Vyvanse is a strong stimulant used to treat ADHD. It can also be prescribed to treat binge eating disorder in adults. It works by increasing nerve activity in the area of the brain responsible for impulse control.
This medication can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is an amphetamine-based stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorder in some people, helping them control impulsive eating episodes by increasing the activity of nerves in the brain that affect impulse control. It is considered a first-line treatment for BED, but it can be used with other therapies such as psychotherapy. Like other drugs of this type, Vyvanse can cause mild or serious side effects.
These include heart-related problems, psychiatric symptoms, slowing of growth in children, circulation problems in the fingers and toes (Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon), and a potentially dangerous drug reaction called serotonin syndrome. Tell your HCP if you or your child have any of these symptoms.
Vyvanse may interact with some medicines, including antidepressants and some anticholinergics. Tell your HCP if you or anyone in your family takes these medications, especially isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. These medicines can cause a rare but dangerous reaction with lisdexamfetamine.
Dosage
Vyvanse 60 mg is available as oral capsules and chewable tablets. Your doctor will recommend the dosage that’s right for you. It’s important to take it as directed. You shouldn’t crush, break, or chew the capsules. It’s usually taken in the morning and can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled over food such as yogurt. You can also dissolve the capsule in water and drink it. It’s best to avoid taking Vyvanse late in the day because it may interfere with your ability to sleep at night.
Misuse and dependence are possible with Vyvanse and it’s a controlled substance in the United States. Your doctor will evaluate your risk of misuse and dependence before prescribing it.
Certain medicines can affect how Vyvanse works. They can increase or decrease your blood levels of amphetamine. They can also affect your kidney function. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Do not take Vyvanse with medicines that raise the level of serotonin in your body. This can cause a serious side effect called serotonin syndrome.
Side effects
The FDA classifies Vyvanse as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk of misuse and dependence. It’s important to understand these risks before beginning treatment.
Side effects may include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in blood pressure. These side effects can affect your ability to perform dangerous activities, such as driving or operating machinery. Talk to your HCP if you have any of these symptoms.
You should also tell your doctor if you or your child have a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts. This can help your doctor determine if Vyvanse is appropriate for you.
It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you or your child have. These can affect if Vyvanse is safe for you to take. This includes if you have a history of circulation problems in your fingers or toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon). Tell your HCP if your or your child’s fingers and/or toes become numb, cold, painful, change color, or if they bleed easily during treatment.
Precautions
Vyvanse and other amphetamine medicines have a high risk of abuse and can cause psychological and physical dependence. Your doctor will check you or your child for signs of abuse and addiction before and during treatment. Tell your HCP if you or your child have ever abused prescription medications or street drugs.
Vyvanse can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people. It can also worsen symptoms of some mental health conditions, including psychosis and mania. Tell your doctor about your personal and family history of mental health problems, especially bipolar illness.
You should not take Vyvanse if you have certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure, glaucoma, or heart disease. It can also raise your chances of death if you have a history of stroke or heart attack.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as Vyvanse may build up in your body and increase your chance of side effects. Also tell your doctor about all other prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.