User Reviews for Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

Consistent long lasting effects. I recommend this for adults with long work days and evening family life. I have experienced more success than the Daytrana Patch which was difficult to use, a crash early in the afternoon and a rash from the adhesive. I was an amphetimine self medicating user, the Vyvanse has relieved me tremendously, I have been clean for 8 months.

At about 11 years old, I was diagnosed with ADD and prescribed Adderall in various forms and doses off and on throughout middle school and high school (ending in Adderall XR, 25mg). I quit taking it in my year off, but upon returning to school this fall I decided to see a professional and reevaulate the situation. I was once again diagnosed with ADD without hyperactivity. Instead of Adderall, Vyvanse(30mg) was suggested to me. From my understanding, it is Shire's new patented drug, and it is being pushed because it's expensive and unrivaled. I do not feel 100% ok about taking any unnatural substance, especially those that alter the mind. That said, after the first nine days, I feel much better about taking Vyvanse than I did about Adderall. As one person put it, Vyvanse feels less like being "on something" and more like "my mind without fog". Well said. I am fully aware of the drug in my body, but there is less of an edge to it. I feel less jittery, less sweaty. I don't find myself grinding my teeth as much. I still have a loss of appetite but I can eat, and I've found that I can even sleep while the drug is active, albeit very lightly. However this doesn't mean that you won't be up later in the evenings. As for downsides, I have noticed that I am irritable. During the first hour of taking it, I experience multiple bowel movements! (I don't remember this happening with Adderall, and I am usually very "scheduled" in this regard.) Though I am very (but not obsessively) focused, I still have some issues with procrastinating, but I doubt that any drug can solve that completely. I don't agree with taking stimulants, and I certainly have issues with them being prescribed to kids, but at this point in my college career I view it as a necessary evil. I have to say that Vyvanse really is a better option for me and so far I feel more comfortable taking it than Adderall.Read More Read Less

I don't think this is a wonder drug, but it HAS helped me. I ignored my symptoms my whole life- my teachers wanted to hold me back 1st & 2nd grades but my parents were against meds. Finally graduated hs and went to a tech school simply for something to do- I hated school at this point. Ended up dropping out after a year. Had some work exp. but decided to go back to a large university (family members are alumni) to get some direction. Did metiocre- worked twice as hard and did half as well as everyone else (if lucky). Had problems staying focused, organized, interested, etc. I decided to major in english, but needed certain math/science classes to graduate. I ended up failing the same math class 3 times, and was sent to the Offices for Disability Services to get tested for ADD and a math learning disability. Turned out after taking the test for ADD, I was, indeed, diagnosed, and NOT by a long shot. Went to the doc and was prescribed Vyvanse 30mg. Worked great at first but started to wear off around mid-afternoon after a couple months, so we raised the dose to 50mg. Been on this dosage for a week now, on this med for 4 months. Some of my side effects include some trouble sleeping, slight energy surge later in the evening- but worst side effect so far is the weight loss. I find it so difficult to eat- ZERO appetite. Normal weight is around 122 at 5'3". Now down to 105. I used to love breakfast, now just thinking about eating during peak hours of this med is a chore- literally have to remind myself. I eat a normal dinner, but probably only consuming a few hundred calories a day. I have an A in the same math class I failed thrice before and have experienced better grades in my worst subjects, sometimes higher than in those of my major. Very satisfied with the results- just hoping the side effects will wear off soon, without taking the benefits with them. Starting to kind of look/feel freakish with the massive appetite/weight loss. Read More Read Less

I have been taking Vyvanse for 7 months now, starting with the 30 mg and going up to 50mg. As a young professional with light ADHD I strongly suggest looking into Vyvanse. At first, the lower dose was more than enough but when I actually did the suggestions from my doctor my life change (after reading the negative reviews, I have concluded that people think this is just a wonder drug you can take and everything will be better). After taking Vyvanse for 4 months I felt the effect starting to fade and discussed this with my physician at the follow up. We tried the increase to 50, which I thought was too high at first, but after a week I had a complete breakthrough. I can truly say that I have opened a part of my brain I have never used before. My productivity increased, earned 2 promotions, started an executive MBA program, and passed a rigorous healthcare quality exam (my profession). So in short, is it for everyone? Absolutely not. I couldn't imagine a 13 yr old taking the 50mg that I take. However, I think people are not ready for the effects of the drug and some "false positives" in side effects are occurring. Make to-do lists from day one of taking the pill, and always speak with your care providerRead More Read Less

My brother took it and he got all his homework done!!

Vyvanse has been a great benefit to my son, who is 9 and diagnosed with ADHD recently. We started with Concerta, and the side effects were not pleasant (moodiness, aggression, depression). His doctor then changed him to Vyvanse. Although he exhibited some side effects in the first few weeks of treatment (dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea), they quickly went away and has greatly benefited from this medicine. He is much better version of the same child in class and at home. He's gone from A&B's in school to all A's, enjoys learning more, and is enjoying better relationships with his friends. The only drawback to this drug is that he seems to acclamate to it easily and it seems to wear off by the late afternoon. However, this is nothing that we cannot correct by possibly prolonging his initial dose in the morning. All in all, a great experience.Read More Read Less

My 9 year old son has ADD. We exhausted all avenues before medication and finally decided to put him on Adderall but the loss of weight (10 lbs.) and ineffectiveness drove us to Vyvanse. His behavior has improved dramatically and his grades are much better. His appetite is still negligible but we make sure to feed him extra when he is hungry. I am just praying that there are no long term side effects!

I am focusing better than I have in a long time. I can actually finish what i start now. I read a whole book for the first time in a long time. My ocd is not not bad as it was.It doesn't give me as much energy as i would like but it is longer lasting. I had tried Adderall and Staterra

I have suffered with ADHD all my life, but parents didnt believe in meds. I was very distracting,extreamly talkative, unfocused, physical and agressive. I never made it pass my freshman year of school for credits and finally dropped out my junior year. When I was 25 married with two children I tried ritalin but could not stand the come down. NOW I am 34 still married with 4 children and have been on vyvanse for a year. It was only approved for children at the time, but it was worth finding myself! I take 70mg in the morning and now believe in my self. I am a super smart person whom was just lost in the world of ADHD. I can focus, non interuptive, passive, and take the time to see whats around me! SIDE AFFECT: Insomnia (ambien works), grinding of teeth and not eating (which u learn to eat on a schedule just as u did as a child) THANK YOU VYVANSE. My 9 yr old daughter is also on it and is doning amazing.Read More Read Less

I am a very experienced mother of two, Both my sixteen and eight yr old a have severe ADHD. I have tried everything from Herbal remedies, diets, Adderall xr, Concerta, Metadate, Daytra and Ritalin. My eight yr old has been on Vyvanse for about four months and I love it!!!! I like that the medicine worked within the first hr of the first dose. That is very helpful because my son doesnt take his meds every other weekend when he goes to his dads. This is the only Adhd drug i have found that u can stop and start and still seems to work affectively. THis medicine has even helped my son with developing lasting friendships. And i have seen a huge improvement with his social skills and he is even participating in sports. Read More Read Less

not bad

I've only been on Vyvanse for a week now, and I'll post again in a few weeks, but so far so good. The first day was fantastic...I felt so alert, focused, and generally "good". I had a little trouble falling asleep that night, but nothing horrible. I've found that it's easier to get up in the mornings too, which is nice. After a week, however, I have found that I'm not feeling as awake. I assume this is due to my body getting used to the drugs, so I may ask for an increased dosage at my follow-up in a couple weeks (i'm on 30mg now). Even with not feeling as awake as I did those first few days, I'm more awake than I was without it. I've noticed dry mouth, but since I wasn't drinking enough water anyway, I consider that a good side effect. :-) I've had a slight headache a couple days, but that's about it for the negatives. I'm hopeful that this well help me stay energized during the day and make me a happier person (not because of the drugs...but because I'm not fighting sleep all day). Just remember it can take some time to find your right medication and dosage.Read More Read Less

This is only my second day on the medication but I can already see a difference! I have had ADD since I was around 6 or 7 and took ritalin all through elementary and middle school. In high school I stopped because I didn't feel the need to take it anymore. This is my fourth year of college and I wanted to be more focused and decided to talk to my doctor again. She prescribed the 60mg dose of Vyvanse. Like I said, this is only my second day on the medication, but I can really already tell the difference its making. I did have a few side effects yesterday... in and out of the bathroom all day, slight dizziness, incredible loss of appetite, dry mouth, and I could not sleep to save my life last night. I do have trouble sometimes getting used to new medication, so that could attribute to my sleeplessness. I will be updating my comment after a few weeks. So far, nothing bad to say. Even have already lost a pound and a half, which will be great if it keeps going!Read More Read Less

I was Dx with ADD without hyperactivity since I was 8. My parents refuse to give me any type of stimulant medication treatment till I was 16 because of possible growth stunt, but I am only 5'11 so that must have not been to problem. My grades were fine in high school with or without the medication. Once I started college a lot hit me at once and knew from the start I needed to start studying more being a biological sciences major and this was on a different level than high school. I struggled for the first month and knew I had to change something if I wanted have a shot at medical school after my undergraduate studies. In the fall of 2005 I start Adderall and I hated the side effects, but my grades were competitive and that benefit seem to out weigh the negative physical and mental side effects. Adderall had so many broad range side effect, but the mental effects and depression when "coming down" was the worse, my blood pressure was extremely high, fatigue, lack of being social, sexual interest changes, etc. By my junior year I knew something had to change; my girlfriend could not take my moodiness anymore and personally I was feeling like a zombie, so I talked to my physician and he mentioned a new drug called Vyvanse. Vyvanse turned me from a 3.5 GPA student to a 4.0 GPA student, and the reason being is longer and smoother release of the different (L-configuration) salt based formula vs D-isomer (aka Adderall), no more fatigue or restlessness, and I felt more like myself and was not riding on the "Adderall roller coaster". The only concern I have with this drug is it does give me burning chest pains occasionally and as for all stimulant medication treatments even the elite researchers or physicians do not know the LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS. Read More Read Less

6 year old son has been on this for a month, he is like a different child. No more hating when I get home from work to a child bouncing off a wall or having a melt down. He has became a very caring child. He has been on Adderal XR and Metadate before and those only last til about 4 every day. Don't know how he will be in school as this medicine was started after the school decided he needed to be on homebound program for his behavior. But we have seen great improvement at home. He does seem to have some loss of appeitie, but not as bad as the other meds. He had one headache the first week he was on it and has not had one since. Would not hesitate to recommend this medication!Read More Read Less

MY DAUGHTER IS 11 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKING VYVANSE 50MG FOR 1MONTH. IT HAS REALLY WORKED. HER GRADES HAVE REALLY IMPROVED,HER MOOD IS 100% BETTER.

I started taking adderol(sp?)for ADHD when I was a senior in high school. I was never the hyperactive, or rebelious kid in the class, but I couldn't focus on the assignments. My mother insisted on trying the medicine for a month long trial period, just to see what happen. I finally gave in to her wants and started taking the pills in the AM before school. When I was taking this med I was quiet, irritable; sometimes I was purely hateful, hostile, and I started listening to a lot of James Taylor music. I liked his music because it was unbelieveably calming. I have never been a combatant person, but I managed to get into 3 1/2 fights a week on average while taking it.******** I was frusterated because even tho I was taking the med I saw no grade improvment. I was that kid that just didn't care in school, this was less embarrassing than the truth. I try, make an D, Don't try make a D. Why even bother? I stopped all meds and went to college. Failed miserably, but partied hard. The school put me on accademic probation, I left, to make $7-$8/hr at a dead end job. A few years pass and I decided something had to give, returning to school I made my useal C, and really worked hard for it. I was studing one night (couldnt focus) decided to call my doctor... He decided that this was the stuff for me. My GPA was around a 1.3 when I started the med, now its a 2.7 and rising. There is a very defined line in my recorded grades. Most classes are 4.0 compared to the 1.0 of the pre-med age. My major also changed from business to law. My only fuss is that I have been up for a solid 24hrs at the moment. The skin irritation thing is starting to come out on me I think, I alyways had the occasional bump, but Now i have extremely bad break outs. Not sure If its the med, but its almost all that has changed.Read More Read Less

My 16 yr.old son started taking 25mg then 50mg. At 50mg he had a bit of a tic. Raised dosage to 70mg tic went away. Worked great for a little while. He came home and said he felt like a girl because he used his notebook and put papers away! He came home for a few days and did homework! He very rarely did any homework&had many missing papers&never studied for tests before. It was great. Thought this was the med for him. Went well for about a month, then his grades began to fall&work wasn't getting done. He didn't care&was difficult to talk to. His mood was "flat" most all the time. There were plenty of fights and arguments concerning not only schoolwork but doing work around the house. Over the summer he became more difficult&defiant. Things continued to deteriorate. The first week of school went pretty well. Then it began to fall apart. Not doing or handing in work. Very difficult at home, taking things he wasn't supposed to have to the point we put a key lock on our bedroom door and put many things in there that were off limits.Any chance to get something like a gameboy he would. Sneak in games from friends&play them at night. We didn't know who he was anymore. He had no appetite during the day,but would sneak food at night while he roamed because he couldn't sleep. Wouldn't get up in the mornings for school. Called 911 once to get him to go to school. Began skipping classes. Very angry, if he got mad he would destroy things in his room or barracade himself in.Would refuse to help out at home&leave to go to a friends house. He was shaky all the time. Took him off&in 2 days he was a different kid,he's able to sleep&much happier. Should have realized it was the meds sooner. Would have saved a lot of heartache! Life has been a nightmare for the past few months! So, basically, it made him very angry, couldn't sleep, roamed at night,no appetite, very irrational,talked of suicide,uncooperative, I call it mind altering.3rd drug we've tried.Reluctant to try another. Read More Read Less

I have been taking medication for ADD since I was 15, after taking adderall and ritalin both which had severe side effects on me, I was prescribed Vyvanse. I'm 20 now and have been taking vyvanse for about 3 months. My ability to focus and complete tasks effectively has improved. The agrivated mood I would get in when taking adderall is gone and I can have a cup of coffee with out bouncing off the walls. My friends can no longer tell that I'm on medication like they could when I was taking adderall and ritalin. My reoccuring depression has stopped and although its only been 3 months I feel that it wont start up again. If youre still trying to find the right medication to meet your needs I can't say enough good things about vyvanse. If you haven't tried it, you should, it's not a life time commitment and it could just make you feel the best you've ever felt.Read More Read Less

I am 26 years old, and took Ritalin until i was 16, did well in school until i stopped it, had a very unproductive life after that, in two weeks I have gotten more done then I have in a month. I feel much more motivated to do everything, I used to eat a lot, now 3- 4 meals a day, lost 10 pounds, but I have notice a decrease in sexual appetite as well. I can still preform, but my desire to master bate is gone, and if my wife says no, I don't preasure her for it anymore...