Vyvanse vs Adderall ER, Which One Should I Go With?
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/51741411
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/51741367
Which one of these works better for you and your ADHD? Vyvanse or Adderall extended release? My Dr. started me out on 15mg of the Adderall ER, but the effects were so intense that I could only make it two days of taking them. I was so jittery, anxious, sick to my stomach, I could not eat or sleep for 2 days.
So she changed me to 10mg Vyvanse, which wasn't as bad, and I kept taking it daily until I was moved up to 30mg. I can eat fine and sleep while on it. And now my next appointment is tomorrow, and I think I'm gonna ask for 40mg and maybe a booster. But the only issue is I recently tried some of those 15mg Adderall ER I still had for 2 days. Instead of taking my Vyvanse, I took the Adderall, and it really wasn't bad, nothing like the first time I tried it. Instead, it just helped my ADHD like the Vyvanse does, but I think I felt more energy. I could also eat and sleep fine on it. The only thing was that on the second day, 6 hours after I took it, I got so, so drowsy that I had to go take a nap. Like, I could not hold my eyes open at all. I thought this stuff was supposed to last longer than that?
But yeah, anyways, what do you all think? Which do you prefer, Vyvanse or Adderall ER? Do you still get that initial "rush" or good feeling at the start of both, or is the Adderall stronger at that, that you feel? I'd really like to know what you all think because I see my Dr. tomorrow, and the option to change back is on the table.
I'd really like to hear from only those who have tried both. Thanks a lot.
TL;DR: I’ve tried both Vyvanse and Adderall ER, and I’m trying to decide which one works better for my ADHD before my appointment tomorrow—so I’d like to hear from people who have tried both.
1 reply
I haven't tried both but I have tried different drugs (lisdexamfetamine and dexamphetamine) so I still think I can help.
There is no blanket "better", especially with extended release drugs like vyvanse and Adderall ER. The active drug is released as it's metabolized so the intensity and duration is impacted by your digestive system, which isn't constant! After that, which active drug is better for you is also highly individual.
I was on way too low a dose of vyvanse for years because I thought it was making me anxious. During my autism assessment the nurse was like, "wait, you are on ADHD meds? Like right now? Um...is the dose working for you?" Anyways, I started eating before I took them and started taking them way later than I had been so even with an increased dose (60 mg) that helped me not feel so sick and anxious in the morning and last for more of the work day. It used to kill my appetite, but that side effect lessened over time. Never had problems with sleeping. I have never felt a rush or boost.
With lisdexanphetanine (vyvanse) i don't feel it kick in or fade out. I only know I forgot to take it if I find myself crying on my way to work or if I'm starving halfway though the morning, depending on the day I guess! Dexamphetamine is the "quick release" version and I could feel that kick in. It felt like a wave of calm. It felt like an overload once it wore off. It's not ideal to have to remember to take drugs 2x a day, especially if I'm out doing field work so we went with the slow release.
It's so hard to figure out the dose, especially if you don't have someone helping you connect what you are feeling to knowing if the dose is too high or too low. I wish it was easier.
I can't find it right now but I thought the ADHD adults UK had an episode about the different medication types and how doses are figured out. It was helpful for me!