I have tried a number stimulants, and some work better than others. I am currently trying Vyvanse. It seems to work the best for me, by far. I have tried Concerta, Focalin and Adderall. I have been treated for bi-polar disorder for quite a few years, taking up to 4 or 5 medications to control symptoms. Oddly, with Vyvanse, I have been able to eliminate all other medications. The one bothersome side effect that I am experiencing, which may prevent me from continuing with the medication, is increased blood pressure. Other stimulants caused an increase in heart rate that I wasn't comfortable with over the long term, but didn't have quite as much impact on blood pressure. Dexedrine is next on the list, even though Vyvanse is essentially the same thing when it is metabolized. Has anyone used both Vyvanse and Dexedrine, and did they behave similarly? I'll be pretty bummed if I cannot continue with a medication that seems to address the root of my problems. Also, has anyone been prescribed a blood pressure medication along with stimulants? I have heard of drs. doing that, although I have never talked with anyone who is taking both.

That's great that you're getting closer to finding the right med. I take a 10mg dexedrine in the evenings to supplement my 100mg Vyvanse. I find these 2 meds to be very different and I'm starting to prefer the Dex. My mind is quieter, I'm able to do the things I need to do without over thinking them, stay on task and I sleep better at night. The Vyvanse gives me an artificial mood lift that I've come to dread and the med doesn't last anywhere near the 12 hours it's "supposed" to. After about 6 hours I'm left fighting fatigue and irritability. I'll probably drop down, split my dose in two or switch to regular Dex.

How much has the Vyvanse elevated your bp? What is your current dose? You may have more control w/ regular Dexedrine. I think Vyvanse releases more d-amp quicker (when compared to Adderall XR), but I can't find any dose response graphs so I can't say for sure. (If someone could help w/ this I'd appreciate it)

I think a lot of people take blood pressure meds w/ stims so this may be an option for you too. Maybe someone who has more experience w/ this will respond. Good Luck.

Thanks, 2scattered. I tend to be very sensitive to stimulants, so I only take 30 mg of Vyvance in the morning. With that said, however, I may need a slightly higher dose as time goes by. It lasts a full 12 hours for me. I do notice that I get pretty irritable when it wears off. Focalin only lasted about 4 to 6 hours, so I had to split the dose. That seemed to provide better control over side effects, so maybe Dexedrine will work the same. I am glad to hear that a lot of people take bp meds along with stimulants, but I sure hate to take a medication to counteract a side efffect of another medication. Given that I feel so much better on the stimulants, particularly Vyvanse, it's probablly worth it. Plus, it keeps me off of a whole bunch of other medicaiton.

i had that too with vyvanse, just wait another week, it went away and leveled out for me after a bit.

I'm on 70mg Vyvanse, and had to start taking LICIN/HCTZ 20-12.5 to keep my BP at 120/80 or lower. Before taking ADD meds I never had a problem with blood pressure, but did have elevated readings once I started them. Luckily the BP meds have solved my blood pressure issues, and I have no side effects... and I'm able to stay on Vyvanse which has been nothing but amazing as far as restoring clarity and focus to my world. Anxiety has been tremendously reduced as well. I'm even less OCD now! All positives. Hope all continues to go well for you too.

..... which has been nothing but amazing as far as restoring clarity and focus to my world. Anxiety has been tremendously reduced as well. I'm even less OCD now! All positives. Hope all continues to go well for you too.

Maybe not a whole lot less OCD.. Just re-read my post, and the word "restoring" should be changed to "providing." Damn I love re-work!!:p

I found dexedrine to be more reliable than Vyvanse.