Vyvanse Side Effects | Common, Severe, & Long-Term

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a central nervous system stimulant medication like methylphenidate and Adderall. Vyvanse is often 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 leads to an increase in focus and a decrease in impulsiveness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Vyvanse as a schedule II controlled substance. This means the drug has a high potential for abuse and can lead to psychological and physical dependence.

But even if the ADHD medication isn’t abused, it comes with a number of side effects you should be aware of.

Common Side Effects Of Vyvanse

The most common side effects that many people who take Vyvanse experience may include:

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• trouble sleeping
• sweating
• weight loss
• irritability
• restlessness
• diarrhea
• increased heart rate

Severe Side Effects Of Vyvanse

While not as common, Vyvanse can also lead to some serious side effects. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision
• irregular heartbeat
• agitation and aggression
• hallucinations
• suicidal thoughts
• uncontrolled movements/tics
• numbness
• swelling of ankles or feet
• extreme tiredness
• unexplained weight loss
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• seizures
• trouble speaking

Long–Term Side Effects Of Vyvanse

The side effects of Vyvanse likely go away the more you use the drug or once you stop using it, but some side effects can be long-term or lead to long-term issues. These long-term side effects can include:

• mental health disorders like depression
• high blood pressure
• heart problems like heart attack and stroke
• blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes
• slowed growth in children
• serotonin syndrome

Drug Interactions With Vyvanse

There are also several medications and drugs that cannot be taken with Vyvanse without leading to serious issues. These drugs include:

• alcohol
• marijuana
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, and phenelzine
• certain antidepressants like fluoxetine, paroxetine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine
• medications including amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• cough or cold products
• certain vitamins and supplements

Vyvanse & Pre-Existing Conditions

There are also certain health conditions that Vyvanse can actually make worse. If you have any of the following medical conditions, Vyvanse is likely not the medication for you:

• blood circulation problems such as Raynaud’s phenomenon
• certain mental/mood conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder
• cardiovascular problems such as irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart defects, or heart disease
• family history of heart problems such as sudden death or irregular heartbeat
• history of stroke, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, seizures, or kidney disease
• family history of substance use disorder

Vyvanse Side Effects In Males Vs. Females

 The side effects of Vyvanse don’t differ too much between males and females. The only side effect that males experience that females do not is frequent/prolonged erections. All the other side effects can occur in either sex.

That being said, Vyvanse is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant as it can have harmful effects on the fetus like low birth weight and premature birth. There is also a risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome. 

Breastfeeding is also not recommended as the drug can pass from breast milk to the child.

Vyvanse Side Effects In Adults Vs. Children

Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in adults and in children ages 6 years and older, and the side effects can differ for children versus adults. Children can be more likely to experience side effects like: 

• weight loss
• decreased appetite
• insomnia
• upper respiratory infections
• irritability

There is also a chance you can have a serious allergic reaction to Vyvanse. If you are aware of any allergies to medications or any of the ingredients in Vyvanse, it’s important to let your doctor know.

Vyvanse Effects On Personality

Vyvanse can not only lead to side effects on your body, but it can also affect your personality as well. Many of these side effects have already been mentioned but the major ones that can affect your personality include:

• irritability
• anger
• mood swings
• anxiety
• depression
• abnormal thoughts/behavior
• suicidal thoughts

Abusing Vyvanse can make the effects on personality much worse. If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant abuse or another form of drug abuse, contact us today for information on our outpatient treatment options.