Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a controlled substance and has a boxed warning for misuse, abuse and dependence.
Your doctor won’t prescribe this medication based on weight, but will carefully manage your dose based on your condition and other factors. Your pharmacist may be able to offer tips on how to open the pill capsules more easily if you have difficulty.
What is this medicine used for?
Vyvanse is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older, and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity, impulse control, and mood. This medication is not for weight loss. Vyvanse may be habit-forming and should not be shared with others. It is a stimulant and can cause dangerously high blood pressure or heart rate. It should not be taken by people with heart problems, blood pressure disorders, or a history of drug abuse. This medication should be avoided during pregnancy. It passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Call your healthcare provider if you or your child have new or worse mental health problems, especially psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices or seeing or believing things that are not real) or signs of bipolar illness (such as manic episodes). This medication can slow growth in children and should be carefully monitored.
Dosage
Vyvanse is usually taken once a day, in the morning. Avoid taking it later in the day or evening because it can cause trouble sleeping. Your doctor may adjust your dose. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking during treatment with this medicine. This includes vitamins and herbal remedies.
Vyvanse is not a controlled substance, but it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about addiction. This drug passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking it. This medicine can affect growth in children. Your doctor will check your child’s height and weight during treatment.
Side effects
Vyvanse is a stimulant and can cause side effects like restlessness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and changes in blood sugar. Some people are at risk for serious or life-threatening side effects from this medicine. These include a severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing) and signs of circulation problems (numbness, cold feeling, painful or bleeding gums). This medicine can also interact with certain other medicines and cause a life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, including vitamins and herbs.
Vyvanse is a schedule II drug, meaning it has potential for abuse and addiction. It is important to keep this medication in a safe place where others cannot get it. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of abuse or addiction. It is illegal to sell or give away Vyvanse. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about how to store this medicine.
Precautions
Vyvanse can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Tell your doctor if you have any heart problems or high blood pressure, or a family history of them. This medication can also cause circulation problems, including numbness, coolness, pain or unexplained wounds in fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon). Report any new symptoms to your doctor right away.
Stimulants may cause drug abuse and addiction in some people. Your HCP should watch for signs of misuse and addiction, especially in children. This medicine is a Schedule II controlled substance, and it’s illegal to sell or give it to anyone else.
Lisdexamfetamine can interact with other medications, including antidepressants and some antibiotics. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medicines you’re taking. Also let them know if you smoke or drink alcohol. They can help you decide if it’s safe to take Vyvanse with other medications. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding before taking this medication.50 mg vyvanse
