Understanding My Experience with Lamotrigine and Vyvanse
From 1999 until 2017, I solely relied on Prozac to manage my social anxiety. Unfortunately, this treatment yielded limited results, and I often found myself using it sporadically. During the years between 2010 and 2017, I faced serious issues with addiction and experienced multiple relapses. In 2017, Lamotrigine was introduced to my regimen. While I adapted to it quite well, I did notice some minor skin irritations, including occasional rashes. Nevertheless, it played a significant role in my journey towards sobriety, which I have maintained since then. In 2023, after being diagnosed with ADHD, I started taking Vyvanse. Initially, it had positive effects, such as enhancing my patience with my three-year-old daughter and improving my overall mood. I tolerated it well during this time. However, a few months later, I switched to the generic version of Vyvanse. Unfortunately, within the subsequent six months, I began to experience allergic reactions. These manifested as hives, mild rashes, and intense itching, but without any visible marks on my skin. These episodes, although brief – lasting around thirty minutes – became increasingly frequent. In the last couple of years, I have endured two severe bouts of illness characterized by extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, debilitating migraines, and excruciating pain, leaving me in agony for an entire day. It was the most intense sickness I have ever experienced. Additionally, I dealt with muscular and skeletal discomfort that felt akin to nerve damage. I also encountered erratic symptoms resembling diabetic conditions, despite not having diabetes. I made the decision to discontinue Vyvanse a month ago, and remarkably, all my symptoms have vanished without any withdrawal effects. In fact, I genuinely believe that I hadn’t felt any therapeutic benefits from Vyvanse for over a year. I am seeking insights regarding this situation because it has resulted in significant distress and hardship for me. Any help or perspectives would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 2:20:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve navigated a challenging journey with your mental health and medication management, and it's understandable to have concerns about the reactions you've experienced.
Main Points:
- Switch to Generic Vyvanse: It may have triggered allergic reactions, evidenced by hives and rashes.
- Severe Illness Episodes: These symptoms could be related to medication or other underlying health issues.
- Recent Improvements After Discontinuation: Stopping Vyvanse led to the resolution of many symptoms.
Explanation:
The history you provided indicates that your body may have reacted differently to the generic version of Vyvanse compared to the brand name. Allergic reactions can include skin issues like hives and might also trigger other physical symptoms, but it's crucial to differentiate between medication side effects and unrelated health concerns. The severe bouts of nausea, vomiting, and pain suggest that there may have been additional factors at play, whether related to medication, possible gastrointestinal issues, or other underlying conditions.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Health: Keep a detailed symptom diary documenting any new symptoms or changes, particularly related to food, daily activities, or other medications. This can help clarify patterns and triggers.
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Evaluate Skin Reactions: Since you've experienced allergic reactions, consider avoiding any known allergens or irritants and try to identify if specific food or environmental factors could contribute to your skin issues.
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Consult Internally/Consider Other Conditions: Reflect on whether you’ve experienced other distressing symptoms similar to diabetes or nerve damage, as these may warrant evaluation. Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Crohn's Disease that you mentioned could sometimes present with overlapping symptoms. Discuss with a healthcare provider about any concerns regarding these potential conditions, especially considering your severe bouts of illness.
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Medication Review: If you still need support for ADHD or anxiety, consider discussing alternative treatments or medications with a healthcare professional, particularly noting your reactions to Vyvanse and your history with Prozac.
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Self-Care Strategies: Focus on stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, which can be beneficial for overall mental health management. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet may also improve your mood and general well-being.
Please take care of yourself, and I hope these insights help guide your next steps in your health journey. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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