VYVANSE PRESCRIPTION

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse prescription is a “prodrug” of the CNS stimulant dextroamphetamine, meaning that it is administered orally in an inactive form and requires enzymatic processing in order to become active. The primary mechanism of action is via increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with enhanced mood and motivation. Vyvanse is associated with a risk of being habit-forming and is classified as a Schedule II drug.

What is Vyvanse Used For?

Vyvanse has FDA-approved and off-label uses, including:

ADHD: As an ADHD medication, Vyvanse is approved for use in adults and children ages 6 or older to increase attention span and decreases restlessness.
Binge eating disorder: Although it is not intended as a weight-loss drug, using Vyvanse to treat for binge eating disorder is FDA-approved.
Vyvanse off label uses: Off-label uses for Vyvanse include weight loss, depression, schizophrenia and excessive daytime sleepiness. It should be noted that the FDA has clearly stated that Vyvanse should not be used as a weight-loss drug.

Vyvanse vs. Adderall

Pharmacologically, the difference between Vyvanse and Adderall is the chemical makeup of the other compounds they are formulated with. In the case of Vyvanse, the prodrug lisdexamfetamine is metabolized into L- lysine and dextroamphetamine byproducts after consumption. Adderall is a mixture of four amphetamine salts, one of which is dextroamphetamine. Because the primary active component in both medications is dextroamphetamine, they have similar effects. However, differences have been observed in the amount of time it takes for the onset of action: Vyvanse took about three hours to onset and Adderall took about two hours. The effects of both drugs persisted for up to 16 hours. Unlike Vyvanse, Adderall is not approved for binge eating disorder. Vyvanse also may have less risk of misuse than Adderall due to the fact that Vyvanse is only available in a delayed-release formula. However, Vyvanse is associated with a potential for misuse.

Vyvanse vs Concerta

Vyvanse and Concerta have different active compounds, unlike Vyvanse and Adderall. The active component of Concerta is methylphenidate, which is also used in Ritalin. However, because they are both CNS stimulants, they have similar effects. Concerta does not last as long as Vyvanse, with therapeutic effects lasting only 12 hours for Concerta, versus up to 16 hours for Vyvanse. Unlike Vyvanse, Concerta is not approved for binge eating disorder.

What does Vyvanse Look Like?

Vyvanse capsules:

10 mg: pink body/pink cap; stamped S489 and 10 mg
20 mg: ivory body/ivory cap; stamped S489 and 20 mg
30 mg: white body/orange cap; stamped S489 and 30 mg
40 mg: white body/blue-green cap; stamped S489 and 40 mg
50 mg: white body/blue cap; stamped S489 and 50 mg
60 mg: aqua blue body/aqua blue cap; stamped S489 and 60 mg
70 mg: blue body/orange cap; stamped S489 and 70 m

Seeking Help For Vyvanse Addiction?

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Vyvanse Side Effects

Vyvanse is generally tolerated as well as other CNS stimulants. Vyvanse has similar physical and psychological side effects. Vyvanse can cause dependence. For that reason, it is recommended that Vyvanse be used with caution and only as directed. People who abruptly stop taking stimulants often report symptoms of irritability and a craving for more of the drug. The Vyvanse “crash” refers to symptoms that occur when the drug starts to wear off. Most people take Vyvanse in the morning, so around midday they may feel fatigued or irritable.

Physical Side Effects

Some physical side effects of Vyvanse use include:

Decreased Appetite: Reported by 27% of users
Insomnia: Reported by 27% of users
Dry mouth: Reported by 26% of users
Diarrhea: Reported by 7% of users
Nausea: Reported by 7% of users
Increased blood pressure: Reported by 3% of users
Excessive sweating: Reported by 3% of users
Weight loss: Reported by 3% of users
Erectile dysfunction: Reported by 2.6% of males

Psychological Side Effects

Some psychological side effects of Vyvanse use include:

Anxiety: Reported by 6% of users
Anorexia: Reported by 5% of users
Jittery: Reported by 4% of users
Agitation: Reported by 3% of users
Restlessness: Reported by 3% of users

Less commonly reported psychological side effects include:

Crying
Depersonalization (a sense of detachment from self and identity)
Rapidly Changing Moods
Paranoia
Dysphoria

Vyvanse Use Statistics ( Vyvanse prescription )

Since its approval in 2007, Vyvanse prescriptions have become popular, with over 7.5 million prescriptions being written in 2016. Vyvanse was the 99th most commonly prescribed prescription drug in 2016.

Vyvanse Interactions

Vyvanse should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within two weeks of stopping MAOIs due to an increased risk of hypertensive crisis (a severe increase in blood pressure that may lead to a stroke) and serotonin syndrome (characterized by agitation, trembling, dizziness and sweating). Make sure your doctor is aware of any prescription, over-the-counter or illicit drugs you may use in conjunction with Vyvanse in order to minimize the risk of dangerous interactions.

Vyvanse and AlcoholVyvanse and alcohol should not be used together. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, and Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant. Combining these classes of drugs can have unpredictable effects on everything from drug and alcohol metabolism to mood and behavior. Furthermore, combining these drugs may negatively affect liver function.
Vyvanse and PregnancyCurrently, there is insufficient data on the effects that Vyvanse might have on pregnancy and potential neonatal adverse reactions. Vyvanse is categorized by the FDA as a Category C pregnancy drug, which means that there are no well-controlled human studies to define risk, but there is some data from animal studies indicating that adverse effects may be possible.

Can Vyvanse Get You High?

Vyvanse prescription is designed to minimize the ability for people to get high by using it. Because it is packaged as a prodrug that requires enzymatic processing in the blood to be activated, snorting or routes of administration other than swallowing will be ineffective. In addition, Vyvanse is an extended-release medication, so the possibility of getting an immediate rush is limited. However, it is possible to misuse Vyvanse by taking very large doses by mouth, possibly resulting in a transient, mild euphoria but also causing uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heart rate, nausea and anxiety. If you suspect an overdose, call 911.

Key Points to Understanding Vyvanse

Keep the following key points in mind when considering Vyvanse:

Vyvanse is a prodrug of the CNS stimulant dextroamphetamine, meaning that it is in an inactive form until it undergoes enzymatic processing in the blood
Vyvanse is a Schedule II drug, indicating that it is associated with a high risk for abuse
Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children and binge eating disorder in adults
Off-label uses for Vyvanse include treating depression but the FDA has made it clear that Vyvanse is not a weight-loss drug
Vyvanse comes in chewable tablets and capsules. The initial recommended dose is 30 mg taken once in the morning; if needed, doses can be increased in 10 mg increments until the maximum dose of 70 mg is reached.
Vyvanse and Adderall have the same major active ingredient (dextroamphetamine), so they have very similar effects; Concerta is a different drug but because it is also a CNS stimulant it has similar effects.
Vyvanse is generally well tolerated and has a side effect profile similar to other stimulants; physical symptoms may include decreased appetite, dry mouth and insomnia; psychological side effects may include anxiety and restlessness.
Vyvanse should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Vyvanse and alcohol should not be used together
Effects of Vyvanse on fetal development remains unclear
Vyvanse has little potential to get someone high, but regular use can cause dependence and addictive behaviors