How common is it for a doctor to prescribe a short-acting medication to supplement an "extended release" med such as Vyvanse?

I know the literature indicates that Vyvanse is supposed to be effective 12-14 hours but I have unfortunately not found that to be true in my situation. I have kept a daily log of my progress over the past month and am able to pinpoint precisely the time when I am "burned out," fatigued, and no longer able to concentrate on work, school, or tasks at home. I have not tolerated an increased dose of medication without sleep disruption and find that the therapeutic duration of effect is virtually the same, regardless of dosage.

My days last much longer than the 6-8 hours in which I have relief from my symptoms, and I have classes beginning next week and an enormous week-long training at work (which I'm just dreading-9 hours sitting still in a conference room with a projector screen for a WEEK). This is in addition to my regular work duties, which I will be required to complete in the evenings, after training...

I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday and I'd like to ask about adding a booster to help extend my focus and concentration, especially during these hectic upcoming weeks. However, I am concerned about how my request will be perceived. I certainly do not want to give the impression that I am a drug-seeker, etc. I simply want to be able to function like a normal human being for the better portion of the day, at least temporarily.

Do any of you take "boosters" in the afternoon/evening? How did you approach this subject with your doctor, or did your doctor make the suggestion to you? Is this a fairly common practice or should I anticipate some resistance from my doctor in asking for increased symptom coverage during the day?

I had the exact same concerns. I take Biphentin which is a long acting methylphenidate. I told him that the drug is lasting about 8-10 hours (which is to be expected) and that's great, but some days I have class at 8, class/lab all day, and then night class 7-9:30. I take the pill at 7am on those days and it's useless by dinner.

I basically just said that during the day it's great but I need to have focus in the evenings for my classes. I also have class from early morning (8, 9, or 10) until 5 everyday (with hour breaks scattered some days) and so my main time that I can study and get work done is in the evenings.

I asked if there was a short-acting form that would last maybe a few extra hours and he prescribed 10mg Ritalin (they give me about 4 hours). He told me to try taking one, then two, then three, then 4 if I felt like it, and to see what dosage worked best. So now most week nights I take 30mg of Ritalin with my dinner and I'm good to go.

I got the impression when I brought it up that it's common and he had no hesitation prescribing it to me. Just explain your reasoning as you did here and you should be fine. I was worried about sounding like a drug seeker but I knew I'd have a veryyyy hard time concentrating in one of my night classes without them.

I take Vyvanse as well and I had mentioned there were some days when I needed more coverage and he gave me a prescription for the short-acting Adderall. I have only used it a few times but I have it if I need to.

Many times doctors will prescribe a short acting med for kids and teens who have a long day with school, practices and homework so they need the extra coverage. It shouldn't be difficult to get unless your doctor is not comfortable with treating ADHD.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. My appointment is Monday afternoon, so I plan to update after to let you know what transpired.

If your Doc has much experience treating AD/HD you should not be concerned to tell him what you feel may work for you. My Doc has treated for 30+ years and told me on first visit to RX that on days I have night school a booster may be added, but we had to establish a base, daily dose that was effective first.....I go back Tuesday after a month a 70mg Vyvanse and think I could go up (get a good 10 hours or so) but would prefer adding an instant release short acting stim for my 16-18 hour days.