How Do You Know If You’re Taking Too Much Vyvanse?
One of the approved drugs to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine. While it can be an effective medication for this condition, as well as to help adults with severe binge eating disorder, the drug can be misused and lead to addiction. Even when taken as directed, there can be many side effects and signs a Vyvanse dose is too high that can start to cause problems.
Like other addictive prescription drugs, doctors closely monitor how patients are doing on this medication and might need to make adjustments to the dosage over time, depending on the extent of side effects and how well the conditions are being treated.
Table of contents
» What Is Vyvanse?
» What Is the Typical Dose Range of Vyvanse for Adults and Children?
» Can Too Much Vyvanse Cause Anxiety, Irritability, or Mood Changes?
» What Are the Dangers of Misusing or Abusing Vyvanse at High Doses?
» Key Takeaways on Signs Vyvanse Dose Too High
» Resources
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a type of central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and kids over the age of 6, as well as moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. While it can lead to weight loss, it isn’t prescribed as a weight loss drug or to treat obesity–instead, that’s just one of the side effects that can come from these capsules or chewable tablets. It might seem similar to another popular ADHD treatment, Adderall, especially because they both work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
However, they have different active ingredients, with Vyvanse’s lisdexamfetamine becoming an active form of amphetamine only once it’s metabolized in the body, while Adderall’s mixed amphetamine salts are already active before metabolization. This means that Adderall more quickly hits the system and takes effect, while Vyvanse has a more gradual onset and sustained release because of how it is broken down in the body.
While it can be an effective treatment option for some people, Vyvanse is also considered to be a habit-forming drug and can be misused or abused, which is why it’s closely controlled, and patients are monitored to see how they’re doing. Vyvanse side effects commonly include things like:
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight loss
In addition, Vyvanse can cause more serious side effects that need to be checked by medical professionals as soon as possible, including:
- Weakness or numbness of a limb
- Seizures
- Slow, difficult, or labored speech
- Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
- Mood swings
- Tics
- Hives or rash
- Swelling (especially in the eyes, face, or mouth)
- Vision problems
- Unexplained wounds, numbness, pain, or paleness or blue color in the fingers or toes
Any kind of stimulant can lead to dangerous problems in those who have certain other medical conditions, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or things like circulation problems, kidney disease, or clogged arteries.
What Is the Typical Dose Range of Vyvanse for Adults and Children?
If you’re wondering about the signs Vyvanse dose is too high, it’s helpful to know what the typical dosages might be for this medication when prescribed to kids or adults. Typically, patients are initiated on a dosage of 30 milligrams of Vyvanse, taken once daily in the morning. Doctors can adjust the dosage in increments of 10 milligrams to 20 milligrams until the proper amount is found for the patient. The maximum daily dosage is considered to be 70 milligrams, taken once daily, for children and adults over 6 years old.
It comes in two formulations–a chewable tablet that ranges from 10 milligrams to 60 milligrams, or an oral capsule available in 10 milligrams to 70 milligrams. Versions of these tablets and capsules are available in 10-milligram increments, meaning some patients will end up on a 50-milligram oral capsule, while others might be on a 40-milligram chewable tablet.
Either way, it’s typically only taken once a day, first thing in the morning, and can be taken with or without food. The reason it’s recommended to take it earlier rather than later each day is that it can make it difficult to sleep if taken in the afternoon or evening.
Can Too Much Vyvanse Cause Anxiety, Irritability, or Mood Changes?
One of the major red flags or signs a Vyvanse dose is too high is a significant mood change, such as anxiety or irritability. This is because the drug works as a central nervous system stimulant, and too much of it can actually overstimulate the patient’s brain with neurotransmitters, which can lead to emotional instability and mental problems.
Many reasons can be behind this, including:
- High Dose: A dose of Vyvanse that is too high can amplify possible side effects, including anxiety, restlessness, and jitteriness. It’s important to talk with your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing. They might try adjusting the dosage to find a level that treats the condition (ADHD or binge eating disorder) effectively while minimizing these side effects.
- Crashing: Some people will feel like their original symptoms are “rebounding” as the medication wears off during the day, or they can experience a “crash” that makes them feel irritable, anxious, or low/depressed.
- Withdrawal: Patients who take Vyvanse, or people who are abusing Vyvanse as an illegal drug, can develop a dependence on the medication, which means they need to take it to feel “normal.” If they don’t take it or don’t get enough of the drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms that can include anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
- Overdose: Overdosing on Vyvanse is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention because it can bring on severe physical and mental problems, including panic, paranoia, psychosis, aggression, and hallucinations.
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What Are the Dangers of Misusing or Abusing Vyvanse at High Doses?
Vyvanse can be an effective medication, but it can also be misused or abused, such as using the drug in a way other than intended (snorting it, for example) to try to get high or feel the rush of energy from this drug. However, this can be extremely dangerous, putting the user at risk of severe psychological distress and physical problems that can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, heart attacks, seizures, and even death.
Misusing Vyvanse can quickly lead to an overdose, which can become fatal if left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to get immediate medical attention if you think you or a loved one is experiencing an overdose of this drug.
Even without overdosing, misusing Vyvanse can quickly lead to dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Fortunately, drug rehabs near me can help people overcome their addiction to this powerful drug and learn to live a healthier life without the dangers of abusing this medication.
Key Takeaways on Signs Vyvanse Dose Too High
- Vyvanse is an approved medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults and kids six and older.
- It can also be an effective treatment for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults.
- Doctors closely monitor how patients’ symptoms are doing on this drug, and dosage adjustments are common as they figure out the right amount to treat symptoms while minimizing side effects.
- Some of the signs a Vyvanse dose is too high include mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.
- High doses of the drug can also cause overdoses that can become fatal.
Misusing or abusing Vyvanse is a serious problem that can cause all kinds of challenges with mental and physical health and even lead to death in some cases. While the drug can be addictive, help is available at the network of prescription drug rehab facilities in Florida at WhiteSands Treatment. Our comprehensive range of programs, including day and night addiction treatment in Florida, can help you break the chains of addiction once and for all. Call us at 877-855-3470 to learn how we can help you or your loved one get better.
Resources
- Drugs.com – Vyvanse
- MedlinePlus – Lisdexamfetamine
- GoodRx – Vyvanse Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
