Has anyone switched from Focalin to Vyvanse? 16 yr old Dd is primarily inattentive and has been on methylphenidate meds for about 8 years - Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana and recently switched to Focalin XR (20 mg in a.m.). She tried Adderall in elementary school and crashed badly from it, and we haven't tried anything in the ampetamine family since then. She liked the Daytrana best because of how long it lasted, but I now realize the dose was too high (30mg), because after about a month, she started metabolizing the whole patch and was totally zoned out. We may end up going back to a lower dose patch if nothing seems to work better. She also takes Strattera 40 mg 2x (morning and night), which we titrated up to over a month.

She's been on the 20 mg Focalin XR about 6 weeks. Since this is summer, it's hard to tell what effect Focalin XR might have on school work. It seems to have helped with her mood, so that's good. It definetly "kicks in" b/c I give it to her when she's still in bed and she wakes up about 90 minutes later. However, she also gets really dragging and naps about 12 hours later, so I assume she's crashed. She's not very good at articulating what different meds do to or for her (typical lack of self-awareness), so I'm looking for someone a little better at articulating their experience.

We're trying to find something that helps with initiative, planning and follow through, not just inattention. Nothing so far has helped Dd get started on homework, chores, etc., or made it easier for her to remember to turn in the work she finally finishes. Home life is a constant state of turmoil because we have to nag, nag, nag about everything. She doesn't like it, we don't like it, but we haven't figured out what to do to get her motivated.

So, has anyone had experience with both classes of stimulants, particularly Focalin XR or Daytrana and Vyvanse? Which do you prefer and why? Thanks for any feedback you can give.

Interesting post. As you are probably aware, Adderall is now available in XR form so that may help smooth out any problems of crashing/rebound compared to the IR version she used years ago.

I've used both classes of meds but can't tolerate methylphenidate. Vyvanse being 100% dexedrine and Adderall being 75% dexedrine (d-amphetamine) and 25% l-amphetamine so they are both very similar in some aspects. I've tried dexedrine but prefer Adderall. That 1/4 l-amphetamine acts a little harder and gives me what I call a 'motivational kick in the butt'. Early reports on Vyvanse sound good. Supposed to kick in earlier and last longer. Here is a neat link plus the site has tons of informative ADD info

http://www.askdrjones.com/2007/07/16/vyvanse-new-treatment-for-adhd/

http://www.askdrjones.com/category/adhd/

Good luck! I hope you find the right med for your daughter.

J

Thanks for the response - a motivational kick the the tush is what we're searching for. When she was on the Adderall as a kid, she had more hyperactive symptoms and of course was half the size she is now. I know meds have to be modified or changed as the body changes and/or becomes accustomed to something (even things like pollen that give you allergies you never had before).

Thanks for the links; I saw a previous posting on one of the Vyvanse threads and read through Dr. Jones's site - even read the posting about Bush having ADHD!