 30mg wasn't enough. The side effects he experienced were under the "rare but serious" category. He turned mean, spiteful, nasty, rude, aggitated, emotional. Would harm whomever made him "instantly" angry. It was horrible. He had me in tears to see him be so mean. He rarely sleeps. Needless to say,we have taken him off of it.
I first was diagnosed yesterday with ADHD. I am very healthy 28 year old female. I took my first dose of Vyyanse at 6:10 this morning. I took a fouth of the 70 mg dose. I felt fine through the day and was able to concentrate. As I left work I started feeling a little tingling in my left arm. By the time I got home at 5:45 I have gotten extremely anxious and jittery. I am also having the chills. Anyone else had these symptoms?
My seven year old daughter took her first dose of 30 mg. Vyvanse this morning and has been vomiting all afternoon. No Thanks!
I don't know about Vyvance but can tell you that my son and I take Concerta 54mg. and feel very at ease and in control able to focus on one thing at at a time at length and stay calm. Minor to no side effects for me. My son at 14 has trouble getting to sleep for which he took Bebedryl before bed and now instead takes a few melatonin tabs. Mild appetite suppressant for me (good thing) and for my son it is unfortunately suppressing his appetite but he agrees to eat. I found setting my alarm an hour before I need to wake to take the meds with water then going back to sleep for an hour before officialy needing to be up helpful. I wake the hour later alert and ready for action thinking do most people feel this bright in the morning. It is terrific. I suggest this morning method to promote happiness and avoid depression. I never feel jittery or medicated just normal and calmer. Before doing the early start, I would make a start time to finish when I needed 10 - 12 hours later. Starting meds that early, occassionally I take a short acting med late afternoon to take me through the evening; for which I use Ritalin LA 20 - 30 mg. For me, I don't have sleep related issues so it is fine. If I take the LA at 4 then it is done at 10 or so which works out very well for me. When I don't, I am more tired earlier and less up for the evening rituals of family life. Concerta has been just great!
Mom,
My son started takeing this med after takeing adderall xr and now he is dizzy and belly pains. The teacher also says that his days are geting worse. Should I stick it out or go back to the adderall xr?
My husband is Bi-Polar and his doctor has tried him on countless meds. He prescribed Vyvanse as a last resort (sort of). After 1 week, we noticed an improvement. Unfortunatly we are also waiting for FDA approval so that insurance will cover it for adults. Right now, none of the other Adult ADHD meds. are working and he is not taking anything because it is so expensive w/o insurance coverage. Hang in there everyone, it's coming!!! It is worth the wait.
My son is 6 and today is his first day on Vyvanse and hes complained about his stomach hurting all day. Also, he is talking excessively. I hope this really works and the symptoms go away. I want him to be able to do better in school and not have to suffer for it.
I have a 7 year old that has been on vyvanse 30mg for three days now and I am wondering if I should stay with it or not. His teacher said he is wonderful and a new "Kevin" in school, he is no longer the zombie that Focalin xr made him, but in the evening as he's coming down he becomes a monster. He literally attacks us curses at us and cries hysterically if he doesn't get his way. Anyone else have these problems and if so do they get better with time?
My 7 year old son has been on vyvanse 30mg for 3 days now and i am really confused if i should stay with it. His teacher said he is a new "kevin" she loves that he's not a zombie like focalin xr made him, but when he's coming down in the evening he is a monster. He literally attacks us if he doesn't get his way, curses at us and cries hysterically at the drop of a hat, has anyone else seen these side effects in their children? and if so, do they get better with time.
Thanks for all the wonderful posts! My son, who is 5, took is first dose of Vyvanse 30 mg this morning. Thank God I didn't send him school. He has not stopped talking since 11:00 am and it's 5:20 pm! He's also doing this weird thing with his hand. He "flicks" is hand back and forth. After reading some of the other posts, I see we are not alone. We are still waiting on a call from the doctor to see whether or not to continue. I was wondering what some of the other people had done. Thanks