ADHD Medication & Treatment

Mydayis

Mydayis is a stimulant ADHD medication used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and adults ages 13 and older.
Generic Name: amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

What is Mydais?
Is Mydayis the Same as Adderall?
Mydayis Dosage Information
Mydayis Side Effects
Mydayis Precautions
Mydayis Interactions

What is the ADHD Medication Mydayis?

Mydayis (Generic Name: amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is an ADHD medication with a long-acting, triple-bead, mixed amphetamine salts formulation used for once-daily treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) in adults and adolescents ages 13 and older. According to the FDA, Mydayis is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. It is an amphetamine.

Mydayis may improve focus for people with inattentive ADHD, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactive behavior — hallmark ADHD symptoms for many patients.

Is Mydayis the Same as Adderall?

Mydayis is the brand name for mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product; Adderall is the brand name for dextroamphetamine/levoamphetamine salts. Mydayis and Adderall are both central nervous system stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Both medications contain similar active ingredients, but Mydayis is formulated to last up to 16 hours; Adderall only lasts up to 12 hours.

The medications’ delivery systems are also different: Mydayis capsules have a triple-bead release action, whereas the Adderall XR capsule contains two types of drug-containing beads designed to give a double-pulsed delivery of amphetamines.

Aside from ADHD, Adderall is also prescribed to treat narcolepsy.

Mydayis: What Dosage Is Used to Treat ADHD?

The optimal dosage of Mydayis varies by patient. Mydayis capsules are available in 12.5mg, 25mg, 37.5mg, and 50mg dosages. The time-release formulation is designed to maintain a steady level of medication in your body throughout the day.

Your doctor may adjust your daily dosage by 12.5mg increments until you or your adolescent experiences the best response — that is, the lowest dosage at which you experience the greatest improvement in ADD symptoms without side effects.

Adolescents should not exceed 25mg daily. The maximum daily dose for adults is 50mg. Taking a high dosage for a prolonged time can result in withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression with abrupt cessation. If you or your teen exceeds the prescribed dosage, call your doctor or poison control, or seek emergency medical care.

As with all medications, follow your Mydayis prescription instructions exactly. Mydayis is taken orally, with or without food, once daily. The first dose is typically administered upon awakening because the effects can last up to 16 hours, and there is potential for insomnia; it should be taken at the same time each day for the best results.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Mydayis.

Capsules should be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. If your adolescent is unable to swallow the capsule, it can be opened and sprinkled over a spoonful of applesauce. Taken this way, the mixture should be swallowed whole without chewing, followed by a drink of water or other liquid.

Some patients report developing a tolerance to amphetamines like Mydayis after long-term usage, though no data supports this phenomenon. If you notice that your dosage is no longer controlling your symptoms, talk to your doctor to plan a course of action. Never adjust your dose without consulting your clinician first.

During treatment, your doctor should check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight.

Mydayis: Side Effects

Most people taking Mydayis do not experience side effects. That said, the most common side effects of Mydayis are as follows:

Adolescents (ages 13 to 17):

insomnia
decreased appetite
decreased weight
irritability
nausea

(Children under 13 years of age who used Mydayis experienced higher plasma exposure and more frequent adverse reactions, including insomnia and decreased appetite.)

Adults:

insomnia
decreased appetite
decreased weight
dry mouth
increased heart rate
anxiety

Serious Side Effects Of Mydayis

seizures
new or exacerbated heart or mental problems

If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor.

Mydayis and Heart or Blood Pressure Problems

Report to your doctor any heart-related problems or a family history of heart and blood pressure problems. Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems could experience sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Mydayis. Stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Physicians should monitor these vital signs closely during treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Mydayis.

Mydayis and Familial Mental Health Issues

Also disclose to your physician all mental health issues including any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. The drug manufacturer, Shire, recommends evaluating patients for bipolar disorder prior to stimulant administration. Mydayis may create new or exacerbate existing behavior problems, bipolar illness, or psychosis. Call your doctor immediately if you or your teen experiences new or worsening mental health symptoms including hallucinations or sudden suspicions.

Mydayis and Circulation Problems

Discuss circulation problems with your doctor before taking Mydayis, which has been known to cause numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Report to your doctor any new blood-flow problems, pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities to temperature while taking Mydayis.

Mydayis and Serotonin Syndrome

Mydayis can rarely lead to life-threatening serotonin syndrome, or toxicity, especially when co-administered with serotonergic agents like SSRIs or SNRIs. If you experience changes in mental status, coordination problems, muscle twitching, racing heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical help immediately.

Mydayis and Substance Abuse

Amphetamines like Mydayis have a high potential for abuse and dependence, especially among people who do not have ADHD. It is a “Schedule II Stimulant,” a designation that the Drug Enforcement Agency uses for drugs with a high potential for abuse. Other Schedule II drugs include Dexedrine, Ritalin, and cocaine. People with a history of drug abuse should use caution when trying this medication. Taking the medication exactly as prescribed can reduce potential for abuse.

The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mydayis: Associated Precautions

You should not take Mydayis if you are in kidney failure, or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days.

If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Mydayis with your doctor. Animal studies indicate a potential risk of fetal harm; infants may be born prematurely, with low birth weight, have learning or motor deficits, or experience withdrawal. Mydayis is passed through breastmilk, so it is recommended that mothers do not nurse while taking it.

The effects of Mydayis on the elderly have not been sufficiently studied.

Store Mydayis in a secure place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature. Do not share your Mydayis prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD. Sharing prescription medication is illegal, and can cause harm.

Mydayis: Associated Interactions

Before taking Mydayis, discuss all other active prescription medications with your doctor. Mydayis can have a dangerous, possibly fatal, interaction with antidepressants including MAOIs.

Do not take Mydayis if you are taking an alkalinizing or acidifying agent to treat renal failure.

Share a list of all vitamin or herbal supplements, and prescription and non-prescription medications you take with the pharmacist when you fill your prescription, and let all doctors and physicians know you are taking Mydayis before having any surgery or laboratory tests. The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions.