Posted by detroitpistons on January 14, 2010, at 19:29:42
In reply to Dose - Re: Vyvanse Crash?, posted by SheilaC on January 14, 2010, at 18:37:19
I had the same kinds of issues with Adderall (immediate release). The first couple of weeks are like a "honeymoon" phase. I felt great at first but then started having all kinds of issues and side effects. I still take it today, but I take it more responsibly and my body is more used to the drug now.
I tried Vyvanse on a free trial and I absolutely hated it!! It's a "pro-drug" version of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), and it's basically just a "patent extender." It's just dexedrine that has to be metabolized by the liver. That's it. Nothing more. Vyvanse is just modified, regular old dexedrine that can't be crushed up and snorted. It's actually quite ridiculous when you think about it because this crushing and snorting issue isn't really an issue for most people. Dexedrine was first synthesized in 1887!! Can you believe that? Even Adderall is mostly just dexedrine, but it's a combination of 4 different "salts." It's still about 75% dextroamphetamine, but they added "levoamphetamine" which is just a slightly different form (mirror image) that produces a slightly different effect in the brain. Again, they took a very old drug and supposedly "enhanced" it. It makes it work a little faster and gives you more of a "kick in the pants." For a lot of people, this is just increased nervousness.
For me, Vyvanse was just an extended release crash. It worked for a few hours and then I felt the "crash" for a lot longer than I would with anything else. That's just me though. As another poster mentioned, you're probably better off taking the much, much cheaper generic dexedrine or the Dexedrine Spansules which are the extended release version, still much cheaper than Vyvanse.
After I started the Adderall, the "high" went away. I thought this meant that it wasn't working, so I took more. I eventually realized that I was chasing the "high" without even realizing it. After maybe the first couple weeks, you don't necessarily need to "feel" it in order for it to be working.
I don't think your experience is abnormal. You might've been on too high of a dose and/or your body just doesn't agree with this version of the drug. If I were you, I'd ask to try the Dexedrine Spansules. There's a good chance that the crash won't be dragged out for so long. Plus, you won't be wasting money, whether it's yours or your insurance company's.
The only reason Vyvanse would be a good choice for you is if you have a history of drug abuse and you are likely to try to crush and snort a stimulant. Even then, many former drug abusers are able to take their ADHD meds responsibly.
poster:detroitpistons
thread:933596
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100113/msgs/933666.html