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Vyvanse Dose Equivalent?

I recently started back on meds. I used to take Adderall XR 50 mg. I cam currently taking Vyvanse 90 mg. I have read that you need a higher dose of Vyvanse. When I search for what the equivalent dose would be, I get mixed answers. Does anyone know if Vyvanse 90 mg is equal to Adderall XR 50 mg. When I took Vyvanse 60 mg, I felt that was not enough. This is why I increased to 90 mg.

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Permalink Reply by Maureen on May 3, 2010 at 8:25pm

Hi, I am also switching from Adderall to Vyvanse (or deciding which to go with). I found one site on the web that uses this dosage information:

Vyvanse 30 mg = Adderall XR 10 mg
Vyvanse 50 mg = Adderall XR 20 mg
Vyvanse 70 mg = Adderall XR 30 mg

I had been taking 80 mg. of Adderall a day (20 mg 4x a day). I know that's a lot, but I take for ADD as well as chronic fatigue, and it barely makes a dent even at that high of a dose. It wears off very quickly for me, in 2-3 hours. The XL doesn't help at all.

Anyway, for the Vyvanse I have been taking 100 mg. It helps a little, but also wears off more quickly for me than it claims -- it lasts about 4 hours. Then I have a horrible crash. My doctor said I could take another 50 mg. when it wears off, and that helps a little.

All that to say, for you it sounds about right to take 90 mg Vyvanse when you were previously taking 50 mg. Adderall.

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Permalink Reply by Pat Murray on May 4, 2010 at 2:34am

Adderall and most of the other stimulants (Ritalin, Strattera, Dexedrine) didn't work at all for me. Has Vyvanse made a difference for either of you over the Adderall? It doesn't sound like a significant difference for you, Maureen, but how about you, Cheryl? I just keep trying to find something that will work, but so far no luck. But I am glad I have a doctor who's willing to work with me on these meds.

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl on May 4, 2010 at 11:35am

They say Vyvanse is a smoother drug with less anxiety like symptoms. It also is formulated differently. It is activated in the digestive system, instead of the bead delivery of Adderall. Vyvanse is supposed to last longer. My only concern is that it is a pure d-amphetamine, while Adderall is a mix of d and l-forms. The d-form is supposed to effect dopamine more. I am taking 90 mg for the next for days. My doctor wrote me a Rx for 100 mg that I will take next. I do notice an improvement in my mood with less anxiety. I use to run like a "driven motor" all day until I became exhausted. On Vyvanse, I don't feel so overwhelmed, impatient, impulsive and have better focus. But I am at home now. The real test for me will be when I start back up at work in June. I work as a nurse at a seasonal health clinic. When I took Adderall XR, I never seemed to have a problem at work. I am hoping it is the same with Vyvanse. It seems to be working okay for me now. I think it would be worth trying Vyvanse for you. All meds work differently on people. I have tried Concerta and Strattera in the past. Strattera did not work. On Concerta, I did okay. Before Vyvanse, Adderall XR seemed to work the best. But with Adderall XR, I felt it kick in and knew when it was wearing off. I do hope you find something that works for you.

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl on May 4, 2010 at 11:40am

Maureen, Thanks for the info. That seems to be the same thing I found when I searched. It is a shame that the Vyvanse only last 4 hours for you. They claim it is supposed to last 14 hours. I know it doesn't last that long for me. For me it seems like 10 to 12 hours. I am happy with that. The only thing I really hate about being on the med is the horrible dry mouth I get. I feel like I could drink a gallon of water and still be thirsty.