Vyvanse
Generic Name: Lisdexamfetamine
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) (brain and spinal cord) stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.What is the most important information I should know about Vyvanse?
Vyvanse should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.Vyvanse, like all amphetamines, has a high potential for abuse. Taking Vyvanse for long periods of time may lead to extreme emotional and physical dependence.
There are reports of serious heart-related and mental problems in people taking Vyvanse or other related stimulant medicines. These problems include sudden death in people who have heart problems or heart defects, stroke and heart attacks in adults, increased blood pressure and heart rate, new or worsening behavior and thought problems, bipolar illness, and aggressive or hostile behavior.
In addition, new psychotic symptoms have been reported. Such symptoms include hearing voices, believing things that are not true, and manic symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you or your child develops signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or new mental problems while taking Vyvanse.
Vyvanse may increase your risk of having a seizure, especially if you have a history of seizures. Vyvanse may also worsen symptoms related to Tourette's syndrome (a brain disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics).
Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Vyvanse. This medication may be stopped if your child is not growing in height or gaining weight as expected.
Who should not take Vyvanse?
Vyvanse should not be taken if you have heart disease or hardening of the arteries; have moderate to severe high blood pressure; have an overactive thyroid; have an eye disease called glaucoma (high pressure in the eye); are very anxious, tense, or agitated; have a history of drug abuse; are taking or have taken within the past 14 days a type of medication called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); or if you are sensitive to, allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Vyvanse?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Vyvanse. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; a history of mental problems or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression; tics (repeated movements or sounds that cannot be controlled) or Tourette's syndrome; liver or kidney problems; thyroid problems; and seizures or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG).What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children ≥6 years: The usual starting dose is 30 milligrams (mg) a day taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your daily dose by 10 or 20 mg every week until the lowest effective dose is achieved, up to a maximum of 70 mg daily.
How should I take Vyvanse?
Take this medicine in the morning. Afternoon doses should be avoided because of the potential for insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep). You can take Vyvanse with or without food.If you are unable to swallow the capsule, you may carefully open it and dissolve the contents in a glass of water. Drink the entire glass. Do not take less than one capsule per day.
What should I avoid while taking Vyvanse?
Taking Vyvanse longer than necessary may lead to physical and emotional dependence and must be avoided. Your doctor will frequently assess your response to this medication to see if it is still useful or to make sure you are receiving the lowest effective dose.Use caution when driving or operating dangerous machinery while taking Vyvanse.
Avoid splitting the dose within a capsule; also avoid taking Vyvanse later in the day.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Vyvanse?
If Vyvanse is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vyvanse with the following: antidepressants including MAOIs, antipsychotic medication, lithium, blood pressure medication, seizure medication, and narcotic pain medicines.What are the possible side effects of Vyvanse?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: slowing of growth (height and weight) in children, seizures (mainly in patients with a history of seizures), blurred vision, upper belly pains, decreased appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
Can I receive Vyvanse if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Vyvanse during pregnancy are unknown and, therefore, pregnancy should be avoided. Amphetamines such as Vyvanse are passed into breast milk. Therefore, women who take Vyvanse should not breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Vyvanse?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 12 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Vyvanse?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
