5 Signs That Your Vyvanse Dose Is Too High

Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a prescription stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder.

It works similarly to other stimulant medications, including Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and Concerta (methylphenidate).

Although these medications can be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and other mental health disorders, they also pose health dangers and can lead to addiction. A dose of Vyvanse should be high enough to treat symptoms without causing serious side-effects.

If you think your dose of Vyvanse may need to be lowered, speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes. Here are 5 signs that could indicate your dose is too high.

1. Weight Loss

One of the most common side-effects of Vyvanse and other ADHD medications is a decreased appetite. Although it can be effective in treating binge-eating disorder, the FDA advises against using Vyvanse as a weight loss supplement.

If you are prescribed Vyvanse, it’s important to monitor negative side-effects, like a lack of appetite. If you are continuously losing weight or lose interest in eating, you may need to consult with your doctor about a lower dose.

2. Trouble Sleeping

As a stimulant, Vyvanse increases activity in the brain, which can increase energy and cause difficulty sleeping. Trouble sleeping may be caused by an increase in norepinephrine in the central nervous system, which increases alertness and can keep you awake.

Adolescents and young adults are associated with Vyvanse abuse to improve performance in school and help them stay awake for long study sessions. However, sleep deprivation can lead to additional adverse health effects, including irritability, paranoia, and anxiety.

3. Heart Problems

Heavy Vyvanse use can result in serious and potentially life-threatening cardiovascular problems. As a stimulant, higher doses of Vyvanse can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

An irregular heartbeat can lead to a stimulant overdose, which can cause a heart attack, seizures, and circulation problems. If an overdose isn’t treated in time, it can lead to coma or death.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against use in individuals with co-occurring heart conditions.

If you have a heart condition or are concerned about the cardiovascular effects associated with Vyvanse, your doctor may suggest a non-stimulant prescription drug. Non-stimulant ADHD meds include Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine ER), and Intuniv (guanfacine ER).

4. Serotonin Syndrome

Increasing the dose of Vyvanse too quickly can cause toxic levels of serotonin to build up in the body. High serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition.

Severe cases of serotonin syndrome require medical care and may cause the following symptoms:

• restlessness
• difficulty sleeping
• confusion
• high blood pressure
• high fever
• seizures
• irregular heart rate
• loss of consciousness

Serotonin syndrome can also be caused by mixing Vyvanse with other drugs that affect serotonin levels. Antidepressants, like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can cause serotonin syndrome if combined with stimulants.

5. Paranoia

Vyvanse causes a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Although Vyvanse may initially cause euphoric effects, drug abuse can result in symptoms of anxiety or depression.

After several days of heavy use, Vyvanse can cause paranoia, including delusions, hallucinations, and panic.

According to the National Library of Medicine, stimulant-induced psychosis is more likely to occur in people who have a co-occurring mental health disorder or a family history of mental illness. Psychosis may also be a severe symptom of stimulant withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms can be effectively treated in a medical detox, which provides 24/7 care from healthcare professionals. Vyvanse is a controlled substance in the United States and has a high risk of addiction.

If you experience withdrawal symptoms and think you may be addicted to Vyvanse, Northeast Addictions Treatment Center can help. To learn about our outpatient treatment options, please contact us today to speak with a specialist.