For people living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, finding a medication that effectively manages symptoms can greatly improve focus, clarity and overall cognitive functioning. Mydayis provides all-day symptom control, making it a top choice for many who have ADHD.
Read on to learn more about this medication, including how it differs from other ADHD medications, its most common uses and some things to consider before beginning or stopping treatment.
Understanding Mydayis
Mydayis is a stimulant ADHD medication, meaning that it works by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, concentration and impulse control. It’s available as a generic under the name amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, and it comes in an extended-release capsule that’s taken by mouth, typically once per day.
Mydayis is in a class of drugs called central nervous system stimulants, and it contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. These compounds cause the body to release two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine, which we associate with the body’s reward system as well as motivation and concentration, helps to improve focus and attention span. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is crucial for alertness and concentration.
The medication includes three types of coated particles, called beads, that are designed to release at various times throughout the day. These include:
- Immediate-release beads that provide a quick initial dose
- Mid-day delayed-release beads that provide a medication release a few hours later
- Evening delayed-release beads that provide a medication release during the later hours of the day
Mydayis is similar to Adderall, which also contains mixed amphetamine salts. However, Adderall’s extended-release formula only contains two types of drug beads compared to Mydayis’s three, meaning Mydayis provides more effective coverage throughout the day. For those who respond well to Adderall but find that the medication wears off too early in the day, Mydayis may be a good alternative.
It’s important to note that Mydayis is only available by prescription, despite some online pharmacies claiming to be able to sell it without a script from a doctor. These may be counterfeit or unsafe versions and should always be avoided.
Uses and Benefits
Mydayis is formulated to treat the symptoms of ADHD, including inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. While this is the only use the FDA officially approves it for, the medication is occasionally prescribed off-label to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Because it’s a stimulant, it can help reduce daytime sleepiness and prevent sleep attacks.
Use of a medication off-label means that a doctor prescribed the medication to treat a condition other than what the FDA approves it for. While there is evidence that Mydayis can treat certain sleep disorders, this use is generally considered experimental. For that reason, health insurance companies typically don’t pay for medications that are used off-label, meaning the patient is responsible for the entire cost.
A generic version of Mydayis was approved by the FDA in August of 2023, and the first generic hit the market just two months later. Like the name brand, this generic features an extended release, providing symptom control throughout the day.
Risks and Side Effects
Mydayis is approved in those aged 13 and over and is generally well-tolerated by most patients. Even so, there are several common side effects individuals may experience, especially when they first start taking the medication. The most common adverse reactions include:
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain or upset
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
In addition to these side effects, Mydayis can cause more serious adverse effects in some people. Talk to your doctor if you’re on this medication and experience any of the following:
- Increased blood pressure
- Indicators that you have blood flow problems in your fingers or toes, such as numbness, pain, coldness or changes in skin color
- Unusual wounds on the fingers or toes
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as increased aggression, agitation, depression or mood swings
- Thoughts of suicide
- Uncontrolled movements
- Teeth grinding
- Verbal outbursts
In rare cases, Mydayis side effects can be life-threatening. Adverse reactions to watch for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or left arm
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Severe headache
- Trouble speaking
- Confusion
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Blurred vision
- Extreme tiredness
- Weakness on one side of the body
If you experience these reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
When it comes to managing conditions such as ADHD, doctors consider whether the benefits a medication such as Mydayis provide outweigh potential risks and side effects. While many people use this medication without adverse reactions, others experience disruptive or unsafe side effects. Maintaining ongoing communication with your doctor and keeping up with regular check-ups is necessary while you’re taking Mydayis.
Precautions and Considerations
Mydayis is a Schedule II federally controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction. As an amphetamine, it may cause physical or psychological dependence, which may be a consideration for those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before starting any medication, including Mydayis, it’s crucial to consult your doctor about any allergies you may have. This includes allergies to drugs that affect the sympathetic nervous system, such as those used to treat heart conditions. This product may contain an inactive ingredient that you’re allergic to, potentially causing serious reactions.
Additionally, be sure to talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially any problems you’ve experienced with blood circulation, mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, or heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, or problems with your heart’s structure. It’s also important to talk about any personal or family history of substance use.
While you’re taking Mydayis, you may experience periods of dizziness. Be sure to understand how the medication affects you before operating machinery or driving a car. Alcoholic beverages can increase dizziness, so you should avoid mixing Mydayis and alcohol. Similarly, recreational drugs such as marijuana can cause an increase in certain side effects.
Children may be especially susceptible to certain side effects, particularly weight loss. It’s important for a child taking this medication to see their doctor regularly for routine height and weight monitoring.
Dosage and Administration
Mydayis comes in capsule form in four different dosages:
- 12.5 mg
- 25 mg
- 37.5 mg
- 50 mg
Generally speaking, a doctor sets 12.5 mg as the starting daily dosage. From there, they may increase the dosage by increments of 12.5 mg until the individual has the best response, which is optimal improvement in ADHD symptoms without side effects.
For an adolescent, 25 mg per day is the maximum daily dose, and for adults, the maximum daily dose tops out at 50 mg. The longer an individual stays on a high dose of Mydayis, the more likely they are to become dependent on it and develop withdrawal symptoms if they decide to go off it.
In most cases, individuals take their daily dose of Mydayis in the morning, shortly after waking. The capsule is intended to be swallowed whole with water or another liquid. However, if someone is unable to swallow the capsule, they can break it open and ingest it by sprinkling it over a soft food, such as a bite of applesauce, that allows it to be swallowed without chewing. Because the beads break down over the course of the day, it’s important that they’re swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing.
Treatment Duration and Withdrawal
Mydayis is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment for ADHD. As long as it’s well-tolerated and the individual and their doctor believe that it’s safe and effective, the individual can stay on it for an extended period.
Occasionally, when someone takes this medication for a long time, their symptoms are no longer well-controlled. If that happens, it’s important to speak with a doctor about adjusting the medication regimen. Never attempt to increase your dosage without medical supervision.
When it’s time to go off of Mydayis, a doctor will generally recommend that their patient tapers off, gradually reducing their dosage to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause severe tiredness, sleep problems and mood changes.
Conclusion
Mydayis is an effective treatment for controlling the symptoms of ADHD. Due to its side effects, precautions and increased risk of abuse or addiction, it’s not right for everyone. However, when used as directed, this medication is generally considered to be safe and can improve the quality of life of those living with ADHD.
