Vyvanse is classified as a schedule II controlled substance by the DEA/FDA, which means it has a high potential for abuse.

Vyvanse abuse can bring on a crash as it begins to wear off and lead to symptoms like low energy levels and irritability. Luckily, there are ways to cope with these symptoms.

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and is a central nervous system stimulant drug. It’s used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder.

It works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increase is what eases the symptoms of ADHD. It’s the same way Adderall (amphetamine salts) and Concerta/Ritalin (methylphenidate) work.

What Is A Vyvanse Crash?

A Vyvanse crash (also known as a Vyvanse comedown) is the moment in the day when the drug starts leaving your system. You may start to feel your ADHD symptoms return.

Vyvanse usually lasts from 8-12 hours and after that, a crash can occur. If you take the drug early in the morning, you might begin to feel a crash in the late afternoon or evening.

Vyvanse crash symptoms are different from Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms. A crash can happen even when you take the medication as directed while withdrawal often occurs after a drug has been abused or used in higher doses.

Symptoms of A Vyvanse Crash

A Vyvanse crash can come with quite a few symptoms. The most common symptoms of a Vyvanse crash may include:

• irritability
• excessive tiredness
• anxiety
• craving for Vyvanse
• difficulty sleeping
• fatigue
• mood swings
• shakiness

How To Cope With Vyvanse Crash Symptoms

While a Vyvanse crash can stop you in your tracks, there are ways to cope with the symptoms and make sure they are as bearable as possible.

Avoid Other Stimulants

When taking Vyvanse, it’s best to avoid taking other stimulants like caffeine, cigarettes, and other stimulant medication. They can make you feel more tired due to how they can interfere with sleep.

Eat Well & Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated and eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods can also help make the symptoms of a Vyvanse crash less intense. Eating a healthy diet can also positively affect your physical and mental health.

Sleep

It cannot be overstated how important sleep is. Ensuring you get enough of it and creating a good sleep environment can ease crash symptoms. It won’t eliminate them entirely, but it can make them more bearable.

Schedule Your Crashes

If you know approximately what time of day a crash is going to happen, try to keep that time open and not schedule too many activities or stressful events. This can help reduce any extra anxiety or stress that could exacerbate your crash symptoms.

Avoid Depressants

You may want to avoid depressants as well. This can include depressant medication as well as alcohol, muscle relaxers, sedatives, and marijuana. These can disturb your sleep and make the crash symptoms last longer.

Contact Your Doctor

If you are regularly experiencing Vyvanse crash symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to change your dosage or put you on a different prescription drug that doesn’t have as intense of a crash period.

Side Effects Of Vyvanse

Even if you don’t experience crash symptoms, Vyvanse can also come with a variety of side effects that may include:

• decreased appetite
• weight loss
• dry mouth
• irritability
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• irregular heart rate
• high blood pressure
• diarrhea
• sleep problems

Drug Interactions

There are also several medications that don’t mix well with Vyvanse. Mixing Vyvanse and one of the following drugs may lead to serious issues:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• some cough-and-cold products
• antidepressants
• medications containing amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• certain vitamins and supplements

Worsened Health Conditions

There are also a number of health conditions that Vyvanse doesn’t work well with. The ADHD medication can actually make the following conditions worse:

• blood circulation problems
• personal/family history of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts
• personal/family history of heart problems like heart attack or cardiomyopathy,
• hyperthyroidism
• glaucoma
• seizures
• kidney disease
• personal/family history of substance use disorder
• personal/family history of uncontrolled muscle movements

Stimulant Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one struggles with Vyvanse addiction or another form of drug abuse, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

At Northeast Addiction Treatment Center, we have a number of outpatient treatment options available, including group therapy, one-on-one behavioral therapy, and peer support. To learn more, please call our helpline today.