... that I tried Concerta and Ritalin, and those didn't work well. I found now that when I take the Vyvanse, I still have the symptoms of ADD where I am scattered and keep switching from one unfinished task to the next, but I just have a lot more energy in order to accomplish this so it's like that behaviour but hyped up. I also find that it keeps me awake for too long, which used to be okay but now I've started a job which conflicts with this, and the short-lasting Ritalin I've already tried and didn't find helpful. I've heard before that Adderall is stronger in terms of helping focus, so I'm wondering about it and want to ask my doctor. But I'm feeling hesitant because of all the sketchiness surrounding Adderall, so I'm nervous to even ask in case me being nervous comes off as me seeking it for the wrong reasons. Any suggestions for what to say? Is it likely to get a chance to try it out? Should I ask for it specifically? And, has anyone else switched from Vyvanse to Adderall, and did it go well?
Responses (1)
Hi Sweetpotatoe,
Adderall and vyvanse are both prescribed for the same indication, primarily for ADHD, and all variations of attention related disorders.
Adderall “ Amphetamine salts” is probably one of the most requested prescriptions among ADHD ADD patients and doctors are trained to spot signs of potential drug seeking behavior.
Asking your doctor specifically for Adderall could raise a red flag for your doctor.
This can also depend on the relationship you and your doctor have and the comfort level of the provider in prescribing schedule 2 medicine, which can in some cases place the provider under a higher level of DEA scrutiny.
Adderall is a very powerful stimulant, it initially induces euphoria which is followed by an almost insatiable desire to keep doing things, this makes it difficult for persons taking it to sleep.
There is an instant release and Extended release variant available at low generic cost.
I think that it may be worth trying, as for asking the doctor for it I would start by telling them that you feel that vyvanse does not improve the symptoms for which it is prescribed.
Ask if he/she recommends any alternatives to vyvanse, but try not to ask directly for medications by name, in my experience this is not a good idea.
I wish you all the best and hope you find what you are really looking for, it may be in the form of medication, or not but I think it’s really important to ask yourself what you really want from a medication and if it is the best thing for you and your circumstances, the ultimate goal I believe should be is learning to live without medication.
Best of luck.
Jamie.
Further Information
- Adderall Drug Information
- Concerta Drug Information
- Ritalin Drug Information
- Vyvanse Drug Information
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I wanted to try it out because I read that someone took it for a while and then was able to stop taking it with the improvements in behaviour they made lasting them so that they could be off medication.
I actually mostly want to try something that gives me stronger focus abilities and doesn't taper off at the end, for full day work shifts of 9 hours I started recently. So I think I will mention that to her. Thank you.
That is a good start, Adderall ER extended release could be a good choice, you could also consider a medication called modafinil, normally prescribed for Narcolepsy.
It is less potent, but when it wears of the effects are less noticeable when compared with Adderall.
I too suffer with a lack of focus and was prescribed a plethora of different medications, Vyvanse, Adderall, I found vyvanse to be useless.
As for Adderall it was very helpful but I felt that it compromised my personality, making me less empathic and after about a year on it I decided to stop.
Just talk with your provider and be honest about your symptoms and your goals and I’m sure you’ll be happy with the outcome.
Stay positive and have a great day!