Mydayis vs Vyvanse

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children. Mydayis and Vyvanse are brand names for prescription drugs used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are both amphetamine products available as extended-release formulations making them long-acting drugs.

Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Mydayis?

Mydayis is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Shire US Inc. It is a prescription medication given to adults and children aged 13 years of age and over for the treatment of ADHD. Mydayis may also be used off-label to treat narcolepsy, a sleep problem that can cause extreme drowsiness during the day and sudden attacks of sleep.

Mydayis contains four active ingredients; dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate monohydrate. These are mixed amphetamine salts that stimulate activity in your brain.

The active ingredients in Mydayis increase the levels of natural chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine). These neurotransmitters stimulate brain activity, particularly in areas involved with motivation, reward, memory, and attention. This has been shown to improve attention and focus, reduce impulsivity, and alleviate other symptoms of ADHD.

Mydayis dosage

Mydayis is available in extended-release capsule form, in the following doses: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg.

Take Mydayis with or without food once a day in the morning. Its effects will last for around 16 hours. Mydayis capsules have a triple-bead release action and contain three types of beads per capsule: 33% of the beads are immediate-release, 33% of the beads are delayed-release working at pH 5.5, and 33% of the beads are delayed-release working at pH 7.0. Mydayis releases its medication in three phases.

Please read the full prescribing information and medication guide and always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Shire PLC. Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant medication used to treat ADHD symptoms in children (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is approved for use in children as young as 6 years old, adolescents, and adults.

ADHD is a condition that causes differences in brain development and activity. The most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, excess energy, and difficulties with controlling emotions. It usually emerges and is diagnosed in childhood, often between the ages of 6 and 12. It can be diagnosed later in life though. ADHD can be very disruptive to your life, affecting performance at school and in the workplace, as well as interfering in your home and social life.

Vyvanse belongs to a class of drugs known as amphetamines. These work by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increasing the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Vyvanse is not recommended for weight loss. The use of other sympathomimetic drugs for weight loss has been associated with serious cardiovascular adverse events, and the safety and effectiveness of Vyvanse for the treatment of obesity have also not been established.

Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning lisdexamfetamine is converted into dexamphetamine once it is in the body. Vyvanse and Mydayis are federally controlled substances because they have a high potential for drug abuse and can lead to dependence. You should store Vyvanse at room temperature, but away from light and moisture.

Vyvanse dosage

Vyvanse is available as capsule or tablet formulations, in the following doses:

• Capsules: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg
• Chewable tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg

The typical dose for Vyvanse is 30 mg, and the maximum daily dose is 70 mg. To make swallowing easier you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a glass of water or orange juice, or mix it with yogurt. Once the medicine has dissolved, drink or eat the mixture right away.

For additional safety information, read the full prescribing information and medication guide. Always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Common side effects of Mydayis and Vyvanse

The most common side effects of Mydayis in clinical trials include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• An increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Anxiety

More serious side effects of Mydayis include:

• Heart problems, including increased blood pressure, a faster heart rate, strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death
• New or worsening mental health problems, including aggressiveness, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis
• Severe allergic reactions to the medication
• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome – a dangerous condition caused by rises in serotonin levels
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes
• A slowing and stunting of growth in children

The most common side effects of Vyvanse in clinical trials include:

• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Dizziness, nausea
• Dry mouth
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Upper abdominal pain, stomach pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, constipation
• Increased heart rate

More serious side effects of Vyvanse include

• Serious cardiovascular reactions
• Sudden death has been reported with CNS stimulant treatment at recommended doses in pediatric patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems
• Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks in adults
• Increased blood pressure and increase in heart rate Increases
• Suppression of growth – monitor height and weight in pediatric patients
• Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Serotonin syndrome
• New or worsening psychosis
• Withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using this medication – severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes such as depression

These aren’t all the side effects Mydayis or Vyvanse can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Mydayis and Vyvanse drug interactions

Mydayis can interact with other medications. These include:

• Other ADHD medications – amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants – isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue
• Any other antidepressant medications – fluoxetine, paroxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine
• Any blood pressure medications
• Any medications containing alcohol

Vyvanse can interact with other medications. These include:

• Acidifying and alkalinizing agents – acidifying agents decrease amphetamine blood levels, and alkalinizing agents increase amphetamine blood levels
• MAO inhibitors – isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication
• Serotonin syndrome toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, e.g. MDMA, St. John’s wort, certain antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
• Do not use medications containing amphetamine or dextroamphetamine while using lisdexamfetamine

Mydayis and Vyvanse can interact with other medications. This can change how Mydayis and Vyvanse and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Mydayis and Vyvanse contraindications

You should not use Mydayis if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredients dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, or amphetamine aspartate monohydrate
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Mydayis
• Have had an allergic reaction to any other medications containing amphetamines
• Are taking a medication called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have taken one in the last 14 days

Talk to your doctor before using Mydayis if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Mydayis
• Have any heart problems
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Have any kidney problems
• Have any mental health problems, like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or depression
• Have any circulation problems in your fingers or toes
• Have ever had a seizure
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

You should not use Vyvanse if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Vyvanse
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant – there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications during pregnancy

Talk to your doctor before using Vyvanse if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Vyvanse
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby
• Have depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions
• Have kidney disease
• Have coronary artery disease
• Have blood circulation problems in your hands or feet
• Have a drug or alcohol addiction
• Have a family history of heart disease, heart problems, or high blood pressure

Other drugs for ADHD

• Adderall (dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate)
• Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Strattera (atomoxetine)

If you have any concerns about Mydayis or Vyvanse side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. They can discuss the best treatment options with you. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.