Vyvanse is the name brand for a stimulant medication called lisdexamfetamine.[1] It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. While Vyvanse is effective in managing these conditions, it is a controlled substance because of its propensity for abuse.
If you are taking Vyvanse to treat ADHD or binge eating disorder, you must monitor your symptoms closely. If you begin to feel anxious, irritable, or jittery, your dose might be too high. Unfortunately, taking too much Vyvanse at once can lead to a life-threatening overdose.
What are the Side Effects of Vyvanse?
If you are taking Vyvanse to treat ADHD or binge eating disorder, your doctor will inform you about the possible side effects. Typically, side effects go away once your body adjusts to the medication.
The common side effects of Vyvanse include:[1]
- Upper belly pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite and weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased energy
If these side effects worsen or do not go away, contact your doctor to receive advice.
If you experience any of the following severe side effects of Vyvanse, contact your doctor or emergency medical services immediately:[1]
- Blurry vision
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Agitation or aggression
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations or suicidal thoughts
- Muscle twitching or shaking
- Changes in the color of the skin
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Rapid weight loss
How to Tell if Your Vyvanse Dose is Too High
The maximum dosage of Vyvanse is 70 mg per day for adults and children. While some people may require a high dose of Vyvanse to experience the medicinal benefits, others cannot tolerate this amount. As a result, it is important to be aware of the signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high.
If you experience the following symptoms, your dose may be too high and you should contact your doctor:
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Severe headaches
- Convulsions
- Aggressive behavior
- Fever
You should never take more Vyvanse than you are prescribed. If you increase your dose without being instructed to by your doctor, you might begin to experience these effects.
Additionally, if you are using Vyvanse without a prescription, you might be taking too large of a dose for your body to handle. This can cause you to experience severe symptoms and possibly an overdose.
Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?
Taking too much Vyvanse at once can result in an overdose. Typically, overdoses occur when someone consumes significantly more than 70mg of Vyvanse in one day. Vyvanse overdoses are most common among individuals abusing the substance recreationally.
The symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:[1]
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Aggressive behavior
- Vomiting
- Confusion and disorientation
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Severe insomnia
- Fast heartbeat
- Heart attack
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
If you or a loved one experience the symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose, contact 911 immediately. Overdose can become life-threatening without proper medical treatment.
Signs that you are Addicted to Vyvanse
People may abuse Vyvanse for its stimulant properties, such as increased energy and a rush of euphoria. If you begin abusing this substance, you are at an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder.
The signs of Vyvanse addiction include:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Visiting more than one doctor to receive multiple prescriptions of Vyvanse (“doctor shopping”)
- Needing a higher dose of Vyvanse to experience a desired effect (building a tolerance)
- Experiencing uncontrollable urges or cravings to abuse Vyvanse
- Continuing to abuse Vyvanse despite facing problems at work, school, or the home
- Being unable to stop or control the amount of Vyvanse you use
- Continuing to use Vyvanse despite facing physical or mental health effects
- Mixing Vyvanse with other substances to experience a high
- Taking the substance without a prescription
- Changing the method of administration (i.e. snorting or injecting the drug)
- Using Vyvanse to increase your performance at work or school
If you or a loved one are using Vyvanse in any manner other than as prescribed, you are abusing the substance. This can quickly lead to an addiction that is difficult to overcome without professional help. As a result, anyone suffering from Vyvanse addiction should seek assistance from a prescription drug rehab program.
Find Help for Vyvanse Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one are addicted to Vyvanse, it’s time to seek help. Vyvanse addiction increases your risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose, heart attack, or seizures. To prevent this from happening, consider attending a professional drug rehab program.
At Mandala Healing Center, we can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome prescription stimulant addiction. To learn more about our Vyvanse addiction treatment program, contact us today.
References:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse Label, Retrieved August 2023 From https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf
- National Library of Medicine: Amphetamine Toxicity, Retrieved August 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470276/