Forms, strengths, how to take, and more

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a brand-name drug prescribed for ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet. It’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on which condition the drug is taken to treat.

Vyvanse belongs to a drug class called central nervous system stimulants. Vyvanse is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Vyvanse, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Vyvanse, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Vyvanse provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Vyvanse, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

This section describes the typical dosing guides for Vyvanse.

Vyvanse forms

Vyvanse comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet.

Your doctor can recommend the form of Vyvanse that’s best for you. For example, if you have trouble swallowing capsules, they may suggest you take the chewable tablet. For details about how to take each form of Vyvanse, see the “How to take Vyvanse” section below.

Vyvanse strengths

Vyvanse oral capsules come in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg.

Vyvanse chewable tablets come in the following strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg.

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for binge eating disorder

To treat binge eating disorder in adults, the Vyvanse starting dose is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.

Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.

The recommended dosage for binge eating disorder is 50 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average (“normal”) Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to take the dose your doctor prescribes for you.

The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.

Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

To treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children ages 6 years and older, the starting dose of Vyvanse is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.

Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.

The recommended dosage for ADHD is 30 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to take the dose your doctor prescribes.

The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.

Children’s dosage

Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. For this purpose, the starting dose of Vyvanse is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.

Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.

The recommended dosage for ADHD is 30 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to give your child the dose their doctor prescribes.

The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.

Long-term treatment

Vyvanse may be prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Vyvanse is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

However, in some cases, your doctor may have you stop taking Vyvanse for a short time. They’ll see if the symptoms of your condition return or worsen. If the symptoms do return or worsen, your doctor may have you restart Vyvanse treatment.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Vyvanse.

If there are signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high or too low, your doctor may adjust it.

The starting dose of Vyvanse for binge eating disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 30 mg. If this dose doesn’t work well for you, your doctor may increase your dose.

Other reasons why your doctor might increase your Vyvanse dosage include:

• your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should
• you experience certain side effects

In addition, your doctor may increase or decrease your dose if you start or stop taking certain medications during Vyvanse treatment.

If you have any questions about your Vyvanse dosage, talk with your doctor.

This section answers some frequently asked questions about Vyvanse.

What’s the maximum (highest) Vyvanse dose in a 24-hour period? What about the lowest dose?

The maximum recommended dosage of Vyvanse in a 24-hour period is 70 milligrams (mg). You can ask your doctor what’s the lowest dose they would prescribe.

The recommended dose ranges of Vyvanse are:

• 50 mg to 70 mg for binge eating disorder
• 30 mg to 70 mg for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The recommended starting dose for both conditions is 30 mg. However, your doctor may recommend a lower dose in certain situations.

If you have questions about the Vyvanse dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Are Vyvanse’s dosages based on weight? If so, what are the drug’s dosages by weight?

Vyvanse’s dosages are not based on weight for adults or children. Your doctor will not determine your dosage based on a weight chart.

Other medications prescribed to treat ADHD are dosed by weight. (Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD.) For example, Strattera (atomoxetine) is dosed based on weight in certain children. To learn more about how Vyvanse compares with Strattera, see this article.

Your doctor can help answer other questions you have about Vyvanse’s dosage.

Is Vyvanse prescribed in a dose of 100 mg for adults?

The recommended maximum dose of Vyvanse for adults is 70 mg. Taking more than 70 mg of Vyvanse can cause serious side effects. You should not take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes.

Is Vyvanse approved for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Vyvanse to treat weight loss, so there isn’t a recommended dosage. When drugs similar to Vyvanse have been taken for weight loss, serious cardiovascular problems (such as heart attack and stroke) have occurred. Cardiovascular refers to the heart and blood vessels.

If you’re looking for help with managing your weight, talk with your doctor.

Can Vyvanse be prescribed with a twice-daily dosage?

No. It’s recommended that Vyvanse be taken only once each day, in the morning. You should not divide a single dose into multiple doses.

To learn more, see “How to take Vyvanse” below.

I accidentally took a double dose of Vyvanse. What should I do?

If you believe you have taken too much Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you take more than one dose of Vyvanse, you may experience some side effects. For more information, see “Vyvanse and overdose” below.

If you miss a dose of Vyvanse, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to when you would take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. You should not take more than one dose of Vyvanse to make up for a missed dose.

Keep in mind that Vyvanse may cause insomnia if you take it in the afternoon or evening. If you forget to take your dose in the morning, you may want to skip it and take your usual dose of Vyvanse the next day.

If you’re not sure if you should take a missed dose of Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Vyvanse has a boxed warning about a risk of drug misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Taking drugs called stimulants may lead to drug misuse and physical dependence. (Vyvanse is a type of stimulant.) Misuse (also called abuse) refers to taking a drug in a different way than how your doctor prescribes. With physical dependence, you need to take a drug to feel as you typically do.

Vyvanse should not be taken recreationally (without a medical purpose and prescription). Misusing Vyvanse, as well as taking it as prescribed, can sometimes lead to addiction. (With addiction, a drug is used even if it’s causing harmful outcomes.)

In fact, Vyvanse is a schedule II controlled substance, which means the FDA regulates it closely. It’s important to store Vyvanse in a safe place. This helps prevent others from misusing the drug. It’s illegal to give or sell Vyvanse to someone else.

Symptoms of misuse

You, your loved ones, and your doctor should keep an eye out for symptoms of Vyvanse misuse. Symptoms of taking too much Vyvanse can include:

• sweating
• dilated pupils
• insomnia
• anxiety
• aggression
• thoughts of harming yourself or others

Other symptoms of Vyvanse misuse are similar to those of overdose. For details, see “Vyvanse and overdose” below.

You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist about symptoms of Vyvanse misuse.

Symptoms of withdrawal

Because Vyvanse can cause you to become dependent upon it, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.) These can include extreme fatigue and depression.

It’s important that you do not stop taking Vyvanse unless you first talk with your doctor.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Here’s some information about how to take Vyvanse oral capsules and chewable tablets.

Whichever form your doctor prescribes, keep in mind that you should take Vyvanse in the morning. The drug may cause insomnia, so try to avoid taking it in the afternoon. You can take Vyvanse with or without food.

Oral capsules. There are two ways to take Vyvanse oral capsules. One is toswallow them whole. You can also open the capsule and mix the contents with yogurt, water, or orange juice. Be sure to mix the contents thoroughly and consume the entire amount right away. You should not store the mixture.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also open the capsule and mix its contents as mentioned above. In addition, you can ask your doctor if the chewable tablet is a better option for you.

Chewable tablets. Be sure to fully chew Vyvanse tablets before swallowing.

If you have questions about how to take Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug labels and containers

If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Vyvanse in an easy-open container. They may also recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

The Vyvanse dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Vyvanse to treat
• how well your kidneys work
• what other medications you’re taking

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Vyvanse dosage.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may adjust your Vyvanse dosage if your kidneys don’t work as well as they should or if you take certain other medications. To learn more, see “Signs that a Vyvanse dose is too high or too low” above.

If you take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.

It’s important that you don’t take more Vyvanse than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Vyvanse can include:

• increased rate of breathing
• feeling restless
• confusion
• tremors
• hallucinations
• feeling panicked
• high or low blood pressure
• breakdown of muscle tissue
• fever
• irregular heart rate
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain

If you take more than the recommended amount of Vyvanse

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Vyvanse. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Vyvanse for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Vyvanse without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Vyvanse that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Vyvanse. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

• More about Vyvanse. For information about other aspects of Vyvanse, refer to this article.
• Side effects. To learn about side effects of Vyvanse, see this article. You can also look at the Vyvanse prescribing information.
• Drug comparison. Find out how Vyvanse compares with Straterra, Adderall, and Concerta.
• Cost. If you’d like to learn about Vyvanse and cost, see this article.
• Interactions. For details about what Vyvanse interacts with, see this article.
• Details about your condition. For details about binge eating disorder, see our mental health hub and these articles. To learn more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you can refer to our ADHD hub as well as this list of articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

How to Take Vyvanse®? Dosage for Adults & Starting Dose

MEDICATION GUIDE

(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

Capsules and Chewable Tablets, CII

What is the most important information I should know about VYVANSE?

VYVANSE may cause serious side effects, including:

• Abuse and dependence. VYVANSE, other amphetamine containing medicines, and methylphenidate have a high chance for abuse and may cause physical and psychological dependence. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child for signs of abuse and dependence before and during treatment with VYVANSE.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
  • Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the differences between physical and psychological dependence and drug addiction.
• Heart-related problems including:
  • sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in adults
  • sudden death in children who have heart problems or heart defects
  • increased blood pressure and heart rate

Your healthcare provider should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting treatment with VYVANSE. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems.

Your healthcare provider should check your or your child’s blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with VYVANSE.

Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting during treatment with VYVANSE.

• Mental (psychiatric) problems, including:
  • new or worse behavior and thought problems
  • new or worse bipolar illness
  • new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, or seeing or believing things that are not real) or new manic symptoms

Tell your healthcare provider about any mental problems you or your child have or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems during treatment with VYVANSE, especially hearing voices, seeing or believing things that are not real, or new manic symptoms.

What Is VYVANSE?

VYVANSE is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine used for the treatment of:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older. VYVANSE may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
• Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. VYVANSE may help reduce the number of binge eating days in people with BED.

VYVANSE is not for use in children under 6 years of age with ADHD.

VYVANSE is not for weight loss. It is not known if VYVANSE is safe and effective for the treatment of obesity.

It is not known if VYVANSE is safe and effective for use in children with BED.

VYVANSE is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it contains lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Keep VYVANSE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Never give your VYVANSE to anyone else because it may cause death or harm them. Selling or giving away VYVANSE may harm others and is against the law.

Do not take VYVANSE if you or your child are:

• allergic to amphetamine products or any of the ingredients in VYVANSE. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in VYVANSE.
• taking, or have stopped taking in the last 14 days, a medicine called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
• being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

Before taking VYVANSE, tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, including if you or your child:

• have heart problems, heart defects, or high blood pressure
• have mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression or have a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression
• have circulation problems in fingers and toes
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. VYVANSE may harm the unborn baby.
  • There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to VYVANSE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to VYVANSE and their baby. If you or your child becomes pregnant during treatment with VYVANSE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth. org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/adhd-medications/.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. VYVANSE passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with VYVANSE. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed the baby during treatment with VYVANSE.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you or your child take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

VYVANSE can affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how VYVANSE works. Taking VYVANSE with other medicines can cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be changed while taking VYVANSE. 

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you or your child take: 

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)	serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
medicines used to treat migraine headaches called triptans	tricyclic antidepressants
lithium	fentanyl
tramadol	tryptophan
buspirone	St. John’s Wort

Keep a list of all medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Your healthcare provider will decide if VYVANSE can be taken with other medicines.

Do not start any new medicine during treatment with VYVANSE without talking to your healthcare provider first.

How should VYVANSE be taken?

• Take VYVANSE exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Your healthcare provider may change the dose if needed.
• Take VYVANSE 1 time each day in the morning with or without food.
• Your healthcare provider may sometimes stop VYVANSE treatment for a while to check ADHD or BED symptoms.
• VYVANSE comes in capsules or chewable tablets.

Taking VYVANSE Capsules:

• VYVANSE capsules may be swallowed whole.
• If VYVANSE capsules cannot be swallowed whole, the capsule may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto yogurt, or poured into water or orange juice.
  • Using a spoon, break apart any powder that is stuck together. Stir the VYVANSE powder and yogurt, water, or orange juice until they are completely mixed together.
  • Swallow all the yogurt, water, or orange juice mixture right away. Do not store the yogurt, water, or orange juice mixture.
  • It is normal to see a filmy coating on the inside of your glass or container after you eat or drink all the VYVANSE mixture.

Taking VYVANSE Chewable Tablets:

• Chew VYVANSE tablets completely before swallowing.

If you or your child take too much VYVANSE, call your healthcare provider or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What should I avoid while taking VYVANSE?

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how VYVANSE affects you.

What are possible side effects of VYVANSE?

VYVANSE may cause serious side effects, including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about VYVANSE?”
• Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children.  Children should have their height and weight checked often during treatment with VYVANSE. VYVANSE treatment may be stopped if your child is not growing or gaining weight.
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes (Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Signs and symptoms may include:
  • Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful
  • Fingers or toes may change color from pale, to blue, to red

Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your child have any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes during treatment with VYVANSE.

• Serotonin Syndrome. A potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome may happen when VYVANSE is taken with certain other medicines. Stop taking VYVANSE and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you or your child develop any of the following signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

The most common side effects of VYVANSE in children 6 to 17 years old and adults with ADHD include:

The most common side effects of VYVANSE in adults with BED include:

These are not all the possible side effects of VYVANSE.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store VYVANSE?

• Store VYVANSE in a safe place (like a locked cabinet) and in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Protect VYVANSE from light.
• Dispose of remaining, unused, or expired VYVANSE by a medicine take-back program at authorized collection sites such as retail pharmacies, hospital or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement locations. If no take-back program or authorized collector is available, mix VYVANSE with an undesirable, nontoxic substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds to make it less appealing to children and pets. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag and throw away (discard) VYVANSE in the household trash.

Keep VYVANSE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of VYVANSE.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use VYVANSE for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VYVANSE to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them and it is against the law. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about VYVANSE that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in VYVANSE?

Active Ingredient: lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

Capsule Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. The capsule shells (imprinted with S489) contain gelatin, titanium dioxide, and one or more of the following: FD&C Red #3, FD&C Yellow #6, FD&C Blue #1, Black Iron Oxide, and Yellow Iron Oxide.

Chewable Tablet Inactive Ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, guar gum, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, sucralose, artificial strawberry flavor.