“Detox” is short for “detoxification”, and it means removing addictive substances from your system. Stimulant withdrawal symptoms usually begin within the first one to three days after stopping use.

Vyvanse is a long-acting amphetamine. Unlike street amphetamine, prescription amphetamine is supplied in smaller doses. It is, however, still amphetamine, and it is addictive. It is untrue that medical treatments of amphetamines are not addictive, just as it was untrue that antidepressants weren’t addictive, but the drug companies insisted they weren’t. Just as they insist today that amphetamine isn’t addictive.

I am experiencing withdrawal today as a result of stopping my 30mg dose of Elvanse, although my withdrawal really began when the medication stopped working. What usually happens when you tell your clinician that the drug has stopped working is that they’ll increase the dosage. This may work again, until it stops again. That is what amphetamines do.
I am not here to tell you what you should think or do if you are taking prescription amphetamines. This is my experience, and it is valid.

The dangers we face during our titration are many, and we are vulnerable and need the best support available, but what we get are, as I mentioned in a previous post, usually private clinics with basic levels of support, with staff who are usually ex-mental health nurses or similar. They are given a script on what to say and will not move from that script, because that script is designed to protect the company, and not you. The NHS and the government are fully aware of this issue, but do nothing to stop it because the government’s priority is the privatisation of the NHS, not you.

I have withdrawn from prescription drugs before. Antidepressants, tranquillisers included. What I always keep in the front of my mind is that withdrawal is temporary, and that each day there is less of the drug in my system. This gives me the strength to do it. Whatever your relationship with amphetamines, I wish you the very best of luck in finding the solution that leaves you feeling healthy.