Medically reviewed by Dr. Sireesha Kolli — Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Kolli Psychiatric & Associates, Red Bank, NJ
Last reviewed: July 2026
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a central nervous system stimulant prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It is a prodrug, meaning it becomes active only after the body metabolizes it, resulting in smoother onset and longer-lasting effects than some other stimulant medications. Vyvanse is FDA-approved and widely used for both children and adults.
Important safety information: Vyvanse carries an FDA Boxed Warning — the agency’s most serious warning — for a high potential for abuse and dependence, because it contains a stimulant related to amphetamine. It should be taken only as prescribed, kept in a secure place, and never shared with anyone else. Your prescriber will assess your risk before starting Vyvanse and monitor you during treatment.
What Does Vyvanse Help With?
Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Improves focus, attention span, and impulse control
- Reduces hyperactivity and distractibility
- Used in children ages 6 and up, as well as adults
Moderate to Severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
- Decreases the number of binge eating episodes
- Helps control compulsive eating behaviors
- Approved for adult patients only
How Should I Take Vyvanse?
Vyvanse should be taken once daily in the morning, as taking it later in the day may interfere with sleep.
ADHD Dosage (Ages 6 and Up):
Starting Dose: 30 mg once daily
Titration: Increase by 10 mg or 20 mg at weekly intervals
Recommended Dose: 30–70 mg per day
Maximum Dose: 70 mg per day
BED Dosage (Adults Only):
Starting Dose: 30 mg once daily
Titration: Increase by 20 mg weekly
Recommended Dose: 50–70 mg per day
Maximum Dose: 70 mg per day
Special Instructions:
- Patients with severe kidney impairment: Max dose is 50 mg/day
- Patients with end-stage renal disease: Max dose is 30 mg/day
- Always consult your doctor before adjusting your dose
Vyvanse Forms and How to Take Them
Vyvanse is available in both capsule and chewable tablet forms, with strengths ranging from 10 mg to 70 mg. For individuals who have difficulty swallowing capsules, they can be opened and mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice. The mixture should be stirred until well blended and consumed immediately—it should not be stored for later use. It’s important to note that a single capsule should not be divided or taken in partial doses, as this may affect the medication’s effectiveness and safety.
How Long Does Vyvanse Take to Work?
Vyvanse typically begins to work within 1 to 2 hours after taking it, with effects lasting up to 14 hours. Because it’s a prodrug, its onset is more gradual, reducing the likelihood of a “crash” at the end of the day, which can occur with shorter-acting stimulants.
Common Side Effects of Vyvanse
While Vyvanse is generally well-tolerated, some people experience side effects, particularly in the first few weeks. The most common side effects reported in adults taking Vyvanse for ADHD were:
Common side effects:
Decreased appetite — 27%
Trouble sleeping (insomnia) — 27%
Dry mouth — 26%
Diarrhea — 7%
Nausea — 7%
Anxiety — 6%
Loss of appetite (anorexia) — 5%
Feeling jittery — 4%
In children ages 6 to 12 with ADHD, decreased appetite (39%) and insomnia (22%) were the most common. In adults treated for binge eating disorder, the most common effects were dry mouth (36%), insomnia (20%), and decreased appetite (8%).
Most side effects are mild to moderate and often lessen over time. If they persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Source: FDA prescribing information.
Serious Side Effects and Warnings:
Though less common, Vyvanse carries several serious risks you and your prescriber should watch for:
Heart-related problems. Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Sudden death, stroke, and heart attack have been reported in adults, and sudden death has been reported in children with underlying heart conditions. Vyvanse should be avoided in people with known structural heart abnormalities or serious heart disease, and your prescriber should evaluate your heart health before you start.
Psychiatric symptoms. Vyvanse can trigger new or worsening psychotic or manic symptoms — such as hallucinations or mania — even in people with no prior history, and can worsen symptoms in those with a pre-existing psychiatric condition. Anyone starting a stimulant should be screened for bipolar disorder first.
Serotonin syndrome. This rare but potentially life-threatening reaction can occur when Vyvanse is combined with serotonergic medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, triptans, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, or St. John’s Wort. Because many people with ADHD also take an antidepressant, tell your prescriber about every medication and supplement you use. Seek emergency care for symptoms such as agitation, rapid heartbeat, tremor, high fever, or confusion.
Circulation problems (Raynaud’s phenomenon). Stimulants can cause reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, which may feel numb, cool, or painful or change color. Report any new numbness, color change, or unexplained sores on the fingers or toes.
Slowed growth in children. Because stimulants can suppress appetite and slow growth, children’s height and weight should be monitored during treatment.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Vyvanse?
It’s best to avoid taking Vyvanse in the afternoon or evening, as it can cause insomnia due to its long-lasting stimulant effects. You should also limit your intake of caffeine, as excessive amounts may lead to increased anxiety, jitteriness, or a rapid heartbeat. Additionally, do not take other stimulants or over-the-counter decongestants without first consulting your doctor, as these can interact with Vyvanse and potentially increase the risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions and Warnings
Vyvanse may interact with other medications or health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you:
- Have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, or mental health conditions
- Take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them in the last 14 days
- Combining Vyvanse with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic medications can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, so your prescriber may start at a lower dose and monitor you closely. Vyvanse must never be taken with an MAOI, or within 14 days of stopping one, due to the risk of a dangerous spike in blood pressure.
Before starting Vyvanse, your doctor will usually assess your heart health, especially if there’s a family history of cardiac issues.
Is Vyvanse Addictive?
Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance and carries an FDA Boxed Warning for its potential for abuse and dependence — the same category as other amphetamine-based stimulants. However, when taken as prescribed under medical supervision, it is considered safe and effective for managing ADHD and BED. It is less likely to be misused compared to other stimulants because of its gradual onset and the fact that it must be metabolized in the body to become active.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vyvanse
How long does Vyvanse stay in your system?
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a long-acting stimulant with effects that typically last 10 to 14 hours after a single dose. However, the drug itself remains in your system longer. Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it becomes active only after the body metabolizes it into dextroamphetamine. The half-life of dextroamphetamine is about 10 to 13 hours, and it may take approximately 2 to 3 days for most of the drug to be eliminated from your body. This timeline may vary depending on individual factors such as age, metabolism, kidney function, and dosage.
Can you take Vyvanse while pregnant?
The FDA no longer assigns pregnancy “letter categories” like Category C; under the current labeling system, medications carry a narrative summary of what’s known instead. For Vyvanse, the available data are not sufficient to confirm or rule out a risk of birth defects or miscarriage. Because stimulants can narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the placenta, use during pregnancy may increase the chance of premature delivery and low birth weight, particularly with heavy or dependent use.
Newborns exposed near delivery should be watched for withdrawal signs such as feeding difficulty, irritability, or drowsiness.
Vyvanse should be used in pregnancy only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and that decision should be made with your prescriber and OB. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your provider about whether to continue. There is also a National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants (1-866-961-2388) that tracks outcomes and helps improve safety information for future patients.
Can you drink on Vyvanse?
It is generally not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Vyvanse. Both Vyvanse and alcohol affect the central nervous system, and using them together can lead to increased side effects such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and impaired judgment. Additionally, alcohol may mask the effects of Vyvanse or interfere with its ability to manage symptoms of ADHD or binge eating disorder. If you do choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to do so cautiously and only after discussing it with your prescribing doctor.
Can you overdose on Vyvanse?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Vyvanse, and doing so can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, panic, hallucinations, fever, muscle pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and seizures. In severe cases, overdose can lead to coma or death. If you suspect an overdose, it is critical to seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Always take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed and never exceed your recommended dose.
What to Expect at an ADHD Evaluation?
To get prescribed Vyvanse, you will need to schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist, primary care physician, or nurse practitioner. The provider will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include discussing your symptoms, medical history, and possibly using diagnostic questionnaires. Because Vyvanse is a controlled substance, a legitimate diagnosis and ongoing follow-up are required — there’s no appropriate way to obtain it without an evaluation. If deemed appropriate, your provider will start you on a safe dose and monitor your response through follow-up appointments.
Does Vyvanse cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Vyvanse, but some individuals have reported it anecdotally. While it is not officially listed among the drug’s frequent side effects, stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or even individual reactions to stimulants may contribute to hair shedding in some users. If you experience unexplained hair loss while taking Vyvanse, it’s important to consult your doctor. They may evaluate other possible causes or consider adjusting your dosage or trying an alternative treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always consult your prescriber about your specific situation.
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