Vyvanse Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain improving impulse control and hyperactivity. This medication is prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older. Vyvanse can improve attention while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness in individuals with ADHD. Additionally, Vyvanse is also utilized for the treatment of binge eating disorders in adults.¹

Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?

Overdose is a potential risk for any medication, especially stimulant medications such as Vyvanse. The amount of Vyvanse leading to overdose varies depending on an individual’s tolerance, body weight, and overall health. Instances of exceeding the prescribed dosage may happen inadvertently by accidental ingestion. It may also occur intentionally to amplify its effects. The risk of overdose is further heightened when individuals misuse Vyvanse by snorting or injecting the medication. Mixing Vyvanse with other medications, particularly stimulants, can also increase the risk of overdose.

Because a Vyvanse overdose can be life-threatening, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected. With appropriate medical treatment and intervention, individuals can recover from a Vyvanse overdose. However, the severity of the overdose may impact recovery, and there may be long-lasting consequences.

When Should You Seek Immediate Help for a Vyvanse Overdose?

If you suspect that you or someone you know takes more Vyvanse than prescribed, it is necessary to seek immediate medical help or to call poison control at 1-800-222-1222. This becomes even more crucial if there are any signs or symptoms of overdose. Swift medical attention is essential in such situations to ensure the well-being and safety of the individual involved.

Symptoms of a Vyvanse Overdose

Misusing Vyvanse or taking more than prescribed can lead to an overdose. The specific dosage leading to overdose varies depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and overall health. Tolerance is the body’s reduced response to medication over time with repeated use. The addition of other medications, such as other stimulants, antidepressants, and antidiuretics, further heightens the risk of overdose.¹ An overdose can also occur if you are taking a medication, such as Vyvanse, that is not prescribed to you.

Early signs of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, restlessness, and tremors. An individual may also experience rapid breathing and irregular and rapid heartbeat. More severe symptoms can occur as the overdose progresses, such as hallucinations, aggression, seizures, and coma.¹ It is important to seek medical help if an overdose is suspected.

Common symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:^1,2

• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Hyperactive reflexes
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate

Severe symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:^1,2

• Panic
• Aggressiveness
• Hallucinations
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle leading to kidney damage)
• Convulsions
• Coma

What Dosage of Vyvanse Could Be Fatal?

The extent of Vyvanse overdose can be affected by an individual’s body weight, tolerance, overall health, and presence of other substances in the body. As a result, it is difficult to determine a specific dosage that could be considered universally fatal.

It is crucial to know that there is a very low risk of overdose when taking the prescribed amount. However, this risk significantly increases when Vyvanse is taken inappropriately, such as taking more than prescribed or resorting to methods like snorting or injecting the medication. Adhering to the prescribed dosage and administration method is essential to minimize the risk of Vyvanse overdose.

What Can Cause a Vyvanse Overdose?

A Vyvanse overdose happens when too much is taken into the body leading to harmful effects. This typically occurs when more Vyvanse is taken than prescribed or when taken with other medications/substances.

Taking More Than the Prescribed Dosage

There are different reasons why someone might take more than the prescribed Vyvanse dosage. It may occur accidentally – such as by misreading/misunderstanding the prescribed dose or not remembering if a dose was taken. However, it may also be intentional to experience greater effects on the body leading to increased stimulation and euphoria. Higher levels may also be experienced when taken by inappropriate methods such as snorting or injecting the medication.

Taking Vyvanse with Other Medications

It is important to recognize the potential interactions and risks associated with combining Vyvanse with other substances, as it can increase the risk of overdose. This is particularly elevated when mixing Vyvanse with other stimulation medications (such as Ritalin and Adderall). Additionally, other medications that may increase the effect and risk of overdose include antidiuretics and antidiuretics.

Taking Vyvanse with Other Medications

Taking Vyvanse with other medications can pose certain risks and potential interactions. To minimize the risk of adverse effects and prevent possible overdose, it is extremely important to inform your healthcare provider about all your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.

Knowing this information will allow your healthcare provider to adjust the medication and make appropriate recommendations to reduce risk. This may involve changing medications, starting at lower doses, or monitoring more closely to ensure the safe and effective use of Vyvanse.

Medications that can increase the risk of a Vyvanse overdose when taken together include:^1,2

• Stimulant medications: Other stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, cause similar effects on the brain, leading to an increased risk of overdose.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Vyvanse with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may slow the removal of Vyvanse in the body leading to an increased risk for overdose.
• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, may increase the risk of overdose symptoms by causing compounding effects.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Taking Vyvanse with tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, can increase the concentration of Vyvanse in the brain leading to a higher risk of overdose.
• Antidiuretics: Some antidiuretics, such as acetazolamide, may lead to increased levels of Vyvanse in the body by slowing its removal from the body.
• Medications that inhibit CYP2D6: Vyvanse is broken down in the body by a specific protein called Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). When this protein is impaired, it can lead to increased levels of Vyvanse in the body. Several medications that impair its function include bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and more.

This is not a comprehensive list of medications that can interact with Vyvanse. You should talk with your healthcare prescriber about all prescription medications, over-the counter medications, herbs, and supplements you take before starting Vyvanse.

Can a Vyvanse Overdose Cause Complications?

The recovery outcome after an overdose of Vyvanse can vary depending on several factors. This includes if the Vvyasne occurred in combination with other substances such as medications, recreational drugs, or alcohol. The presence of these other substances may lead to more adverse complications. Additionally, the timing of receiving medical care plays a prominent role in recovery, and timely treatment may help mitigate many of the possible complications associated with an overdose.

Recovery outcomes from an overdose may vary depending on the individual. While the majority of those who overdose on Vyvanse may achieve full recovery without complications, it is important to acknowledge that some individuals may experience long-lasting problems.

Can You Become Addicted to Vyvanse?

Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications, can create a sense of euphoria and increased energy, it carries a risk of both psychological and physical addiction, and misuse can lead to severe health consequences.¹ Vyvanse may not be a good option for those at an increased risk of abuse. This includes individuals with a history of drug abuse/addiction, those with a history of taking larger doses than prescribed, those using the medication without a legitimate medical need, and those using it in ways other than prescribed (such as snorting or injecting).

Additionally, abusing Vyvanse can lead to dependence on the medication. Dependence is a state in which abruptly stopping or lowering the medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of Vyvanse withdrawal include extreme fatigue and depression.¹ With high doses or prolonged use of Vyvanse, individuals may also experience tolerance where higher doses are needed to achieve the same result.

Seeking Professional Help for a Vyvanse Overdose

Prompt medical care is necessary for those who suspect an overdose to lower the risk of long-term complications. Because of this, it is important to seek emergency services immediately. An individual with a suspected overdose may also call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Further information is also available at Poisonhelp.org.

Here is information important to share when seeking treatment for a Vyvanse overdose:

• The dosage of Vyvanse taken (if known)
• How Vyvanse was taken (by mouth, snorting, injecting)
• The time and date of the overdose
• Current signs and symptoms
• Any actions that were taken after the overdose
• The prescribed dosage amount of Vyvanse
• Any other medications, supplements, or substances taken with Vyvanse
• Details about the individual’s medical history, including pre-existing conditions and allergies

Vyvanse Overdose Treatment

Treatment for a Vyvanse overdose may vary depending on the symptoms observed and the amount ingested.¹ If an overdose is suspected, it is important to contact The Poison Control Center for guidance on managing the situation and whether immediate transport to the emergency room is necessary.

Treatment for overdose is primarily based on the symptoms exhibited by the individual. Depending on the severity of the overdose, treatment may include procedures such as gastric lavage, which is the process of pumping the stomach to remove any remaining Vyvanse. Additionally, certain medications may be administered to counteract the effects of the overdose, and sedation may also be required to manage agitation or anxiety.

In more severe cases, dialysis may also be utilized when faster removal is required. Dialysis involves the removal of the blood, filtration to remove Vyvanse, and then returning the cleaned blood to the body. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the overdose and the individual’s response to the interventions implemented by the healthcare professionals.

Emergency treatment for an overdose of Vyvanse might include:

• Monitor vital signs
• Provide supportive care for symptoms
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping to remove as much of the Vyvanse from the stomach as possible)
• Dialysis (filtering of the blood to extract the Vyvanse)
• Provide activated charcoal (binds to Vyvanse to help remove it from the body)
• Provide medications to counteract the effects of Vyvanse
• Provide sedation to manage agitation and anxiety

Next Steps After a Vyvanse Overdose

After undergoing treatment for a Vyvanse overdose, it is crucial for individuals to follow the guidance provided by their healthcare professionals to prevent future overdose incidents and minimize the long-term effects.

To reduce the risk of overdose in the future, it is crucial for individuals to take the medication only as prescribed. This includes avoiding any changes to the medication dose or dosing schedule without the guidance of a healthcare provider. For some, Vyvanse may need to be discontinued for future use.

If the Overdose on Vyvanse was Unintentional

When someone unintentionally overdoses, assessing the situation can help both the patient and prescriber understand what happened. Doing so can help prevent future overdose incidents. This may involve improving the daily medication routine, such as setting reminders or using pill organizers. These methods can ensure the correct dosage is taken at the right time.

Open and honest communication with healthcare providers is important in discussing any concerns or challenges related to Vyvanse usage. If the risk of accidental overdose remains,  even with preventive measures, discuss other treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Next steps to consider after an unintentional Vyvanse overdose include:

• Take medication as prescribed: It is crucial to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to prevent an overdose.
• Consult with your psychiatrist: Consult your psychiatrist regarding your dosage and medication interactions to help prevent overdose.
• Improve medication management: Setting reminders or using pill organizers can help prevent the accidental doubling of a dose.
• Avoid substances associated with overdose: Talk to your healthcare provider and review substances that may have contributed to the overdose. It may be necessary to avoid these substances in the future if possible.

If the Overdose on Vyvanse was Intentional

When an individual takes too much Vyvanse on purpose, the reasons behind these actions need to be better understood. Having an open dialogue with healthcare professionals and mental health providers can help uncover psychological or emotional factors contributing to the overdose. It may be best to talk to your prescriber about stopping your Vyvanse and consider other treatment options that are less likely to be associated with misuse and addiction.

Next steps to consider after an intentional Vyvanse overdose include:

• Seek psychotherapy: Seeking out therapy can help to prevent overdose and promote overall well-being. Therapy is especially important if an intentional overdose is due to suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.
• Consult your psychiatrist: For individuals with a history of drug abuse and addiction, have an open discussion with your psychiatrist about other treatment options.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Learning and practicing healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness techniques, exercise, and engaging in hobbies, can help manage stress and lead to better ways to deal with difficult situations. This can be further pursued with the help of a therapist.
• Build a strong support network: Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of family, friends, and support groups can provide support and encouragement throughout recovery and treatment.

In My Experience

In my experience, Vyvanse is an excellent treatment option for ADHD and binge eating disorder when taken correctly. I have treated and continue to treat many patients with ADHD, and many of them take Vyvanse with significant improvement in their symptoms. Although the risk of stimulant medications regarding addiction seems scary, when taken correctly, this medication can significantly improve one’s life and functioning.

Furthermore, decreasing impulsive actions decreases one’s risk for abuse and addiction to substances. If you or your children have ADHD, I highly recommend discussing potential treatment options, including therapy and medication.

For Further Reading

• Vyvanse & Alcohol: Understanding the Risks
• How Long Does Vyvanse Last?
• Substance Use Disorder: Signs, Causes, & Treatments
• Adderall Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
• Vyvanse & Sex Drive: Everything You Need to Know
• Vyvanse Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term, & What to Do About Them