Vyvanse: What You Need to Know Before Using It

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Vyvanse is a drug used as part of a full treatment plan for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's generically known as lisdexamfetamine.

The drug may help calm patients' nerves and improve their ability to stay focused. There are other uses of the drug, such as the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Binge eaters may use the drug to reduce their binge eating habits.

Vyvanse is arguably the most popular medication in its class. However, it's quite expensive, with an average price of $380 per 30-day supply of 70 mg capsules. You can save on Vyvanse by getting healthcare insurance that covers the medication or using a manufacturer or pharmaceutical coupon.

Usage

Some people are advised to take Vyvanse without food, while others should use it after eating. This is why it's most important to read the medication guide as prescribed by your pharmacist before using the drug.

Vyvanse can lead to sleeping problems (since its primary purpose is to keep you alert). As a result, you're advised not to use it in the late afternoon or evening. Doctors usually prescribe one daily dosage in the morning. They may adjust the dose after some time to determine what works best for you, so stick to your doctor's instructions strictly.

Vyvanse comes in capsules and chewable tablets. Chewable tablets are to be consumed by chewing thoroughly before swallowing. You can swallow the capsule wholly, although you can also open up the capsule, pour its content into water or any consumable solution, like fruit juice, stir well, and drink.

Precaution: Don't prepare a mix in advance; drink it immediately.

For best results, use this medication consistently as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medication if there are improvements or you're experiencing any side effects.

Anticipate withdrawal symptoms, especially if you halted your medication abruptly. You may experience the following; severe tiredness, insomnia, and mood changes. People who have used Vyvanse for long periods or in high amounts are more likely to experience these symptoms. This is why doctors usually advise lowering your dose gradually. You should report withdrawal symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Vyvanse Could Be Addictive

While it's true that Vyvanse is a beneficial drug, it could cause an addiction. Typically, individuals with a substance use disorder are more likely to become addicted.

Prolonged Usage May Not Work

When you use Vyvanse for such a long time, it may not be as effective either. Although you're advised to take the medication consistently, ensure that you don't increase your medication and stop when you're so instructed. Speak with your doctor if your prescription stops working or if your condition worsens.

Side Effects

Vyvanse usage may come with one or multiple side effects. Examples include nervousness, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, sweating, dizziness, confusion, irritability, nervousness, and weight loss. You should report any of these side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects include fainting, suicidal thoughts, blurred vision, muscle twitching, aggression, hallucinations, shortness of breath, depression, changes in sexual behavior, abnormal erection in males, et cetera. The probability of a serious side effect is rare as doctors only prescribe Vyvanse when the benefits to side effects ratio are high. They only allow patients to use the drug when it's highly more beneficial than detrimental. Some severe side effects include fainting, shortness of breath, severe nausea, severe muscle twitching, and a fast heartbeat.

Vyvanse may cause a rise in blood pressure, so ensure to check your blood pressure as frequently as possible, and also reach out to your doctor if it returns high results. This drug also increases serotonin levels and could cause a rare disorder called serotonin toxicity, especially for individuals who combine this medication with other serotonin-induced drugs.

There are other side effects not on this list that you may experience. Contact your doctor immediately. If you live in the US, you may also call the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Conclusion

Vyvanse is so popular in the US thanks to its usefulness in treating ADHD, one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the country. Although beneficial, you're advised to use it strictly under your doctor's supervision as it can also cause some side effects.