Vyvanse is the brand name for a prescription medication called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. The drug has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder.

Some people buy Vyvanse on the street and abuse it. In most cases, the street price of Vyvanse differs greatly from its retail price.

How Much Does Vyvanse Cost On The Street?

On the street, the average Vyvanse price varies depending on dosage and availability.

Dosage

Vyvanse is available in two forms: a capsule that ranges between 20 mg and 70 mg and a chewable tablet that ranges between 20 mg and 60 mg. By dosage, both forms likely cost:

• $1 to $5 per 20 mg pill
• $5 to $15 per 30, 40, or 50 mg pill
• $5 to $30 per 60 mg pill
• $10 to $30 per 70 mg pill

Availability

In general, Vyvanse costs less in areas where the drug is widely available. Cities likely have higher supplies of Vyvanse and lower prices, while more rural areas tend to have lower supplies and higher prices.

How Much Does Prescription Vyvanse Cost?

As with other prescription drugs, the prescription cost of Vyvanse depends on the amount of capsules or tablets you get and your insurance plan.

Vyvanse Cost Without Insurance

Without insurance, Vyvanse usually costs:

• $100 for a 7-day supply
• $200 for a 14-day supply
• $400 to $500 for a 30-day supply
• $800 to $900 for a 60-day supply

Vyvanse Cost With Insurance

Most insurance plans will cover your Vyvanse prescription. However, the exact amount of coverage varies greatly from plan to plan. Some plans will cover the entire cost, while others will only cover some of it.

Contact your insurance company to determine how much coverage you will receive.

Why Is Vyvanse So Expensive?

Other ADHD medications like Adderall (amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) have generic alternatives that are much cheaper than the brand name versions. Vyvanse does not yet have a generic version, which is why it’s so expensive.

Luckily, you can lower the drug’s price by using a Vyvanse coupon or discount card. With the drug’s official manufacturer’s coupon, you could pay as little as $30 per prescription.

There are also patient assistance programs that offer free Vyvanse prescriptions to people who qualify. In general, to qualify, you must be uninsured (or have insurance that does not cover Vyvanse). You may also need to meet certain income requirements.

Vyvanse Abuse & Addiction

As a central nervous system stimulant, Vyvanse boosts your energy and concentration. It can also cause euphoria (intense joy) and weight loss. That’s why some people abuse it.

Vyvanse abuse occurs when you use the drug in a manner not prescribed by a health care professional. For instance, you might:

• use it more often prescribed
• use higher doses than prescribed
• use it without a prescription
• crush the pills and snort them

People who abuse Vyvanse face a high risk of increased side effects, overdose, and addiction.

Increased Side Effects

The most common side effects of Vyvanse include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• constipation
• headache
• dry mouth

The drug’s more serious side effects include:

• mood swings
• paranoia
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)
• trouble speaking
• rash
• facial swelling
• seizures

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Overdose

If you take too much Vyvanse, you may overdose. Common symptoms of Vyvanse overdose include:

• anxiety
• shaking
• nausea and vomiting
• aggression
• confusion
• increased heart rate
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical help right away. When left untreated, a Vyvanse overdose can be fatal.

Addiction

Vyvanse addiction is a serious disease that makes you feel unable to control your Vyvanse use. Common symptoms include:

• mood swings
• intense cravings for Vyvanse
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• loss of motivation
• tolerance (needing increasingly higher or more frequent doses of Vyvanse to feel the desired effects)
• physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and trouble sleeping, when you don’t use Vyvanse)

Like other addictions, Vyvanse addiction requires professional treatment.

If you or a loved one struggles with Vyvanse abuse or addiction, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified health care providers offer mental health counseling and other personalized, evidence-based treatments in an outpatient setting.