What is the most important information I should know about Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a stimulant medicine. The following have been reported with use of stimulant medicines.
Cardiovascular problems:
- sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects
- heart attack and stroke
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
Tell your doctor of any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems before starting Vyvanse.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.
Mental (Psychiatric) problems:
- new or worse behavior and thought problems
- new or worse bipolar illness
- new or worse aggressive behavior or hostility
Call your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening mental symptoms especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, or believing things that are not real.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant medication. It works by stimulation various areas of the brain that are involved with concentration and impulse control.
Vyvanse is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Vyvanse can help to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vyvanse?
Before taking Vyvanse discuss with your doctor if you have or have a family history of any of the following:
- heart problems, heart defects, or high blood pressure
- mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression
- tics or Tourette's syndrome
- liver or kidney problems
- thyroid problems
- seizures or have had an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)
You may not be able to take Vyvanse if you have any of the following:
- heart disease or atherosclerosis
- high blood pressure
- hyperthyroidism
- glaucoma
- anxiety
- have a history of drug abuse
- are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within the past 14 days
Vyvanse is a pregnancy category C medication. This means that it may not be safe to take Vyvanse while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Vyvanse.
How should I take Vyvanse?
Take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Vyvanse should be taken once a day in the morning because afternoon doses have the potential to cause insomnia.
Vyvanse may be taken with or without food.
Avoid taking vitamin C or drinking fruit juices at the same time you are taking Vyvanse. These may cause you to absorb less of the medication.
Vyvanse capsules may be taken whole, or the capsule may be opened and the entire contents dissolved in a glass of water.
What are possible side effects of Vyvanse?
Common side effects include:
- abdominal pain
- dizziness
- irritability
- nausea
- weight loss
- decreased appetite
- dry mouth
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting
Serious side effects include:
- slowing of growth in children
- seizures
- eyesight changes or blurred vision
Vyvanse may affect your or your child's ability to drive or do other dangerous activities.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child has side effects that are bothersome or do not go away.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Vyvanse can be fatal. Seek medical care right away if you think you have overdosed on Vyvanse.
