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User Reviews for Lisdexamfetamine to treat Depression

Brand names: Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 20 reviews for the off-label treatment of Depression. 85% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Lisdexamfetamine rating summary

8.6/10 average rating

20 ratings from 21 user reviews.

Compare all 190 medications used in the treatment of Depression.

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Reviews for Lisdexamfetamine

Lillian · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · March 15, 2023

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I’ve been taking Vyvanse for treatment-resistant depression for almost a year now. I don’t have ADHD btw. I’ve been on a dozen antidepressants and Vyvanse has outshone them all. I do still take an antidepressant for my anxiety, but my depression is insufficiently treated without the Vyvanse. I haven’t built up a tolerance either. Every aspect of my life is so much better with this med- even my social anxiety and sleep somehow. This was definitely the missing piece. Before the Vyvanse I hardly had the energy to send a text message. Now I work out in the mornings! I only take 20 mg but the difference is night and day. Be sure to use the savings card on the manufacturer’s website even if you have insurance. It can get a little pricey."

10 / 10
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Thom · Taken for 1 to 6 months · May 8, 2021

"I have suffered from Major Depressive Disorder for my entire life. I did TMS and had 17 ECT treatments after trying just about every depression medicine. I changed doctors and we moved to Symbyax at bedtime and Vyvanse upon waking, I have to tell you that Vyvanse has saved my life!! I consider my current doctor to be a genuine innovator and out of the box thinker who recommended Vyvanse to me. I am more than happy to share my story of being alive again. Please don't ever give up. Keep on keeping on!"

10 / 10
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Luvly... · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · August 27, 2018

"I have been diagnosed with bipolar severe depression/Anxiety disorder And Despite being on Abilify, Prozac and Xanax. I have spent most of my days in bed; No energy what-so-ever. I have also put on 60 pounds. I asked my Psych if there was a way to break this cycle. He prescribed Vyvanse. I started to notice a difference on 30 mg and then he upped to me 50 mg. I have to say that this medication has really given me this new look out on life. I have more energy now and has given me the ability/ confidence to do things like errands, cooking for my family, interacting with people where as my anxiety prevented me from doing that. I am hoping to return to work one day after being away for 10 years. Its an amazing medication and I am thankful for my psychiatrist. Vyvanse truly does make a difference."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

Becki · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · September 8, 2020

"I've been diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, bipolar II with rapid cycling, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia. I've been on so many medications over the past 20 years, it's hard to remember them all, but my First day taking Vyvanse - it was like the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders for the first time in my life! I'm currently on 70mg once a day in the morning for the past 6 months. I don't get quite the same effect anymore but it definitely makes me able to get up and stay up throughout the day. I also take ativan 2mg 4x a day to help with the anxiety, but I'm off all the antipsychotics and SNRIs and SSRIs I was on before and am actually able function and feel like a human again."

10 / 10
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Airti... · Taken for 1 to 2 years · May 11, 2021

"I was put on Vyvanse for ADHD, but my doctor had also been trying to control my severe depression as well with different antidepressants. All antidepressants I tried (at least 15) were no greater than a 5 in effectiveness, if rating them. Well, once starting Vyvanse, I noticed a dramatic and positive change in my mood after about a week. I thought that since it helped so quickly, it surely wouldn't be helpful long-term. I was wrong because I have been on Vyvanse for over a year now and I've not grown tolerant to its antidepressant effects nor its effects for my ADHD. Plus, it has fewer side effects than what I experienced with traditional antidepressants."

10 / 10
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ilike... · April 10, 2021

"This saved my life!! Vyvanse has improved my depression more than every antidepressant I've been on combined. I used to be constantly exhausted, disinterested in everything, and dissociate constantly, just sorta floating thru life. It has given me the ability to do the things that actually make me happy, focus on my schoolwork (I've always had attention issues, but I'm not quite full-blown ADHD), work, and hang out w friends without getting drained. it brings my dissociation down from a constant 7-8/10 to a 3-5, which is huge, and it lasts long enough that I am able to be myself for 100% of the day. I also tried Adderall XR, and it was definitely better than nothing, but made me anxious + didn't last long enough (and just didn't quite work as well). The only thing I will say: Eat something with protein. I hate eating breakfast, but even just yogurt or an egg makes a huge diff in the effectiveness. Side effects are my hands are always cold, but like, whatever because this drug is literally saving my life lol"

10 / 10
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MsUkr... · Taken for 1 to 6 months · June 15, 2019

"Everyone is different. Some people like Adderall some people like Vyvanse. For me personally Vyvanse works much better. I was prescribed Adderall at first for my depression. It worked okay but then kind of stopped working. So I switched to Vyvanse. For me it’s much smoother, more natural type of feeling. Gives me energy throughout the day and lasts longer. I would definitely recommend trying it. The only side effect for me is loss of appetite so I have to force myself to eat."

9 / 10
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Vyvanse · Taken for 1 to 6 months · July 11, 2022

"I have lived with depression, anxiety for most of my life! I was diagnosed with ADHD 5 months ago. I take Vyvanse, this medication has changed my life! I feel so much better, it's amazing how a tablet can help so much. I feel I can live my life now."

10 / 10
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Anonymous · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 27, 2022

"This medication has saved my life. Even on 3 different antidepressants, my depression wasn’t getting better. Literally after my first dose I noticed a difference. Have energy to live life again. The only side effects I have noticed is my legs have been very restless."

10 / 10
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Cynthia · Taken for 1 to 6 months · November 13, 2022

"I've been dealing with major depressive disorder since I was a child. Some of the medications I've taken, have taken, offer little or no relief. Some, of course, have been better than others. Lisdexamfetamine does however, offer the best relief yet. It allows me to feel like not watching tv all day, and helps me in social situations. Also, I am able to write (I'm a part time writer) with a fresh, clear-headed mind. I am taking 50mgs. but 50mgs twice daily would be ideal. Also, I am grateful when a doctor realizes that major-depressive disorder, is not the same as regular depression. Thank you for your time. Cynthia"

9 / 10
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Kenny... · Taken for 5 to 10 years · January 22, 2020

"I've been fighting what is deemed to be depression for years. I've got chronic urinary tract problems and advanced Crohn's disease which is likely the cause or greatly contributes to the cause of the depression, fatigue, etc. Long story short after all the psych docs and all the other meds I've been prescribed Vyvanse is the only medication that keeps me up and going. When I've quit taking it for any amount of time I crash and I crash hard."

8 / 10
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Roe · Taken for less than 1 month · September 24, 2020

"Much like the previous person, I have depression and extreme fatigue due to Crohn’s Disease. I’ve been on Adderal for a few years and tried Vyvanse too. Today I switched to Vyvanse for good. It’s much subtle and I don’t crash like I do with Adderal. I’m happy my doctor suggested it and my insurance company finally approved it. Good luck to all. Depression can be debilitating for the person suffering and the entire family."

10 / 10
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Tiago · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 11, 2022

"Depression is not exactly sadness, but inability to find pleasure and comfort in things we enjoy in life. I have tried so many meds, and none of them worked the way Elvanse does to me. I highly recommend giving it a try, if other meds for depression haven't helped you yet! The only side effect that I notice from it is increased sweating, and at some point appetite loss."

10 / 10
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Anonymous · January 2, 2012

"I was prescribed 20mg of Vyvanse last year after trying different medications for a couple of years without much success. I had found bupropion (Wellbutrin) before after being on SSRIs and felt better immediately after I began taking it. As a result of my mood improving dramatically on more of a stimulant type of medication, and the fact that I smoke cigarettes and drink plenty of coffee, I was prescribed a CNS stimulant to try. My doctor suggested Adderall but I didn't want the up and down mood swings that came with it, so I asked for Vyvanse instead. I moved from 20mg to 30mg a month after I started and haven't looked back. It's a very subtle medication that I find gives me the alertness I need to not feel panicky on a day to day basis."

9 / 10
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DanDMan · April 12, 2016

"I suffer from paralyzing anxiety that came on when I was 36 and I'm now 40. I haven't had it for the entire 4 yrs but I'm going theough my 3rd episode now and its brought on by finances and then I suffer a panic attacks which turns into chronic severe bedridden anxiety. I have the thought that just take over and each thought sends me spiraling and then the depression kicks in which makes it worse. I'm a father of 1 and married. Anyway, I was put on Vyvance and its takes it away for the time its in my system. I'm gonna try zoloft to help with the depression after it weres off but vyvance at least gives me a glimmer of hope. I can think clearly so iIhope this is helpful to others"

10 / 10
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Mr Clay · Taken for less than 1 month · June 19, 2019

"I’m a 39 year old male who suffers from major depressive disorder and chronic fatigue. Things have gotten so bad that I’m on disability and sleep 12-16 hours a day. My doctor prescribed me this in hopes of it boosting my energy. I took my first 30mg dose this morning. For 3 or 4 hours my heart was beating out of my chest and then I crashed. Not a pleasant experience on day 1 probably won’t take this tomorrow"

1 / 10
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Anonymous · Taken for less than 1 month · November 19, 2012

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) "I am on my third day of taking this now. First day: mild headache that got worse as the day went on, mild upset stomach, sleeping normal, itchy at night. Second day: bouts of nausea, strange uncomfortable feeling, hot and cold flashes, not a good sleep, itchy at night (worse). Third day: Feel really moody, negative and I have a strange feeling, also exhausted. It clearly isn't for me. I don't feel like "myself" in three days? Kind of scary."

3 / 10
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Depre... · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · March 17, 2017

"Taking Vvyanse for treatment resistant depression, started to notice half life extending from 11 hours to 15 hours. Very unusual. The only other med I've taken that has this half life is modavigil, does anyone have similar experiences"

2 / 10
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breccan · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · February 14, 2023

"Vyvnase is the only medication that treats my treatment resistant depression. No side effects."

10 / 10
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Allri... · Taken for 5 to 10 years · May 25, 2017

"Good Drug for my condition- Drug resistant Depression . Dry mouth is about the only side effect. Hassle to get in KY"

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Ed230... · December 8, 2015

"I feel great after taking Vyvanse! It's like a miracle! I feel absolutely normal!!"

10 / 10
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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.