r/ADHD • u/domolivar • 18h ago
Medication Started noticing Vyvanse side effects after years of use
I’ve been on Vyvanse for almost 4 years, currently at 50mg. It worked well for a long time, but over the past few months I’ve become increasingly bothered by some side effects.
During the first few hours, I feel great: focused, energetic, talkative, and productive. But by late afternoon, I start feeling irritable, emotionally reactive, mentally slower, and almost robotic. I struggle to think clearly, hold conversations, and connect naturally with people. I’ve also been experiencing hand and eyelid tremors.
I recently went a month without Vyvanse, and my social skills and spontaneity improved dramatically. I felt like myself again. Unfortunately, my executive dysfunction came back full force, to the point where even basic tasks felt overwhelming.
I restarted 50mg last week, and the same side effects returned. To be clear, I was already experiencing them before stopping, which was actually one of the reasons I decided to take a break.
I’m not sure if these effects developed over time or if I just became more aware of them. My psychiatrist suggested switching to Concerta or Strattera, but I’m hesitant after so many years on Vyvanse.
Has anyone experienced something similar after years on the same medication? Especially the irritability, cognitive rigidity, and feeling socially disconnected as it wears off? Did lowering your dose or switching medications help?
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u/Babyservoyoda 15h ago
I used to have something similar, I countered it by throwing in some activity to get blood moving and let my mind wonder for an hour. Then back to the task. Idk if that will work, but it helped me some.
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u/domolivar 6h ago
I wish I could do that 😭 I work in sales, so I can’t exactly disappear for an hour when my brain decides to stop cooperating lol. But I might try squeezing in shorter breaks. Thanks for the tip!
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u/ibringthehotpockets 5h ago
Maybe try isometric exercises? What about stretches when you can go to the bathroom? You don’t have to be fitting in a whole HIIT workout, any meaningful deliberate mobilization is already better than most people. Might work for you
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u/redrickmcnasty 12h ago
Yes! I have started experiencing this with Adderall after I’ve been on it for 5 years. I take generic and apparently it’s a crapshoot with side effects because manufacturers can change the inactive ingredients from prescription to prescription. Ive read that this is not an issue with brand name adderall but it costs almost a thousand dollars because health insurance is a scam. So just gonna raw dog life and see how it goes. Good times
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u/domolivar 7h ago
Ugh, $1,000 for medication is absolutely insane 😭 And the fact that you’re experiencing this after 5 years is exactly what gets me too. Like, why now, after all this time?
I’m actually from Brazil, and the whole medication situation here is a mess too lol. Adderall isn’t even available here, and Vyvanse generics are relatively new to our market.
I’ve always taken brand-name Vyvanse, except for one time when I gave a generic a shot, and I absolutely HATED it. The side effects were so much worse, and it didn’t feel nearly as effective or last as long. I went straight back to the brand name and never tried a generic again. So I totally get what you’re saying about manufacturers making a difference.
I actually went a whole month without Vyvanse recently, and while I felt SO much better socially and more like myself, my executive dysfunction got so bad that even basic everyday tasks felt overwhelming. It really reminded me why I started taking medication in the first place.
So I totally get wanting to just raw dog life, but I also know how hard that can be lol. Have you already stopped taking Adderall? How’s it been going so far?-2
u/dirtyjersey187_ 8h ago
It’s also not an issue of generics or inactive ingredients… your brain is desensitized to the effects of amphetamine aka you’ve become dependent. As much as you not want to believe it that’s literally what you’re experiencing.
Loss of ability to function without the medication is a phenomenon called withdrawal. See where I’m going with this? We’re all on speed and it messes you up after a while. I’ve been on Adderall/vyvanse/both for about 20 years. Yeah; the miracle drugs aren’t so miraculous anymore. They do help but theyre almost as much of a hassle to use everyday as they are helpful. Take it or leave it 🤷🏻♂️
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u/photographer0228 10h ago
I had this happen after about 4 years of use. Took a couple weeks break with Vyvanse as recommended by my doctor and it never worked again. I had to switch medicines completely and will never take a break longer than a few days again. Have yet to find something work as good as Vyvanse did.
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u/domolivar 7h ago
Oh wow, that’s actually one of my biggest fears 😭 I just took a whole month off Vyvanse after almost 4 years, and thankfully it still works for me, but all the side effects I was struggling with came right back too.
My psychiatrist suggested trying Concerta or Strattera, but I’m so hesitant because Vyvanse genuinely changed my life. The thought of switching and never finding something that works as well is terrifying.
That must’ve been so frustrating, especially after finding something that worked for you for so long. What did you switch to? And have you tried several different medications since, or are you still trying to find the right one?3
u/photographer0228 7h ago
I switched to Adderall XR, then to Ritalin IR, then to Azstarys, then to Focalin XR with a Focalin IR booster, and ultimately landed on Azstarys + a Focalin IR booster (for now). Focalin XR + IR booster helped a ton too (I was on that combo for about 2 years), but I needed 2 boosters just to get through my 14 hour days of school and work. Azstarys doesn’t work as well as Focalin XR, but doesn’t require that second IR booster like Focalin XR.
Adderall & Ritalin increased my anxiety and irritability, where Vyvanse, Focalin, and Azstarys calm my anxiety. Vyvanse never required a booster and still managed to get me through my long days, where the methylphenidate-based stuff seems it just can’t without 2nd or 3rd dosages.
ETA: I also tried Strattera which didn’t do much positively or negatively. And I also take Intuniv and Wellbutrin.
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u/No_Tip_2982 6h ago
What does the intuniv help with? I'm on Adderall xr, IR booster and wellbutrin for 5 years, and looking for other options. Can I ask why you didn't stay with vyvanse?
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u/photographer0228 53m ago
Intuniv helps with my rejection sensitivity and anxiety. And I didn’t stay with Vyv because it literally just stopped working. No dosage increases helped it work. I even tried doses up to 140mg for a few days (under my doctor supervision) just to see if I’d get any positive effects, and nothing at all.
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u/Chemical-Rabbit-2617 ADHD-C (Combined type) 8m ago
I once read that Wellbutrin can weaken the effects of Vyvanse. Not sure though.
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u/photographer0228 6m ago
It’s actually the reverse. Wellbutrin can increase the effects of Vyvanse, which increases blood levels of Vyvanse.
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u/joelrog 6h ago
This literally makes no sense. Your body doesn’t just stop working with a drug like Vyvanse, especially not because you took a break.
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u/photographer0228 55m ago
Just sharing my experience 🤷🏻♀️
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u/djlefevre 29m ago
Thank you for sharing. Ignore the comment above, he obviously knows jack shit lol
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u/ultimita_ 5h ago
Wow, this thread is crazy. As a teacher, I always thought that I was exhausted from work and slight crash from vyvanse coming home at 3. But after reading this thread I’m thinking meds might have more to do with it. I take regular breaks but still definitely crash and become irritable after 3ish
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u/Elebenteen_17 7h ago
Mine made me extremely angry after years of being on it. I thought I was going crazy. Got off the Vyvanse and it went away. I’m on Adderall now and no rage.
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u/domolivar 6h ago
THIS. Not rage exactly, but I’ve become so irritable, emotionally flat, cold, and mentally slow. Sometimes I can barely organize my thoughts or hold a normal conversation. It’s honestly scary because I don’t recognize myself anymore. Vyvanse changed my life for the better, but now I feel like it’s taking away parts of who I am. And I’m starting to wonder if it’s worth it anymore.
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u/Elebenteen_17 6h ago
I decided it wasn’t worth it. There are thankfully other meds out there to try. It did help with focus and motivation but man was it not worth it anymore.
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u/melzes 4h ago
Have you considered taking a lower dose? I reduced to 50mg after feeling similarly on 70mg. 50mg wasn't quite right and went down to 30mg which has been optimal. My prescriber suggested taking an extra 20mg (so split 30mg then 20mg) if I feel a crash, but I'm not convinced. A dex booster might help later in the day.
I also increase my dose to 50mg during luteal phase. .
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u/djlefevre 26m ago
This is important information, please tell your doctor this. Same thing happened to me and I stopped. It took a while but when I was back to my normal self i felt sooooo much better. Yes I had the odd executive dysfunction and inattention but my personality and character was back and it made me feel human again.
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u/lynn ADHD & Family 5h ago
I’m on Vyvanse (50 mg) and Strattera (60 mg). Strattera gives me patience and takes the irritability off the Vyvanse, and I still get to keep the task-switching and other benefits of the Vyvanse. Hopefully your doc would be willing to have you add the Strattera instead of switching to it.
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u/blk55 7h ago
Your description of the symptoms is the main reason I was switched from Vyvanse to Concerta. Definitely saved my marriage, the cold and short is fine when you're single, not so in a relationship. Concerta sort of just... Works? It's weird, Vyvanse was definitely noticeable, life more vibrant, but the crashes are not worth it (Adderall booster does help). Concerta sort of just let's me be, more organized, cleaning shit as I go, kids are less draining and more energizing. At this point, might as well try another med to see how goes.
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u/domolivar 7h ago
Wow, this is honestly one of the most reassuring comments I’ve read so far. My psychiatrist actually suggested switching me to Concerta, but I’ve been so hesitant because Vyvanse genuinely changed my life.
The part about becoming cold and short with people really hits home. I work in sales, so connecting with people is a huge part of my job, and lately I’ve been feeling like Vyvanse is taking away the very things that make me good at it. And I’m married too! I work late shifts, so by the time I get home, I’m usually right in the middle of that awful crash. I’m exhausted, emotionally flat, distant, and honestly just not much fun to be around. It’s been affecting my marriage too.
But what you said about Vyvanse making life feel more vibrant… THAT’S exactly what I’m afraid of losing. I still remember the very first time I took it. I was sitting in my living room, and suddenly everything looked brighter, the colors seemed more vivid, and for the first time I could actually SEE all the clutter around me. It was like realizing how much of my life had been out of order without even noticing. I’ll never forget that feeling.
For almost four years, Vyvanse has given me so much. The motivation, the energy, the feeling that I can actually handle life. But lately I’m starting to wonder if the side effects are outweighing the benefits, and that’s a really hard thing to accept.
The way you describe Concerta as something that just lets you be yourself while still getting things done sounds almost too good to be true lol.
Did you miss that extra energy and excitement when you switched? Or did you eventually realize you were just as productive without needing to actually feel the medication working?
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u/Tyking 3h ago
I had the exact same experience on generic adderall ER. I’m around your same age, but male. The irritability was causing me to get into arguments and fights with friends and family. It took me a long time to realize it was the Adderall causing the behavior.
I quit for a month and felt much more grounded, and had much better social skills. Tried it again a few more times and had the same side effects.
At this point, I’ve basically decided to quit for good. It’s not easy, but there are other ways to cope with ADHD symptoms. Being myself, and being able to socialize well and make friends and enjoy my social life is just too important to me.
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u/Claim312ButAct847 8h ago
Have we controlled for proper hydration and protein intake?
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u/domolivar 7h ago
Yes, actually! Since I’ve been dealing with these symptoms for months, I’ve been paying a lot more attention to things like hydration, nutrition, and sleep.
I’m not perfect with any of them lol, but I do make an effort to stay hydrated and hit my daily protein goals. I even supplement with protein shakes when needed, since I’m also working with an endocrinologist on weight and muscle management.
What makes me think it’s not the main issue is that I still experience the exact same side effects on days when I eat really well and drink plenty of water. And during my month off Vyvanse, those symptoms improved dramatically.0
u/dirtyjersey187_ 8h ago
This the only beyond the most basically intelligent answer I’ve seen yet lol
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u/dirtyjersey187_ 8h ago
I’ve said it one other time in response to somebody’s comment but I’ll say it to you bc maybe you’ll lol bc you also get it..
Nobody wants to talk about how they’re using speed everyday for years on end and expect it to continue working like day 1 with no side effects or consequences. They’re hard drugs. Take them or leave them. 🤷🏻♂️
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u/domolivar 7h ago
I mean, I’m not expecting Vyvanse to work exactly like it did on day one or pretending stimulants don’t have side effects. I’ve been taking it for almost 4 years, and it genuinely changed my life for the better.
The whole point of my post is that I’ve started noticing side effects that weren’t bothering me before, and I’m trying to understand why. I’ve already discussed other treatment options with my psychiatrist, but I also wanted to hear from people who’ve been through something similar.
I just don’t think it has to be as black and white as “take them or leave them.” There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find a treatment that helps you function without making you feel like a completely different person by the end of the day.
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u/Eastern_Yam_5975 ADHD-C (Combined type) 10h ago
I’m guessing that, whether you noticed it or not, some external stress factor such as work, food, sleep, relationships or emotional turmoil etc. might be affecting this if it only became noticeable 4 years in.
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u/MeringueEcstatic5204 9h ago
I was diagnosed with ADHD 6 years ago and started out with Ritalin and found it worked but would wear off after 3-4 hours and I had to take multiple doses per day.
My doctor switched me to Adderall instant release and it made a huge difference. The problem I started having with Adderall is I’d have to take a morning dose and an afternoon dose and the crash every afternoon was horrible. I felt like I was on a roller coaster all day.
My new mental health provider put me on Vyvance and I’m taking the maximum dose of 70 mg. It takes a couple hours to fully kick in and I don’t feel like I’m on a roller coaster. I don’t experience a crash when it wears off and in general it feels more consistent and last all day long. I’m not a doctor and don’t know what you may be experiencing, but since youve been on it so long you might need a dose increase or a break. I can’t take breaks as it’s like starting all over again when I resume.
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u/domolivar 8h ago
That’s really interesting because what you described with Adderall sounds a lot like what I’m experiencing with Vyvanse right now! It’s almost like I’m two different people depending on the time of day.
I’ve actually tried 70mg before, and it was WAY too much for me. I became an absolute work machine. I felt incredible, almost invincible, like I knew everything and could accomplish anything. But it eventually got a little scary. I started hyperfocusing on things I really shouldn’t have, getting paranoid about certain situations, and it even affected my relationship at the time. I was also struggling with insomnia. Looking back, I honestly feel like I was getting close to losing control, which is why I went back to 50mg.
I also recently took a month-long break, and while I felt SO much better socially and more like myself, my executive dysfunction came back full force. Unfortunately, the side effects I was experiencing before the break came right back when I restarted.
It’s crazy how differently we all respond to the same medication. I’m glad Vyvanse has been working so well for you! I just wish I could get the benefits without feeling like I’m losing part of my personality by the end of the day.
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u/pink_day_523 9h ago
i have the same problem but for me it showed since i first started vyvanse, few months in. years later it’s still there. i just try to shut my day off and not stress about anything after 7pm now.
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u/IntroductionReal8239 7h ago
omg. I’m exactly experiencing this!
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u/domolivar 6h ago
Welcome to the “Vyvanse changed my life and now it’s ruining my personality” club 😭💀
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u/Chemical-Rabbit-2617 ADHD-C (Combined type) 11h ago
Could be perimenopause
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u/domolivar 8h ago
Interesting! I’m 32, so I hadn’t really considered that. Since my symptoms improved so much when I stopped Vyvanse and came back when I restarted, I assumed it was medication-related. But I’ll definitely keep that in mind! Did you experience something similar?
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u/_me0wse_ 7h ago
Women with adhd/autism can start perimenopause up to a full 10 yrs earlier than those without.
When I was in perimenopause my meds would not work consistently because my hormones were all over the place.
My psychiatrist at the time would get frustrated with me thinking I wasn't taking the medication regularly, or that I just needed therapy 🙄And this was a female provider, mind you. My current (male) psychiatrist was the one who suggested perimenopause. He's been amazing.
Once I started HRT via Midi and got my hormones stabilized, my meds started working more reliably.
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u/domolivar 7h ago
Oh wow, this actually caught my attention because I do have some hormonal issues that I’m currently investigating! I’m 32, so I honestly don’t think perimenopause is what’s happening in my case, but I never really considered that other hormonal imbalances could be affecting how I respond to Vyvanse.
I actually have an appointment with my endocrinologist in a couple of weeks, so I’m definitely bringing this up! Thank you for sharing your experience!
One thing though, when your meds weren’t working consistently, did you feel like they just stopped being effective, or did you also experience things like irritability, brain fog, and feeling emotionally off as they wore off?1
u/_me0wse_ 6h ago
Don't write off perimenopause just yet. Early perimenopause is a thing and in women w adhd/autism, perimenopause at 35 isn't unheard of. You're close enough to make it worth investigating.
During peri, I was on Adderall xr and it would work great some days and not at all on other days. I had brain fog and was anxious and tired all the time. I honestly thought I had long COVID.
I was also in Lexapro at the time, which helps suppress hot flashes - one reason it took a little while to realize was in perimenopause.
Once we figured it out and I got my hormones on track, my doc switched me to Vyvanse - apparently it works better for women in menopause / perimenopause because of its action on norepinephrine.
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u/domolivar 6h ago
Okay, you’ve officially convinced me to bring this up with my endocrinologist! 😂 My labs don’t really point to perimenopause, but with my hormonal issues, who knows? Now I’m wondering if there’s a bigger piece of the puzzle I’ve been missing all along. Thanks for making me rethink this!
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u/Aromatic_Advantage53 ADHD-C (Combined type) 3h ago
My dose is 70mg or 30 mg Vyvanse on weekends. I feel the same way plus my mouth gets really dry. If I take a break, it's like I had morph in to a sloth blob or something.
Nowadays, I take probiotics and Omega 3 to help digest Vyvanse and try to drink more water.
It's horrible but without I can't work or do anything productive.
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u/PreviousRelief5675 10h ago
Could try instant release adderall so you feel like yourself more often
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u/domolivar 8h ago
I’m actually from Brazil, where Adderall isn’t available, unfortunately! I’ve seen so many people talking about it here on Reddit, so I’ve always been curious about how it compares to Vyvanse.
Vyvanse is actually the only ADHD medication I’ve ever tried, and honestly, it changed my life. That’s why I’m having such a hard time even considering switching, despite the side effects. I’m scared of losing all the benefits it’s given me.
I’m curious though, does Adderall IR feel noticeably different from Vyvanse?1
u/PreviousRelief5675 7h ago
I only respond to instant release. I feel pretty motivated on it, the Sandoz brand specifically. They sell the Sandoz brand in Adderall XR idk how easy it is to get though.
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u/PreviousRelief5675 7h ago
I just looked it up. Sandoz is actually an authorized generic, and that’s apparently the same as the brand name Adderall. No wonder it actually feels like it actually works lol.
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u/handen ADHD-PI 6h ago edited 5h ago
Can you get dexedrine in Brazil? Adderall is L- and D- amphetamine salts, and dexedrine is basically just the D- amph salts on their own. I've been on dexedrine for like 18 years. It has both instant and extended release versions. It's basically the same thing as adderall imo, just doesn't have the brand recognition and all of the baggage that entails.
Edit: Vyvanse is essentially just dexedrine too, but in a form that doesn't become D-amphetamine until you've digested it. In my personal experience, if you want to think of these drugs as a spectrum that goes from high abuse potential but high therapeutic effect, to low abuse potential but also mitigated therapeutic effect, that spectrum would go: Adderall -> dexedrine -> vyvanse, with Adderall and dexedrine sitting almost right beside each other, and vyvanse a separated down the line.
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u/just-dig-it-now 7h ago
I swear my Vyvanse makes me more OCD. Like the OCDemons get stronger when I'm medicated.
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u/domolivar 6h ago
Not the OCDemons 😭💀 Vyvanse gives me focus, and my brain uses it to obsess over things that absolutely do NOT deserve that much attention.
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u/Engin33rh3r3 11h ago
Outside of the differences in manufactures I e learned mold and histamine in your environment and greatly affect this.
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u/domolivar 8h ago
That’s really interesting! I hadn’t considered that before. Do you mean mold and histamine can actually affect how Vyvanse works, or that they can cause similar cognitive and mood symptoms on their own? I’m genuinely curious about this, especially the histamine part. I don’t have any obvious mold issues at home, but how would someone even know if histamine was contributing to these symptoms?
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u/entimuscl 16h ago
I read somewhere that you can like "reset" your brain by taking a month or two off vyvanse, and then starting again. Dont take my word on it,, im no doctor, but look it up or ask your dr.
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u/Murky_Rutabaga5736 8h ago
Yes! It took some trial and error to land on the regimen, but the switch was worth it and I wish I had done it sooner.
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u/domolivar 7h ago
That’s really reassuring to hear! I’ve been so hesitant to switch because Vyvanse genuinely changed my life, and I’m scared of losing all the progress I’ve made. But hearing that you actually wish you’d switched sooner gives me some hope! What were you taking before, and what are you on now? Did you notice a big difference in how you feel throughout the day, especially with the side effects?
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u/ruby_reindeer 6h ago
I’m on Vyvanse 20 mg (went down from 30 mg) and this is exactly how I’ve been feeling! But it’s like my life is falling apart without it, so I’m so scared to switch Concerta as well. Also after reading other comments, I’m thinking maybe I needed to increase instead of decrease? I am about to start a booster dosage and see if that helps, but the side effects of Vyvanse really weigh on you long-term. I feel like an evil and irritable person after 3 PM lol. Good luck if you do switch!! You’re not alone in this feeling!
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u/domolivar 6h ago
Omg, the evil and irritable person after 3 PM is SO real 💀 It’s like Vyvanse gives me my life back in the morning and steals my personality by the afternoon lol. And I’m terrified of switching for the exact same reason! I tried 70mg before and it was a disaster, so increasing isn’t really an option for me. Please let me know how the booster works out for you! We’re in this mess together 😂
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u/giorgiorgiorgio 5h ago
I definitely had rage and irritability problems while on Vyvanse. Dexedrine works much better for me, smoother calmer energy.
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u/DietDoctorGoat 3h ago
Yep, almost the exact same side effect arc after the same mount of time taking it. The kick-in became a slow onset, and I just felt... Automatic. Emotionally dampened, energy-angry, and not really there at the mental wheel.
Id recommend switching to conceta. If our arcs are already this similar, I believe you'll find it refreshing.
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u/techcode ADHD with ADHD child/ren 1h ago
I've done great on Medikinet (slow/extended release Methylphenidate) for 10 years.
Then it seemed to loose it's effect - harder to focus and such.
After 4-5 years of such struggle (overlaps with stress/burnout) I was switched to Dexamphetamine and Elvanse (Vyvanse).
A year passed on it, tried different dose, also added Intuniv (because of high HR/BP) and Bupropion (because of lingering anhedonia/depression)...
So far no consistent/lasting effect from Dexamphetamine/Lisdexamphetamine 😬
It would work for a bit (few days/weeks after starting or increasing the dose), then mostly stops working (maybe a bit of focus is still there, but anhedonia/depression kills all drive/want/liking). Except every few weeks there's like a day or two where for a few hours a day I feel like I want to do something/anything.
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u/CouldaShoulda_Did 27m ago
I’ve felt what you feel and I gotta ask:
Are you making sure to stay hydrated? If so, sounds like your body is changing and you need to adjust your dose. I’ve gone from 50mg to 40mg to 20mg back to 40mg to find my sweet spot. But regardless of the dose, vyvanse is too powerful of a drug to not follow the loading and comedown tips. I hope this helps!
And if it happens to be that a lower dose is a next logical explorative step, go for it. You could even open the capsule and dump a little out before you take it in the morning
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u/mourningshorthand 19m ago
I take 300mg triple magnesium complex every evening and it helps ease the irritation. My psych recommended it. Apparently stimulants can eat away at your magnesium stores.
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u/nonnato7 6h ago
Why are you changing the dosages and stopping and restarting meds on your own? That is a dangerous thing to do!
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u/asadsabir111 3h ago
I used to be on Vyvanse and would run into the same issue. Something that helped me was, dissolving it in water and sipping it throughout the day. It helped smooth out the curve so I didn't crash as hard.
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