Lisdexamfetamine and Irritability: What Users Say (Page 2)

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2017

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I've been on Vyvanse for a year. I take 50 mg now and I wouldn't say it's a miracle drug, but over the past year I have attended more classes and gotten more consistent grades in university. I definitely have to put in the effort to experience the benefits; it's not motivation/focus-in-a-pill for me! The side effects I've experienced are increased anxiety, dry mouth, increased perfectionism, irritability, and some insomnia. Its impact on my mood varies. At first, my appetite decreased and I had terrible afternoon crashes, but they have leveled out over time. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for me. I haven't tried anything except for Wellbutrin, which I still take. Not sure how they interact."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2016

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I have been on Vyvanse 30 mg for a year now and have had success taking it. I can work full time, have time management, take great care of my kids, and keep my house clean. I sleep just fine at night. I do get irritable throughout the day if I don't eat. I feel nauseous and sick if I don't snack and stay hydrated. Hate to say it, but it also worsens my anxiety slightly in the morning. The pros have outweighed the cons. As for weight loss, I lost 7 pounds when I started taking it but have stayed at 130 pounds, the same weight for a year. I am 5'5 and 28 years old. I feel healthy."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "Vyvanse has been an up-and-down experience. First taking it, it upset my stomach, that went away after a few weeks. The first week was very emotionally happy. I felt like I stepped into life for the first time. But every day at 2 pm, my ADHD would start returning. As time went on, 2 pm went from just ADHD to ADHD, extreme irritability, bad headaches, and nearly nonfunctional. My doctor upped my dose, but that did nothing. Currently waiting for my next appointment to switch medications. If it actually lasted even just 8 hours, I would stay on it. It truly is life-changing for 4-5 hours, lol symptom-free 4-5 hours isn't worth how I feel during what they call 'the crash.'"

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2016

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I have always had a problem with focus and attention, and recently was told I have ADHD. I am currently on Vyvanse, and when I started it, I found the first few days to be great. I almost felt superhuman because I was able to start and finish things in one go and felt more active. I have had to have my dosage increased, and I feel that as I take this medication, the effectiveness of it is dissipating and being replaced with a feeling of being 'frantic' and slightly anxious, as well as it is affecting my mood and causing me to feel agitated. I will be asking my doctor about trying something else, as I feel that just increasing the dosage again would cause the feelings I am getting to become worse."

• squ...
• August 28, 2019

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I had taken Vyvanse for many years and was slowly on the decline. I was deeply depressed and had an absolute hopeless and helpless outlook on life with no relief. I had psychosis, delusions, and impulsive behavior, which I never had. I began having issues with memory, thinking, reasoning, decision-making, tasks, and concentration. I would become very agitated if interrupted. I was very aggressive and agitated constantly, it was at least 98% of the time in 10 years. I read horror stories about stimulants, namely the amphetamine line of them. I subsequently tapered off of them and feel 100% better than before. I have no depressive symptoms, delusions, memory problems, agitation, or aggressiveness. I was not happy with life, and my personal relationships were very toxic. I wasted almost 10 years of my life feeling like this and have other personal complications that resulted from the use of these toxic drugs."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2017

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "My son is 6. They started him off on Concerta, he seemed fine. We had minimal complaint. The only downside is, every day around 7, he would be in moods over silly things, but it would pass. Now the Vyvanse had him in 'HULK' mode, as he would describe it. He was very snappy and angry and became aggressive with the kids at school (which was never an issue before). I hated that stuff. I'm beginning to realize that finding the right meds is going to be a HUGE task."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2010

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am 44 years old and was recently diagnosed with ADD. I am a successful professional who always had to work a little harder to achieve results due to my lack of concentration and tendency toward distractions. I started taking Vyvanse and have to admit I felt like Superwoman for about a week and ranted and raved about how much I was getting done without the jittery feeling most stimulants provide. But then all in one day, I crashed. I started getting extremely agitated. I then would get so angry I would cry hysterically. I quit taking the medication, and within a few days my mood and attitude have leveled off. Although I have suffered from extreme vertigo and exhaustion since I have been off this medicine. I was on 30mg."

• 24...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I switched to this medication from Adderall because, although Adderall helped with a lot of things, I still couldn’t focus on college studies. The higher doses of Adderall made me very, very angry, so I switched to Vyvanse, hoping to get better focus with fewer side effects. The first few days on 20 mg were productive. I noticed it didn’t really crash or have too many side effects. I was wrong. After a few days, I started feeling tired and irritable during the time it was effective and after. We decided to up the dosage to 40 mg to see if it would help. Same results as before, after a few days, I felt like crap. The 40 mg actually made me feel super depressed and have suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t feel emotions anymore besides the negative ones - like severe fatigue, hopelessness, and depression. It made me super irritable and almost like I was looking to argue with my girlfriend. It was horrible. After stopping it for a few days, I finally started feeling like myself again."

• bub...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 22, 2013

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a kid. I've tried all sorts of medications, (two types of Adderall, and I don't even remember what else). Around two years ago, my doctor decided to switch me to Vyvanse. It is effective, I won't lie, but the side effects make it less than desirable. I am a 17-year-old on a 7-year-old's dosage, and it still causes me to have mood swings, become irritable and antisocial, and kills my appetite. If I happen to be stressed out, on my period, and on Vyvanse at the same time (both tantrums and objects will be thrown). I've taken to using it on an as-needed basis. It's not as effective this way, and my doctor doesn't like it, but at least I can balance academics and a social life this way."

• Sam...
• February 10, 2017

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADD, and my doctor recommended me to take Vyvanse 40mg. The first day, I took it around 6:00 am, and it started to work about an hour in. I was able to focus very well and was a lot more sociable. However, the good effects of the medicine only lasted for 5 hours, and then everything went downhill, and I felt depressed. My heart was beating faster than usual, dry mouth, and I had no desire for food. The next day, thinking it would be better, it didn't kick in until around 2:00 pm and only lasted for a few hours. Sometimes, it would leave me feeling very antisocial and agitated. Today is my last day taking it because it hasn't worked for me at all today. I wasn't hungry all day, felt very sweaty, nervous, agitated, out of breath."

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2017

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I've been on Vyvanse for about 2 days now, and I can't believe the difference from the other two medications I've tried (Adderall and Focalin). I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago, I was not diagnosed when I was younger, which would've really explained a lot. First, I tried Adderall, it didn't do much but make me a bit irritable, and still not focusing was on 50 mg a day, 30 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the afternoon, and I didn't notice a thing. Next was the generic of Focalin, which did absolutely nothing! With Vyvanse, I feel like I can concentrate on one thing at a time and not have the urge to start 10 other things. My doctor put me on 70 mg in the morning, it's a bit of a slow start, but once it does, it's very productive."

• 64...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2020

Lisdexamfetamine for Binge Eating Disorder "Researched first as I am sensitive to drugs. Vyvanse seemed okay. Low toxicity, and does not stay in the system long. Began on 10 mg; increased by 10 mg every few days. While on 10 and 20, I had the 'Vyvanse crash.' Doctors are often bad at informing about some side effects, so be aware. Irritability and anger, hating everything in the evenings. Also an ungrounded, unsettled feeling in the evening as the drug wore off. But all would go away by morning, and it disappeared once I went up to 30 mg daily. Just note in case it happens to you. Went up to 40 mg. Next morning at 5 a.m., awoke itching badly. Looked online and found a few reports of this odd effect where, when the medicine wore off, itching would begin. The doctor said to stop. Will never know if the itching might have abated, but from what I saw online, very unlikely. Had no benefit at that dose yet. Saw reports that stimulants can lower serotonin eventually. This could cause the depression and increased eating some report. Just pay attention."

• Pin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2018

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am 46 years old and was officially diagnosed with ADD last year. My doctor put me on Adderall. It worked wonders, as long as I remembered to take my second pill. Since my insurance did not cover the extended release, I was put on Vyvanse 54 mg, I think. My focus is longer-acting, which increases my functionality at work, however, the side effects have been unfavorable for me. I have headaches, diarrhea at least two times a day, nausea, extreme irritability, extreme dry mouth, gained seven pounds this month, feeling more depressed, and halfway through the day, I get very tired and feel like I am waiting for the second wave of medication to hit. My follow-up with my doctor is tomorrow, and I am going to request to go back to Adderall. I just think overall, I was a more pleasant and functional person. I do not want to try yet another ADD medication because I am scared of more side effects, and I had minimal side effects on Adderall. I am glad that Vyvanse helps some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone."

• Sar...
• October 11, 2016

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I was diagnosed in 2nd grade with ADHD. I was held back in 1st grade and was not improving, so they tested my IQ. To their surprise, I tested gifted and scored extremely high on my standardized test. My doctor put me on 40 mg of Vyvanse. My grades went to straight A's, then stayed that way. It was great for my attention disorder, unfortunately, I felt all the side effects. I lost 20 pounds because I wouldn't eat, I became very antisocial and irritable, and sometimes I felt depressed. As a young kid, this bothered me because school was socially hard. I would not take my medicine, and kids would love me, I was hyper, funny, and happy. These days, my classwork would be poor. I'm now 18, and I still take it. I still have the side effects, but I do well in school."

• GL1...
• April 15, 2009

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am 19 now and started taking ADD medicines when I was 17. I had used Adderall for a few months and had to stop because of the 'rebound' I got from it. It made me too agitated and easily angry/sad when coming down on it near the end of the day. I switched to Focalin XR, and it worked well for maybe another month before the same thing started happening. My doctor then wanted to try one more time, so he said there is a newer stimulant out for ADD/ADHD, and it is pretty much like a cousin of Adderall. He said there is a better chance that this won't have a negative rebound. I have been on 60 mg of Vyvanse for a few months, and I have not felt any type of negative side effects like I had before. It works great and helps me stay focused with school and work."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2009

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with ADD only last year. I changed from Adderall XR to Vyvanse, and after 3 weeks, I am having anxiety and total lack of focus. It seems to make me more agitated and more easily distracted. There is definitely not a 'focus' benefit for me on this drug."

• Cor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2016

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADD in fourth grade, however, my doctor decided to just have the school put me on a learning program (504 Plan). Throughout the years, I started to develop depression, agitation, severe anxiety, and OCD. I had tried EVERY antidepressant, and they had all failed. My PCP started me on benzos, which helped a little. I decided it was time to go see a mental health physician assistant. She went over all my symptoms, and she immediately realized that I had been misdiagnosed and the PCP had me on about 5-6 medications. She started me on Vyvanse 40 MG, and my life has forever changed. I am generally very happy and able to function, went from severe anxiety to mild, which is helped with Valium. I recommend Vyvanse!"

• nap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2021

For Narcolepsy "31 y F. Suffered from EDS for the last 5 years, finally got appropriate sleep studies two months ago. Have tried Provigil, Nuvigil, Sunosi, all did not do very much for me. Started Vyvanse and now take 50 mg in the AM, 20 mg around midday. Big difference, though it is more difficult to get out of bed in the am now. Takes about an hour to kick in, then I'm good until the next dose. I metabolize it quickly, so it doesn't last as long as it should even with the extra 20 mg in the pm as a booster. I've tried Adderall ER in the pm as a booster but makes me feel woozy for the first 2 hours, so switched to the 20 mg Vyvanse. Will be replacing the 20 mg Vyvanse with Wakix soon, though, because I'm falling asleep driving home still, and 70 mg is the max dose. I work 2 jobs and need to stay awake from 5 am to at least 8 pm. Better than my life before, though not quite where I need to be. I also notice I can get more agitated easier now. Other than that and feeling very sluggish upon waking up in the AM, I have no side effects."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2012

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "My 6-year-old son was only on this for 10 days before yanking him off of it. The first day he ate almost nothing, threw up by 5 pm, and was awake at least 3 hours after putting him to bed. That day and the next few days he talked incessantly and had a dry mouth, but his ability to attend in school was a little better but only for maybe 4 hours tops. By the last 3 days, it was making him worse. He was very irritable and was literally bouncing off the walls, and made his impulsiveness even worse. He was crawling on the floor, biting his nails wildly, licking things...you name it. This was a kid that most other people never even knew had issues, but within a week on Vyvanse, he was definitely acting wild."

• Lob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2023

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "My doctor switched me to Vyvanse after the insurance company quit paying for the old medicine that I’ve been on for 10 years. Vyvanse is completely different. I don’t feel that it works as well, I am back to my old habits of NOT being motivated. The worst part is that I’m so irritable and negative when taking it. I hate that feeling, it’s not me. I take the meds for ADHD. I don’t take it for weight loss, but I do know that it hasn’t changed my appetite at all, maybe it’s working for people with a stronger dose. I don’t recommend this product."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2011

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "My son was on Vyvanse for 3 years. At first, the side effects were the normal irritability, obsessive thoughts, and anxiety only on the days he took the drug. His concentration and grades improved, so the benefits outweighed the side effects. The last year, though, he was increasingly negative, obsessing over negative thoughts, anxious and paranoid only on the days he took it. I think the side effects can affect kids more or less as they grow. He was very depressed for a 10-year-old. Since he's been off, he's been happier!! I think positive thoughts are more important than grades since we all know where negative thoughts lead down the road if left unchecked. Overall, the medicine is not bad, but keep a close eye on behavior."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2010

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am a 20-year-old female. I have been taking 50 mg Vyvanse for about 3 months or so. I started taking it during the summer, and so my schedule of taking it was rather irregular, which caused me to have insomnia and decreased my appetite. I have started school now, and it works wonders. I am able to concentrate in class, and I have the motivation to actually do my homework. I even wish I were in school longer... strange, I know. I have experienced the side effects from it, more recently though. I have noticed my heart will race for no real reason, I have become more irritable and on edge (although I'm pretty sure I was like that before), and I tend to get kind of agitated at very minuscule things."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2010

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I am a 20-year-old female. I have been taking 50 mg Vyvanse for about 3 months or so. I started taking it during the summer, and so my schedule of taking it was rather irregular, which caused me to have insomnia and decreased my appetite. I have started school now, and it works wonders. I am able to concentrate in class, and I have the motivation to actually do my homework. I even wish I were in school longer... strange, I know. I have experienced the side effects from it, more recently though. I have noticed my heart will race for no real reason, I have become more irritable and on edge (although I'm pretty sure I was like that before), and I tend to get kind of agitated at very minuscule things."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2009

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I was originally on Concerta for my ADD and got extremely depressed and almost suicidal. I then switched to Adderall, which I took for 4 years without many problems, until I developed a tolerance to it and my dose got so high that I was getting a bunch of side effects. I tried Strattera, which did absolutely nothing and made me really sleepy. Then I switched to Vyvanse, which worked about the same as the Adderall, but I wasn't as irritable and didn't have the same loss of appetite. However, I did start to develop acne, which I didn't realize until recently was being caused by the Vyvanse. I've also developed a major dependency, if I don't take it, I have trouble doing daily tasks and I'm really tired."

• cra...
• October 29, 2009

Lisdexamfetamine for ADHD "I have been taking Vyvanse 4 mg for a month, and my productivity in my work and school has increased measurably. I have taken several different ADHD medicines through a period of several years, and Vyvanse is by far the most effective. It hasn't caused me any of the side effects caused by most ADHD medicines (paranoia, restlessness, agitation, lack of appetite). Of course, these are just my experiences, but I would recommend Vyvanse to others."