What is Vyvanse: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Vyvanse

• Vyvanse begins working in about an hour, peaks near four hours, and can last up to 14 hours, so plan study, work, and driving around that timeline.

• It is taken as a delayed‑release capsule or a chewable tablet that releases medicine gradually throughout the day; use whichever form your prescriber recommends.

• Take the medication exactly as directed—never split, crush, or increase the dose on your own—because accidental overuse can trigger serious problems such as hallucinations, panic, or rapid breathing.

• Store Vyvanse locked away at room temperature (68 ° —77 °F), and instead of throwing away leftover pills, bring them to a pharmacy take‑back program.

• Keep a consistent daily schedule, and if the effect wears off too soon or lingers too long, consult your healthcare provider before adjusting timing or dosage.

• Giving Vyvanse to another person is unsafe, potentially harmful, and illegal—even if they have similar symptoms.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vyvanse

• If it is still morning or early afternoon, take the dose as soon as you remember; skip it if it is already evening.

• If you remember the missed dose the next morning, simply return to your usual schedule—never take two doses at once.

• A single missed dose may cause symptoms to temporarily come back, but it is safer than taking Vyvanse too close to bedtime.

• Contact your pharmacist or prescriber if you miss more than one day in a row or feel unwell after skipping a dose.

• Set a phone alarm or use a pill organizer so you are less likely to miss future doses.

Vyvanse contraindications

Vyvanse should be avoided in people who are:

• Younger than 6 years old

• Sensitive or allergic to other stimulant medications

• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor medication (MAOI) or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days

Taking MAOIs with Vyvanse can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. MAOI antidepressants can also cause Vyvanse to build up in the body, increasing the risk of dangerously high blood pressure, severe headaches, and serious, sometimes fatal, side effects.

Talk to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or other ADHD medications in the past.

Vyvanse warnings

• Vyvanse can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, those with heart problems or heart defects should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Vyvanse. This medication has been reported to cause sudden death in patients with heart conditions.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is no strong data on how Vyvanse affects fetuses or unborn babies. Seek professional medical advice if you need ADHD medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• The medicine has a high potential for dependency and abuse because a high dose may make some users feel euphoric. However, Vyvanse misuse can have damaging and fatal health consequences.

• Vyvanse may trigger or worsen psychosis, mania, or aggressive mood swings. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice hallucinations, extreme euphoria, or new mood symptoms.

• Long‑term use can slow weight and height gains in children. Therefore, pediatric patients may need regular growth checks and require dose breaks if growth slows.

• Some people may experience coldness, pain, or color changes in their fingers and toes (Raynaud’s-type symptoms). Tell your provider if you notice numbness, tingling, or skin sores.

• Stimulants can start or worsen motor or verbal tics. Tell your prescriber if these appear.

• Vyvanse may be harmful to unborn or nursing babies. Tell your healthcare provider before using Vyvanse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vyvanse interactions

There are many drug-drug interactions with Vyvanse. Some of the most dangerous Vyvanse interactions include:

• MAOI antidepressants can trigger a dangerous spike in blood pressure or body temperature if taken within 14 days of Vyvanse. Examples include tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline.

• Drugs that increase serotonin levels carry risks of a life‑threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with Vyvanse. Examples include SSRIs like fluoxetine, SNRIs like venlafaxine, migraine “triptan” drugs, tramadol, lithium, and St. John’s Wort.

• Drugs that slow the breakdown in the liver can push its levels too high, which may lead to increased side effects of Vyvanse. Examples include paroxetine, quinidine, and ritonavir.

• Products that change urine acidity can make Vyvanse stronger or weaker. Examples include alkalinizing agents such as acetazolamide or thiazides and acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride or high‑dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

• Tricyclic antidepressants can magnify Vyvanse’s stimulant effects and strain the heart. Examples include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

Vyvanse, like other ADHD medications, is recommended to be avoided with alcohol. Combining Vyvanse and alcohol may increase the risk of adverse effects. Vyvanse is a stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant. Mixing the two could also result in excessive consumption of alcohol or an overdose of Vyvanse.