Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), a long-acting stimulant medication used in adults with ADHD, is one of the most commonly prescribed brand-name drugs. Given that 60% of adults who were children with ADHD have symptoms that persist to adulthood, long-term treatment may be necessary.
If you’re taking Vyvanse long-term or thinking about starting it, what are some lesser-known but important things you should know?
Vyvanse was the first medication approved for binge eating disorder.
This is in addition to being FDA approved in the U.S. for the treatment of ADHD.
Vyvanse is different from Ritalin and Concerta
There are two types of stimulants used to treat adult ADHD: methylphenidateand amphetamines. Concerta and Ritalin (either short or long-acting) are methylphenidates, while Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamine stimulants.
Vyvanse is a long-term release stimulant
Taken once daily, Vyvanse is released at the same levels over time, which allows for a similar effect 90 minutes to 14 hours after taking it.
Vyvanse carries a smaller risk of abuse than other stimulants.
Due to the longer duration of action, Vyvanse carries a smaller risk of abuse than short-acting stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin or Focalin. The longer effect of Vyvanse also leads to fewer rebound symptoms throughout the day compared to the shorter-acting ADHD meds.
You don’t necessarily need to take Vyvanse with food
It’s true!
Be careful taking Vyvanse with acidic medications or supplements
Some examples include vitamin C, aspirin, penicillin, or furosemide, which will all decrease the level of Vyvanse in your bloodstream. The opposite is true if you take Vyvanse with basic drugs like sodium bicarbonate (found in Zegerid), Benadryl, codeine, or metoprolol, which may increase levels of d-amphetamine, the active metabolite of Vyvanse. Your pharmacist can help you with potential interactions.
You may experience some side-effects
The most commonly reported side effects in adults taking Vyvanse have decreased appetite, dry mouth, and insomnia, which occur in 1 in 5 folks taking it.
Vyvanse may increase your blood pressure
Vyvanse leads to an increase in noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission – sympathetic nervous system effects, which means your “fight or flight response.” While increases in blood pressure and pulse may occur, changes in vital signs are usually small and changes in ECG (heart tracing) are not clinically relevant.
Vyvanse can improve reaction time
In young adults with ADHD, treatment with Vyvanse had a positive effect on reaction time with significantly fewer traffic accidents. Studies show Vyvanse was associated with a significantly faster reaction times (91% faster) and a lower rate of simulated driving collisions.
And lastly, It can change how you parent?
Interesting studies have been done looking at treatment with Vyvanse when both parent and child (age 5-12) have been diagnosed with ADHD. The parents with ADHD taking Vyvanse showed a significant reduction in “negative talk” and an increase in praise of their children. Results also showed reductions in the ratio of commands to verbalizations—less yelling, more talking.