Comments on: Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire

Question: Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire

mynameismandab — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:42:46 -0800

[AdultADHDMedicineFilter] What to do about Vyvanse-induced mood swings?

I'm a high-functioning 26-year-old recently diagnosed with ADHD. A couple weeks ago I started taking 30 mg Vyvanse (children's dose). It's been great for my concentration, but I'm starting to notice other effects too.

In that time, I've found myself becoming extremely emotionally reactive and argumentative. I've also experience a terrible case of dry mouth-- my tongue literally is big enough for me to chew.

I've started limiting my dose to half a capsule (15 mg) a day, but it takes a lot of time to open the cap, consume half the contents, then screw it back together. I've contacted my therapist and am seeing him tomorrow to figure this out.

Has anyone else had similar experiences, and if so, how do you handle this? Is this just part and parcel with the medicine?

By: mingshan

mingshan — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:08:46 -0800

I can't answer your question, but I thought you might be interested in this article about a web site called "PatientsLikeMe" that was in the NY Times magazine today.

By: ikkyu2

ikkyu2 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:13:16 -0800

Irritability and dry mouth are expected effects of this medication. You should discuss them with the physician who prescribed it, not your therapist (unless they are the same person.)

By: mynameismandab

mynameismandab — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:43:23 -0800

Wait...
I've contacted my therapist and am seeing him tomorrow to figure this out.

Therapist should be replaced with Psychiatrist... whoops.

Thanks, ikky.

Epilogue: My MD took me off the Vyvanse and replaced it with Strattera. Here's hoping this medicine will be a better fit.

Thanks, everybody.

By: gjc

gjc — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:54:29 -0800

Have you considered adderal xr? It's four different types of amphetamine with an extended release component. So it tends to give a very steady dose throughout the day. I'm surprised that wasn't the first choice.

By: monopas

monopas — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:47:54 -0800

IANAD, but as a 32 year-old with ADHD, I feel for you.

I've never tried Vyvanse, but it seems to be the newest drug. Strattera is a few years old now, but I must say that word of mouth among adult users hasn't been very good. Besides, Strattera is not a direct acting medication, like amphetamines, but a reuptake inhibitor, like Prozac. It is a bit odd that your psychiatrist didn't try you on one of the old reliable meds, like dexadrine or adderall or even Ritalin. Unless you have a history of substance abuse.

I take Adderall XR, and it helps me immensely, but my psych's other adult patients mostly prefer the immediate release (and generic) version. Including my mother :}