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From the lens Vyvanse: 10 Top Tips for ADHD Treatment.

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Jake T. Jan 13, 2012 @ 9:33 pm | delete

Having recently realized that ADD would pretty much explain my entire life up to this point and getting close to losing my IT job from lack of focus - I decided to look up a psychiatrist to get some help.

Long story short, having never been on any type of ADD drug before, the Dr started me at 70mg. I feel fairly good and have a mental clarity that I've never had before, however I am worried from the research I've done after getting the rx that this is way too high of a dose to start with.

I'm also fairly jittery, heart's definitely pumping, and within hours of taking the drug for the first time lots of blood vessels in my face burst (all the way to the edge of my ears).

The positive effect made work today totally do-able for the first time I can remember in a long time, maybe ever. However the side effects are a little scary. The Dr never called me back, and I was considering for tomorrow diluting half the pill in water. Not even sure what I'm asking here lol.

Also, is it safe to exercise on this stuff? I'm scared to run hard or lift weights and die of a heart attack at age 30.

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crystal Feb 8, 2012 @ 10:35 pm | delete

IVE BEEN ON 20 MILLIGRAMS FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW, VERY FIT... STILL SPRINT, RUN AND LIFT WEIGHTS. you should be fine. follow up with ur doctor.

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crystal Feb 8, 2012 @ 10:35 pm | delete

IVE BEEN ON 20 MILLIGRAMS FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW, VERY FIT... STILL SPRINT, RUN AND LIFT WEIGHTS. you should be fine. follow up with ur doctor.

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grainne Dec 21, 2011 @ 2:19 am | delete

It is an informative lens but I want to highlight what is ADD as there are some people that don't know about this. It is an attention deficit disorder. The diagnosis criteria of ADD, includes patient's behavior.
Save Water

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DrParker Dec 21, 2011 @ 7:38 am | delete

You missed the point entirely, but did get you link on there which this lens were blog, I would spam.

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sarahrk Dec 19, 2011 @ 2:21 pm | delete

very informative. looking for new treatment

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Tammy Dec 1, 2011 @ 9:49 pm | delete

Hi my son is 6 years old and he is small for his age.. 39 pounds. He is severely ADHD and we tried bioneurofeedback to no avail.. we started with focalin but I thought he became too angry.. we used the patch (daytrana) and liked it but his skin became too irritated. Now we have 30 mg of Vyvanse.. but for the only two days I've given it to him he sleeps and the other day he was completely passed out and I couldn't wake him. I stopped immediately and now I'm wondering can I try the recipe I read about about cutting the 30 mg in half?
Thanks

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DrParker Dec 2, 2011 @ 7:42 am | delete

While I make no medical recommendations for people I haven't seen in the office, it would be quite reasonable to download these remarks and pass them along to your doc to seek his approval. Sounds like your guy is on too much - and that "too much" could be caused by a number of issues. Best to follow up with a visit to CorePsych Blog and type "metabolic" in the search there.
cp

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Tammy Dec 2, 2011 @ 6:04 pm | delete

Well after reading about titration I tried it today and my son did so much better! He was very well behaved and his teacher noticed an improvement in his work. He wasn't as tired as before.. he was a little emotional but I figure that will resolve over time. I was also reading that dosage isn't based on weight anymore.. more of metabolic rate. So his weight should not be a deciding factor in medication? Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. This website has helped us so much!

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DrParker Dec 3, 2011 @ 6:20 am | delete

Glad it worked for you and your son Tammy!

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Anthony Oct 24, 2011 @ 3:05 pm | delete

I have been on alderall xr30 for a few years with no complaints Vyvance was suggested so I tried 40 mg I was told by everyone that I was real aggressive and nasty so I went back any suggestions.

V

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DrParker Dec 2, 2011 @ 7:44 am | delete

1. Try it after breakfast, not on an empty stomach
2. Dose sounds reasonable on the front end, but on the back end sounds like too much, suggest speaking to your doc about a lower dose.
cp

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Yardbird Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:46 am | delete

Excellent Lens, good information on a new medication that I had not heard about!

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Desty Jul 25, 2011 @ 6:55 pm | delete

My son was first put on Vyvanse. The first two days were horrible, he was violent and very aggressive, but after those days, it was a WONDER. We loved it so much, but discovered that it was causing him to lose weight, 7 pounds in one month. Too much for a six year old. He's on a different med now, but it doesn't do half the job Vyvanse did.

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DrParker Jul 25, 2011 @ 7:58 pm | delete

Quite simply the dose, as is obvious in retrospect, was likely too high, even tho it was OK on the package insert. When you have probs like this the best is to drop back to a lower dose. Atypical reactions almost always need metabolic review to manage metabolic variations.

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UKGhostwriter Mar 31, 2011 @ 2:24 am | delete

I've lensrolled it to http://www.squidoo.com/adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-victims

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DrParker Jul 25, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete

Solid, thanks!

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adhd-bipolar-depression Jan 21, 2011 @ 12:32 am | delete

I'm sorry but it looks like you are just trying to promote your products. I don't like promotional Lenses, you don't know if the content is true or if it is just made up to sell the product!

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Travacor Dec 13, 2010 @ 10:53 am | delete

Another solution to A.D.D. I don't know, it might be just me, but sometimes I feel like A.D.D. patients are not diagnosed properly. They are normal people who don't need a diagnosis. We all have trouble concentrating from time to time, but it doesn't mean it's a disorder.

Travacor

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DrParker Dec 13, 2010 @ 11:41 am | delete

Completely agree with your observation that other interventions can prove significantly helpful - my take on the question from a traditional psych point of view... let's get the evidence first then think about supplementation. At this page I go into those details -
http://www.corepsychblog.com/neuroscience
cp

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AddaptAbilities Jan 18, 2010 @ 2:40 am | delete

I've been on Vyvanse for almost a year. It's been almost perfect -- except that I experienced some serious, unexpected tooth decay as a result of the dry mouth it caused. Anyone taking stimulants needs to be absolutely vigilant about this. Tell your dentist, get extra x-rays, chew gum with xylitol. This has been the only flaw in an otherwise great med.

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DrParker Jun 25, 2010 @ 8:43 pm | delete

Good point, - not common, but certainly a possible issue.
cp

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Wendy Feb 13, 2011 @ 12:03 pm | delete

I've experienced this problem as well! At 39 years of age I had never had a cavity in my life. At my very next dentist visit after I started taking Vyvanse, I had several cavities and several more "watch" areas. I also had a cavity at the visit after that. My dentist did not believe the medication was linked to the tooth decay, but I was still suspicious. Thirty nine years is a long time to go without tooth decay and the only change in my routine was the medication.

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Tiffany Jan 14, 2010 @ 6:56 pm | delete

Im on ritalin and i dont think it helps at all and my doctor just keeps raising the dose. I have ADD do you think vyvanse would be good for me?

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DrParker Jan 15, 2010 @ 4:04 am | delete

Tiffany, Short and sweet, absolutely, it's my favorite by far - but about 5% of folks just can't take it. You have a 95% chance that it will work, just go low and slow as indicated here.

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Pearlean Dec 25, 2009 @ 8:58 pm | delete

just started 11yr old on Vyvanse. His stomach hurts alittle, but his lips are burning and he has small bumps developing around mouth. Is this normal? If so, what can i do to ease the side effects?

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DrParker Dec 26, 2009 @ 6:22 am | delete

Ask your doc to start the dose even smaller, as outlined here, and always give after breakfast-
cp

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DrParker Jan 15, 2010 @ 4:07 am | delete

Pearlean, Lip and mouth events may be a very odd side effect, I just don't think so from my experience. Sounds like your guy is not eating breakfast - see these remarks to help with that issue: http://www.corepsychblog.com/2007/02/power-breakfast-recipe-2-how-on-protein/

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work1282 Dec 12, 2009 @ 8:01 am | delete

I am a teacher, but I'm posting as a mother. I just placed my 8 year old daughter on 20 mg ov Vyvanse. Today is the fifth day. She's still experiencing headaches, sleeplessness at night, and stomachaches most of the day. I know the sleeplessness will be a problem for a long while, as I have an older daughter who has taken meds for several years. But do the stomachache and headache symptoms subside soon?

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DrParker Dec 19, 2009 @ 5:51 am | delete

work1282: When you have someone starting with the lowest dose of Vyvanse still having symptoms of too much [insomnia, headaches, stomachaches] two interventions to consider: 1 lower the dose by the water titration strategy outlined above in this lens, using 1/2 the dose to start by diluting the dosage. 2. Make sure she takes it with a protein breakfast -*after* that protein breakfast, outlined on my blog with the link at the very top of this lens - Best wishes! cp

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Nurse Bosse Nov 25, 2009 @ 8:56 am | delete

I am a middle school nurse and have a student that takes his Vyvanse upon arrival to school. How quickly should the effects of the medication be anticipated?

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DrParker Nov 25, 2009 @ 9:04 pm | delete

Nurse, Should only be about 30-45 min, no prob. If longer than that it could be either too little, but also can be actually too much, both needing a run back to the doc.
cp

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Nicole Jul 16, 2009 @ 3:34 pm | delete

My son has not been diagnosed ADD, but he has been diagnosed Autistic. He is 9 years old and he started Vyvanse 30mg once daily about 3 weeks ago. My concern is his mood swings and aggression that was virtually non-existent until he started this medication. We started this med in an effort to help him focus more in school, now I'm not so sure. Should I try cutting the dosage down? I don't like the chabge in behavior, but this is the first med we have ever tried and I want to give it a chance. He does seem more focused but at what cost?

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DrParker Nov 25, 2009 @ 9:02 pm | delete

Sorry to be so late getting back: ASD always, always needs to go more slowly, and even at 9 I start at 1/2 of 20 mg as noted above. If he has reaction to that one, go down to 1/4 of 20mg, and watch the DOE as noted.
cp

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DrParker Jun 27, 2009 @ 3:35 pm | in reply to Moss | delete

I usually start slower with smaller dose than 40 - at that dose more likely to have appetite problems, but if the dose is correct they will be gone within a week,
cp

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Moss Jun 26, 2009 @ 12:12 pm | delete

My 13 year old boy just started on Vyvanse at 40mg, no previous meds, and no test for ADD or ADHD. The Dr. diagnosed him through questions as ADD, yet with research, I'm seeing that this drug seems to be for ADHD, should I question that? Also, how long should his loss of appetite last? I read that it should be temporary. He's only been on it for a month, and showing great improvement, yet we are worried that he hardly eats. I have to force him to eat some days.

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Brian Feb 14, 2009 @ 3:55 pm | delete

Lori,
When you say that you need two of the Vyvanse 70mg capsules in the morning for it to even kick in, I suspsect you are looking to feel that buzz which you most assuredly felt after taking 60mg of Adderall XR all at once. Problem is, Vyvanse was not designed to kick, it was designed to work. If you chase the buzz by increasing the dosage, you will push the dose much too high and give yourself side effects. Vyvanse was designed to provide all the efficacy you need without the buzz. Instead of waiting to feel Vyvanse kick in, keep track of how focused you feel on only one of the Vyvanse 70mg, or even 50mg for that matter. If you wait for Vyvanse to "kick" you will conclude it's not working. 60mg of AXR is a monster dose and is very rare. It must've kicked like a bronco after taking it in the morning all at once. Why did your doctor push AXR so high? Why did he switch you? Is it possible you are comorbidly depressed?

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DrParker Jan 20, 2009 @ 4:16 am | in reply to Freshstartamc | delete

My opinion: you are exactly right about many who write for ADHD without thinking about the med consequences. Many use the current limited diagnostic categorization which psychiatrists themselves are currently revising - and wonder why the meds don't work because the simply don't understand the implications of correct dosing strategies.

Many problems do exist, but studies show that it is under diagnosed when one compares the incidence in the general population with those treated.

The reason for this site and my many blog posts regarding Vyvanse and stimulant drugs is simple: an informed public can make more informed choices, and can themselves better understand the treatment parameters. Precise treatment, improved diagnostic objectives will correct the problems you correctly note in your comments.
tnx
cp

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Freshstartamc Jan 20, 2009 @ 12:23 am | delete

Methamphetamine users don't like it? Is that really a reason to be up in arms for a product like Vyvanse? I understand that these kinds of medications are becoming more and more popular as more and more people are "diagnosed" with ADD and ADHD but I don't understand why anyone would recommend such a product to anyone. I had a psychologist who told me I was ADHD and instead of putting me in contact with someone who would give me a prescription she helped me with exercises I could do to increase my ability to function as a regular person. I don't disagree that some people need medications, but I do think that ADD medications are being over prescribed into the general population and that is a cause for concern.

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Glenn Dec 8, 2008 @ 6:12 am | delete

Thank you so much Dr. Parker. That's rather spooky about taking the combination.
Let me ask another hypothetical. If a person is taking adderrall or any ampethamine compound for more energy and not for ADD, is it a given that a tolerance will be built up and if so, will laying off of the stimulant on the weekends,as I do, slow the progression of the buildup of tolerance? Can people with ADD taking an ampethamine compound also build up a tolerance?
Thank you again.

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Dr Charles Parker Dec 5, 2008 @ 6:16 pm | in reply to Glenn | delete

Your question is so interesting, and a prime example of a little appreciated drug interaction - prozac and any amphetamine product are simply incompatible. I have written about this interaction extensively at my website and refer you to the following post:

http://www.corepsychblog.com/2006/11/adderall_prozac.html

Adderall and Vyvanse are both amphetamine compounds and react the same way with Prozac - talk to your doctor, have him look up the drug interactions through CYP450 2D6 [prozac plugs that path]

It looks like you are developing tolerance - that it isn't working - and yes, it isn't working because you are accumulating it, it is blowing your thinking out the top of the Window descriptively discussed in point number 4 on this article:

http://ezinearticles.com/?ADD-ADHD-Treatment---7-Tips-on-Finding-the-Elusive-Top-of-the-Therapeutic-Window&id=1257427

This article doesn't cover the interaction with Prozac, but several other posts do over at my blog site,
cp

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Glenn Dec 5, 2008 @ 2:27 pm | delete

I am 61 and am taking 30 Mg/day along with 40 Mg/day of Prozac. I'm taking it to help combat severe fatigue. I don't know if you would recommend this combination or not for depression. However, it has helped me tremendously at work to have the enthusiasm back and focus which I have lost.
My question: To help ensure I don't lose the postive effects of Vyvanse,occassionally go for 3-4 days without taking it with the reasoning that I won't build a tolerance to it as quick. Is this accurate and advisable? I miss taking it. Is this putting off bulding a tolerance to it or should I take it every day? Thank you.

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DrParker Jul 6, 2008 @ 4:44 pm | delete

Lori,
Difficult to say exactly what the problem actually is. Without more careful review, and although not approved for the higher dosage, it does sound like you are quite right - not enough.

Here is a link to read more about the *top of the window*... watch carefully for #4 in this article... - too much, but looks like too little:

http://ezinearticles.com/?ADD-ADHD-Treatment---7-Tips-on-Finding-the-Elusive-Top-of-the-Therapeutic-Window&id=1257427

Best bet: go over it more carefully with your doctor - I have seen some who need unpredictably more, a higher dose equivalence.
cp

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LORI Jul 6, 2008 @ 3:39 pm | delete

I DO NOT LIKE VYVANSE AT ALL

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LORI Jul 6, 2008 @ 3:36 pm | delete

I AM AN ADULT, 40 YRS. FEMALE AND HAVING TROUBLE FROM SWITCHING FROM ADDERALL XR TO VYVANSE. MY DR. STARTED ME AT 70MGS SINCE I WAS AT 60MGS WITH ADDERALL;BUT I HAVE TO TAKE 2 70 MGS IN THE MORNING FOR THEM TO EVEN KICK IN. I HAD TO START TAKING VYVANSE BECAUSE I WAS USING PATEINT ASSISTANCE AND SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE ASSISTANCE ANY MORE FOR ADDERALL I HAVE TO USE VYVANSE AND I AM REALLY FEELING LIKE I AM GOING DOWN HILL

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LORI Jul 6, 2008 @ 3:36 pm | delete

I AM AN ADULT, 40 YRS. FEMALE AND HAVING TROUBLE FROM SWITCHING FROM ADDERALL XR TO VYVANSE. MY DR. STARTED ME AT 70MGS SINCE I WAS AT 60MGS WITH ADDERALL;BUT I HAVE TO TAKE 2 70 MGS IN THE MORNING FOR THEM TO EVEN KICK IN. I HAD TO START TAKING VYVANSE BECAUSE I WAS USING PATEINT ASSISTANCE AND SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE ASSISTANCE ANY MORE FOR ADDERALL I HAVE TO USE VYVANSE AND I AM REALLY FEELING LIKE I AM GOING DOWN HILL

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DrParker Jun 22, 2008 @ 8:54 pm | delete

New voting shows that 57% like Vyvanse better than any other previous stimulant medication, and 27% are having some of the problems we address here.

Stay tuned over at http://www.corepsychblog.com for updates on forthcoming articles about titration, diagnosis, and a new book about bringing all the meds together effectively.

See ya there, thanks for the comments here, you are welcome to add any details you wish!
cp

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Dr Charles Parker Jun 1, 2008 @ 1:44 pm | delete

Thanks for the note Dr Jones,
We have seen other interventions work, perhaps not with the consistency of the stimulant meds.

We share a concern about the inappropriate dosing and often overlooked additional problems.
cp

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HerbalRemedies Jun 1, 2008 @ 12:12 pm | delete

Hi,
Very nice lense on ADHD you've put together.
You've obviously put a lot of time and care into it, thank you!
How to Treat Attention Deficit Disorder in Teens Naturally.

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Dr Jones May 22, 2008 @ 8:55 am | delete

Very interesting website, noble ambitions and likely very helpful at a low cost for many. I will send you a note offline to see how we might connect-
Tnx
Chuck

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DrJones May 21, 2008 @ 7:07 pm | delete

Hi
I did my PhD on CBT for kids
I made www.AnimalAgentz.com
Parents are finding it can be used for ADHD.
Please check my web site
We do not have money for marketing etc

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DrParker May 20, 2008 @ 4:40 pm | delete

Hey Vyvanse Squidoos -
Do click on any of the posts above for updated comments.
The only voting today is on the fact that some are having trouble getting the dose right... All the details are addressed in many comments on several posts on Vyvanse.

And feel free to drop a note here as well!
cp

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Chuck Jan 11, 2008 @ 9:45 am | delete

Thanks Baylor,
Have some inside news that the smaller [1/2] doses will be out in the second quarter... should make it all easier, and yes, can put it in apple sauce if they can't swallow the pill. Water at this point seems easier for most I have discussed this with.
Thank you-

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Baylor Jan 10, 2008 @ 10:26 pm | delete

Chuck,
Great comments. I think this will help many. We could also try a powder packet dose with this if needed for those "finicky" patients.
Thanks again,
baylor