{"id":51306,"date":"2022-06-19T17:33:24","date_gmt":"2022-06-19T21:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=51306"},"modified":"2025-09-18T16:40:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T20:40:04","slug":"is-vyvanse-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-vyvanse-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than <\/span>6.1 million children<\/span><\/a> in the United States have been diagnosed with attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD. Although males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, ADHD can affect people of all ages, races, and genders. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral disorders. If not treated properly, ADHD can affect all aspects of a person\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are <\/span>treatment options available<\/span><\/a> to those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, including behavior therapy and medication. Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is among the most common prescription medications used for the treatment of ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing. It is also the only FDA-approved stimulant used to treat <\/span>binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a> (BED).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its associated higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) and abuse. Following the prescriber\u2019s instructions will help reduce the potential risks associated with taking Vyvanse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with ADHD or BED, it\u2019s important to understand your treatment options. This article provides an overview of Vyvanse, including what it is, what it means to be prescribed a controlled substance, and alternative medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Considering ADHD medication? Your guide to adult ADHD treatment<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Vyvanse?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)<\/span><\/a> is a central nervous system stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older, as well as binge eating disorder in adults,\u201d says <\/span>Kelly Johnson-Arbor<\/span><\/a>, MD, the medical director of the <\/span>National Capital Poison Center<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse (is a <\/span>prodrug of dextroamphetamine<\/span><\/a>, meaning the drug is inactive until it\u2019s absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract where it is then converted to dextroamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that affect mood and attention, in the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse isn’t an opioid or a narcotic. It\u2019s a type of central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug, known as an <\/span>amphetamine<\/span><\/a>, that is most used in the treatment of attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder. Amphetamines are also commonly used in the treatment of <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a> and obesity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>List of stimulants<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cAmphetamines and their derivatives are Schedule II controlled substances in the United States,\u201d Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. \u201cEven though they are not traditional narcotic drugs, like heroin or fentanyl, amphetamines still have a high potential for abuse and their use may lead to psychological or physical dependence. Because of this, amphetamines are classified as controlled substances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Per the <\/span>Controlled Substances Act<\/span><\/a>, Schedule II drugs are those with a high potential for abuse and complications as a result of misuse, according to the <\/span>United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)<\/span><\/a>. Due to the higher risk of misuse and dependency, it\u2019s important to only use the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider and store it in a safe place where it will not be accessed by others.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does that mean for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhile amphetamines, including Vyvanse, are classified as controlled substances, this does not mean they are unsafe,\u201d Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains. \u201cRather, it means that the drugs must be prescribed and used with caution, as patients who use these drugs may experience addiction or <\/span>withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For this reason, there are stricter guidelines and regulations for controlled substances, which help ensure proper usage and <\/span>help reduce the risk of misuse<\/span><\/a>. Many controlled substances are not eligible to be refilled early and often require a visit to your prescribing healthcare provider for refill authorization. If certain criteria are met, however, your prescribing healthcare provider may be able to issue 90-day supplies of prescriptions. There also may be special requirements for ordering controlled substances <\/span>through mail-order pharmacies<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>11 common pharmacy problems when filling prescriptions<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Side effects of Vyvanse<\/span><\/h3>\n

As with other medications, there are potential side effects associated with Vyvanse. <\/span>Common side effects of Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> may include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n