Vyvanse is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages six and up. And binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. The typical recommended dose for ADHD is 30 to 70 mg daily by mouth, while for BED, it is 50 to 70 mg daily. However, the recommendation for older adults is the low end of the dosing range due to associated disease or other drug therapy.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is the first chemically formulated long-acting stimulant prodrug. The drug’s active form (d-amphetamine) triggers the release of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) dopamine and norepinephrine. This effect may relieve ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor relationships, and inattention for some people. In addition to treating BED in adults, it is approved to treat ADHD in adults, adolescents, and children. Currently, its generic version is not available.1
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What Is Vyvanse Used to Treat?
Doctors may prescribe Vyvanse for individuals showing hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive behavior, causing social, emotional, and academic problems, including low self-esteem, and poor peer relationships. It also treats moderate to severe BED in adults.
Vyvanse is effective for non-FDA-approved (off-label) uses like bipolar depression and schizophrenia and as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants. An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may benefit someone.
Vyvanse is commonly used as an FDA-approved medication to treat:2
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults
- Binge eating disorder in adults
Vyvanse can also be used off-label (non-FDA-approved) for treating:2,3
- Depression
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy)
- Schizophrenia, as adjunctive therapy to antipsychotics in adults
- Bipolar depression, as a mood stabilizer for adults
- Multiple sclerosis with cognitive impairment
Vyvanse Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment
FDA-approved means the drug is determined to provide benefits that outweigh its known and potential risks for the intended population. Vyvanse is an FDA-Approved drug whose dose may vary due to individuals’ age and existing health conditions. The recommended therapeutic Vyvanse dose for ADHD and BED differs. In the elderly and for people experiencing severe kidney problems, a lower drug dose is suggested.
Vyvanse Forms & Strengths
Vyvanse is available in various strengths of capsules and chewable tablets that can be used interchangeably (30 mg capsules for 30 mg chewable tablets). The dose adjustment depends on an individual’s age, type of illness, treatment response, and associated health problems. Chewable tablets or mixing capsule powder with water is preferred for an individual with swallowing difficulties. A lower dose is recommended for individuals with severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis.
Vyvanse is available in the following forms and strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 20 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 30 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 40 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 50 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 60 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 70 milligrams (mg) oral capsules
- 10 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
- 20 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
- 30 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
- 40 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
- 50 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
- 60 milligrams (mg) chewable tablets
It is important to take this drug as prescribed. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, while capsules must be swallowed whole or mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice until fully dissolved and gulped immediately. Avoid this drug in the afternoon or evening because it may cause trouble sleeping.
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Vyvanse Dosage for Adults
Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD and BED in adults. The dose may be individualized according to the response of the person. It is appropriate to administer the drug at the lowest effective dose.
However, a lower initial dose is safe in older adults due to age-related health problems. If necessary, dose increases may be made in gradual increments per day at weekly intervals up to the maximum recommended dosage of 70 mg once daily.
Vyvanse Dosage for Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Vyvanse is an FDA-approved treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies have shown that it takes almost two hours for Vyvanse to begin improving ADHD symptoms in adults, with lasting effects around 14 hours after the morning dose.
Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, taking it in the morning is recommended. Otherwise, falling asleep may be difficult. If using the chewable tablet, chew thoroughly before swallowing it. Similarly, if taking the capsule form, swallow the whole capsule or dissolve its powder in water and immediately drink it completely.
Here is Vyvanse dosage information for adult ADHD:
- Typical starting dosage: Initial dose for children (≥ 6 years), adolescents (13 to 17 years), and adults (18 to 65 years) is 30 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. When a lower dose is appropriate due to health concerns, 20 mg once daily in the morning may be considered.
- Dosage increases: If a dose increase is warranted in the judgment of a doctor, the daily dose may be adjusted in increments of 10 mg or 20 mg at weekly intervals.
- Maximum dosage: The maximum dose is 70 milligrams per day. Generally, long-term treatment may be needed. However, regularly reevaluate to see whether ongoing maintenance therapy is still necessary.
Vyvanse Dosage for Adults with Binge Eating Disorder
The recommended target dose of Vyvanse for adults with binge eating disorder is 50 to 70 mg taken once daily by mouth. Capsules and chewable tablets are interchangeable. Vyvanse usually takes around two to 12 hours to improve your symptom. Its effects can then last up to 14 hours.
Take this drug daily in the morning with food to avoid nausea and gain the most benefit in narcolepsy treatment in adults. Your prescriber will closely monitor how you respond to Vyvanse and whether your symptoms improve.
Here is Vyvanse dosage information for binge eating disorder (BED) in adults:
- Typical starting dosage: The recommended starting dose is 30 mg once daily in the morning. Consider lower initial dose and slower dose increments in older adults.
- Dosage increases: The dose can be gradually increased by 20 mg daily at weekly intervals. The recommended once-daily target dose is 50 to 70 mg.
- Maximum dosage: The maximum daily dose is 70 mg. Discontinue the drug if BED does not improve.
Vyvanse Dosage for Children & Adolescents
Vyvanse dose for children and adolescents (6 years and older) is 20 to 30 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. FDA-approved an initial dose of 30 mg, regulated in 10 to 20 mg increments at weekly intervals. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a lower initial dose of 20 mg, regulated every 3 to 7 days. The dose should be individualized with a minimum effective dose. It is not approved for children younger than six years due to a lack of safety and efficacy and prolonged weight loss.
Vyvanse Dosage for Children & Adolescents with ADHD
The recommended starting dose for children and adolescents taking Vyvanse is 20 to 30 mg once daily in the morning. This dose can be increased by 10 to 20 mg each week up to 70 mg once daily. It is important to avoid taking the medication in the afternoon as it may interfere with sleep. When taking Vyvanse for an extended period, it is necessary to monitor the child’s weight and height as it may affect growth.
It usually takes about an hour for Vyvanse to start improving symptoms of ADHD in children and ADHD in adolescents, and its effects last up to thirteen hours. The recommendation to take Vyvanse is in the morning for the most benefit by swallowing the whole capsule or chewable tablet with or without food. If swallowing is difficult, open the capsule, dissolve the powder in a glass of water, then drink the entire mixture immediately.
Here is Vyvanse dosage information for ADHD in children and adolescents:
- Typical starting dosage: The typical initial dose is 30 mg daily morning by mouth. A single dose should not be divided.
- Dosage increases: Dosage can be regulated based on clinical response and tolerability with weekly increments of 10 to 20 mg. Capsules and chewable tablets are replaceable.
- Maximum dosage: Its daily dose should not exceed 70 mg. However, periodic dose reassessment may be needed to determine the need for continued treatment.
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Vyvanse Dosing Considerations
Individuals with severe kidney disease, high blood pressure, and heart rate may require special dose considerations and modifications. Elderly individuals should start at the lower end of the dosing range due to a greater possibility of liver, kidney, or heart problems and the use of other drugs.
During Vyvanse treatment, prescribers may consider monitoring weight and height. If children are not growing or gaining weight as expected, their treatment may need to be interrupted.
Conditions that require special Vyvanse dosing considerations include:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: When deciding whether to continue, adjust, or stop the drug in a pregnant woman, it is important to weigh the treatment risk against the risk of untreated illness. Mothers taking Vyvanse should be advised to refrain from nursing due to its presence in the milk.
- Kidney problems: The maximum dose should not exceed 50 mg per day in individuals with severe kidney problems. The recommended dose is 30 mg if undergoing dialysis.
- Older adults: Adults 65 or older may be more sensitive to the drug side effects. The low end of the dosing range is appropriate due to decreased organ functions.
Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?
It is important to note that taking excessively higher doses of Vyvanse or using unapproved methods like snorting or injecting can increase the risk of overdose and poisoning. There may be a higher potential for severe outcomes like convulsions, coma, and even death.
Overdose symptoms may include an elevated heart and respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, excessive sweating, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, restlessness, sleeplessness, reduced appetite, coordination issues, instability, flushed skin, vomiting, and stomach pain. In some cases, anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, and even thoughts of suicide or homicide may also arise.
What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Vyvanse?
Vyvanse overdose may lead to a heart attack or seizure. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting due to a Vyvanse overdose, it is crucial to call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical attention. To help manage the symptoms, sedation and detoxification with stomach irrigation and activated charcoal may be used. Chlorpromazine may be used to treat some of the symptoms of Vyvanse intoxication. Additionally, a phentolamine injection can assist in controlling high blood pressure.4
Can You Become Addicted to Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a federally controlled amphetamine-containing prodrug and a brain stimulant. Hence, there is a risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction if the drug is taken frequently in excessive doses. It is advisable to take only the prescribed amount and to be monitored closely by a healthcare provider. It is important to store the drug in a secure location, like a locked cabinet, and properly dispose of unused or expired medication through a designated program.
In some cases, medical detoxification (withdrawal or detox) or supervised medication discontinuation may be necessary to withdraw from the drug safely. Detoxification involves a set of interventions aimed at managing intoxication and withdrawal with the help of healthcare professionals to prevent any potential complications that could arise from the sudden stop of the drug. The sensitive medical management of lifethreatening intoxication and related medical problems is covered under supervised detoxification.5,6
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What to Expect When Increasing Vyvanse Dosage
Increasing the Vyvanse dose has a high potential for drug side effects from continued treatment. Individuals may expect symptoms of mood and behavior disturbances in addition to heart-related and abdominal problems when increasing the Vyvanse dose. Most of these events are considered “time-limited” and resolve rapidly after drug discontinuation.
The most common drug-related effects are loss of appetite, lack of sleep, emotional imbalances, nervousness, and fever. Jitteriness and social withdrawal are common side effects in children. Increasing the Vyvanse dose may cause slowing of growth (height and weight) in children and blurred vision. There may be a higher risk of increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, shock, seizures, and coma, usually followed by drug poisoning.4
What if I Miss a Dose of Vyvanse?
When you miss or stop taking a drug dose, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like severe tiredness, sleeping difficulty, and mood changes like depression. It is important to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once or stop taking Vyvanse without consulting your doctor. The doctor may suggest gradually tapering the dose to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Because it takes longer for Vyvase to become effective, and as the body adjusts, the side effects are hard to handle before feeling better, people stop taking the drug. Despite these factors, you must continue the drug for a few months after feeling better to avoid the risk of reversal of the symptoms.5,6
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Vyvanse Dosage
It is important to ask your healthcare provider about the drug’s side effects and share your complete medical history. Ask them whether these side effects will disappear on their own or if any intervention is needed. Get information about emergency medical care and what to do if you or your child develop life-threatening situations.
Questions to ask your care team about Vyvanse dosages include:
- Is it safe to take Vyvanse with my other medications?
- Will Vyvanse be covered by my insurance?
- Does my medical history indicate a need to adjust my dosage?
- How long will it take before my symptoms improve?
- Should I let my therapist know I am taking this medication?
- What should I do if I want to stop taking Vyvanse?
- How do I take Vyvanse?
- Can I increase the dose if there is no improvement?
- Are there any side effects of Vyvanse?
- What should I avoid during the Vyvanse treatment?
- What to do if I miss a Vyvanse dose?
- What happens If I overdose?
- Will I experience withdrawal effects after stopping it?
- Is it safe to use Vyvanse during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- Are there savings cards or coupons for Vyvanse to cut costs?
How to Get a Vyvanse Prescription
Licensed health professionals like primary care physicians, family doctors, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and psychiatrists registered with the drug enforcement administration (DEA) are authorized to prescribe Vyvanse. They can prescribe it for FDA-approved and non-FDA-approved uses for specific medical conditions. Doctors may do a complete medical check-up, including heart, kidneys, thyroid, eyes, cognitive functioning, and use of other medications and substances before prescribing Vyvanse
However, for the safety and well-being of people, doctors may ask about allergies, alcohol or any recreational drug use, and any substance allergies. It is possible to get a Vyvanse prescription online, with many online psychiatry services available to help Individuals who prefer to discuss their health issues with specialists and manage their symptoms.
In My Experience
In my experience, Vyvanse is a well-tolerated treatment for ADHD and BED. It has comparatively lower misuse or addiction potential due to a unique chemical structure and once-daily dosing schedule. Thus it helps to address a serious public health concern of reducing the risk of abuse. It is the first drug to receive regulatory approval for BED treatment worldwide.
Additional Resources
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Plushcare There are many effective medications for ADHD, including Strattera, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances. Visit Plushcare
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