What is Vyvanse: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Vyvanse

Vyvanse is usually prescribed to be taken once a day, in the morning—with or without food. Doses range from 30 to 70 mg. Vyvanse is available as an oral capsule that typically starts working within 1 hour after taking it. It reaches its peak at about four hours in, and effects wear off after up to14 hours. Vyvanse comes in a delayed-release capsule that may help improve adherence to the medication and reduce potential rebound effects at the end of the day.

Typically, the Vyvanse dosage for a new patient will begin at 30 mg. A higher dosage should not be taken without a provider’s permission because it's essential to evaluate how the individual responds to the medication first.

Vyvanse is available as an oral capsule and chewable tablet. Vyvanse oral capsules come in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg. Vyvanse chewable tablets come in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg.

The oral capsule can be administered with a glass of water or juice, or the contents of the capsule can be mixed with food, such as yogurt. Simply open the capsule and mix the powder into your food. Bear in mind that vitamin C-rich foods like orange juice may slow down the body's ability to absorb Vyvanse, which can decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

You can overdose on Vyvanse if you take it improperly. Vyvanse overdose symptoms include hallucinations, panic, tremors, restlessness, confusion, rapid breathing, and muscle pain.

You may experience withdrawal if you stop taking Vyvanse abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms may include shaking, sweating, irritability, fatigue, and depression. As the drug wears off throughout the day, some people may experience a crash. The Vyvanse crash is normal especially when first starting the drug, and symptoms may be similar to those of withdrawal, such as irritability and tiredness. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms regularly. 

Refer to your Vyvanse medication guide for more information on how to take Vyvanse.

Storage

Keep Vyvanse at room temperature between 68° and 77° F. Keep it away from light to avoid it from overheating.

It's best to store Vyvanse in a locked compartment, especially if you live with children.

If your healthcare provider instructs you to stop taking Vyvanse before you've finished your prescription, don't throw it in the trash. It can harm animals and people who find Vyvanse at their disposal. Instead, look for a medicinal take-back program at your local pharmacy. Read about how to dispose of medication properly for more information.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vyvanse

If you miss a dose of Vyvanse, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's already the evening, it's best to skip the dose for that day. Never take an extra dose to "make up" for a missed dose.

Vyvanse contraindications

You should not take Vyvanse if you are:

• Younger than 6 years old

• Sensitive or allergic to other stimulant medications

• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor medication (MAOI) or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days

The FDA-approved list of MAOIs includes Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Emsam (selegiline), and Parnate (tranylcypromine). Taking MAOIs with Vyvanse can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Talk to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or other ADHD medications in the past.

Vyvanse warnings

• Vyvanse can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, those with heart problems or heart defects should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Vyvanse. This medication has been reported to cause sudden death in patients with heart conditions.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is no strong data on how Vyvanse affects fetuses or unborn babies. Seek professional medical advice if you need ADHD medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Federally controlled substances like Vyvanse have a high risk of dependency because a high dose may make some users feel euphoric. However, Vyvanse misuse can have damaging and fatal health consequences.

Vyvanse interactions

There are many drug-drug interactions with Vyvanse. Some of the most dangerous Vyvanse interactions include:

• MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline

• Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants

• CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as paroxetine, ritonavir, and quinidine

• Alkalinizing agents, such as acetazolamide

• Acidifying agents, such as ammonium chloride 

Vyvanse, like other ADHD medications, is usually recommended to be avoided with alcohol. Combining Vyvanse and alcohol may increase the risk of adverse effects. Vyvanse is a stimulant while alcohol is a depressant. Mixing the two could also result in excessive consumption of alcohol or an overdose on Vyvanse.