Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) has an expiration date and can expire.

As a central nervous system (CNS) prescription stimulant manufactured by Shire, Vyvanse is used to help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Although not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity or to assist with weight loss, Vyvanse may be used to treat binge eating disorder in addition to ADHD.

If you use Vyvanse, you should not take the stimulant once it has expired. Not only can this prescription drug lose effectiveness or potency over time, it may also cause concerns for your health.

Vyvanse Shelf Life

Vyvanse is a prescription medication that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists as a schedule II controlled substance. It contains amphetamine as well as the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.

The FDA provides medications with a shelf life for the public’s safety, which is labeled on the bottle of the medication. According to the FDA, expired medications should not be taken after their expiry date, including over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription meds like Vyvanse.

Side Effects Of Vyvanse

Taking Vyvanse as prescribed can cause common side effects. Those who abuse the drug may experience a number of concerning side effects as well as overall dangers to their health.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of Vyvanse use may include:

• weight loss
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• headache
• erectile dysfunction
• decreased sex drive
• sleepiness
• nausea
• constipation

Long-Term Side Effects

Some of the more serious side effects of Vyvanse may include:

• developing tics
• high blood pressure
• loss of appetite
• impulsiveness
• excessive eating
• mood swings
• withdrawal symptoms

Dangers Of Vyvanse Abuse

A number of dangers are associated with Vyvanse when the medication is abused. If a person takes Vyvanse, they should be aware of the warnings and not combine it with other drugs without speaking to their doctor first.

In addition to this, there are a number of warnings to know before taking this medication. For instance, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should let your healthcare provider know at once.

Drug Interactions

A number of drug interactions may occur if Vyvanse is combined with other stimulants or depressants.

Adderall and other similar stimulants may interfere with Vyvanse and cause amphetamine interactions to occur. Also, any vitamins or supplements you take should be known to your doctor.

Cardiovascular Problems

Those with a history of medical conditions involving the heart in their family should avoid Vyvanse due to the harmful interactions that may occur.

One may experience heart problems that include an irregular heartbeat, chest pains, or even a heart attack. A person may also suffer from heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations, which can lead to life-threatening emergencies.

Mental Health & Antidepressants

If you have bipolar disorder or a history of mental illness in your family, you may experience psychosis or exhibit other mental problems when taking Vyvanse.

Those who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), should also avoid Vyvanse.

A life-threatening syndrome known as serotonin syndrome may occur when these medications are combined.

To learn how our clinical staff of healthcare professionals address prescription drug abuse and addiction, please contact us today.