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What you should know about prescription Vyvanse

What you should know if you’re wondering how to get prescribed Vyvanse
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Sep. 3, 2025
A patient and healthcare provider talking: How to get prescribed Vyvanse

Key takeaways

  • Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant used to treat certain mental health conditions.

  • Because it’s a controlled substance, only licensed providers with a DEA registration can prescribe Vyvanse after a proper diagnosis.

  • Side effects like dry mouth, insomnia, and appetite loss are common, although serious effects like slowed growth in children and serotonin syndrome are possible.

In this article:

Getting a Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) prescription is a bit more involved than just asking your healthcare provider for it during a checkup. This stimulant helps manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED), but because it’s a controlled substance, there are some strict rules around prescribing it. You’ll need a diagnosis from a healthcare provider who can order controlled substances, plus a thorough look at your symptoms and medical history.

What is Vyvanse used to treat?

Vyvanse, also known by its chemical or generic name lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a prescription stimulant. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older and moderate to severe BED in adults. 

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is a prodrug. In other words, it’s converted in the body to its active form, dextroamphetamine, which works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system called dopamine and norepinephrine. As a result, it can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity in people with ADHD. It also helps curb binge-eating urges in people with BED.

As a Schedule II controlled substance, Vyvanse carries a risk of physical or psychological dependence and misuse. People who misuse Vyvanse could experience severe side effects, including an overdose or even death. 

Who can prescribe Vyvanse?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Vyvanse in the U.S. However, prescribing rules can depend on individual state laws. For example:

  • Primary care doctors: Primary care physicians are often a go-to for many people. Family medicine doctors may be able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe Vyvanse during regular appointments.
  • Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are mental health specialists who can prescribe Vyvanse, and they’re often able to assist with medication management. They’re experts in ADHD and other mental health conditions.
  • Nurse practitioners: Nurse practitioners can prescribe Vyvanse in most states if they’ve got the right credentials. Their ability to prescribe controlled substances depends on state laws.
  • Physician assistants: Physician assistants might also prescribe Vyvanse, usually under a doctor’s supervision. State rules decide if they can prescribe Schedule II controlled substances like Vyvanse.

In any case, all prescribers need to hold valid DEA licenses to write prescriptions for Vyvanse. They’ll often need to screen for a history of substance abuse before prescribing the medication. 

The DEA currently allows qualified healthcare providers to prescribe Vyvanse and other controlled substances via telehealth platforms, without an in-person visit. The rules allowing Vyvanse to be prescribed online are in place until Dec. 31, 2025. Prescribers still need to be registered with the DEA and follow all laws when prescribing remotely.

Can you request Vyvanse from your healthcare provider?

Yes, you can ask your healthcare provider about Vyvanse. There’s nothing wrong with bringing up a specific medication during an appointment. However, your healthcare provider will decide what’s best for you. They’ll look at your symptoms, medical history, and what medications you’re already taking before writing a prescription.

You’ll want to be specific about symptoms to help them determine the right treatment plan. Consider sharing the following:

  • How long symptoms have lasted
  • When symptoms are their worst
  • How symptoms affect daily life
  • Previous treatments you’ve tried

Healthcare providers need these details to see if Vyvanse makes sense for you. Sometimes, they might recommend Vyvanse alternatives depending on the symptoms or condition being treated. After all, Vyvanse isn’t the only option for ADHD or BED. Other medications might include other stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. 

Other stimulant medications for ADHD

Non-stimulants for ADHD

Antidepressants for BED (off-label) 

A referral to a specialist is often recommended for finding the right option. Primary care doctors might send you to a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD treatment. Telehealth appointments can be convenient for discussing Vyvanse with a qualified provider online, especially if getting to an office is inconvenient. 

As long as you’re being upfront and honest about your symptoms and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment, you’re likely to get the help you’re looking for. 

RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

What to expect when starting Vyvanse

Starting Vyvanse means you’ll need to keep an eye on things and adjust your dose slowly with a healthcare provider. Most people start at a low dose and work with their healthcare provider to find a sweet spot. 

The typical dosage ranges from 30–70 mg once per day, typically in the morning. The dose shouldn’t be increased to the maximum right away, though; instead, it’s gradually raised or titrated by 10 or 20 mg each week as needed. For most people, Vyvanse starts working within a couple of hours, with effects that last for around 14 hours.

Vyvanse can be taken in the following dosage forms:

  • Oral capsules
  • Chewable tablets

The capsules are usually swallowed whole. However, some people might find it difficult to swallow their medication.

If swallowing the capsule is difficult, it can be opened, with the powder mixed into yogurt, water, or orange juice. The mixture should be stirred well and taken right away—don’t save it for later. It’s normal if a little film is left in the cup. For chewable tablets, just chew them fully before swallowing.

Possible side effects of Vyvanse

Many people may notice side effects from Vyvanse, especially as their body gets used to the medication. Usually, these side effects go away after a week or two. But if they stick around, a healthcare provider might want to adjust the dose or even try something else.

The most common side effects of Vyvanse for adults and children 6 and older who take the drug for ADHD include:

  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Nausea stomach pain

The most common side effects of Vyvanse for adults with BED include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Increased heart rate

Serious side effects of Vyvanse

In rare cases, Vyvanse can cause serious side effects, some of which may need immediate medical support:

  • Slowed growth in children: Height and weight typically need to be checked often during treatment, especially in children. Vyvanse may need to be stopped if growth problems occur.
  • Circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon): Some people may experience numbness, pain, skin color changes (pale, blue, or red), or increased sensitivity to temperature. Consult a healthcare provider for any unexplained wounds on the fingers or toes.
  • New or worsening tics or Tourette’s syndrome: Tell a healthcare provider if you or your child develops new repetitive movements or sounds, or if existing tics get worse.
  • Serotonin syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening reaction, especially when Vyvanse is combined with certain other medications. Symptoms may include agitation, rapid heartbeat, high body temperature, confusion, sweating, tremors, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, seizures, and severe nausea or diarrhea.

Everyone reacts to medications differently. Although some people might experience mild to severe side effects, others might not experience any side effects at all. The severity will depend on the person. 

Who should not take Vyvanse?

In some cases, Vyvanse may need to be avoided. Other people might need to use extra caution before starting this medication.

Those who need to avoid Vyvanse include the following:

  • Anyone taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Zyvox (linezolid), or intravenous methylene blue, or those who stopped taking any of these medications fewer than 14 days ago
  • People who are allergic or hypersensitive to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in Vyvanse

Before starting Vyvanse, tell a healthcare provider if you or your child has any of the following:

  • Heart problems, heart disease, heart defects, or high blood pressure
  • Mental health problems, such as psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, depression, or a family history of these conditions
  • Circulation problems in fingers or toes
  • Kidney problems
  • History of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, or a family history of these conditions
  • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, as Vyvanse may harm an unborn baby
  • Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed since Vyvanse passes into breast milk

Vyvanse may also interact with other medications. Therefore, even those who could benefit from being prescribed Vyvanse may need to be careful if they’re taking other medications. 

A healthcare provider should know about all medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Vyvanse can interact with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). 

Even antacids and vitamin C supplements can change how your body processes Vyvanse. In many cases, if you take these medicines regularly, a healthcare provider will need to adjust your dose of Vyvanse. 

How to save on Vyvanse

A Vyvanse prescription can get costly for many people, especially without insurance. The average out-of-pocket cost of 30, 30 mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse is $557. However, there are a few ways to cut down on the costs when picking up this ADHD medication. These might include:

Using the generic version

A generic for Vyvanse has been available and approved by the FDA since 2023. It works just like the brand-name version, but it’s usually cheaper. In most cases, a pharmacist will substitute the brand name and dispense the generic unless a healthcare provider explicitly orders the brand name. If you’re not sure, just ask your pharmacist if they have the generic in stock.

Trying a SingleCare coupon

SingleCare offers discount coupons that can help you save on both brand-name and generic Vyvanse. With a SingleCare Vyvanse coupon, you could pay $386 for brand-name Vyvanse or $65 for generic lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.

Using a SingleCare coupon is easy and convenient. Just show the coupon to your pharmacist when you’re picking up your prescriptions, and they’ll take care of the discount right there. Many big pharmacy chains accept these coupons and plenty of independent pharmacies, too.

There are other ways to save on Vyvanse besides these options. You can discuss them with a pharmacist to see what else might be out there for discounts.

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