Vyvanse and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Jar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2020

For ADHD "I have ADHD, Bipolar Depression, Opioid Side Effects. First, do not pay attention to negative reviews about Vyvanse on here. I will tell you now that I would not be able to function without Vyvanse 70 mg QAM being on board. It gives me smooth sustained focus, a mental state of peace, relief from depression, potentiation of opioid narcotics (thus needing less opioids overall), drive, ability to sit still, work a great job, have meaningful conversations, have good relationships, take part in everyday life, work out and even sleep well. It does take a while to kick in, so I wake up in the morning like 2 hours before I need to, then take the med and go back to sleep. When I wake up, the drug is active and working. With Vyvanse, I get 10-14 hours of relief, and at the end of the day, there is a gentle comedown that doesn’t leave me an anxious wreck. In fact, Vyvanse helps with anxiety profoundly, far better than benzodiazepines, which sounds crazy, but many people report the same thing."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2021

For ADHD "I struggled with manic depression, PTSD, minor bipolar, and ADHD since I was around 6 years old. Long story short, I had drug-addict parents, was kidnapped and raped at 11 years old for 3 years, got pregnant at 16, lived with friends of family until 18, and graduated at 20 years old. I have 4 wonderful kids, but my life is a constant struggle of mood swings, flashbacks, etc. My doctor gave me the 40mg dose to start, and besides a few minor side effects (higher anxiety on and off for the 1st week, lessened appetite), I have not felt this happy since my kids' births. My older kids have noticed my home is cleaner, I'm up earlier in the mornings, I can stay on one train of thought before moving on to another, and my younger kids are happy that their mother can play with them without running off to the bathroom after 10 minutes because I couldn't stop crying. No medication can change you 100% of the time. I still have some off days but far and very few between."

• Jay...
• August 31, 2019

For ADHD "I'm going to start with the negatives then positives in regards to Vyvanse. When I first started taking this medication, the side effects were less than desirable! Anxiety, agitation, palpitations, unable to socialize - all horrible for day-to-day living. BUT - as my doctor told me - you have to find the dose that's right for you, and you have to let your body adjust to the medication. Well, holy moly! Once you find the right dose that works for you, it's like a whole new world! Motivation, sense of well-being, able to focus on day-to-day tasks. This has been an absolute MIRACLE and has changed my life tenfold. I encourage anyone who starts taking Vyvanse to give it a fair chance, let your body adjust, and try to find what dose works best for you. Because when you do find it, you'll be functioning on a whole new level! Cheers"

• Cyb...
• December 3, 2020

For Binge Eating Disorder "After taking Adderall (which got rid of my appetite), I developed an awful binge/restrict eating cycle and had to stop taking it, but the BED stayed. I gained 100 lb in a year and finally decided to try Vyvanse to curb the habit. I don’t think I’ll ever look back. I don’t get the jitters, nausea, and crashes that I did before, so don’t necessarily let negative experiences with stimulants deter you. I can still eat, but I can’t binge at all. Even if I am very stressed or bored and I emotionally feel like I want a binge, it’s almost like Vyvanse is blocking my consciousness from entering that state. With active habits and healthy eating, I have lost all that weight in just under half a year. I feel like I finally have control over my mind and my body, and nothing has felt so liberating. Note: if you have high BP or are very prone to anxiety, this may not be your favorite. I am very anxious and find that at times it exacerbates my anxiety, but I stay at a low dose (20 mg) to mitigate that."

• JJa...
• November 26, 2019

For ADHD "Since I can remember, I have always had trouble concentrating or keeping a straight thought in my head. Grades were always so-so 'cause you could forget trying to sit down and read a book or study. Out like a light, zzzzzz. Fast forward to turning 40, and I start traveling for work. By 2PM every day, it's like someone pulled the plug on me, and I'm running in quicksand. Literally feels like Vaseline over your eyes. Finally went to the doctor and said something has to give. He started me on 30MG. It was a complete game-changer. Felt like I had a turbo installed. Brain worked like never before. Computer work, no problem. Read a book all day. Best part, it didn't interrupt my sleep. We tried various other ADHD medicines, and I got the anxiety and buzzing effects from Ritalin and Adderall. This was a life-changer for me."

• rus...
• May 2, 2021

For ADHD "I’ve been on Vyvanse for about two months now and the experience has been wonderful. I should say one morning, I had just gotten out of my driveway when I remembered I had forgotten to take it. By then, it was nearly 7 am, so there was a definite notice when the medicine started to work that day. Usually I take it around 5:30 am, so by the time I get to work, it’s working well. I’m well-focused throughout the day, less anxious, I don’t fidget as much, and less agitated. The same cannot be said for Adderall. If I had to say one negative thing about Vyvanse, it is that my engine is still revving when I’m ready to wind down for the day, so it takes me a few hours to wind down. I have a great insurance plan, but before the prior authorization kicked in, the cost was well over $400. With the coupon, well over $200, once the prior authorization kicked in with my insurance, it was $30. So, I feel very lucky. I wish the best for all of you seeking help for ADD or ADHD. Give Vyvanse a try, great drug."

• Lis...
• December 2, 2019

For ADHD "I am a 50-year-old woman with ADHD in addition to mild OCD. I was prescribed Vyvanse for focus and motivation at a high-stress job. This drug was amazing at first; I felt calm, focused, confident, and organized for the first time in my life. I take 60 mg at 7 am, and it wore off about 4. Six months later, it is still helpful with motivation and confidence. That said, I now get too focused on details, and by evening, I am anxious, irritable, and don’t want to do anything. I have a hard time waking up. I tried on the weekend to not take it and had terrible depression, negative, and crying. I ended up taking it to function. It has started causing anxiety, I’m too talkative, and procrastinate tasks I dislike. I am not very social after work. Without it, I am emotional and want to sleep all day. I tried 5 mg Adderall IR in the late afternoon, but that caused me to stay up late and could barely get up. It was so helpful at first, but now I’m worried and am trying to wean off."

• Tru...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2017

For ADHD "WARNING: Majority of the positive reviews for this drug are from people that are new to Vyvanse and the problem is that this drug works wonders at the start, but benefits quickly start to diminish and side effects start to get worse. I took Vyvanse for two years and at first, it worked great for ADD. However, after taking it consistently for a few months, I started experiencing anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, negative emotions, insomnia, and isolation... things I never experienced before in my life. You become very dependant on it because if you stop, you feel 100x worse than before you started taking it, but the longer you take it, the higher dosage you need to get the same effect. Eventually, it stops working and you just need it to get out of bed."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I have been on Vyvanse for over a month now for BED (binge eating disorder). I am on 20 mg. The first two days of taking it, I had a headache. That has been my only negative thing. I have noticed that it has helped with my binge eating habits due to my anxiety. Also, my anxiety has decreased as well. I noticed that I am more focused on work and completing my tasks. I am having great conversations with people at work. I feel alert but not to the point where I feel like my heart is beating fast or anything like that. I feel normal, and sleeping well. I take it early in the morning and by the time I am home, I feel relaxed. I really like this medication. I suffered from depression and anxiety, and tried so many different medications with many other side effects. Vyvanse, in a good way, brought me back."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2020

For Binge Eating Disorder "I've been on Vyvanse for almost 2 years now for both binge eating & ADD. I started on 10mg and am now at 60mg. At first, the 10mg worked great. That lasted about 2 months before I saw both my BED and ADD symptoms coming back. Increased to 20mg which lasted about 2 months, the 30mg lasted about 3 months, 40mg worked for 4 months (you get the picture). This was very worrisome for me, because it felt like, at the maximum dosage, it might eventually not work at all. I'm on 60mg now, and have been for the past 5 months, and I finally feel that I'm at a dosage that makes binge eating truly manageable (I no longer have any issues with ADD while the medication is working). So if you're on 20-40mg of Vyvanse and it isn't working, increase the dosage. The 60mg somehow made a huge difference. My psych also added 100mg Wellbutrin SR and that has been a life changer. The two medicines together completely curb my appetite (and the bonus is the Wellbutrin covers both my depression & anxiety as well)."

• bri...
• January 3, 2021

For ADHD "This is the first ADHD medication I have ever tried, as the diagnosis is new. I’ve only ever been on antidepressants/antipsychotics for depression and anxiety (currently on Zoloft and Rexulti). When I added Vyvanse, I was on 30 mg for 1 month. At first, I noticed an increase in mental clarity and physical energy. After a few days, I noticed the medication made me feel negative in the afternoons but nothing severe. When I told my psychiatrist, she put me on 50 mg, which I’ve been on for a month. The pros of the medication are basically nonexistent now, it made me feel so down and negative. Now that I’m getting off of it, I can’t stop crying and am terrified of being alone. My anxiety is out of control, and I feel physically sick from withdrawal (cold sweats, hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, etc.). I can’t find these withdrawal symptoms listed anywhere online, I feel insane. I do not recommend this medication."

• Jus...
• March 5, 2020

For ADHD "A total life changer! I have become much happier and much more motivated in life. I have always had trouble paying attention, would drift off, daydream, get stuck in my head. My grades in high school weren't bad, but they definitely could have been better if I didn't procrastinate and be lazy all of the time and keep putting things off. Because of this, I suffered depression and lack of self-esteem because I thought others were better or smarter than me. That being said, there is anxiety when the drug wears off and unfortunately, the effects of the drug itself don't last long for me, I'd say about 4 hours max. So I always have my days planned out in order to maximize my productivity. But I am in a much better place in my life now. 21 years old in CC planning to transfer soon and much more motivated and driven. One more thing. This medication is not for everyone. You may not have the experience with it that I or others did. Find which med works for you."

• Lal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "Been taking Vyvanse for almost 8 years. In the first few months to a year, I was the happiest I had been in years (always have had problems with depression since I was a kid). I lost 15 lbs without effort and was in the best shape I had ever been in. I had an abundance of energy, outdid myself in regards to homework/goals/lifestyle, and after a very productive day, I slept great every night. I felt great all day long, never have been so content. This has slowly changed. My medication worked less and less each year. I’ve been taking it almost 8 years now, and my productivity has diminished greatly. I have gained back all my weight + some (the heaviest I’ve ever been). My desire to complete tasks has decreased (on a good day I feel productive for maybe 2-3 hours). My depression is worse than ever, and I have bad anxiety. I binge eat and drink, and I hate myself. I don't know why things have changed so much, maybe the medication isn't the same as it was."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2024

For ADHD "Vyvanse has been a wonder drug for me. At the urging of my wife, I got tested for ADHD. I have been on Lexapro for years, but the emotional dysregulation, constant agitation, and mental hyperactivity hit a breaking point. I ran through some tests and visits with a psych. Methylphenidate worked slightly at first, but eventually minimal benefit. After trying Adderall IR, we settled on Vyvanse. It’s the best there is for me. My GAD is immensely calmed, I can focus on daily tasks and go about regular life without thinking each step through 7500 times and not ever actually taking action. Emotions highly regulated and can mentally tame my anxiety as I can now recognize it. I eat well, run and/or lift weights every day and am a healthy 34-year-old. Working out and food are not the sole answer for everyone. Vyvanse changed my life drastically. It sounds like a lot of people with negative reviews may have never really had ADHD or Vyvanse was the wrong medication for them."

• Anonymous
• June 7, 2008

For ADHD "Incredible. I was on Adderall for over a year. My doctor switched me to Vyvanse four days ago. Since day one, I have felt better than ever. That 'nervous-jittery feeling' (perfect description) as well as anxiety and teeth-grinding that I had while on Adderall is totally gone. I feel 'normal'. I am able to concentrate and focus calmly, and am no longer plagued by excessive energy. I feel healthy, and everyone around me has noticed the positive difference in such a short amount of time."

• the...
• March 25, 2009

For ADHD "42-year-old male recently diagnosed with ADD (no hyperactivity). Vyvanse is the only medication I've tried and I'm reasonably happy with it. Started 30 mg for 2 weeks. Felt a little jittery and had a funny taste in my mouth. Increased to 70 mg. No longer feel jittery, no funny taste, but my mouth is always dry so I drink a lot of water. Vyvanse seems to help me get more done. I can't say I'm more focused, but I am more motivated, so the end result is more productivity, though not always directed in the best place. It decreased my appetite, so it was easier to switch to a healthier diet. Lost more than 25 lbs. in the first 3 months, which has also helped increase self-esteem, motivation, and energy level."

• Lin...
• November 7, 2019

For ADHD "When I started my treatment with Vyvanse for ADD, it was a blessing: for the first time I felt motivated to do great at school and have better grades because I had never felt so focused and clear-minded in my life, after years of unsuccessful treatments with Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall. But that's what happens to everyone when they're first introduced to Vyvanse, it fixes your entire life and then suddenly and surprisingly it ruins it in new ways. It's been a little more than a year since I started taking it, and it didn't take much longer for the bad effects of it to hit me: every time I consume this drug, I get depressed, I feel empty and anxious, my head hurts, and I lose all my motivation because the sadness it brings is stronger than any other positive effect it is intended to give its users. I have never been this depressed in my life, and I blame this drug for that, I mostly (if not only) feel this way when I'm on it."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I am on my second month of daily Vyvanse 30 mg for my binge eating disorder. I am happy to say it has been an absolute godsend! I haven’t had a single binge episode. Furthermore, this medication has reduced my appetite to the extent that I feel like I have plenty of space to make healthy choices. I also feel much more able to take an introspective look at my behaviors and what needs to be adjusted in my life in order to maintain health and happiness. Basically, I am using the gift of the time spent on this effective drug to develop healthy habits and learn how to meet my needs properly so that I can one day live just as well without the drug. The only drawback I have noticed is that there is usually some point each day where I notice a feeling of low-level anxiety. Since it’s clearly coming from the medication and it passes quickly, it has been easy to cope with."

• Mon...
• August 5, 2015

For ADHD "I have taken Adderall XR and Vyvanse. They both have a similar but not completely similar feeling when it comes to getting work done. But mainly my experience with Vyvanse is quite good but not great. I take whenever I get up to go to school (6-6:30), and it takes an hour to kick in. I have been taking Vyvanse for the last 4 years. It helps you focus a lot more than usual and it gives you the motivation to get work done. But the downside about it is that you feel depressed for a minute or anxiety, but after a couple of minutes you feel back motivated and happy. Also, I love that it gives you the mind clarity that I personally think everyone needs. Overall, my experience with Vyvanse is awesome. By the way, I'm 15."

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2025

For ADHD "I’ve been taking this since starting high school 8-9 years ago. This medication helped me excel at my job. I am able to focus, multitask, and have an overall good mood. I have bad anxiety as well and feel like this helps with that sometimes also. Vyvanse gives me so much energy, but I don't feel a hard crash when it wears off. This will make you lose weight without noticing at first, so it’s important to eat at your normal times even if you are not hungry. For me, I get about 12-14 hours before I’ll feel tired as the medicine wears off. Take it as soon as you wake up to avoid not being able to fall asleep at night. For me, Vyvanse has been great and I don’t plan on changing to anything else."

• NGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2018

For Binge Eating Disorder "I am on 30 mg/day, and from day 1, I had lessened urges to binge and even lost my appetite, which was amazing. Unfortunately, at almost 3 months in, I am having more urges to binge again. I’ve noticed a few side effects. First, ever since I started this medication, I haven’t climaxed in bed, used to almost always. Second, increased acne and a tremendous amount of anxiety and more hyper. The anxiety has caused me to pick at my skin because I now have acne, and I pick constantly. I should probably get off of this medication, but I am terrified I will binge more again and gain more weight back. My PCP said this med is the only one he knows of that truly works for binge eating disorder (BED), but it is causing me problems. I only recommend this medication if those prescribed are smart enough to see the negative side effects and weigh if it's worth it. Had I given my review a week after starting this medication, I couldn’t say enough good things, but now I feel different."

• Cod...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2024

For ADHD "I have been on Vyvanse 60mg for over six months and it works great. I used to take Adderall XR, but the only problem with that is that it doesn’t last long enough and I couldn't eat while on it. When the Adderall would wear off, I would get extremely irritable to the point of crying because I was so angry and didn’t know why. However, with Vyvanse, it lasts the perfect amount of time (10-14 hours), and when it wears off, I do get a little bit of anxiety, but I never get irritable. I can also eat while on it. The strength is perfect, not too weak and not too strong. It really helps with my anxiety. Vyvanse is by far the best ADHD medicine I have ever been on, and I do not intend on ever switching to a different stimulant."

• lch...
• December 1, 2014

For ADHD "Switched from Adderall to Vyvanse because I was experiencing negative side effects. Even on the smallest dose of Adderall, I was anxious, had trouble with public speaking, and would have pretty bad mood swings. On Vyvanse, I finally feel like a 'normal' person. My mom noticed a difference on the first day, and I no longer feel hopeless and discouraged while doing schoolwork."

• att...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2015

For ADHD "LOVE IT. I took Strattera for 4 years but switched because of terrible nausea and anxiety. The first 3 months I had terrible migraines, lack of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Keep taking it daily to give my body time to adjust. No side effects now and a huge, HUGE improvement in work, concentration, and motivation."

• Tir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2017

For ADHD "I have been taking Vyvanse on and off for a little over 2 years. I am currently taking 70 mg. It really helps me focus and multi-task at work. It also has helped with my anxiety, and I am able to tackle things that normally I would try to stay away from doing because of my anxiety. I usually take it during the weekdays and not take it on the weekends because I can go 10 to 12 hours without eating and barely having anything to drink because my appetite is not there. I've lost 95 pounds since taking Vyvanse. It also has made my libido go through the roof. There's an upside and downside to the medication. Overall, it has helped more than it has hurt, but there are negatives and positives."