Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription drug for treating conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug comes as capsules and chewable tablets. Both forms are taken by mouth, usually once daily.
Vyvanse is prescribed to treat:
- ADHD in adults and some children
- moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults
The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Vyvanse belongs to a group of stimulant drugs called amphetamines.
This article describes the usual (“normal”) dosages of Vyvanse, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Vyvanse, see this in-depth article.
The dosing guide below provides typical doses of Vyvanse. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for the specific dosage prescribed for you. Be sure to read on for more details.
| Vyvanse form | Vyvanse strengths | Starting dosage for ADHD and BED | Maintenance dosage* | Maximum dosage |
| chewable tablets | 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg | 30 mg once daily | varies depending on how severe the condition is and other factors | 70 mg once daily |
| capsules | 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg | 30 mg once daily | varies depending on how severe the condition is and other factors | 70 mg once daily |
* “Maintenance dosage” refers to the dosage you’ll eventually take throughout Vyvanse treatment.
The information provided below discusses typical doses of Vyvanse. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for the specific dosage prescribed for you.
What are the forms of Vyvanse?
Vyvanse comes in two forms:
- chewable tablets
- capsules
You’ll take either form by mouth.
What strengths does Vyvanse come in?
Vyvanse chewable tablets and capsules come in the milligram (mg) strengths listed below.
| Chewable tablet strength | Capsule strength |
| 10 mg | 10 mg |
| 20 mg | 20 mg |
| 30 mg | 30 mg |
| 40 mg | 40 mg |
| 50 mg | 50 mg |
| 60 mg | 60 mg |
| 70 mg |
What are the usual dosages of Vyvanse?
When you begin taking Vyvanse, your doctor will likely prescribe the lowest recommended dose of Vyvanse. This starting dose is 30 mg. They’ll then adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. The dosage can range from 30 mg to 70 mg per day.
Your daily dosage will depend on several factors, such as the condition you’re taking Vyvanse to treat. For more information, see the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section below.
Your doctor will discuss your Vyvanse dosage with you before you begin treatment. Ultimately, they will prescribe the smallest dosage that manages your symptoms without increasing the risk of side effects.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. But 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 (BED)
To treat BED, you’ll start with a 30-mg dose of Vyvanse once daily. Then your doctor will increase your dose weekly by 20 mg. They’ll do this until you’re taking 50 mg to 70 mg once daily.
The maximum dose for Vyvanse in 24 hours is 70 mg.
Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The starting dose of Vyvanse for ADHD is 30 mg once daily. Then your doctor may increase your dose by 10 mg to 20 mg weekly. They’ll do this until you reach the dosage that manages your ADHD symptoms.
The dosage range for ADHD is between 30 mg to 70 mg once daily. The maximum dose for Vyvanse in 24 hours is 70 mg.
What’s the dosage of Vyvanse for children?
Vyvanse is prescribed to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. It’s not prescribed to treat BED in children.
If your child is taking Vyvanse to treat ADHD, their starting dosage will be 30 mg.
After this, your child’s doctor will likely increase the dosage slowly by 10 mg or 20 mg every week. They’ll do this until your child is taking a dosage in the recommended range of 30 mg to 70 mg. The exact dosage will depend on the severity of your child’s condition. It will also depend on other medications they take and side effects they may have from Vyvanse.
Is Vyvanse taken long term?
Yes, Vyvanse is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Vyvanse is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll take it long term.
Your doctor will discuss the safety of taking Vyvanse long term with you.
Dosage adjustments
In some cases, your doctor may adjust your Vyvanse dosage outside of the usual increase that occurs at the beginning of treatment.
Reasons to increase or decrease your dosage include:
- Serious kidney disease: If you have serious kidney disease, your doctor will likely lower your dosage of Vyvanse.
- Taking certain medications: Some medications can affect how Vyvanse works. For example, medications that change your urine pH level can cause changes to the level of Vyvanse in your body. These medications include acetazolamide and sodium bicarbonate. If you regularly take this kind of medication with Vyvanse, your doctor may adjust your dosage.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Vyvanse.
What are signs that my Vyvanse dose is too high or too low?
If your dose of Vyvanse is too low, the drug may not help with your symptoms. But if the dose is too high, you may have more side effects.
Your doctor will adjust your dose to provide benefits without increasing your risk of unwanted side effects. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to months to find the right dosage that works for you.
During Vyvanse treatment, your doctor will carefully monitor you for side effects.
If you have questions about your dose of Vyvanse, talk with your doctor.
Does Vyvanse have a recommended dosage by weight? Or is there an average Vyvanse dose that doctors prescribe?
No, Vyvanse has no recommended dosage by weight for adults or children. Your doctor won’t determine your dosage based on a weight chart. And there isn’t an average dose that doctors prescribe for Vyvanse. Instead, they’ll carefully manage your dosage based on your condition and other individual factors.
Your doctor can explain your dosage and whether you need any adjustments. If Vyvanse isn’t working to manage your symptoms, they may discuss other medications for your condition. These alternatives to Vyvanse may have dosages based on your weight and other factors.
Is there a 100-mg dose of Vyvanse that’s prescribed for adults?
No, the maximum dosage of Vyvanse in 24 hoursis 70 mg. This is the highest dosage recommended for children and adults for the conditions they’re taking Vyvanse to treat.
Taking more than the maximum recommended dosage of Vyvanse can increase the risk of serious side effects. This includes a risk of misuse and dependence,* for which Vyvanse has a
Taking too much Vyvanse can also cause overdose. For details, see the “What should be done in case of overdose?” section below.
Take Vyvanse exactly as your doctor has prescribed. If you have questions about your Vyvanse dose for your condition, talk with your doctor.
If your dose is not managing your symptoms, do not increase your dose on your own. Instead, reach out to your doctor with your concerns. They can discuss dosage adjustments or other treatment options that may work better for you.
* Misuse means taking a medication differently than how it’s prescribed. And with dependence, your body becomes used to a medication and needs it to feel like it usually does.
Is Vyvanse prescribed for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, Vyvanse is not a weight loss medication. But taking Vyvanse may cause you to lose weight. This is a common side effect of the medication. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will monitor your weight while you’re taking Vyvanse. They can suggest ways to manage your diet and lifestyle during treatment to help you maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Is Vyvanse taken on a twice-daily dosage schedule?
No, there is no twice-daily dosing recommendation for this drug. It’s only taken once a day, usually in the morning. Taking Vyvanse later in the day or evening can cause trouble sleeping. So it’s recommended that you take the drug in the morning to avoid this side effect.
The effects of Vyvanse may last for up to 14 hours. And it can take up to 12 hours for half of the medication to leave your body. This is why you can take Vyvanse once daily to effectively manage your symptoms.
Certain factors can affect your dosage of Vyvanse. Tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other medications you may be taking. This includes over-the-counter products.
Factors that may require dosage adjustments include:
- your age
- other medications you may be taking
- the condition you’re taking Vyvanse to treat and how severe it is
- how you’re responding to treatment
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Vyvanse’s dosage?”)
You’ll take Vyvanse chewable tablets or capsules.
If you’re prescribed the chewable tablets, make sure to chew the tablets completely before swallowing.
If you’re prescribed Vyvanse capsules, you can swallow them whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can mix the contents into yogurt, water, or orange juice. Then eat or drink the mixture right away.
For more tips on how to make taking capsules easier, see this article.
You can take Vyvanse with or without food, but try to take the drug in the morning. Taking it later in the day can cause trouble sleeping.
It’s recommended that you store Vyvanse in a secure area out of the reach of children. For more information about Vyvanse storage, as well as expiration and disposal, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Vyvanse in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also have some tips that can help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss your regular morning dose of Vyvanse, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s late in the day, you might want to skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. This is because Vyvanse can cause trouble sleeping if taken later in the day.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Vyvanse on time, 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
Misuse means taking a medication differently than how it’s prescribed. This includes taking a medication more often or in higher doses than a doctor instructs. It can also include taking a drug prescribed to someone else.
With drug dependence, your body becomes used to a medication and needs it to feel like it usually does.
Misusing Vyvanse can cause serious side effects. These include thoughts of self-harm, aggressive behavior, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and even overdose. (For more on overdose, see the section just below.)
Vyvanse is a controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse. Before prescribing Vyvanse, your doctor will evaluate you for these risks. They’ll also monitor you for these side effects while you’re taking Vyvanse.
If you have questions about Vyvanse’s boxed warnings, talk with your doctor.
Do not take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Vyvanse can include:
- confusion
- convulsions
- diarrhea
- fast breathing
- seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there
- heart problems, such as high blood pressure, low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat
- nausea or vomiting
- restlessness
- stomach cramps
- tremor or twitching
- tiredness
- panic
What to do in case you take too much Vyvanse
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Vyvanse. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you suddenly stop taking Vyvanse or your dose is reduced too quickly, you may have withdrawal symptoms (also referred to as a “Vyvanse crash”). Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Vyvanse can cause dependence,* which means your body becomes used to Vyvanse and needs it to feel like it usually does.
Withdrawal symptoms include tiredness, depression, irritation, and anxiety. Before you start taking Vyvanse, your doctor will discuss the risk of withdrawal symptoms with you.
If you’re concerned about withdrawal symptoms with Vyvanse, speak with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage the risk of this side effect. This may include decreasing your dosage slowly or taking scheduled breaks (“drug holidays”) to give your body a rest.
If you’re uncomfortable with Vyvanse’s side effect risks, your doctor can also discuss other treatment options.
* Vyvanse has a
The sections above describe the usual dosages of Vyvanse provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Vyvanse without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you increase my dosage if Vyvanse isn’t working for me?
- Is my risk of side effects increased with a higher dose of the drug?
- Will you adjust my dosage of Vyvanse if I’m taking other medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
To learn more about Vyvanse, see these articles:
- All About Vyvanse
- Side Effects of Vyvanse: What You Need to Know
- Vyvanse and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Vyvanse Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Q:
Will I need a dosage adjustment of Vyvanse if I have high blood pressure?
Anonymous
A:
Maybe. It depends on how severe your high blood pressure is. Vyvanse may not be safe for you to take because the drug can also increase blood pressure.
Before you start taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor about any health conditions you have, including high blood pressure or heart disease. They will let you know if Vyvanse is safe for you to take or suggest another medication for your condition.
If you and your doctor decide it’s safe to take Vyvanse, they’ll likely monitor your blood pressure carefully during treatment.
If you develop symptoms of high blood pressure, such as dizziness, chest pain, headache, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor right away. But if you feel your symptoms are life threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
For more information about high blood pressure and Vyvanse, talk with your doctor.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
