Vyvanse is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or binge eating disorder (BED). The effects of Vyvanse can depend on the dosage someone takes.
It is essential to find the correct dose to treat each person’s unique symptoms. Taking the correct dose can help people effectively manage ADHD symptoms. A dose that is too high may cause unwanted, dangerous side effects, and a low dose may not be effective.
But how can you determine if your Vyvanse dose is correct? This article will explore signs your Vyvanse is too high or too low. You will learn:
- The effects of Vyvanse
- Signs your dose is too high
- Signs your dose is too low
- How to recognize Vyvanse abuse
- Where to find Vyvanse abuse treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with Vyvanse abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the resources, support, and treatment you need at New Jersey Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is the brand name for a stimulant drug called lisdexamfetamine. It is a prescription drug commonly used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED).
Vyvanse is available in capsules and chewable tablets. Doctors typically prescribe an initial dose of 30mg per day when treating ADHD Then, they may increase the dose by 10 or 20 mg each week until reaching the effective dose. The maximum dosage of Vyvanse is 70mg per day for the treatment of ADHD. The maximum dose when treating BED is 50-70 mg per day.
Stimulant medications like Vyvanse have the potential for abuse and addiction. It is important to take Vyvanse as prescribed and watch for symptoms of abuse or dependence.
Signs Your Vyvanse Dose is Too High
It can take some time to find the optimal Vyvanse dose. Here are some signs your Vyvanse dose is too high.
Sleep problems
Vyvanse is a stimulant that can treat symptoms of ADHD and BED. Sleep troubles are one of the most common side effects of a dose that is too high. People may experience insomnia, struggle to fall asleep, or have trouble sleeping through the night.
Physical symptoms
Vyvanse’s stimulant effects can cause physical side effects, including:
- Weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
These physical symptoms can indicate that your Vyvanse dosage is too high.
Agitation
Too much Vyvanse can cause physical agitation or hyperactivity. It may feel hard to sit still. People may feel shaky or have trouble focusing on an activity.
Mood changes
Excessive Vyvanse can cause mood swings, confusion, or paranoia. In rare cases, people may experience psychosis or hallucinations from too much Vyvanse.
Anxiety
People may experience anxiety, agitation, or emotional instability as a result of taking too much Vyvanse.
Talk to your medical professional about any unwanted side effects or complications you are experiencing. You may also contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health team to learn about the risks of Vyvanse abuse or to explore your treatment options.
Signs Your Vyvanse Dose is Too Low
Finding the correct dose of Vyvanse can take some time. Some signs that your dose of Vyvanse is too low include uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD. You may experience lingering impulsivity, hyperactivity, mood swings, or difficulty maintaining focus.
Many factors affect how much Vyvanse you require to manage your symptoms. These include:
- The severity of your symptoms
- Your metabolism
- How long you have been taking Vyvanse
- If you have missed doses
It is critical to work with a trusted healthcare provider to find the correct dose for your symptoms and unique needs. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health team to learn about Vyanse abuse or to find treatment and resources.
Recognizing Vyvanse Abuse
Vyvanse is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a risk of abuse and addiction. People may abuse Vyvanse by:
- Taking higher doses
- Taking it more often
- Ingesting it differently (like crushing and snorting tablets)
- Taking it for longer periods than prescribed
- Taking it recreationally (without a prescription)
Vyvanse abuse can have serious, long-term complications, including:
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Increased risk of stroke
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Fainting
- Irregular heart rhythm
Recognizing Vyvanse abuse is the first step toward getting help to overcome it. Some signs of Vyvanse abuse include:
- Quick or significant weight loss
- Running out of Vyvanse early
- Taking Vyvanse without a prescription for it
- Doing illegal, dishonest, or dangerous things to get more Vyvanse
- Increased isolation
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it
It can be challenging to stop taking Vyvanse once you become addicted to it. Most people require intensive treatment plans, including mental health care, medications, education, and other therapies.
Find Treatment for Vyvanse Abuse
If you or someone you love struggles with Vyvanse abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the treatment, support, and resources you need at New Jersey Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to explore your treatment options or set up an initial assessment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
- Translational Psychiatry: The effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate on eating behaviour and homeostatic, reward and cognitive processes in women with binge-eating symptoms: an experimental medicine study
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Potential Adverse Effects of Amphetamine Treatment on Brain and Behavior: A Review
Leave a Reply