Vyvanse

Adults and children age 6 to 12 who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may benefit from Vyvanse. This prescription medication works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain to produce a calming effect. Vyvanse comes in the form of a capsule that is usually taken once a day in the morning. Commonly reported side effects include headaches, insomnia, and a decreased appetite.

 

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse™ (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children age 6 to 12 years old and in adults. Because the drug is a stimulant and has the potential to be abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Vyvanse: A Controlled Substance).
 
(Click Vyvanse Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Vyvanse is manufactured by Shire US.
 

How Does Vyvanse Work?

Lisdexamfetamine (the active ingredient of Vyvanse) is changed in the body to another chemical, dextroamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant, although it has effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, Vyvanse (when used in the appropriate dosages) has a calming effect. While the exact way the medication produces a calming effect is not known, it is known to affect chemicals in the brain.
 

Effects of Vyvanse

Based on clinical studies, children (age 6 to 12 years old) with ADHD who took Vyvanse had significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms, compared to children with ADHD who did not take it. Even though the medication is taken just once a day in the morning, these improvements lasted throughout the day, from morning until at least early evening (about 6 p.m.). Similar results were seen in adult studies of lisdexamfetamine.
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Vyvanse include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It should be taken by mouth once a day in the morning.
     
  • You can take Vyvanse with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For children who have difficulty swallowing capsules, Vyvanse capsules can be opened and the contents dissolved in a glass of water. The child should immediately drink the entire glass of water.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Vyvanse will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Vyvanse your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Vyvanse Dosage for more information.)
 

Possible Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Vyvanse. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Vyvanse Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Vyvanse can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Vyvanse Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Vyvanse?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • Heart problems of any kind, including:
 
 
 
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Vyvanse Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Vyvanse may have overdose symptoms that could include the following:
 
  • Restlessness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Fast breathing
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Panic
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Vyvanse Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should the Medication Be Stored?

Vyvanse should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Vyvanse as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember in the morning. If you do not remember until the afternoon, skip the dose; taking the medication after morning can cause trouble sleeping at night. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Vyvanse capsules are available in the following strengths:
 

 

Generic Vyvanse

Currently, no generic versions of Vyvanse are licensed for sale (see Generic Vyvanse for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;