A person can overdose on Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder.

This prescription drug is an amphetamine that can be abused and potentially lead to an overdose.

Vyvanse works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. When this happens, those with ADHD symptoms can concentrate more easily.

Unfortunately, some people begin to abuse the drug due to the euphoric effects it can cause, especially when taken not as prescribed.

Drug abuse can take place when a person partakes in snorting or injecting the drug, takes larger quantities of the drug, or combines Vyvanse with other medications. When your body experiences higher doses of this stimulant, it increases the risk of overdose.

Signs Of A Vyvanse Overdose

A person who abuses Vyvanse in the hopes of experiencing weight loss, concentrating to pass an exam, or simply to become more energized may underestimate the potential of a Vyvanse overdose. An overdose is a serious, life-threatening side effect of Vyvanse abuse.

Common Signs Of Stimulant Overdose

Not all stimulant overdoses are life-threatening, but a person may still experience common signs including:

• abdominal cramps
• vomiting
• nausea
• cold skin
• fainting spells
• confusion
• heavy sedation

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), other stimulant overdose symptoms may take place such as overactive reflexes, panic states, or a fever.

Life-Threatening Overdose Signs

A person can experience serious side effects of Vyvanse due to abusing the drug in large quantities. For instance, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the life-threatening symptoms one may experience include:

• psychosis
• chest pain
• high blood pressure
• unresponsiveness
• irregular heartbeat
• clammy skin
• tremors
• hallucinations

In addition to these signs, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that other Vyvanse overdose symptoms such as seizures and hypertension may occur.

Vyvanse Overdose Risk Factors

Abusing Vyvanse can increase your risk of overdose. In fact, there are a number of warnings one should be aware of when taking Vyvanse.

Family History Of Heart Problems

If you have a family history of heart problems, Vyvanse may not be suitable for you to take as a medication due to the harmful consequences that can occur.

Those who have a heart defect or cardiovascular problems may experience heart rate fluctuations, a heart attack, and an increased risk of overdose.

Polydrug Use

Combining Vyvanse with other medications may also pose a risk to your health. An overdose may be more likely if you take Vyvanse along with:

• supplements
• antidepressants, which can lead to serotonin syndrome
• benzodiazepines
• other stimulant medications
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• opioids

Combining any of these medications with Vyvanse can lead to a high risk of overdose due to worsened symptoms and side effects.

Vyvanse Abuse

Abusing Vyvanse can lead to an increased risk of overdose, as well as a number of issues such as Vyvanse addiction, substance use disorder, and physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

Some people may also be unaware that Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means the body must first digest and metabolize the substance before any effects kick in. This means people may take more and more of Vyvanse in hopes of a euphoric high, increasing the risk of overdose.

Vyvanse Overdose Treatment

If you suspect a person has experienced an overdose or taken high doses of Vyvanse, contact poison control or 911 immediately. While at the emergency room, healthcare professionals may provide medications to help ease the symptoms of overdose.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you find an addiction treatment center to get help for stimulant medication abuse.

If you or a loved one live with drug addiction, treatment options like behavioral therapy and peer support groups are available. For information on our outpatient treatment programs, please contact us today.