If you or your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may wonder whether lisdexamfetamine, commonly known by the brand name Vyvanse, might help improve focus, attention and impulse control.
Vyvanse is in a class of drugs called stimulants, which work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. “Vyvanse is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older, as well as to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults,” said Paul Thompson, a pharmacist with Banner Pharmacy Services.
What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant medication. It is classified as a prodrug, which means it is inactive until your body metabolizes (processes) it.
When you take Vyvanse, your digestive system converts it into dextroamphetamine, a chemical compound that affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The dextroamphetamine is released gradually into the bloodstream.
Vyvanse works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are found in the brain. They help manage attention, concentration and impulse control. Having more dopamine and norepinephrine may help improve focus, alertness and executive functioning, as well as reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Lisdexamfetamine should be used as part of a treatment plan that may include educational, behavioral and psychological components. It is not approved for weight loss and using it for weight loss is not recommended since it could lead to misuse and dependence.
It’s important to use Vyvanse only as prescribed and to follow your provider’s guidance closely. Never share your medication with others.
Benefits of lisdexamfetamine
Many people with ADHD have trouble focusing on tasks, staying organized and finishing assignments or projects. Vyvanse helps improve concentration and attention span, so it’s easier to stay on task and manage responsibilities at school, work and at home. Vyvanse may improve performance in school and productivity in daily activities.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are common symptoms of ADHD. Vyvanse may reduce these symptoms, helping people manage their impulses and control their behavior. It also decreases restlessness, impulsivity and fidgetiness, so people can focus on tasks and activities, interact more calmly with other people and have better self-control.
Vyvanse may improve daily functioning. Many people feel more organized, focused and in control of their lives when they take Vyvanse. Vyvanse may improve performance at school or work, relationships with family and peers and satisfaction with daily life. Vyvanse may help people with ADHD keep their routines stable and predictable.
Risks and side effects of lisdexamfetamine
Like any medication, lisdexamfetamine can cause side effects. Not everyone has them. Some common side effects may include:
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Irritability or mood swings
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
These side effects are usually mild and temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If any side effects don’t ease up or they get worse, talk to your health care provider.
Vyvanse may also cause these less common but more serious side effects or risks:
- Increases in blood pressure and heart rate, which can be a concern if you have heart problems.
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes.
- Worsening of anxiety, agitation or psychosis, especially if you have a history of mental health disorders.
- The potential for misuse, abuse and dependence, especially if you have a history of drug abuse or addiction. “Vyvanse is a controlled substance. It should only be used exactly as prescribed,” Dr. Thompson said.
- Slower growth and development with long-term use in children, although this effect is still being studied.
Talk to your provider about your medical history and any risk factors before you start taking lisdexamfetamine. Your provider can explain the benefits and risks of the drug and monitor you during treatment.
“Be vigilant about any changes in mood, behavior or physical health and report them to your doctor,” Dr. Thompson said. If you have side effects, your provider may adjust the dosage, switch to a different medication or provide other care. Be sure to share your symptoms and concerns openly with your provider.
To make sure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible and to minimize side effects, your provider may:
- Start with the lowest effective dose and gradually increase it, if needed.
- Monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs.
- Ask you to report any new symptoms or symptoms that are getting worse.
- Recommend that you follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get regular exercise.
- Advise you to avoid alcohol and other substances that may cause interactions.
Dosage, interactions and safety
Your health care provider will recommend a dosage for Vyvanse based on your needs and how you respond to treatment. “Take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not alter the dosage without consulting your doctor,” Dr. Thompson said. Increasing the dosage or taking it more often than prescribed can raise your risk of side effects and could lead to misuse or dependence.
Lisdexamfetamine comes in a capsule that is usually taken in the morning, with or without food. “To prevent insomnia, avoid taking Vyvanse in the late afternoon or evening,” Dr. Thompson said. You should swallow it whole with water or liquid. Don’t crush, chew or divide it.
Vyvanse may interact with certain medications and substances. These interactions could change how well it works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your provider about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you are taking before you start taking Vyvanse. Some medications that may interact with it include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antihypertensive medications
- Acidifying agents like ascorbic acid
- Alkalinizing agents like sodium bicarbonate
Vyvanse may also interact with alcohol, caffeine and certain recreational drugs. You should avoid alcohol and recreational drugs and limit caffeine when you’re taking Vyvanse.
The bottom line
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that is approved for treating ADHD in children over age 6 and adults and for treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. Most people tolerate it well, but it may cause some side effects at first. There’s also a risk of less common but more severe side effects, especially in people with other health conditions.
If you think Vyvanse might help you or your child, talk to your health care provider or reach out to an expert at Banner Health.
Other useful articles
- IEPs and 504s: Getting Support at School for Your Child
- Do You Have ADHD? Don’t Rely on an Online Quiz Alone
- How to Get Organized When You Have Adult ADHD
The content in this article is for informational use only. Always discuss any medication with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking it. Also, refer to the medication package insert supplied by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with your prescription.
