Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding ADHDWhat is Vyvanse?What Happens When My Vyvanse Dose Is Too Low?Dosing OverviewEfficacySide EffectsInteractionsAlternative Treatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding ADHD
What is Vyvanse?
What Happens When My Vyvanse Dose Is Too Low?
Dosing Overview
Efficacy
Side Effects
Interactions
Alternative Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)is a commonly diagnosed childhoodneurodevelopmental disorder.
To date, more than 6 million children ages 6–17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD in the United States.
Fortunately, prescription medications are a safe and effective way to combat the consequences of an ADHD diagnosis.
Vyvanse is aSchedule II-controlled drug that must be dosed accurately to achieve its desired therapeutic effects. Therefore, having the correct prescribed dosage of Vyvanse is crucial to using it effectively.
Read on for an in-depth analysis of how Vyvanse is dosed and other pertinent information regarding its consumption.
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Common symptoms of ADHDin adolescents may include trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (acting without thinking), hyperactivity, and forgetfulness.
Such symptoms can be severe and cause difficulty at school, home, or with friends.
The causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but research shows that genetic mutations (abnormalities) play an important role.
In addition to genetics, other risk factors includebrain injury,premature delivery,low birth weight, and exposure to environmental risks, among others.
Treatment for ADHD involves a combination of behavior therapy and medication.
Understanding BED
According to some recent studies, 20% of children with ADHD also develop eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and BED.
These studies suggest that children and adolescents with ADHD should be monitored for eating disorders, but more work is still necessary to find a direct relation between both.
People with BED consume more significant amounts of food and lack control over their eating.
People with this condition eat when they are not even hungry and may become socially and physically uncomfortable due to overeating.
BED may cause weight gain and other health problems.
Vyvanse is a prescribed, FDA-approved, brand-name product for managing ADHD in people 6 years and older and moderate to severe BED in adults.
It contains the active drug lisdexamfetamine, which is categorized as a CNS stimulant. Vyvanse, an orally administered drug, is available as capsules and chewable tablets that can vary in strength.
However, Vyvanse is not approved for treating weight loss and should not be taken to avoid the risk of cardiovascular (heartandblood vessel) problems.
Further, its safety and effectiveness have not been established in treatingobesity.
How It Works
How Vyvanse works on a pharmacological level, known as its mechanism of action, is unknown.
How Long Does Vyvanse Take to Work?
Vyvanse is the only FDA-approved brand-name drug that contains lisdexamfetamine.
However, various other generic alternatives are available.
If you are prescribed a generic form of lisdexamfetamine, know that FDA-approved generic medicines provide the same therapeutic benefits and risks as their brand-name counterparts.
An adequate dose of Vyvanse is essential to controlling symptoms. The correct dose of Vyvanse will depend on the individual needs of the person.
Your healthcare provider will start the initial dose at a lower level. If necessary, they will then gradually increase the dose weekly.
If the Vyvanse dose is too low, symptoms might not improve, and the condition may remain the same, or the medication’s effects may wear off too soon, decreasing its effectiveness.
You may experience a shorter attention span, hyperactivity, restlessness, frequent mood swings, forgetfulness, and an inability to control anger and frustration.
How your body reacts to Vyvanse depends on factors like metabolism, medication history, and severity of symptoms. Your healthcare provider will assess benefits and side effects to see if the dose is too low and needs adjustment.
If the dose of Vyvanse is more than required, it can be habit-forming. Take doses less often than needed or take them for longer.
If you take too much Vyvanse, you may need to continue taking higher doses of it, after which you may experience symptoms such ascardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat),sweating,dilated pupils,mood swings, irritability,sleep problems, aggression, andanxiety.
Overusing Vyvanse may cause sudden death or severe heart problems, such asheart attackorstroke.
The dose range for ADHD is 30–70 milligrams (mg) per day in adults and children. The exactdose will depend mainly on the severity of the condition.
Vyvanse is available in the form of capsules and chewable tablets in various strengths:
Vyvanse is administered once a day, usually in the morning, with or without food. Avoid taking it in the afternoon and evening because it may affect sleeping patterns.
Take capsules whole or open them and mix their contents in a liquid. When taking tablets, chew well before swallowing.
Your healthcare provider will probably start the treatment at a low dose and increase the dose gradually, not more often than once every week.
Additional information regarding safe dosing practices includes:
Vyvanse has proved effective at treating ADHD.
Clinical studies show the efficacy and safety of once-daily Vyvanse in adults (18–55 years old) diagnosed with ADHD.
A review of various clinical studies comparing Vyvanse and several other drugs, such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine), concluded that Vyvanse was more effective than other clinically stimulating drugs at managing the symptoms of ADHD.
In comparison, clinical trials proved the efficacy of Vyvanse 30-, 50-, and 70-mg daily in reducing the number of binge-eating days or weeks in adults with moderate to severe BED.
Side Effects & Safety
Vyvanse is a Schedule II drug that must be taken as prescribed and has the potential for abuse and addiction.
It can be habit-forming if taken for a longer duration. Consider the risk of abuse before prescribing and monitoring for signs of misuse and addiction.
If taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. However, it may cause some side effects and must be taken cautiously.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects associated with the use of Vyvanse include:
Call your healthcare provider if these symptoms get worse or do not go away.
Severe Side Effects
Vyvanse may cause some rarer but severe side effects.
As a result, seek advice from your healthcare provider if you or a loved one experiences the following symptoms:
Who Shouldn’t Take Vyvanse?
The consumption of Vyvanse is not recommended in people with the following conditions:
Furthermore, in people 65 years and older, dose selection should start at the low end of the dosing range because of the chances of decreased liver, kidney, or heart problems.
Potential for Interaction
Depending on the type of medication, Vyvanse can interact with other drugs. Adverse interactions can affect the ability of either product to work safely and effectively.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Call your healthcare provider about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking before starting taking Vyvanse.
Alternative treatments for ADHD may include therapies in addition to medicines. Moreover, combining medication treatment with behavior therapy may prove effective for children and adults.
These can include parents, teachers, and social organizations to help with training in behavior management.
Some other therapies include healthy eating habits, weight loss programs, and additional psychological support to avoid eating disorders.
Summary
ADHD is a neurological disease that affects a large population of children. It affects nearly 4–12% of school-aged children worldwide.
Vyvanse is an effective treatment for managing the symptoms of ADHD and BED. It is a controlled drug that comes with an FDA warning regarding its potential for addiction and misuse.
It is vital to prescribe Vyvanse with an accurate dosage because a low dosage does not help ease the symptoms. Conversely, a high dose can be dangerous and may cause some severe side effects.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStore Vyvanse in a dry, secure location at room temperature (68–77 F).Keep Vyvanse out of sight and reach of children and pets. Dispose of unwanted or expired medicines properly.The exact cause of BED is unknown.However, like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder may result from factors related to genes, thoughts and feelings, eating habits, and social issues.
Store Vyvanse in a dry, secure location at room temperature (68–77 F).Keep Vyvanse out of sight and reach of children and pets. Dispose of unwanted or expired medicines properly.
Store Vyvanse in a dry, secure location at room temperature (68–77 F).
Keep Vyvanse out of sight and reach of children and pets. Dispose of unwanted or expired medicines properly.
The exact cause of BED is unknown.However, like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder may result from factors related to genes, thoughts and feelings, eating habits, and social issues.
The exact cause of BED is unknown.
However, like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder may result from factors related to genes, thoughts and feelings, eating habits, and social issues.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules for oral use, CII Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) chewable tablets.MedlinePlus.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Villa FM, Crippa A, Rosi E, et al.ADHD and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: an updated minireview.J Affect Disord.2023;321:265-271. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.016National Eating Disorders Association.Binge eating disorder.Dailymed.Label: Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Lisdexamfetamine.Srivastava G, O’Hara V, Browne N.Use of lisdexamfetamine to treat obesity in an adolescent with severe obesity and binge eating.Children (Basel). 2019;6(2):22. doi:10.3390/children6020022U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Generic drug facts.Najib J, Wimer D, Zeng J, et al.Review of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.J Cent Nerv Syst Dis.2017;9:1179573517728090. doi:10.1177/1179573517728090Stuhec M, Lukić P, Locatelli I.Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, methylphenidate, and modafinil in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2019;53(2):121-133. doi:10.1177/1060028018795703Wilens TE, Spencer TJ.Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood.Postgrad Med.2010;122(5):97-109. doi:10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Binge eating disorder.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules for oral use, CII Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) chewable tablets.MedlinePlus.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Villa FM, Crippa A, Rosi E, et al.ADHD and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: an updated minireview.J Affect Disord.2023;321:265-271. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.016National Eating Disorders Association.Binge eating disorder.Dailymed.Label: Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Lisdexamfetamine.Srivastava G, O’Hara V, Browne N.Use of lisdexamfetamine to treat obesity in an adolescent with severe obesity and binge eating.Children (Basel). 2019;6(2):22. doi:10.3390/children6020022U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Generic drug facts.Najib J, Wimer D, Zeng J, et al.Review of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.J Cent Nerv Syst Dis.2017;9:1179573517728090. doi:10.1177/1179573517728090Stuhec M, Lukić P, Locatelli I.Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, methylphenidate, and modafinil in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2019;53(2):121-133. doi:10.1177/1060028018795703Wilens TE, Spencer TJ.Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood.Postgrad Med.2010;122(5):97-109. doi:10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Binge eating disorder.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules for oral use, CII Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) chewable tablets.MedlinePlus.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Villa FM, Crippa A, Rosi E, et al.ADHD and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: an updated minireview.J Affect Disord.2023;321:265-271. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.016National Eating Disorders Association.Binge eating disorder.Dailymed.Label: Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable.MedlinePlus.Lisdexamfetamine.Srivastava G, O’Hara V, Browne N.Use of lisdexamfetamine to treat obesity in an adolescent with severe obesity and binge eating.Children (Basel). 2019;6(2):22. doi:10.3390/children6020022U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Generic drug facts.Najib J, Wimer D, Zeng J, et al.Review of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.J Cent Nerv Syst Dis.2017;9:1179573517728090. doi:10.1177/1179573517728090Stuhec M, Lukić P, Locatelli I.Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, methylphenidate, and modafinil in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2019;53(2):121-133. doi:10.1177/1060028018795703Wilens TE, Spencer TJ.Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood.Postgrad Med.2010;122(5):97-109. doi:10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Binge eating disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules for oral use, CII Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) chewable tablets.
MedlinePlus.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Villa FM, Crippa A, Rosi E, et al.ADHD and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: an updated minireview.J Affect Disord.2023;321:265-271. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.016
National Eating Disorders Association.Binge eating disorder.
Dailymed.Label: Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule Vyvanse- lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable.
MedlinePlus.Lisdexamfetamine.
Srivastava G, O’Hara V, Browne N.Use of lisdexamfetamine to treat obesity in an adolescent with severe obesity and binge eating.Children (Basel). 2019;6(2):22. doi:10.3390/children6020022
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Generic drug facts.
Najib J, Wimer D, Zeng J, et al.Review of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.J Cent Nerv Syst Dis.2017;9:1179573517728090. doi:10.1177/1179573517728090
Stuhec M, Lukić P, Locatelli I.Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, methylphenidate, and modafinil in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2019;53(2):121-133. doi:10.1177/1060028018795703
Wilens TE, Spencer TJ.Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood.Postgrad Med.2010;122(5):97-109. doi:10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Binge eating disorder.
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