Vyvanse Addiction | Abuse, Effects, Signs, & Treatment

Vyvanse addiction is a mental health condition where you cannot stop taking Vyvanse under any circumstances. You can develop a Vyvanse addiction, a type of substance use disorder, if you take the drug for long periods of time, without a prescription, or in unapproved ways.

Vyvanse is a prescription drug that can treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse and its main ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug designed to have a low potential for substance abuse.

Although Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it becomes active after metabolization, studies suggest it can still be abused to improve productivity, energy, or mood. Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance with significant health risks when abused.

Vyvanse Abuse

Abusing Vyvanse increases your risk of drug addiction in the long term. Forms of Vyvanse abuse may include:

• taking Vyvanse without a prescription
• taking lisdexamfetamine in unapproved ways, such as snorting, injecting, or inhaling lisdexamfetamine products
• taking higher doses of Vyvanse than your prescription tells you
• mixing Vyvanse with other substances, such as other amphetamines or alcohol
• Unapproved use of Vyvanse can be a sign that you are taking Vyvanse to improve your energy or for pleasure.

Effects Of Vyvanse Addiction

Vyvanse addiction can cause frequent and common side effects, such as:

• dry mouth
• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• stomach pain
• high blood pressure
• anxiety

Along with these side effects, the positive effects of Vyvanse may decrease over time. This condition, known as tolerance, occurs when your body is used to the presence of Vyvanse in your system.

Serious side effects, such as psychosis, heart attack, rapid weight loss, and sudden death, can happen if you have a Vyvanse addiction.

Vyvanse Overdose

A Vyvanse overdose can occur if you take high doses of Vyvanse at once. Your risk of overdose may increase if you are abusing Vyvanse.

A Vyvanse overdose can be life-threatening. Signs of an overdose may include:

• confusion
• psychosis
• muscle aches
• irregular heartbeat
• dark red urine

If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, call for medical help right away.

Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms

Vyvanse can cause physical dependence, a state where your body needs Vyvanse to function normally. If you try to stop taking Vyvanse in this state, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms may include Vyvanse cravings, fatigue, and symptoms of depression. These symptoms can be difficult to deal with on your own, and can increase your risk of relapse.

Signs Of Vyvanse Addiction

If a family member or loved one is struggling with Vyvanse use, there may be signs you can look for. Signs of Vyvanse addiction in a loved one may include:

• sudden changes in school or work performance
• changes in friend groups
• worsening mood
• mood swings
• doctor shopping, or going to different healthcare providers until one gives you a Vyvanse prescription

If you see these signs in a loved one, you can talk to them about addiction treatment options and contact addiction treatment centers near you.

Treatment Options For Vyvanse Addiction

Stimulant medications such as Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Adderall are widely abused across the United States. A treatment program from an addiction treatment facility can give you the healthcare and support you need to stop taking Vyvanse.

Addiction treatment options for Vyvanse may include a medical detox program, mental health support, withdrawal management, dual diagnosis treatment, aftercare planning, and other treatment options.

To find out if our Vyvanse addiction treatment program will work for you or a loved one, or to connect with one of our helpful medical professionals, please contact us today.