Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or binge eating disorder (BED). It contains lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a type of amphetamine that acts on the brain to improve attention, reduce impulsivity, or control binge eating episodes.
This medication is available in pharmacies as capsules containing 30, 50, or 70 mg of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, under the brand name Vyvanse or in generic versions with equivalent therapeutic profiles, and is sold only with a medical prescription, which must be retained by the pharmacy.
Vyvanse can be prescribed for adults or children and should only be used under medical supervision, in the dosage and for the duration prescribed, according to the patient’s age and the condition being treated.
Indications for use
Vyvanse is indicated for the treatment of:
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over 6 years old, adolescents, or adults
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Binge eating disorder (BED) in adults over 18 years old
This medication works in the brain to improve alertness and concentration and reduce impulsivity in people with ADHD, or to decrease binge eating episodes in those with BED.
Vyvanse typically begins to work within about 90 minutes to two hours, with effects that can last up to 14 hours.
Does Vyvanse help with concentration?
Vyvanse can help increase concentration and attention in people with ADHD, a condition that causes difficulty focusing on daily activities and may affect school performance in children over 6 years old.
However, Vyvanse is not indicated for other health conditions that can cause reduced concentration, attention, or memory, such as stress, anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, or vitamin deficiencies.
For this reason, it is important to consult a general practitioner or neurologist to determine the underlying cause of concentration problems and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Does Vyvanse cause weight loss?
One of the most common side effects of Vyvanse is decreased appetite, which can lead to reduced food intake and weight loss. For this reason, some people taking Vyvanse may lose weight.
In addition, Vyvanse may also contribute to weight loss in people with binge eating disorder, as it reduces binge episodes, leading to fewer calories consumed during the day.
However, Vyvanse is not approved or recommended for weight loss or obesity treatment. Using stimulant medications for this purpose can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.
How to take and recommended dosage
Vyvanse capsules should be taken orally in the morning, with or without food, swallowed whole or opened and mixed into a soft food, such as yogurt, or a liquid, such as water or orange juice. The mixture should be consumed immediately after preparation. Vyvanse should not be taken in the afternoon or evening, as it may interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.
The recommended starting dose of Vyvanse for treating ADHD in children over 6 years old or BED in adults over 18 is usually 30 mg once a day. The dose may be increased by the doctor up to a maximum of 70 mg per day. For people with severe kidney impairment, the maximum dose should not exceed 50 mg per day.
It is important to follow medical instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment and not stop taking Vyvanse without medical guidance.
Before starting treatment, a doctor should assess the patient’s cardiovascular history and risk factors. During use, monitoring for signs of abuse, dependence, or cardiovascular problems is recommended, along with periodic re-evaluation of the need for continued therapy. Proper storage in a safe location is important to prevent misuse.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur during treatment with Vyvanse include dry mouth, loss of appetite, insomnia, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or nervousness.
Vyvanse may also cause serious side effects, such as agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, excessive sweating, fever, chills, muscle stiffness or spasms, lack of coordination, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, bluish discoloration of fingers or nails, throat tightness, or swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face. In such cases, medical help should be sought immediately.
Higher doses of stimulant medications, including Vyvanse, have been associated with an increased risk of psychosis in some people, particularly those aged 16 to 35 years.
Can Vyvanse cause dependence?
When used without medical supervision or in high doses, Vyvanse can lead to tolerance, meaning that increasingly higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can result in physical or psychological dependence.
Like other amphetamines, misuse of Vyvanse can also cause withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and depression.
Who should not take Vyvanse
Vyvanse should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, states of agitation, or a history of drug abuse.
It should not be prescribed for children under 6 years old for ADHD treatment or for people under 18 years old for BED treatment.
Vyvanse should also be avoided in people allergic to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate or those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, moclobemide, iproniazid, or tranylcypromine, or who have taken these medications in the past 14 days.