Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

FDA Approved

Overall, patient sentiment regarding Vyvanse is mixed, with many users reporting significant benefits alongside some notable side effects. The medication is often praised for its ability to enhance focus and improve mood, but some users also experience challenging neurological and emotional disturbances.

Commonly Reported Benefits

  • Increased awareness and improved focus reported by many users.
  • Enhanced mood and emotional regulation contribute to better self-care.
  • Users appreciate the sustained cognitive benefits throughout the day.

Commonly Reported Side Effects

  • Anxiety and mood swings are common complaints among users.
  • Some experience sleep disturbances and insomnia.
  • Gastrointestinal issues like dry mouth and nausea are frequently mentioned.

Overall Takeaway

Vyvanse is generally well-received for its cognitive enhancement and positive effects on mental health, with many users noting improved focus and mood. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, including anxiety, sleep issues, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Balancing these benefits and challenges is crucial for individuals considering this medication, as experiences can vary widely.

Effectiveness

Users report improvement

77%

Side Effects

Reported side effects

34%

Would Recommend

To others with same condition

75%

Avg. Duration

Average reported usage duration

N/A

Side Effects Frequency
Percentage of users reporting each side effect
Sentiment Analysis
User sentiment from reviews and feedback
Positive
58%
Neutral / Mixed
23%
Negative
19%

OL

Positive
4/15/2026
Im prescribed 100mg daily and I find that it’s always helped with the focus and motivation. The motivation not as much, but I find that the medication gives me the boost to do the things that I otherwise wouldn’t.

SO

Positive
8/3/2025
I was taking a break from Vyvanse on the weekend at first. I’ve been on it for 2 years since I was diagnosed as a mid career adult (but I’ve clearly had all the signs since I was in elementary school). The issues that prompted me to get diagnosed were all work related so I figured I’d just take it on workdays, and my doctor was fine with that. But I did find that those off days were very slow and lethargic. I’d usually need more caffeine and even then I’d often also need a nap in the afternoon. I usually take it on the weekends now too, especially if I know I have a full day.

TE

Positive
8/3/2025
My psychiatrist recommended that I take my vyvanse every day, so I do. I’ve skipped once or twice because I slept in too late on a weekend, and I felt useless and scattered all day. It sucked. So I don’t have any “off days” unless I can help it

AL

Mixed
8/3/2025
I typically don’t take my vyvanse on one of the two days I have off of work per week. I do feel pretty sluggish on that day, but I’m allowing myself to have a lazy/rest day anyways (I’ve been working quite a bit recently) so if I don’t have anything important to do I don’t take it. I sometimes feel like if I skip two days it feels a lot stronger the next time I do take it, probably because I’ve had two very slow days.

CR

Positive
7/30/2024
I just tried vyvanse for the first time. It's a profound experience. I cried. Everything is so quiet. Everything is so quiet, and I was not even aware that everything was so loud before. It's like I've been living with a constant droning hum my entire life and suddenly it's gone and I actually know what quiet feels like. I feel like I can choose what to think about, and I wasn't even aware that I couldn't do that before. Everything feels very deliberate. I notice thoughts and desires arise to check twitter or open youtube or play video games -- and then I just... *Choose* to let them go. I know I could follow them, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I have the choice.

OK

Positive
7/25/2025
Vyvanse is changing my life After 25 years with unmedicated adhd and treatment resistant depression I finally heard from a doctor “Often with treatment resistant depression and anxiety the resistance comes from not treating your ADHD” and after more explaining it felt like everything just made sense. She offered me a Vyvanse prescription, after another doctor prescribed me strattera that had nothing but IMMEDIATE heart issues on. The second my first dose of Vyvanse kicked in I experienced what it feels like to truly experience happiness for the first time. I truly felt at peace, relaxed, and just…. Not depressed. And I didn’t realize that what I was feeling all day every day was as bad as it was. This feeling is amazing. I can work. I can talk to people. I’m getting out of bed without resistance. I feel like a human… An actual person… for the first time...

RI

Positive
7/4/2025
Vyvanse Experience - Miracle Drug At my last neuro appointment in April, my doctor prescribed Vyvanse to treat my fatigue and cog fog. It’s an ADHD med used off label for MS. Folks, this has been a miracle drug. I feel like myself, I can think, I can focus, I can make it through the day without falling asleep on myself. It doesn’t hit like caffeine or an upper, it’s controlled and gradual throughout the day. When I do forget something, I can backtrack through my thoughts and find it again. I can complete projects. It has given me so much hope for a better normal than “MS normal”. For those of you struggling with fatigue and processing issues, it may be worth a discussion with your doctor.

EL

Negative
7/26/2024
Vyvanse Side Effects — my experience After two years of taking 15-30 mg most days with occasional medication holidays I had: 1. Extremely short periods 2. Cellulite all over my body 3. High blood pressure 4. Anxiety that was turning into paranoia. I got off Vyvanse about a month ago. First full length period since I started, blood pressure back to normal, no paranoia ever, at all. Be careful ladies. I was on a low dose and have always been a pretty healthy person. Some people have commented to say this didn't happen to them. I feel like this is extremely obvious: my post isn't suggesting it is universal. But if you ARE experiencing these side effects just know you're not alone.

EL

Negative
7/26/2024
Vyvanse Side Effects — my experience After two years of taking 15-30 mg most days with occasional medication holidays I had: 1. Extremely short periods 2. Cellulite all over my body 3. High blood pressure 4. Anxiety that was turning into paranoia. I got off Vyvanse about a month ago. First full length period since I started, blood pressure back to normal, no paranoia ever, at all. Be careful ladies. I was on a low dose and have always been a pretty healthy person. Some people have commented to say this didn't happen to them. I feel like this is extremely obvious: my post isn't suggesting it is universal. But if you ARE experiencing these side effects just know you're not alone.

CA

Positive
12/20/2024
I am sooo sorry for my delay in responding (young mom to small kids plus the addition of starting medication/accepting my diagnosis has been a lot this past month). Also, unfamiliar with reddit so I don't know if a comment is the best option. BUT I wanted to say thank you SO much for all of the insight and sharing your experience. I read these comments and implemented so much. I chose to play around with my dosage, starting lower and focusing on prioritizing protein, meals, and water. While also throwing in magnesium and L-theanine supplements when I was feeling anxious. I sometimes have to avoid caffeine as well! But after a month, I'm regularly taking either 30 or 40 mg (sometimes I do less on non-work days with my kids) and it's been amazing. I am finding that "superhuman" experience has chilled out and I"m finding my normal. I...
Frequently Asked Questions about Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

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