Table of Contents
How Addictive is Vyvanse?
Warning Signs of Vyvanse Abuse
Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
Vyvanse Addiction Treatment Options for Lasting Recovery
Various well-known drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Vyvanse is one, however, that tends to fly under the radar. Marketed as a safer alternative to other ADHD medications, this prescription drug boasts a lower addictive or abuse potential. However, “lower” does not mean “no” potential for abuse—and there are still significant side effects that can occur if there is Vyvanse abuse. It is still possible to develop a substance use disorder, given it is in a class of stimulant drugs.
If you believe that you or a loved one has become dependent on this drug or are misusing it in some way, reach out to a rehab center for professional Vyvanse addiction treatment. Trained addiction specialists can help determine your level of dependence, as well as your best path forward for treating both your addiction and managing your ADHD.
How Addictive is Vyvanse?
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, better known as Vyvanse, is a potent amphetamine-class drug and prescription stimulant with a risk of dependence. It falls within the Schedule II controlled substance classification in the United States, meaning it could lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. It is also a prodrug stimulant, meaning it’s inactive until metabolized in the body. Because of its unique activation process, Vyvanse offers a completely different method of time-release compared to Ritalin or Adderall, reducing the chance of a quick “high.” It typically takes an hour or 2 to kick in and its effects may last up to 14 hours.
When taken as prescribed, Vyvanse is incredibly effective at improving the quality of life for people struggling with ADHD by managing symptoms. It helps improve their social functioning, self-esteem, and academic performance by reducing their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and focus issues (through its actions as a nervous system stimulant).
However, it is precisely because of these effects that it is often abused and fraudulently obtained. Vyvanse is particularly attractive to high school students and college students looking to boost their attention span, memory recall, and ability to focus through the use of study drugs. Athletes, meanwhile, may turn to Vyvanse to enhance their endurance, strength, or reaction times on the field. Others may misuse it simply because they think it will help boost their energy.
Vyvanse should not be taken by those with certain psychiatric problems such as bipolar disorder (it can especially worsen mania), or psychosis. There is also risk of overdose when taking it with another drug, or exceeding prescribed amounts. To avoid drug interactions, drug addiction, and other complications, you should always consult a medical professional before taking Vyvanse.
As with any amphetamine, people taking Vyvanse can easily develop a tolerance to the drug, causing the drug to be less effective than before. In order to experience the same effects, the person has to take ever-increasing dosages, consuming far beyond the prescribed daily limit. Exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose can exacerbate common side effects and lead to a number of dangerous symptoms such as:
- Fever and delusions
- Vision problems
- High blood pressure or blood potassium levels
- Rapid heart rate / chest pain / irregular heartbeat (possibly increasing risk of heart failure or a heart attack)
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Decreased blood flow from the heart
- Fluid in the lungs
- Kidney failure
- Brain bleeds
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
The list grows longer if the user attempts to abuse the drug by snorting it—this carries a number of additional risks, such as sinus inflammation, nosebleeds, and difficulty swallowing, that can compound the risks inherent in using Vyvanse in any form.
Medical attention should be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider should you experience any of these adverse effects. Substance abuse is no joke and it is possible to develop a vyvanse use disorder, even if you don’t think you are prone to addictive behavior. The potential for abuse is there.
Warning Signs of Vyvanse Abuse
Addiction to Vyvanse is marked by observable behavior changes in the user. Someone who has become addicted to Vyvanse may exhibit the following behavioral signs:
- Frequently taking more than prescribed
- Displaying unexpected changes in mood
- Struggling to reduce their dosage of Vyvanse
- Creating conflict with loved ones
- Putting themselves in dangerous or illegal situations to obtain the drug
Withdrawal symptoms, of course, are another telltale sign—and often the reason why those who become addicted may struggle to reduce their dosage or quit the drug.
Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
Vyvanse withdrawal can be particularly difficult as, unlike other habit-forming substances, there are no medications that can help ease Vyvanse cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, sleep difficulties, fatigue, excessive sweating, and depression.
Although there are no medications to assist with recovery, there are still plenty of options for those trying to break their Vyvanse addiction. Medically supervised detox can provide the greatest level of comfort and safety while coming off of Vyvanse, while a wide variety of therapeutic approaches have proven effective in helping individuals recover from Vyvanse addiction.
Vyvanse Addiction Treatment Options for Lasting Recovery
Physical, mental, and emotional health all play a role in recovery, which is why the best Vyvanse addiction treatment programs will typically involve an individualized combination of therapies. These may include:
- Individual therapies, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma processing
- Peer counseling
- Family therapy
- Coping skills and life skills, including conflict resolution and stress reduction
- Mindfulness therapies, such as meditation or yoga
- Experiential therapies, such as art or music therapy
- Nutritional support
- Exercise
- Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage
- Concurrent treatment for co-occurring disorders
It may seem difficult to recover from Vyvanse while still effectively managing your own ADHD symptoms or a loved one’s. However, it can be done—and you don’t have to do it alone. Trained addiction specialists can help guide you through the challenges of Vyvanse addiction, and support a safe and effective withdrawal. Ultimately, you will come out on the other side of both happier, as well as healthier, and armed with the tools and knowledge necessary to keep moving forward toward a brighter future.
