What Is Vyvanse? Uses, Effects, and Safety

If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may have heard of Vyvanse. Questions about how stimulants work, how long their effects last, and what risks they carry are common when considering treatment.

So, what is Vyvanse? Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, a prescription central nervous system stimulant. In the U.S., it is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. It is also approved to treat moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is not approved for weight loss or obesity treatment.

What Is Vyvanse and How Does It Work?

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, meaning the body converts it into its active form, dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines affect the activity of brain chemicals including dopamine and norepinephrine, although the exact way Vyvanse produces its therapeutic effects in ADHD and BED is not fully understood.

For people with ADHD, stimulant treatment may help improve attention and reduce impulsive or hyperactive symptoms. For adults with BED, Vyvanse may help reduce the number of binge-eating episodes when prescribed as part of an appropriate treatment plan.

How Long Does Vyvanse Last?

People often ask, how long does Vyvanse last? Vyvanse is designed for once-daily dosing and is usually taken in the morning. In an adult ADHD clinical study included in the prescribing information, improvements in attention were measured at several points through 14 hours after a dose. This does not mean every person will experience noticeable effects for exactly 14 hours. Individual response can vary.

Taking Vyvanse later in the day may interfere with sleep, which is one reason patients are generally instructed to take it in the morning. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether its duration fits your daily needs.

Common Vyvanse Side Effects

Common side effects reported in people treated for ADHD include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, and weight loss. Side effects vary from person to person, and persistent or bothersome symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Safety Cautions

Vyvanse can increase heart rate and blood pressure. The prescribing information also warns about psychiatric reactions, circulation problems in the fingers and toes, and serotonin syndrome when Vyvanse is combined with certain medications. People with heart problems, mental health conditions, a history of substance misuse, or other medical concerns should review these issues with their prescriber before treatment.

Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance and carries an FDA boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction. It should be taken only as prescribed, stored securely, and never shared with another person.

Contraindications and Interactions

Vyvanse should not be used by people with a known hypersensitivity to amphetamine products. It is also contraindicated during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, and for 14 days after stopping an MAOI because of the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

Some antidepressants and other medications that affect serotonin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you take before starting Vyvanse.

If you are comparing treatments for ADHD, Canada Pharmacy also provides information about prescription options such as Intuniv (guanfacine). Your healthcare provider can explain how different ADHD treatments compare and which may be appropriate for your health needs.

Vyvanse may be helpful for certain patients with ADHD or binge eating disorder, but stimulant treatment requires appropriate prescribing and monitoring. Do not change your dose or how you take a prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider. This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vyvanse an amphetamine?

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which the body converts into dextroamphetamine. It is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S.

How long does Vyvanse last?

Clinical testing in adults with ADHD found measurable treatment effects through 14 hours after dosing. Individual duration can vary, so talk with your prescriber if you feel the medication wears off too early or lasts too long.

Is Vyvanse addictive?

Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and misuse and may lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. The FDA requires a boxed warning describing these risks.

Is Vyvanse used for weight loss?

No. Vyvanse is not approved or recommended for weight loss, and its safety and effectiveness for treating obesity have not been established.

Can Vyvanse interact with antidepressants?

Yes. Certain serotonergic medicines, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and some other antidepressants, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with Vyvanse. MAOIs are contraindicated with Vyvanse and for 14 days after the MAOI is stopped.