Vyvanse is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. To get this medication prescribed, you need to have a diagnosis that can be received in person or online from a licensed practitioner, which can include physicians and psychiatrists, and sometimes mid-level practitioners like nurses. Once you have a valid prescription, you can fill it at a pharmacy or through an online service.
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What is Vyvanse & How Does it Work?
Vyvanse contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine and is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years and older. It also treats moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults, which is characterized by periods of uncontrolled overeating. Vyvanse works by being broken down by the body into its active form, dextroamphetamine, which then acts to manage a person’s symptoms. Vyvanse comes as both a capsule and chewable tablet, and there is currently no generic version available.
Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD symptoms, including difficulty focusing, controlling impulses, and the ability to remain still or quiet. For ADHD symptoms, patients usually take a recommended dose of 30 to 70 mg per day in the morning.1, 2 BED has the same dosage instructions, except the recommended dosage is usually between 50 mg to 70 mg.3, 4 It is important to note that dosages vary from person to person, and you should follow your doctor’s instructions exactly as directed.
Side Effects of Vyvanse
As with all medications, people who take Vyvanse may experience side effects that may range in severity. Vyvanse is a stimulant medication, so most side effects will have to do with having more energy in the body, like having a faster heart rate or not being able to sleep. Typically, side effects go away with continued usage of the medication, while other side effects can be managed by taking the medication correctly. If you experience side effects that are intolerable or get worse, you should talk with your doctor.1, 2, 3
Common side effects of Vyvanse may include:
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Irritability
- Nausea
Less common side effects of Vyvanse may include:
- Drowsiness
- Rash
- Seizures
- Coma
- High body temperature
- Loss of coordination
- Flushing
- Tremors, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching
- Confusion
- Hallucination
This is not a comprehensive list of side effects. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication to learn about all of the potential side effects and risks.
Do I Need to Get a Vyvanse Prescription?
People who may benefit from Vyvanse are those who have symptoms of ADHD that impact their daily living. These are symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Inattention is when a person has difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity involves having too much energy or when a person moves or talks too much, and impulsivity is acting without thinking or having a difficult time with self-control. These may include having challenges with listening closely when spoken to directly, having difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and having difficulty waiting for their turn.
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Those who have never taken medication for mental health should consider what other physical and mental health conditions they currently have. Not all conditions or medications are compatible with Vyvanse, and sometimes other ADHD medications or non-medication therapies should be considered for specific individuals.
Every person is different, so it is best to discuss your situation with a doctor. Research shows that psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may not be effective in treating the core symptoms of ADHD. However, it can still help people with ADHD learn useful skills for daily living.4
Some signs that you may benefit from a Vyvanse prescription include:
- Other ADHD medications have not provided enough relief.
- Needing to take multiple doses of stimulant medications throughout the day.
- Impairment in daily life where therapy or medications are not helping enough.
- Having persistent challenges in multiple settings, affecting interpersonal relationships and academic or occupational performance.
- Continuing to struggle with acting without thinking, being restless, and having impulsive decision-making.
- Having persistent difficulty in sustaining focus, being easily distracted, and frequently making careless mistakes.
Who Shouldn’t Get Vyvanse Prescribed
People who should not get Vyvanse include those who are on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and those who are hypersensitive to amphetamine products or to the ingredients in Vyvanse. MAOIs have a drug interaction with Vyvanse, where it may cause an increased risk of a blood pressure crisis or a potentially deadly reaction called Serotonin Syndrome. You should not take Vyvanse if you have taken an MAOI in the past 14 days.1, 2
Those who have heart conditions or have high blood pressure should also be cautious as Vyvanse is a stimulant known to raise blood pressure and potentially cause serious heart and blood pressure reactions, such as stroke or heart attack. Patients with psychiatric or mood disorders should also exercise caution as Vyvanse can cause new or worsening psychosis and symptoms of mania.
People who have past or current substance use disorders should discuss with their doctor if Vyvanse is appropriate, as there is a potential for abuse and dependence. (1, 2: warnings and precautions) Not all possible reactions may occur, discuss with your doctor to see if Vyvanse is right for you.
How to Get Prescribed Vyvanse
Vyvanse is only available via a prescription written by an authorized medical professional. Doctors will consider if Vyvanse is right for you by looking at your personal characteristics, like age and severity of symptoms. During the visit, your doctor may ask you for a list of current medications, health conditions, and whether you’re taking any other substances like illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. It is important to be honest with your doctor, as drug interactions can have serious consequences. If you are unable to see a doctor in person, online psychiatrists can help you with getting a prescription.
Follow these steps when considering a Vyvanse prescription:
- Talk to your doctor about your ADHD symptoms: Being honest with your doctor about your symptoms can help them correctly diagnose you, meaning you can receive proper treatment.
- Describe your symptoms thoroughly: This can help determine if your current medication regimen is appropriate and if it is controlling your symptoms properly.
- Consider costs and insurance coverage: Vyvanse can be expensive depending on your insurance status. Mental health insurance may be able to cover your prescription cost. But if it does not, then you can receive a Vyvanse coupon or the manufacturer may have a savings card.
- Figure out which pharmacy you want to get your Vyvanse from: This medication is unable to be transferred to another pharmacy, so wherever it is sent, it has to be filled by that pharmacy.. Make sure to discuss with your doctor which pharmacy is the most convenient for you and give that pharmacy enough time to process and fill your prescription.
- Have a contingency plan in case you have an emergency: Due to how controlled Vyvanse is, refills are not allowed on this prescription; you must receive a completely new prescription if you want to fill it again. Vyvanse prescriptions are valid for 6 months from the date they are written before they expire, so make plans with your doctor on how to reach them and what they require from you, like another visit with them, if you need another refill.
Who Can Prescribe Vyvanse?
Not all medical professionals are allowed to prescribe Vyvanse. This is a restricted medication due to the potential for abuse and dependence. Prescribers need to specifically register with the government to be able to write prescriptions for medications like Vyvanse. Some mid-level practitioners are authorized to prescribe Vyvanse, but laws vary from state to state, some allowing them while others cannot.
Medical professionals who can prescribe Vyvanse include:
- Primary care provider: You may need more than one appointment, depending on whether you have an existing diagnosis for ADHD or BED.
- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist can prescribe Vyvanse. Some psychiatrists will offer therapy, but their main function is to diagnose and prescribe medication.
- Nurse practitioners: Under the supervision of a physician, some nurses are allowed to prescribe medication. This can vary from state to state.
How to Get Vyvanse Prescribed Online
Obtaining Vyvanse online can be a relatively quick and easy procedure, but you still need a prescription for it at the end of the day. Online options have the benefit of being easier to access with convenient telehealth visits, but sometimes there are constraints such as availability. With online appointments, you may also feel more comfortable interacting with providers as you are in the comfort of your own home.
One downside is that some online providers are booked weeks, or even months, out in advance. Some online services are best for diagnosis and prescriptions, like telehealth visits with a psychiatrist, while others are best for filling or renewing prescriptions you already have.
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Getting Vyvanse Prescribed Online If You Don’t Have a Prescription Yet
If you do not have a valid prescription for Vyvanse, there are online options that may help. You may be able to set up a telehealth visit with a local provider, or you can schedule an appointment with an online psychiatrist. Some companies like Talkiatry may also be an option, but be aware that it is not available for every state.
To obtain a prescription online, set up an appointment with the provider to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. During that session, you may discuss whether Vyvanse is an appropriate therapy. Once that is decided, they will send a prescription to whichever pharmacy you choose.
Getting Vyvanse Prescribed Online If You Have a Prescription
If you already have a prescription, then the process is simpler. Your prescription would be sent over to an online service, where they would then make sure your prescription is valid before they fill it. Online pharmacies are available to fill your prescription, often allowing your local provider to send your prescription to them directly.
What If I Can’t Get a Vyvanse Prescription?
If you are unable to obtain a prescription for Vyvanse, then consider other therapy alternatives. Health decisions should be made between you and a trusted physician. Do not use prescriptions from friends or family, as their dosages may also not be physically suitable for you.
Alternatives to Getting a Vyvanse Prescription
If you are not able to obtain a Vyvanse prescription, there are other methods you could try. Vyvanse is not the only medication prescribed for ADHD, and some are less restricted than Vyvanse. Your doctor can discuss the benefits of such medications. There is evidence to suggest that non-medication methods may also be helpful, such as therapies like cognitive behavioral treatment and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).5
Some people try other herbals and supplements, like omega fatty acid supplementation, but it is important to note that these are not FDA-approved treatments, and they are not intended to “cure” ADHD. Please talk with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are taking over-the-counter medications and supplements safely.
How to Take Vyvanse
Vyvanse comes as a chewable tablet or capsule where both ADHD and BED are commonly dosed from 30 mg to 70 mg per day.1, 2 Both chewable tablets and capsules should be taken by mouth, and chewables should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.
Capsules may be swallowed whole or opened with their entire contents sprinkled on yogurt, a glass of water, or orange juice, which should be eaten immediately. Vyvanse should be taken regularly in the morning to avoid any issues with sleep and have more consistent outcomes.3
How Fast Can Vyvanse Work for ADHD?
Vyvanse is a medication that slowly releases medication over a period of time. Since the body has to convert the medication into its active form, the time you start to feel it working can vary from person to person. Typically, you will see Vyvanse controlling ADHD and BED symptoms within 2 hours of taking the medication, and its duration of action is around 12 hours.6 This is one of the longer-lasting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?
Overdose is possible with Vyvanse. Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic states, unusually high temperature, muscle pains, and fast or irregular heartbeat.1, 2, 3 Overdosing on stimulant medications, like Vyvanse, can also lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious drug reaction. If you develop symptoms of an overdose, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for treatment, as this can be a life-threatening event.
Addiction to Vyvanse
Vyvanse is restricted because there is a high potential for abuse and dependence when misused long-term. People who currently misuse substances or have a history of substance use disorders should be cautious with taking Vyvanse. These individuals have a higher risk of misusing or developing an addiction to Vyvanse.
Due to this risk, Vyvanse is heavily regulated, and most doctors and pharmacies will not fill this medication early without a good reason. Often, they won’t fill it unless you’re a couple of days from running out of the medication to avoid potential misuse and stockpiling of this medication.
Drug Interactions With Vyvanse
Vyvanse can negatively interact with other medications and substances as it is broken down into an amphetamine. When combined with other substances, it can cause issues with the medication’s performance or even serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.
Tell your doctor about the substances you take to avoid any unintended side effects and to make sure your Vyvanse therapy is safe and effective. Providing an updated medical history is also important so that the doctor can make an informed decision in your healthcare.
Patients should not take Vyvanse without prior guidance from a prescriber if they are taking medications such as:1, 2
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) antidepressants: Taking Vyvanse with MAOIs can cause blood pressure crises, toxic neurological effects, and can sometimes have fatal results.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs with Vyvanse can cause an increased amount of dextroamphetamine in the brain and also cause cardiovascular issues.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Because SSRIs affect serotonin levels, people taking Vyvanse may have an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
- CYP2D6 inhibitors: These drugs may increase the exposure of Vyvanse’s active compound in a person’s system, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Examples of CYP2D6 inhibitor medications include certain SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).
- Drugs that alkalinize the blood: These drugs can increase blood levels and cause more action from Vyvanse, leading to unintended side effects. An example of these medications would be antacids and sodium bicarbonate.
- Drugs that acidify the blood: Drugs that lower blood levels can prevent Vyvanse from working as intended.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Vyvanse
Questions you should ask your doctor involve what you should expect while taking Vyvanse. You should ask how often they want to see you for checkups while taking Vyvanse because most will have you check in within a couple of weeks to ensure your therapy is going well. You should also ask about what side effects to expect and how long they should last.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a Vyvanse prescription include:
- How often should I come for checkups?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Vyvanse medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- Should I be concerned about addiction and withdrawal symptoms of the medication?
- What are the best online psychiatry options?
- What are some alternatives to Vyvanse?
- What should I do if Vyvanse does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
- How will I renew my Vyvanse prescription when it becomes time to do so?
Meet with an online doctor today about ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Prescriptions as appropriate.
All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same-day appointments.
In My Experience
In my experience, Vyvanse is a well-tolerated medication that does well to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Most side effects patients have reported tended to go away after consistent usage of Vyvanse, usually within two weeks of starting the therapy. The timing of when the medication was taken also helped to mitigate complaints of insomnia or having the effects wear off too soon.
I’ve also noticed that this medication tended to be more expensive than other ADHD stimulants as this medication does not have a generic version on the market at the time of writing this. Vyvanse is a medication that works well for ADHD, but keep in mind that it isn’t the only therapy available, and it is not appropriate for everyone. A medical decision is between you and your doctor, and may look different than another person’s care.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Label: DailyMed. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Label: FDA. Vyvanse. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021977s048,208510s005lbl.pdf
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MedlinePlus. (Last Revised 2021, 15 October). Lisdexamfetamine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607047.html
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder in Adults: What you need to know. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
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Nimmo-Smith, V., Merwood, A., Hank, D., Brandling, J., Greenwood, R., Skinner, L., Law, S., Patel, V., & Rai, D. (2020). Non-pharmacological interventions for adult ADHD: a systematic review. Psychological medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32036811/
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Brams, M., Mao, A. R., & Doyle, R. L. (2008). Onset of efficacy of long-acting psychostimulants in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Postgraduate medicine, 120(3), 69–88. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18824827/
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