[little_bear]

I have been taking Adderal on and off for about 7 years. I keep getting addicted to it, and then my doctor takes me off of it. I have been off of it for about 2 years, and my doctor wants to give me Vyvanse. I am kind of scared to take it because the withdrawals are total hell, but it really does help me. What should I do?

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by little_bear

I have been taking Adderal on and off for about 7 years. I keep getting addicted to it, and then my doctor takes me off of it. I have been off of it for about 2 years, and my doctor wants to give me Vyvanse. I am kind of scared to take it because the withdrawals are total hell, but it really does help me. What should I do?

I'm no doctor so I can't really tell you what to do. I was just diagnosed with ADHD. I see my pdoc for medications on Thursday. I, too am wondering if stimulants are the right choice for me as I had one short trial on Ritalin IR which made me anxious and jittery. From what I have read, the stimulants all have different durations of effectiveness and windows of therapeutic response. Vyvance may affect you in a better way and maybe your doctor is hoping for this. I say listen to your doctor's advice and see if it works for you.

Best wishes!

[Miswimmy1]

Adderall is known to be abused because it has a strong addictive quality. Do you have a history of substance abuse? Any medication can be addictive but Vyvanse does not have that reputation as far as I know. Of course I'm no doctor so you should discuss this with your psychiatrist. But I would give it a shot. Or if need be, ask your doc about a non stimulant alternative.

Side Blinded- You are completely correct- every medication can have different side effects and durations of effectiveness. However, you might want to either lower the dosage or try the Ritalin for a little longer. I don't know how long a "short trial" is but sometimes it takes the body a little while to adjust.

[Feelinwobbly]

I'm wondering why your Dr takes you off it? When you say addicted do you mean tolerant? I would think anyone who is prescribed stimulants becomes addicted at some level. I feel like he is punishing you by letting you go through withdrawl over and over again. A holiday from stimulants is good if you are experiencing tolerance problems.

I take 30mg adderall xr twice daily. I show total contra indication to it. I don't get hyper, I sleep well, My work and personal relationships are so much better when I can follow conversations.

I am addicted to this med. I don't use it for euphoric effects or escapism but no doubt I am addicted. It does not make me happy but helps me to achieve happiness.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that all these stimulants are addictive. The difference is how you use them. I don't "feel"my meds but I can certainly tell when I have not had them.

Vyvanse is a Central Nervous System Stimulant. It carries a serious risk of dependency. The delivery mechanism is different from Adderall but make no mistake it can be abused.

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate taken oraly is not an active drug in its original state. After ingestion it is converted by the body to l-lysine and d-amphetamine.

Good Luck,