I recently started meds myself. Vyvanse and Adderall have the same key ingredient or stimulant but the doctor said Vyvanse had less side effects. With that being said I noticed I had episodes of sadness and depression that was not normal for me on this medication,so the psychiatrist put me on Adderall XR 20 now and to me I feel better on it. I’ve only been on a couple weeks but I think Adderall is better for me although my boyfriend notices more irritability at times. It’s trial and error and everyone reacts differently to each medication. I suggest you be aware of possible side effects and also the ones closest to you should be aware in case you do not see a negative side effect that may be happening. There are a variety of meds so try one and if it’s not the right one don’t give up just keep trying.

I take Adderall, and was curious about all ADD meds & there side effects, so I did a Google search. When I speciffically asked Adderall vs. Vyvanse, what I learned was that they are very similar. Vyvanse has L-lysine added (it’s an aminio acid, it’s to assist with asborbtion, I think) Since I do not have health insurance, I take Adderall as it has a generic, where Vyvanse is new, and therefore too expensive for me. As for the Adderall, it’s made a trmendous improvement in my life, so I’ve learned after taking it for 3 years how to deal with the side effects. If you want to know, the details are out there. Do your own Google search, but be aware of where the info you read is coming from as it may be from the manufacturer of the drug, or from an impartial source comparing details. The manufacture of the drug will have accurate info, but will naturally want to sell their new drug.

Everyone responds differently to Meds. It’s all trial and error. I was not able to tolerate either one. I frequent the web site crazymeds.com it has great information on pdrugs. Check it out.

Vyvanse is billed as being the “non-addicting” stimulant because the way its made somehow makes it harder to abuse it than Adderall.  I don’t understand how this works or if it works, but I’m sticking to Adderall.  I have tried Vyvanse and felt my personality and temperment were being affected for the worse.  You can have it.,  My psychiatrist has helped me find almost, but not quite,  the right medication dosage to function at my best.  I take 40 mgs of Adderall XR in the a.m. and then I’m prescribed to take four 20 mg. instant Adderall throughout day and evening.  Because I believe that I am entitled to have a full, joyous, wide awake mlindful and non-depressed life, I take five of the 20 mg after waking up and sometimes later in the day might take another 60 mg or more.  The problem, of course, is that I always run out before the 30 days of the prescription is done.  So for two weeks or so I am depressed, bored, disinterested, and do nothing but sleep or read.
The doc says I’m at my max as far as the dosage so I can’t tell her she’s not giving me enough.

From my way of looking at taking responsibility and control for my life, I should be able to find a doc who isn’t so conservative and will help me live a fully functioning, productive, serene life.

I think I’ll sign this Anonymous.

To the person who said they take Adderall XR, then several 20 mg IR the rest of the day then runs out 1/2 way theough the month. I want to suggest taking a B 12 energy drink like 5 hour enegy shot or a B complex with the Adderall as well as L-lysine with morning Adderall to get more out of each pill. The energy drinks really add more power & extend the life of each pill so you don’t have to go 1/2 the time feeling icky. It really helps a lot. Also I’d like to share that I watched my best freind of 10 years turn into Gullum (from Lord Of The Rings- “give us our precious!...) Turn into a crazy, moody, manic for two weeks, then cranky, tired, B**** whith the attitude of a rebellous teenager (she’s 42) for two weeks. She looked me in the eye, and unapploageticaly looked me in the eye and said ” I’ve just accepted the fact that I’m an addict, and that’s just who I am.” - as this was no big deal. This was late summer. About a month later ahe offered to pay for me to see my doctor ($90) AND the Rx (about $50) if I would go to my doctor to get my next skript for Adderall so she could have some. I had had a miscarriage 5 days prior & hadn’t even been to a doctor for that yet, so NO! We’ve only spoke once since then, but needledd to say I’m crushed by the loss of what was once the coolest funniest most amazing friends I’d ever had. All because she’s so “in love” with that drug.
Don’t get me wrong, when taken wisely, it has amazing reults. But “do the drug” as MEDICATION & not let “the drug do you” like a cure all fix for every bad mood or moment of tired or boardom. I tal 60mg a day, and some days I take 1/2 or maybe even 1&1/2 extra SOMETIMES, but NOT ALL THE TIME. So please be carefull because it can really screw up someones head. It made my friend a compleately different person.
Yo everyone else reading this, please don’t let my unfortunate story scare you into not using Adderall. That’s a unique situation with someone aho has a long history of substance abuse. When taken wisely, it has so many benefits & can really make a profound impact on a persoms life. But like another person said earlier, it’s not an exact science. You try it, find the dose that works for you (w/o overdoing it) and enjoy a more functional & porductive life with BALANCE. Good luck, be safe, & keep educating yourself by every resourse @ your disposal.
ps. To the person I directed the first aprt of my blog. Please don’t take offense by what I said. I’m not judging you, or insulting you. I mean no harm with my words. My intension is only to remind people that these drugs can be dangerouse to some people, no different then drugs like opiates, tranquilizers, etc. But just as those drugs, they do have benefit, and help a lot of people to live a better life. So if my comment/story upset you, I’m sorry. I really meant no offense.

I recently made the switch from Adderall to Vyvanse, and I came on here to see what people had to say about the switch. I am concerned because I noticed I have been crying a LOT, and I am not really someone who gets emotion and lonely and hides away. I’ve been very withdrawn, slightly more irritated than normal, although my focus seems to be a bit better.

I think I’m going to go back to Adderall and see if I go back to normal?