Alternatives to Vyvance?

[Larkin29]

Hello,

I had posted another article the other day, which has been very helpful. This subject was posed in there but I thought a direct question would help.

My son is 27 and has been on Vyvanse 70 mg for 10 years. I know it is not working. He seems to function well at work. He has a detailed job, etc… but his personal life is challenging. He still lives at home, although we charge him rent and basically doesn’t do anything except things he wants to do and puts everything else off.

He was diagnosed in 3rd grade so I see all the signs of this medication not working. He has successfully taken Adderall XR (various doses from 3rd grade to 11th) then was switched to the max dose of Vyvanse.

I know there is a drug shortage but has anyone else had this issue? The message he got is that there really isn’t a great alternative. Or when this shortage is over, to change to an alternative for a few months and then go back to Vyvanse to “reset” his body.

Any insight is appreciated.

Thank you.

[BLC89]

Hello again Larkin29

It is my understanding that Adderall is the main med that has a shortage. I tried to find if others are facing the same problem but not much comes up. When I learned about ADHD drugs the stimulants were presented as very similar. Vyvance has a high tech dispensary method that is pretty cool but otherwise I don't know that it is all that different from the others.

I would try a couple of others and see how they work. Since they are so fast acting and short lived in your system it is pretty easy to test them and then move on if it doesn't work. I am guessing that the same dose for a 17 year old to 27 year old probably needs adjusting. Think of the difference in hormone levels between the two ages.

Here are a couple of articles I found:

singlecare.com/blog/adderal...

additudemag.com/category/ex...

I don't know much about singlecare.com but it gives you a list and you could cross reference from there.

I hope that helps.

BLC89

[Larkin29 in reply to BLC89]

Thank you so much. This is what I’ve said to his Doctor and a number of years ago. I think he’s been operating at a deficit for a long time. He’s a late bloomer in just about everything and since 17 has grown almost a foot, etc… Lots of changes and I cannot see how this could still be working (plus I see it!). I appreciate your input!

[BLC89 in reply to Larkin29]

A lot of times you have to be "bitchy" (aka confident for a man😠) especially with doctors. Because, of course, they already know everything. You may need a new doc.Glad I can help,

BLC89

[Lostconcerned]

hello,

My grandson has been on Focalin XR since diagnosed but we have been unable to get it. I was told by our pharmacy that all these meds are in short supply. We have had to change our grandson to vyvanse but I think he is worse on this medication than the Focalin. I hope they get the issues resolved soon.

[anirush]

When we felt Vyvanse was not quite doing the job we switched to Strattera with an eventual addition of Guanfacine. My other grandson had more problems with depression and he used Guanfacine with Welbutrin since the psychiatrist said it also helps with ADHD. Changing meds is always a gamble since everyone reacts differently.

I have seen stories on the news about a shortage of Adderal but was not aware of any other shortages. Taking him off all meds is risk of setback and that he won't go back on them.

[Elijah1]

Is the dose of Vyvanse equivalent to the prior Adderall XR dose? This could be a reason for what you are observing.

[Larkin29 in reply to Elijah1]

I believe it was and I questioned our Doctor about it. This said, it seemed to work very well for a number of years. As mentioned, we are going on 10 with the same dose. From 17 to 27 with many changes between.

Thank you for your reply.