Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, popularly known as Vyvanse, treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children (aged six years and above) and adults use this prescription. Doctors also use it to treat binge eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants (CNS).
Vyvanse increases focus and control while also reducing restlessness. The product works by altering the amounts of specific natural substances in your brain. Vyvanse is available in the following forms:
- Chewable tablet
- Swallowed capsule
General Instructions for Use
Take Vyvanse orally in the morning, regardless of whether you have eaten or not. Afternoon doses should be avoided due to potential insomnia. You should swallow the capsules whole or open them and mix the contents with water, juice, or yogurt. Take the resulting mixture immediately. Do not store it for later use.
Warnings and Precautions
Consider the following warnings and precautions before you take a Vyvanse prescription:
- Vyvanse has a high potential for dependence and abuse. Make sure you assess the risks before you take a prescription.
- If you have significant cardiovascular reactions, avoid the use of Vyvanse. Sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke have been reported in individuals with cardiac abnormalities taking Vyvanse. Doctors should assess patients who develop chest pains or syncope during Vyvanse treatment.
- Vyvanse is known to cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Patients should be evaluated for probable hypertension and tachycardia.
- The use of Vyvanse can lead to psychotic or manic symptoms such as hallucinations or mania in patients with and without a psychotic history. If you notice such symptoms, quit using Vyvanse.
- Vyvanse can cause weight loss and can slow growth in children. Monitor growth in children treated with Vyvanse. If you notice any issue with the growth rate, consult your pediatrician for medical intervention.
- Vyvanse use is associated with peripheral vasculopathy. The effects of this condition include Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs are usually mild and intermittent. The signs and symptoms of this condition improve after the doctor reduces the Vyvanse dose.
- When you combine the use of Vyvanse with other drugs, serotonin syndrome can occur. It is a life-threatening reaction that affects serotonergic neurotransmitter systems like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin syndrome signs include coma, delirium, nausea, tachycardia, dizziness, flushing, and hyperthermia. Discontinue treatment with Vyvanse if you observe any of these symptoms.
- Use Vyvanse once per day to minimize the chances of an overdose. Patients using other sympathomimetic drugs should proceed with caution to avoid severe side effects.
- May impair the ability of an individual to operate machinery.
Vyvanse Overdose
Dependence on Vyvance occurs when your body builds a tolerance to the drug so you need to increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect. Increasing the dosage is likely to lead to an overdose.
An overdose of Vyvanse can occur knowingly or unknowingly. An unintentional overdose may arise when you are trying to make up for forgotten dosages. In case you forget to take your dosage, take it immediately when you remember. However, if the time is close to your next dosage, skip the missed one, and go back to your ordinary schedule. Do not engage in double doses.
On the other hand, an overdose occurs knowingly when an individual with Vyvanse use disorder takes high amounts of the drug to achieve a higher effect. Vyvanse overdose can be fatal.
Observe the following dosages for various treatments to prevent cases of overdose:
- Treatment of ADHD – starting dose should be 30 milligrams once every day in the morning for individuals aged six and above. The doctor may adjust the dosage in increments of 10 milligrams or 20 milligrams weekly. The maximum dosage should be 70 milligrams per day.
- Treatment of BED in adults – a starting dosage of 30 milligrams is recommended. Afterward, your doctor administers weekly increments of 20 milligrams to achieve the required dose of 70 milligrams per day.
- Patients with renal impairment – maximum dosage should not exceed 50 milligrams per day for patients suffering from severe renal impairment. In cases of end-stage renal disease, the maximum dose is 30 milligrams per day.
- Dosage modifications because of drug interactions – some agents alter urinary pH, impacting urinary excretion and blood levels of amphetamine. Alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate raise blood levels. On the other hand, acidifying agents such as ascorbic acid reduce blood levels.
Symptoms of an Overdose
An overdose occurs when you use excessive amounts of drugs or enough to sanction a life-threatening reaction. The following are symptoms of Vyvanse overdose:
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Stomach cramps
- Confusion
- Violent actions
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Shaking in the hands and feet
- Muscle stiffness
- Panic
- Seizures
- Overactive reflexes
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Fast breathing
- Dark-colored urine
- Circulatory collapse
- Vomiting
In some cases, the patient may experience coma, convulsions, and fatal poisoning.
What Do You Do If Someone Overdoses?
Vyvanse overdose often leads to a seizure or heart attack. The first and most crucial step when you encounter a case of Vyvanse overdose is to call 911 to ensure the patient receives immediate medical attention.
The emergency response team treats the overdose by trying to revive the cardiovascular system, engaging blood flow to the heart. Doctors will then follow these practices:
- Administering benzodiazepines for seizure control and sedation
- Restraining the patient through restraints and medications if they pose a danger to themselves or others
- Administering activated charcoal, thereby decreasing the rate of absorption of Vyvanse in the digestive tract
- Administering fluids in case the patient is suffering from dehydration
Most people survive Vyvanse overdose. However, if you have used it with other drugs, there is a risk of death. Mostly, overdose cases are due to addiction. Therefore, to reduce overdose cases, doctors treat addiction.
Addiction Signs to Look For
Common addiction signs include:
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of coordination
- Abdominal pain
- Flushed skin
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Aggression
- Sweating
- Psychosis
Reducing the Risk of Vyvanse Use Disorder
To reduce the risk of Vyvanse use disorder, assess the associated risks before usage. If you decide to take the prescription, keep the prescription records safe. Your doctor should educate you about abuse and proper storage and disposal of Vyvanse.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Do not use certain drugs together. However, depending on the condition, your doctor may choose to prescribe them together. Chances are, there will be an interaction. If you are about to prescribe to Vyvanse, let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Tranylcypromine
- Furazolidone
- Sibutramine
- Iproniazid
- Selegiline
- Isocarboxazid
- Safinamide
- Linezolid
- Rasagiline
- Methylene blue
- Procarbazine
- Moclobemide
- Phenelzine
- Nialamide
Important Information
Ensure that you keep all your doctor’s appointments. This is vital because the doctor may need to evaluate your body’s response to Vyvanse. Only the doctor is supposed to change your dosage. The care and guidance of a medical profession can help reduce the chances of an overdose.
Since Vyvanse is not refillable, schedule regular appointments with your doctor to ensure you get your prescription. Keep a record of all prescription and non-prescription drugs. When you visit your doctor, carry the list with you for reference. The list also helps in case of an emergency like an overdose.
Vyvanse Use Disorder Treatment
Most overdose cases are due to addiction. For example, an individual who has developed dependence is likely to take a higher dose to achieve the desired effect. If you have developed Vyvanse use disorder, do not lose hope. At Granite Recovery Centers, we provide rehabilitation services for individuals who are addicted to Vyvanse.
We have established recovery centers that have been transforming the lives of drug-dependent adults for over a decade. We have three treatment centers in Canterbury, Effingham, and Derry. They are:
Our management team includes experienced professionals who are passionate about transforming your life from one of addiction to one of sobriety. We value focus, commitment, and passion. Your recovery journey begins here with us.
Our Services
We offer the following services:
- Structured sober-living programs – Our sober-living homes offer safe and supportive recovery environments. These homes are vital because addicts in early recovery can have access to a serene environment to strengthen their sobriety. Daily interaction with peers helps in the recovery process.
- Residential addiction treatment centers – Our three centers offer residential detox programs. In essence, we provide treatments for Vyvanse addiction, cocaine addiction, benzos addiction, alcohol addiction, heroin addiction, and codeine addiction. We also incorporate yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), PTSD treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
- Mental health program – Here, we use clinical therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help our patients overcome addiction. We provide clinical psychotherapeutic support for process groups, motivational interviewing, one-on-one individual therapy, grief and loss, and behavior therapies.
- Intensive outpatient program – For a recovery process to be successful, you need to eradicate more than just drug use. Often, there are reasons behind substance use disorder, such as fatigue, stress, depression, and so much more. We address these issues in our intensive outpatient program. We utilize a 12-step curriculum that integrates evidence-based therapies to solve any underlying motives that led to addiction.
Additional Services
Other services include:
- Alumni program – We have an extensive alumni network that includes our former patients. The program provides recreational activities like yoga and meditation, peer support and interaction, educational events and programs, and exclusive membership to our Facebook group.
- Community recovery blog – Our blog addresses various topics about addiction, the treatment process, and the road to recovery. We understand that you are going through a difficult time trying to fight through addiction, and we wish to provide vital information that may be of help along the way. Visit our blog and browse through the various topics.
- Structured client schedules
- Evidence-based clinical therapies
- Abstinence and harm reduction
- Recovery goal setting
Recovery is challenging but achievable. Since you require dependable rehabilitation services, Granite Recovery Center offer some of the best recovery services in the current industry. Seek our services today, and we will guide you to ultimate sobriety.
Closing Thoughts
Although Vyvanse has its medical advantages, we cannot overlook dependence and overdose risks. Do not take large doses or use it in a different way than advised by your doctor. If you have overused Vyvanse, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Otherwise, you may suffer extreme side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Give Granite Recovery Center a call today to help you overcome your Vyvanse use.
