Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children who are at least 6 years old.
Vyvanse is also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This medicine is not to be used for obesity or weight loss.
Important information
Do not use Vyvanse if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Vyvanse is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Vyvanse if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine.
Do not use Vyvanse if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in people with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Tell your doctor if you have:
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease;
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circulation problems;
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peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud"s syndrome;
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a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt; or
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if you take an antidepressant.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. However, lisdexamfetamine may cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes Vyvanse during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Vyvanse is not approved to treat ADHD in a child younger than 6 years old. This medicine is not approved to treat binge eating disorder in anyone younger than 18 years old.
Long-term use of Vyvanse can slow a child"s growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Do not give Vyvanse to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take Vyvanse?
Take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.
Vyvanse should be taken in the morning with or without food.
Do not take this medicine in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Do not crush, chew, break, or divide a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole. To make swallowing easier, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a glass of water or mix it with yogurt. After the medicine has dissolved, drink or eat the mixture immediately. Do not save for later use.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked often.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Throw away unused or expired Vyvanse in a sealed container or bag. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a community pharmaceutical take back disposal program.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if it is already evening. Taking this medicine late in the day can cause sleep problems. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of lisdexamfetamine can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid?
Vyvanse may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Vyvanse side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Vyvanse: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Vyvanse and call your doctor at once if you have:
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chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or uneven heart rate;
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confusion, paranoia, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations;
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unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
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penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer (rare); or
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numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes.
Common Vyvanse side effects may include:
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dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss;
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sleep problems (insomnia);
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dizziness, feeling irritable; or
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Vyvanse dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:
Initial dose: 30 mg orally once a day in the morning
If necessary, the initial daily dose may be increased by 10 mg to 20 mg approximately once a week up to a maximum daily dose of 70 mg. Maintain patients on their optimal dose.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:
6 years or older:
Initial dose: 30 mg orally once a day in the morning
If necessary, the initial daily dose may be increased by 10 mg to 20 mg approximately once a week up to a maximum daily dose of 70 mg. Maintain patients on their optimal dose.
Vyvanse has not been studied in children under 6 years of age. Long-term effects of amphetamines in children have not been well established. Amphetamines are not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age.
What other drugs will affect Vyvanse?
Ask your doctor before using a stomach acid medicine. Some of these medicines can change the way your body absorbs Vyvanse, and may increase side effects.
Other drugs may interact with lisdexamfetamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
