The Effects of Vyvanse on the Body

Vyvanse is mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In some cases, it may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, numbness, or a fast heart rate.

Vyvanse can help improve symptoms associated with ADHD, such as issues with focus and attention, as well as hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

In January of 2015, Vyvanse also became the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of binge-eating disorder in adults.

In this article, we’ll cover the effect that Vyvanse has on different systems of the body, and how it’s used to treat binge-eating disorder and ADHD.

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug. It isn’t active in the body until it’s absorbed in the GI tract and converted to the active component dextroamphetamine, which belongs to the class of drugs known as amphetamines.

This drug is a federally controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse or dependence.

Vyvanse hasn’t been tested in children under age 6 who have ADHD, or in children under age 18 with binge-eating disorder. It’s not approved for use as a weight loss drug or to treat obesity.

Vyvanse can begin working in the body as soon as the first dose. Like any medication, it may take a few weeks to adjust to side effects, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose over a period of time to figure out the correct dose.

Before using Vyvanse, tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions or if you take any other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience side effects. It’s illegal and dangerous to share your prescription with someone else.

Vyvanse works by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain and increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Norepinephrine is a stimulant, and dopamine is a naturally occurring substance that stimulates feelings of pleasure and reward.

If you have ADHD, you may notice an improvement in your attention span. It can also help control hyperactivity and impulsiveness and improve concentration. It’s also used off label for treatment resistant depression and narcolepsy. It may improve depression, fatigue, sleepiness and wakefulness.

When used to treat binge-eating disorder, Vyvanse may help you binge less frequently.

Common side effects in the central nervous system include:

• trouble sleeping
• mild anxiety
• feeling jittery or irritable

Rare side effects include:

• fatigue
• extreme anxiety
• panic attacks
• mania
• hallucinations
• delusions
• feelings of paranoia

Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Vyvanse can be habit-forming, especially if you take it for a long time, and it has a potential for abuse. You should not use this medication without a doctor’s supervision.

If you become dependent on amphetamines, stopping suddenly can cause you to go through withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• shakiness
• inability to sleep
• excessive sweating

Your doctor can help you lower the dose a little at a time so you can safely stop taking the drug.

Some children may experience a slightly slower rate of growth while taking this medication. It’s not usually cause for concern, but your doctor will probably monitor your child’s development as a precaution.

You shouldn’t take this medication if you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, if you have heart disease, or if you’ve had a bad reaction to another stimulant drug.

One of the more common cardiovascular system side effects is a slightly faster heart rate. You may also have a substantial elevation in heart rate or blood pressure, but this is less common. It can also cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Vyvanse can also cause problems with circulation. You may have circulation problems if your fingers and toes feel cold or numb, or if your skin turns blue or red. If that happens, tell your doctor.

Rarely, Vyvanse can cause shortness of breath.

Vyvanse can affect your digestive system. Some of the more common digestive system problems include:

• dry mouth
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea

Some people have a noticeable drop in appetite when taking this medication. This can lead to some weight loss, but Vyvanse isn’t a good weight loss treatment. It may lead to anorexia in some cases.

It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and talk with your doctor if weight loss persists.

Amphetamines can pass through breast milk, so be sure to tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding. Also, frequent or prolonged erections have been reported. If you have a prolonged erection, you should seek medical help.

Vyvanse Side Effects, Uses, Dosages, Interactions: ADHD Medication

What is Vyvanse? Is Vyvanse a Narcotic?

Vyvanse (Generic Name: lisdexamfetamine) is a once-daily, timed-release stimulant ADHD medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) in children ages 6-12, adolescents, and adults. Vyvanse is not a narcotic, but according to the FDA, it is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. It is an amphetamine.

Vyvanse may improve focus for people with inattentive ADHD (aka ADD), and decrease impulsivity and hyperactive behavior — hallmark ADHD symptoms for many patients. It is not known if it is safe for children under the age of 6. Vyvanse has been available since 2007, when the FDA approved the medication for the treatment of ADHD.

Vyvanse is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.

What’s the Difference Between Vyvanse and Adderall?

Adderall and Vyvanse are both schedule II amphetamine-based central nervous system stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Adderall comes in both immediate- and extended-release form; Vyvanse is available as an extended-release medication only. The immediate-release version of Adderall has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours; the extended-release version lasts approximately 12 hours. The duration of effects for Vyvanse is 10 to 14 hours.

Vyvanse is a prodrug – an inert substance that is metabolized in the body to become active – which means it’s side effects are considered less harsh. Both drugs are classified by the FDA as Schedule II stimulants because they can be abused or lead to dependence, however Vyvanse is considered to carry a lower risk since it takes longer to metabolize in the system than does Adderall.

What Is the Best Vyvanse Dosage to Treat ADHD Symptoms?

The optimal dosage of Vyvanse varies by patient. Vyvanse capsules are available in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg and 70mg dosages. Vyvanse chewable tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, and 60mg dosages. The time-release formulation is designed to maintain a steady level of medicine in the body throughout the day.

Your doctor may adjust your dosage weekly by 10mg or 20mg increments until you or your child experiences the best response — that is, the lowest dosage at which you experience the greatest improvement in symptoms without side effects. The maximum dose is typically 70mg daily.

As with all medications, follow your Vyvanse prescription instructions exactly. Vyvanse is taken orally, with or without food, once daily. The first dose is typically taken first thing in the morning; it should be taken at the same time each day for the best results.

Capsules should be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. If your child is unable to swallow the capsule, it can be opened and stirred into yogurt, water, or orange juice. Taken this way, the mixture should be swallowed entirely at once. Chewable tablets should be completely chewed before swallowing, then followed with a glass of water or other liquid.

During treatment, your doctor may periodically ask you to stop taking your Vyvanse so that he or she can monitor ADHD symptoms; check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight. If any problems are found, your doctor may recommend discontinuing treatment.

Some patients report developing a tolerance to Vyvanse after long-term use. If you notice that your dosage is no longer controlling your symptoms, talk to your doctor to plan a course of action.

What are the Side Effects of Vyvanse?

Most people taking Vyvanse do not experience any side effects. That said, the most common side effects associated with Vyvanse are as follows:

Vyvanse Side Effects When Treating ADHD:

• anxiety
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• upper stomach pain
• vomiting
• weight loss

Vyvanse Side Effects When Treating Binge Eating Disorder:

• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping
• decreased appetite
• increased heart rate
• constipation
• feeling jittery
• anxiety

Another serious side effect is slowed growth in children.

Vyvanse and Weight Loss

Vyvanse should not be taken off-label to help you lose weight. Weight loss is not an approved use for this medication.

Vyvanse and Driving

Taking Vyvanse may impair your or your teenager’s ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This side effect usually wears off with time. If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor. Most people taking this medication do not experience any of these side effects.

Vyvanse and Heart or Blood Pressure Related 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 have experienced sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Vyvanse. 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 Vyvanse.

Vyvanse and Mental Illness

Disclose to your physician all mental health issues including any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. The FDA manufacturer recommends evaluating patients for bipolar disorder prior to stimulant administration. Vyvanse may create new or exacerbate existing behavior problems, or bipolar illness. It can cause psychotic or manic symptoms in children and teenagers. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences new or worsening mental health symptoms including hallucinations or sudden suspicions.

Vyvanse and Circulation Problems

Discuss circulation problems with your doctor before taking Vyvanse, 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 Vyvanse.

Vyvanse and Substance Abuse

Stimulants like Vyvanse have a high potential for abuse and addiction, 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.

Who Can Take Vyvanse? Medication Precautions

You should not take Vyvanse if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Vyvanse, or if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days.

If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Vyvanse with your doctor. It is not known if it can cause fetal harm. Vyvanse is passed through breastmilk, so it is recommended that mothers do not nurse while taking it.

The safety of Vyvanse for children under age six has not been established. Store Vyvanse in a secure place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature. Do not share your Vyvanse prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD. Sharing prescription medication is illegal, and can cause harm.

Interactions Associated with Vyvanse

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

Vyvanse is similar to amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. You should avoid taking these medications concurrently with Vyvanse.

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 Vyvanse before having any surgery or laboratory tests. Vyvanse can cause false steroid results.

The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions.

Vyvanse and Other ADHD Medications: More Information

• Consult: Complete Overview of ADHD Medication Options
• Free Download: The Complete Guide to ADHD Medications
• Free Download:A Parent’s Guide to ADHD Medications
• Free Download: Medication Monitoring Log
• Find: ADHD Specialists and Clinics Near You
• Read: The Top ADHD Medications for Children — Rated by Readers
• Read: Primer: The Stimulant Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Sources:

What is Vyvanse.