Vyvanse

Medically reviewed

Published: November 28, 2022
Name of MedicationVyvanse
Medication TypeLong-acting stimulant
Generic Name of MedicationLisdexamfetamine Dimesyla
How to use this medicationUse this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take this drug at the same time of day. Take with or without food. To prevent sleep problems, avoid taking this drug late in the day. Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. You may open the capsule and mix the powder with water, orange juice, or yogurt. If needed, a spoon may be used to break apart powder that is stuck together. Mix well. If mixed, swallow the mixed drug right away. Do not store for use at a later time.
How to store this medicationStore at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Store this drug in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep this drug safe. Keep all drugs away from pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
How to dispose of this medicationThrow away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Potential side effectsSigns of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of low sodium levels like headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, feeling confused, weakness, seizures, or change in balance. Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop. Trouble sleeping. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Change in eyesight. Seizures. Shakiness. Trouble controlling body movements. Sweating a lot. Restlessness. Change in colour of hands, feet, or other areas. Skin may turn pale, blue, purple, or red. Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling of the hands or feet. Any sores or wounds on the fingers or toes. Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine. Change in sex interest. Call your doctor right away if you have a painful erection (hard penis) or an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. This may happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it may lead to lasting sex problems and you may not be able to have sex. Call your doctor right away if you have agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up; or very bad headache.
What to tell your doctor before taking this medicationIf you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen. If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug. If you have any of these health problems: Glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or overactive thyroid. If you have ever had any of these health problems: Drug abuse or stroke. If you are taking any of these drugs: Acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate.
Be sure to tell all your health providersYes

Frida Care Team

We are a group of clinicians, continuous care support, writers, and creators who care deeply about patient care and ADHD. Together, we write content that we hope sheds light on ADHD and the health care space at large. You can reach us at support@talkwithfrida.com if you have any questions!