An Introduction to Vyvanse Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
Vyvanse™ (
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Vyvanse. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Vyvanse side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects With Vyvanse
Vyvanse has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and then compared to those that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common Vyvanse side effects included:
- A decreased appetite -- in up to 39 percent of people
- Insomnia -- up to 19 percent (see Vyvanse and Insomnia)
- Dry mouth -- up to 26 percent
- Stomach pain (abdominal pain) -- up to 12 percent
- Headaches -- up to 12 percent
- Irritability -- up to 10 percent.
Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 9 percent of people) included:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Feeling jittery
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Increased sweating
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss (see Vyvanse and Weight Loss)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes.
Stimulants such as Vyvanse can temporarily slow down the growth rate in children. This is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
