Overview of Vyvanse as a Controlled Substance
Vyvanse™ (
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription amphetamine medication that is classified as a controlled substance. Certain prescription medications and most illegal street drugs are controlled substances. These types of drugs are very habit-forming and are very likely to be abused. Therefore, there are special rules for prescribing medications that are controlled substances. There are five different groups (or "schedules") of controlled substances, and each schedule has its own specific rules.
Vyvanse, along with most other stimulants, is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that Vyvanse has a legitimate medical purpose, but it is very likely to be abused. Because it is a Schedule II controlled substance, there are special rules for prescribing Vyvanse. Prescriptions for Vyvanse must be in a written, "hard copy" form (they cannot be phoned or faxed to a pharmacy). Also, Vyvanse prescriptions cannot have any refills (you must get a new prescription each month). It is illegal (and also dangerous) to give or sell your Vyvanse to another person.
All the special rules and "red tape" surrounding the use of Vyvanse may seem inconvenient, but they were put in place to prevent abuse of medications like Vyvanse. There may be other rules your healthcare providers must follow for Vyvanse, depending on the laws of your particular state.
