Vyvanse Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term, & What to Do About Them

Common Side Effects of Vyvanse

Common side effects of Vyvanse are similar to those of other stimulants. They often include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Some side effects may be uncomfortable but others may require medical attention. It is important to review with your doctor when you seek help for common side effects.

Common side effects of Vyvanse include:

• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Appetite changes
• Decreased weight
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Paranoia
• Upper abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Serious Side Effects of Vyvanse

Taking Vyvanse comes with the risk of serious side effects. It is important to understand these risks and know what to do if they occur. Most will require immediate medical attention. Reviewing these risks and your health history with your doctor before taking Vyvanse can determine if you may be at higher risk for experiencing these side effects.

Severe side effects of Vyvanse include:¹

• Tremors
• Stroke
• Induction of manic episode
• Psychotic symptoms
• Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s syndrome
• Serotonin syndrome
• Myocardial infarction
• Abuse and dependence
• Seizures
• Tics

Long-term Complications of Vyvanse

In addition to common and severe side effects, there are risks associated with Vyvanse use when taken for long periods of time. It is important to have regular check-ins with your prescriber to re-evaluate whether your underlying risk factors for these serious health events have changed. Additionally, it should be discussed the expected time of your Vyvanse use. These side effects if they occur will require immediate medical attention.

Long-term side effects of Vyvanse include:¹

• High blood pressure
• Risk of heart problems
• Risk of stroke
• Growth suppression in children
• Risk of new psychotic symptoms
• Risk of seizure

Each person taking Vyvanse will experience different side effects, if at all. It is important to understand your risk and know what to do if a particular side effect occurs. Work with your doctor to have a plan and seek medical help immediately if you experience severe side effects.

Allergic Reactions

It is important to avoid taking Vyvanse if you are allergic to it or any other amphetamine medication. Allergic reactions are serious and can be life-threatening. It is important to be able to recognize a reaction as they require medical attention right away.¹

Allergic reactions to Vyvanse include:

• Swelling of any area including the tongue and throat
• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Itching

If you experience allergic reactions to Vyvanse you should call 911 and seek help immediately. Once you are stable and the reaction has passed you should work with your doctor to find a different medication for treatment. It will be important to avoid all other amphetamine-based stimulants, as there is a high risk of cross-reactivity.¹

Interactions With Vyvanse

Many medications should not be taken at the same time as Vyvanse. They can cause an increased risk of side effects or cause Vyvanse not to work as well. Vyvanse can also affect other medications you are currently taking. Be sure to share with your doctor or pharmacist all of the medications you currently take. This should include any vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter products as well.¹

Six substances you should avoid while taking Vyvanse include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants: MAOI antidepressants are older drugs with a high risk of side effects. They can cause Vyvanse to last longer in the body than normal and increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Serotonergic drugs: Serotonergic medications include trazodone, nausea medications, SNRIs, SSRIs, and others. These medications when taken together or with Vyvanse can cause serotonin syndrome. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• CYP2D6 inhibitors: Any medication that causes inhibition of CYP2D6, a liver enzyme, can cause Vyvanse to last longer in your body than normal. This increases the risk of side effects from Vyvanse. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medications you take interact with Vyvanse.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): Taking a TCA, a type of antidepressant, along with Vyvanse can amplify the effects of amphetamines in the body. This can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular effects.
• Acidifying and alkalinizing agents: These medications, when taken with Vyvanse, can affect the action of Vyvanse in your body. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if your Vyvanse dose needs to be adjusted.

Who Experiences the Most Side Effects on Vyvanse?

Each person taking Vyvanse will experience side effects differently. Risk of having side effects while taking Vyvanse varies from person to person. Talking with your doctor before taking Vyvanse will help determine your risk and may prevent you from experiencing severe side effects.

Vyvanse Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side Effects

People who are thinking about taking Vyvanse have many of the same questions. How long will side effects last? Does my risk change with dose changes? These and others are all great questions to ask before you take Vyvanse.

How Long Do Vyvanse Side Effects Tend to Last?

Most Vyvanse side effects last a few weeks as your body adjusts to Vyvanse. After this time if side effects have not subsided you should alert your doctor. Side effects may reappear if you increase the dose. Some serious side effects may not happen right away and so you should always be on the lookout for new side effects.

Do Vyvanse Side Effects Vary Based on the Dosage?

Side effects of Vyvanse are mostly dose based. The dose at which each person experiences side effects may be different. But as the dose of Vyvanse you take increases, the more likely you are to experience side effects.

Does Vyvanse Cause Anger or Other Emotional Side Effects?

Vyvanse has been reported to cause anxiety, agitation, and irritability. Vyvanse can also cause manic episodes and psychosis. It is important to understand these risks and let your entire healthcare team know you are taking Vyvanse. Working with your therapist to manage these side effects if you experience them is a good option.

Vyvanse Withdrawal

Taking Vyvanse comes with a risk of dependence and also withdrawal upon stopping. All amphetamine-based stimulants can cause a physical dependence as your body adjusts to continuous use. If you stop Vyvanse on purpose or miss doses by accident, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include extreme fatigue and depression.¹

If you feel you are physically dependent on Vyvanse and would like to stop using it, seek help from your doctor. Together you will come up with a gradual reduction in the dose of Vyvanse until you eventually stop altogether. This will allow your body to adjust and reduce the risk of withdrawal slowly.

Other Warnings & Precautions For Taking Vyvanse

In addition to side effects, there are other important warnings to be aware of when taking Vyvanse. Speaking about your entire health history with your provider can help to understand these warnings better and adjust your therapy if needed.

Precautions for taking Vyvanse include:

Potentially New or Worsened Psychosis

Vyvanse and other stimulants can cause new psychosis or worse existing psychotic disorders. If this occurs, seeking immediate medical help is very important.

Symptoms of Mania or Bipolar Disorder

Vyvanse and other stimulants can cause patients with bipolar disorder to experience a manic episode. Mania is serious and requires medical help immediately.

Suppression of Growth in Children

Vyvanse and other stimulants can cause weight loss and slowing of growth weight in children between 6 and 12. Monitor the growth of children taking Vyvanse. Studies have shown that this risk is dose related.

Vyvanse Use in Pregnancy

Vyvanse and other stimulants can have many negative side effects on you and the fetus. Vyvanse can cause a decrease in placental perfusion, can cause premature delivery, and increase the risk of low birth weight. Taking Vyvanse while pregnant should be a serious decision between you and your doctor.

Abuse of Vyvanse

Vyvanse and other stimulants have a high risk of abuse and dependence, especially in those with a history of abuse. Symptoms of abuse may include increased heart rate and breathing rate, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, vomiting, dilated pupils, and tremors. In extreme cases, this can lead to overdose and death.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Vyvanse Side Effects

Taking Vyvanse comes with many risks. Speaking with your prescriber can help identify any high risks you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor to ensure they have all the information to treat your condition safely.

Questions to ask your care team when considering the side effects of Vyvanse may include:

• What does it mean that Vyvanse is a controlled substance?
• Can I use Vyvanse along with therapy to treat ADHD?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Vyvanse?
• Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I already take medication for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions?
• How is this medication different from other stimulants?
• Will my dose change over time?
• Will a previous history of addiction make me more susceptible to dependency?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Are there drugs I am taking that could have negative interactions?
• When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing side effects?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?

In My Experience

Vyvanse can be effective in treating ADHD and binge eating disorders. It is important to remember that taking Vyvanse can put you at risk of experiencing side effects and adverse reactions. Understanding the risks and knowing what to do if they happen can help keep you safe and improve overall treatment with Vyvanse.

For Further Reading

• ADHD Medication Side Effects: Everything You Need to Know – Choosing Therapy
• ADHD & Dopamine: Understanding the Link
• Vyvanse Side Effects
• Vyvanse Vs Ritalin: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take
• Vyvanse & Alcohol: Understanding the Risks