Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (2024)

What is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?

What is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) used for?

How Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) works

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a stimulant medication. It's not exactly known how Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) helps to improve attention or binge eating disorder. But it's thought to raise the levels of chemicals in your brain called norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Changes in the levels of these chemicals might affect your ability to focus, your appetite, and your urge to binge eat.

Drug Facts

What are the risks and warnings for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) has a risk of misuse and dependence. Misuse is when a medication is used differently than how it's prescribed. Misusing Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) raises your risk for serious side effects such as high heart rate, high blood pressure, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

In addition, over time, you can become physically dependent on Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) to function normally. This is usually related to having withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling uneasy, slowed thinking, and depression, if you take the medication for a long time and then suddenly stop. Take Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your provider first.

There have been reports of sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in people who took stimulants like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) at recommended doses. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart problems before starting Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) to make sure it's safe for you to take. Let your provider know if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Your provider will check your heart for any problems.

Some people who've taken a stimulant like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can develop mental health problems, such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there), abnormal or unclear thinking, and mania. This medication can worsen behavior- or thought-related problems that you already have, but these changes can also happen even if you haven't had these problems before. If you or a loved one notices that you've developed these mood- or behavior-related symptoms while taking Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), talk to your healthcare provider right away because you might have to stop taking it.

In studies, stimulants like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) caused weight loss and slowed the growth rate (both height and weight) in children. Your child's healthcare provider will track your child's growth progress closely. If they suspect slowed growth, they might pause or stop your child's Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) treatment. If your child isn't getting enough nutrition, if you notice major changes in weight, or if you have any concerns, talk to your child's provider.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can cause blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon, which can lower blood flow to your fingers and toes. This problem can cause your fingers or toes to change from a pale or blue color to a red color and feel cold, numb, or painful. If this happens, it's usually mild and happens occasionally. But rarely, it can cause sores to form and damage your tissue. Let your provider know if you experience any of these symptoms. Usually, symptoms of these blood vessel problems get better when the Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) dose is lowered or when the medication is stopped.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you use Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants (e.g., sertraline (Zoloft), duloxetine (Cymbalta)), MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil)), and certain migraine medications (e.g., sumatriptan (Imitrex)). Let your provider know about all the medications you take or plan to take before starting Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Be aware of symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. For example, taking heartburn products called sodium bicarbonate and Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) with Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) might raise the amount of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) that gets absorbed into your body and raise your risk for side effects. Additionally, taking Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like selegiline and linezolid (Zyvox), can raise your risk of severely high blood pressure. It's best to avoid taking these types of medications with Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Discuss with your provider about all of the medications you're taking before starting Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Don't start any new medications while taking Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. They can discuss with you about how to best manage your medications or find alternatives for you.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) dosage forms

• ADHD (adults and children 6 years and older): The typical starting dose is 30 mg by mouth once per day in the morning. The recommended target dose is 30 mg to 70 mg once per day.

• Binge eating disorder (adults only): The typical starting dose is 30 mg by mouth once per day. The recommended target dose is 50 mg to 70 mg once per day.

Your provider will slowly raise or lower your dose based on how well it's working to treat your symptoms or if you're having side effects. Your dose might also differ if you have kidney problems.