Vyvanse Patient Tips

How it works

Vyvanse is a brand of lisdexamfetamine. Lisdexamfetamine is converted into dextroamphetamine in the body. Dextroamphetamine blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine by nerves, leading to an increase in the concentrations of these two neurotransmitters in the nerve synapse (space between two nerves). Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant.

Upsides

Used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and for moderate-to-severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Vyvanse should not be used for weight loss.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• High potential for abuse and dependence. Tolerance to the effects of Vyvanse may develop over time. Withdrawal symptoms (extreme fatigue, depression) may occur if Vyvanse is abruptly stopped; taper dosage off slowly under medical advice.
• Insomnia, decreased appetite, stomach pain, irritability, nausea and dry mouth have all been reported.
• May cause dizziness and impair judgement and affect ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol.
• May cause serious cardiac side effects; risk is greater in those with preexisting cardiac abnormalities or heart problems.
• Other adverse effects include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, exacerbation of preexisting psychiatric disorders, growth suppression in pediatric patients, and peripheral tissue disorders.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Vyvanse is a stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD and BED; however, use is limited by its risk for dependence and other serious side effects.

Tips

• May be taken with or without food. Take in the morning; avoid afternoon dosing due to the potential for insomnia.
• Capsules may be swallowed whole or the capsule opened and the contents mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice, then drunk immediately. Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. The same dosage capsule may be substituted for the same dosage chewable tablet and vice versa (for example, 30 mg capsules for a 30 mg chewable tablet).
• Do not attempt to divide a capsule or chewable tablet into smaller dosages.
• Take exactly as directed by your doctor, do not take more than recommended. Tell your doctor if you think you have become dependent on Vyvanse or if it does not seem effective.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if Vyvanse affects your judgement or causes dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you experience chest pain on exertion, unexplained temporary loss of consciousness, or other symptoms suggestive of heart disease.
• May precipitate psychotic symptoms even in people with no psychiatric history.
• May cause circulatory problems in the fingers and the toes, growth depression and weight loss.

Response and Effectiveness

• Peak effects reached in approximately four hours. Differences in behavior when used to treat ADHD have been noted two to 12 hours after taking a dose.
• Effects at reducing the number of binge days per week when used in BED may take several weeks to become apparent (up to 12 weeks).