Vyvanse increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which may improve communication between nerve cells. For ADHD, this may reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. For BED, it may decrease appetite and reduce obsessive and compulsive thoughts about binging.
This medication has a boxed warning about the risk of drug abuse and addiction. It may cause withdrawal symptoms in some people.
Dosage
Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It is also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It works by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This medication belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It can cause dependence, so it should only be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually in the morning. Swallow the capsule whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, open it and pour its contents into a glass of water or orange juice, yogurt, or another liquid. Stir well to mix the content evenly, and drink or eat it right away. Do not store any leftover mixture.
Do not use Vyvanse if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Some medications can interact with each other and cause a serious side effect called serotonin syndrome.
Side effects
Side effects from Vyvanse are usually mild and go away on their own over time. If they are severe or bothersome, talk to your doctor.
Headaches are a common side effect of this medication and may be relieved by taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). In some cases, children using Vyvanse for longer periods have shown a slowed growth rate. Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight to make sure they are growing at a normal rate for their age group.
You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications or supplements. Also, let them know if you are allergic to any foods or dyes. Taking Vyvanse with certain medications can cause a dangerous reaction. This includes antacids, antidepressants, and medicines used to treat high blood pressure or seizures. It also increases your risk of serotonin syndrome if taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs include SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants.
Precautions
Vyvanse may cause heart problems or a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome when it is taken with certain other medications. It can also affect your blood circulation, causing pain or numbness in your fingers and toes. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any of these symptoms.
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; if you have trouble swallowing, you can open them and mix the contents with yogurt or water or orange juice and consume them immediately. Do not store the mixture. Use the chewable tablet only as prescribed by your doctor.
Stimulants can be habit-forming and can lead to drug abuse. Keep this medication in a secure place and out of reach of children. This medication is a schedule II controlled substance; therefore, it cannot be legally sold or given to others. Talk to your pharmacist for more information about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Overdose
Vyvanse, like other stimulants, has a high risk of misuse (also called abuse) and physical dependence. If you have misused stimulants in the past or have a history of addiction, your doctor may monitor you closely while you are taking this medication.
Mixing Vyvanse with alcohol or other prescription drugs increases your risk of overdose and serious side effects. These include heart attack or stroke, and problems with your blood pressure and heart rate. Vyvanse also raises the risk of seizure, especially in people with brain disorders like epilepsy. It can also cause or worsen symptoms of psychosis and mania in people with mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
Don’t share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same condition as you. This helps prevent others from misusing it, and keeps your medication out of the reach of children and pets. If you have unused Vyvanse, ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to safely dispose of it.vyvanse 50 mg capsule
