Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD User Reviews
Brand names: Vyvanse
Lisdexamfetamine has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 825 reviews for the treatment of ADHD. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Lisdexamfetamine
- WI_RN
- December 14, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I'm in my 40s and have known I had ADHD for a long time but never had the desire to go on medication for it. Now with a good job, a new house, and the desire to complete an advanced degree, I felt it was finally time to have a go. My psychiatrist was more than happy to oblige and started me on 20mg. Within the first few hours, I had done the dishes, paid some (late) bills, took the dog for a nice long walk, and generally just felt calmer than I have in a long time. I am not taking this medication for weight loss, but my impulse control around food was also noticeably improved. I actually thought about what I was eating and even logged it into my WW app without a second thought. I was worried that my heart was going to be pounding out of my chest and I was going to feel like I had drunk 10 cups of coffee, but it wasn't that feeling at all. I just felt focused and calm, just like I hoped."
- Bianca
- August 30, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "At first, while taking this medication, the side effects I experienced included increases in heart rate (which made me feel a bit lightheaded and weak) and stomach discomforts (making me less hungry throughout my day). These are things you will experience with anxiety, which is something I dealt with growing up and wasn't much of a concern for me while on the medication, but something to note for people looking to use Vyvanse for the first time. You will notice an increase in motivation! Taking this medication was more helpful than my antidepressants were in the sense that it made me feel so much more motivated to do everyday activities. If you're concerned about the effects this medication will have on your weight, know that you will have a loss in appetite and experience weight loss. Before taking Vyvanse, my weight was at 125 lbs. After a few months, I dropped to 110 lbs. When I took a break from using this medication for focus and motivation, my weight went back to 123 lbs. Thanks for reading!"
Frequently asked questions
- How soon for Vyvanse to start working and how long does it last?
- Does Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) show up on a drug test?
- Ritalin vs Vyvanse - What's the difference between them?
- Rando...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 18, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I take Vyvanse for ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder. I began taking 50 mg Vyvanse in August 2016, and currently take the same amount. Over a span of about 2 years, I lost 70 pounds and got into the best shape of my life. I had great eating habits. I was sociable and doing great. I got everything done in a timely manner. All of a sudden, it stopped working 2.5 years after I started taking it. I gained over 30 lbs in about 3.5 months. All my hard work just disappeared. I don’t know what happened, but it is devastating. I am so tired all the time, have no drive to do anything, binge eat every day, and I’m angry and irritable. It’s been like this for months. I’m a shell of myself. I suggest it for short-term use but not long-term. If anyone else experienced this, I’d love to hear about it."
- Mimi
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 13, 2021
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I struggled with manic depression, PTSD, minor bipolar, and ADHD since I was around 6 years old. Long story short, I had drug-addict parents, was kidnapped and raped at 11 years old for 3 years, got pregnant at 16, lived with friends of family until 18, and graduated at 20 years old. I have 4 wonderful kids, but my life is a constant struggle of mood swings, flashbacks, etc. My doctor gave me the 40mg dose to start, and besides a few minor side effects (higher anxiety on and off for the 1st week, lessened appetite), I have not felt this happy since my kids' births. My older kids have noticed my home is cleaner, I'm up earlier in the mornings, I can stay on one train of thought before moving on to another, and my younger kids are happy that their mother can play with them without running off to the bathroom after 10 minutes because I couldn't stop crying. No medication can change you 100% of the time. I still have some off days but far and very few between."
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- Jayat
- August 31, 2019
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I'm going to start with the negatives then positives in regards to Vyvanse. When I first started taking this medication, the side effects were less than desirable! Anxiety, agitation, palpitations, unable to socialize - all horrible for day-to-day living. BUT - as my doctor told me - you have to find the dose that's right for you, and you have to let your body adjust to the medication. Well, holy moly! Once you find the right dose that works for you, it's like a whole new world! Motivation, sense of well-being, able to focus on day-to-day tasks. This has been an absolute MIRACLE and has changed my life tenfold. I encourage anyone who starts taking Vyvanse to give it a fair chance, let your body adjust, and try to find what dose works best for you. Because when you do find it, you'll be functioning on a whole new level! Cheers"
- It...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 6, 2019
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Vyvanse took care of my depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My straight A GPA skyrocketed to a straight 99% in every single class. I'm in the master's program now and my life has flipped a 180. I'm a functional, happy adult."
- Mamab...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 9, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I’ve been on Vyvanse for about 2 months now, and I absolutely love it. I was on Adderall on and off for about 8 years, and I hated taking it. It helped immensely with my ADHD, but not without side effects. I also had to take about 3 increasing doses a day to keep the effect going. I switched to 70 mg of Vyvanse once a day, and it lasts all day long. The side effects are very minimal, and it doesn’t affect my appetite or social skills. There is no high and no crash. Adderall made me very aware that I was on medication, whereas Vyvanse is much less intense and has a very smooth feeling."
- Sonyan
- August 15, 2023
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have read every single review on here and all I have to say is this: no medication is going to magically solve all your problems, period! For it to work, you also have to do the work: #1. Eat small meals/snacks throughout the day to avoid crashes - take a tablet in the morning and know when your crash happens, eat a meal an hour before that. #2. Incorporate exercise for 30 minutes daily, walk, weight lift, whatever you choose, but you'll soon see a huge difference. #3. Try to take it as early as possible if you need to be productive during the day, or as late as noon if you need to be productive in the evenings. #4. Get off electronics/TV an hour before bed, no phones in bed. #5. It will make you feel amazing for the first 2-3 days, then low for another 4-6 days. Keep taking it and you'll see improvements. I'm on 30 mg and love it, but it took days before I felt great. Dry mouth is solved by drinking water, nausea by eating throughout the day, and headaches, pop a pill until you find balance."
- Roscoe
- February 1, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "My (unprofessional) advice is to take positive reviews from people who have taken this drug for a short time with a very large grain of salt. Vyvanse is basically a legal amphetamine and the body takes time to react to it and eventually builds tolerance to it. The "Vyvyanse Crash" is real, in my experience, as many others have observed. This often leads to patients continually upping their dosages. As for ADD and ADHD, it is interesting that both have become epidemics in the U.S., but not in Europe. I believe this is because in the US of the massive profitability pharmaceutical experience in developing new drugs for every affliction. That is just my opinion. Regular exercise and diet are natural ways to address depression, ADD, ADHD and other conditions. Common sense, but the pharma companies can't profit from it. Everyone's physiology is different, so give Vyvance a try. I hope it helps you."
- Cangirl
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 9, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "This drug ruins lives. It causes moodiness, angry outbursts, and paranoia. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the beast, the individuals don't see themselves as moody, unhappy, or angry. Despite the claims, it is not non-addictive and it does cause addiction in some individuals. I've seen it in kids and adults. If you are using it for your kids, I don't judge you (because medication can be life changing and necessary for functioning), just monitor emotional/social side effects. I hope it works well for some people, but I've seen it cause so much turmoil."
- JJano
- November 26, 2019
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "Since I can remember, I have always had trouble concentrating or keeping a straight thought in my head. Grades were always so-so 'cause you could forget trying to sit down and read a book or study. Out like a light, zzzzzz. Fast forward to turning 40, and I start traveling for work. By 2PM every day, it's like someone pulled the plug on me, and I'm running in quicksand. Literally feels like Vaseline over your eyes. Finally went to the doctor and said something has to give. He started me on 30MG. It was a complete game-changer. Felt like I had a turbo installed. Brain worked like never before. Computer work, no problem. Read a book all day. Best part, it didn't interrupt my sleep. We tried various other ADHD medicines, and I got the anxiety and buzzing effects from Ritalin and Adderall. This was a life-changer for me."
- Tommy
- June 10, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I've had issues trying to retain information and understanding test questions. There were days where I felt very tired and depressed to where I couldn't wake up, though after forcing myself to get out of bed, I would notice my depression would get worse which made my attention span shorter. But after several years, I decided to enter nursing school. Right off the bat, my fundamentals teacher told me that I was struggling to pay attention and that I seemed tired. She advised me to go see a different psychiatrist. I did take her advice and went to a different psychiatrist. He believed I had borderline ADD non-hyperactive, and he prescribed me Vyvanse. After 3 months of adjusting, I experienced the willingness to participate in more conversations and wanting to engage in certain school activities, which made me happier and more energized."
- rusty...
- May 2, 2021
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I’ve been on Vyvanse for about two months now and the experience has been wonderful. I should say one morning, I had just gotten out of my driveway when I remembered I had forgotten to take it. By then, it was nearly 7 am, so there was a definite notice when the medicine started to work that day. Usually I take it around 5:30 am, so by the time I get to work, it’s working well. I’m well-focused throughout the day, less anxious, I don’t fidget as much, and less agitated. The same cannot be said for Adderall. If I had to say one negative thing about Vyvanse, it is that my engine is still revving when I’m ready to wind down for the day, so it takes me a few hours to wind down. I have a great insurance plan, but before the prior authorization kicked in, the cost was well over $400. With the coupon, well over $200, once the prior authorization kicked in with my insurance, it was $30. So, I feel very lucky. I wish the best for all of you seeking help for ADD or ADHD. Give Vyvanse a try, great drug."
- Skrib...
- February 12, 2010
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "As a 44-year-old male, who recently went for treatment of this problem. I went for almost 43 with always knowing that something was missing. Being an overachiever, I made every attempt to complete everything but never really completed anything. This drug has changed that. It allows me to focus on the task that I have in front of me and complete it, which has been a breath of fresh air for my job, my marriage, and my kids."
- Olemi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 9, 2015
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "My son, who is nine, was just started on Vyvanse for ADD. He was not hyperactive, just couldn't focus. We struggled with it from preschool to third grade. Held him back in first grade, which helped a little. Then third grade almost killed him. Medications were my last resort. Scared me to death to put him on medicines, but it made a 100% difference. The teacher said it was like a fog lifted. I'm like, wow. Decreased appetite is the only side effect, but not bad."
- Lizzie
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 29, 2013
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I wasn't a hyperactive kid. I have a high IQ (not bragging - just got genetically lucky there), so no one ever thought I had ADD, including me. However, looking back, I never could get homework done on time. My backpack, school binder, and bedroom were always a mess. As an adult, I learned many organizational skills, but continued to struggle terribly with lack of motivation, focus, and enjoyment in life, despite living in abundant material comfort. When I started taking 30mg of this a day at my doctor's urging, it was as if a bright light flooded what had previously only been utter darkness in my brain for 30 years. There's no stimulant to this medicine. It's simply a means to reaching a more positive mindset that I thought I was barred from forever."
- pmpma...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 23, 2014
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I am 60 years old and a career woman who has always struggled with completing tasks despite working long hours. I had recently succumbed to depression and loss of self-esteem because I was feeling I was no longer capable of performing my job because of age. I suffered this feeling most of my life, been in therapy and was usually prescribed antidepressants or SSRI inhibitors to treat my symptoms but never the cause of my symptoms. I did not even know adults could suffer from ADD. FINALLY, a therapist took the time to treat the cause of my lifelong struggle instead of merely sedating me. MY LIFE HAS CHANGED!! MY JOB PERFORMANCE AND PERSONAL LIFE HAS IMPROVED. I ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISH THINGS. Why so late in life?"
- Changed...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 13, 2014
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have been on ADD meds off and on for about 10 years. I'm 33, and before Vyvanse, I had tried Concerta and Adderall. While the other two were okay, they did not benefit me nearly as much as Vyvanse. In one semester, I went from making a 50 on a College Algebra test to making a 100% on the comprehensive final. My professor said he had never seen anything like it, someone going from a 50 to 100. For the first time in my life, I remembered to pay bills on time, I don't forget about the clothes in the washer for days, or forget to turn off the stove. I feel so much more accomplished!"
- Cooki...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- July 14, 2019
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "My whole entire school career, I would pay attention to the teacher, listen, and listen, and just didn’t get it like the other kids did. I wished every day that I could just be like all the normal kids and somehow be able to do my school work and pass tests. That was until 7th grade when I was prescribed Vyvanse 70mg once daily in the morning. IMMEDIATELY after that, I started passing EVERY class with A’s and B’s (prior to being held back once in 2nd grade and every other grade after that getting the lowest possible grades, almost failing every time). By 8th grade, the school put me in honors classes. In 9th grade, after 4 or 3 whatever years of taking Vyvanse, I joined my school's NJROTC program and joined drill teams. Things I would have NEVER been able to accomplish without the Vyvanse treating my ADHD. I recommend this medication highly. Not every medication works for everyone, but this one works PERFECTLY for me."
- JuniE...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 10, 2022
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have been on this medication for years. I was terrified to take it at first because I was worried it would make my anxiety worse. Oh, was I wrong! This medication actually calmed me. I have been on diazepam for years. I don’t need my morning one as much now. I’m on 60 mg Vyvanse. This medication gave me my life back. Like a light switched on. Boom, I was back. I was scared I’d always be depressed. Now my thoughts are clear. It was like a bunch of papers tossed on the floor. Now they’re organized. Don’t listen to the bad reviews. This medication has the least side effects for ADHD."
- Lisa
- December 2, 2019
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I am a 50-year-old woman with ADHD in addition to mild OCD. I was prescribed Vyvanse for focus and motivation at a high-stress job. This drug was amazing at first; I felt calm, focused, confident, and organized for the first time in my life. I take 60 mg at 7 am, and it wore off about 4. Six months later, it is still helpful with motivation and confidence. That said, I now get too focused on details, and by evening, I am anxious, irritable, and don’t want to do anything. I have a hard time waking up. I tried on the weekend to not take it and had terrible depression, negative, and crying. I ended up taking it to function. It has started causing anxiety, I’m too talkative, and procrastinate tasks I dislike. I am not very social after work. Without it, I am emotional and want to sleep all day. I tried 5 mg Adderall IR in the late afternoon, but that caused me to stay up late and could barely get up. It was so helpful at first, but now I’m worried and am trying to wean off."
- Truth
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 1, 2017
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "WARNING: Majority of the positive reviews for this drug are from people that are new to Vyvanse and the problem is that this drug works wonders at the start, but benefits quickly start to diminish and side effects start to get worse. I took Vyvanse for two years and at first, it worked great for ADD. However, after taking it consistently for a few months, I started experiencing anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, negative emotions, insomnia, and isolation... things I never experienced before in my life. You become very dependant on it because if you stop, you feel 100x worse than before you started taking it, but the longer you take it, the higher dosage you need to get the same effect. Eventually, it stops working and you just need it to get out of bed."
- Nomor...
- January 12, 2020
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I was on Adderall for about 10 years. Then doctor switched me to Vyvanse because the side effects were apparently less. Spent roughly 7 years on Vyvanse. The med works in the matter because it's a stimulant, but the side effects make your life much worse. I began isolating, and began experiencing bi polar behaviors. I would drink alcohol to the point where I passed out because I couldn't sleep otherwise, and eventually became an opiate addict because it would actually take the edge off. I know that is not probably a very common result but it is not unheard of. I felt like I was not in control of myself. Heart rate and blood pressure goes up, weight goes down. Do not put children on this medicine. Finally I stopped all ADHD meds when I got clean, and actually learned how to USE MY ADHD TO MY ADVANTAGE. I have a daughter. I am sure someone will want to diagnose her as ADHD at some point but I will never ever let my children be put on stimulants."
- pptom
- May 29, 2021
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have comorbid ADHD with bipolar and take Vyvanse in addition to a mood stabilizer. I have been on several stimulants since 2019, including Adderall XR and Dexedrine Spansule, and I find Vyvanse to be the optimal choice. My dose is 60mg, and it improves my focus for several hours without a sense of agitation. It also seems to calm my mind and allows me to do one thing at a time. As an academic, I have found that to be particularly beneficial when reading long texts. While I appreciate the relief Vyvanse can bring, I need to reiterate that no single pill is going to offer an immediate fix for any mental health condition. Especially with ADHD, sleep and regular exercise are paramount. Over the last two years, I have realized that stimulants simply won't work for me if I am not well-rested, which I believe is the case for most people. In terms of supplements, I take vitamins (important to find a mix that is suitable for you), omega 3 fish oil, and magnesium daily."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I have ADHD, Bipolar Depression, Opioid Side Effects. First, do not pay attention to negative reviews about Vyvanse on here. I will tell you now that I would not be able to function without Vyvanse 70 mg QAM being on board. It gives me smooth sustained focus, a mental state of peace, relief from depression, potentiation of opioid narcotics (thus needing less opioids overall), drive, ability to sit still, work a great job, have meaningful conversations, have good relationships, take part in everyday life, work out and even sleep well. It does take a while to kick in, so I wake up in the morning like 2 hours before I need to, then take the med and go back to sleep. When I wake up, the drug is active and working. With Vyvanse, I get 10-14 hours of relief, and at the end of the day, there is a gentle comedown that doesn’t leave me an anxious wreck. In fact, Vyvanse helps with anxiety profoundly, far better than benzodiazepines, which sounds crazy, but many people report the same thing."