Vyvanse is a stimulant that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder in adults. It is a member of the central nervous system stimulant class of medications and works by changing the amount of dopamine in the brain. It is available in capsule form and can be taken by mouth or injected into a vein. It may be prescribed alone or with other treatments for ADHD, such as a dietary plan or psychotherapy. It should not be used to treat a child who is younger than 6 years old, and it is not approved to treat ADHD in children under 18 years of age or for use in people with a history of eating disorders. It is also not a weight loss medication and can cause dangerous side effects in some people, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.
The FDA has issued a boxed warning for this medication to be aware of the risks of misuse and dependence, especially in adolescents and young adults. This medication should not be used for longer than prescribed or in larger doses than recommended by your doctor, because it can lead to addiction and severe health complications.
Some people should not take this medication, such as those with a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or bipolar disorder. It can worsen these conditions and cause mania or psychosis in some people. Other medical conditions that should not be treated with this medication include severe kidney disease, glaucoma, and a history of seizures or an overactive thyroid. It can cause dizziness or blurred vision and should not be used if these symptoms are present.
People who take too much of this medication can have serious overdose symptoms, including restlessness, tremors, muscle twitches, trouble sleeping, irritability, panic attacks, hostility, or violence. Overdose can also lead to a seizure or coma. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy, because it can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. It can pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication because it can make these unwanted side effects worse. Keep in mind that it can also affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is important to keep all appointments so that your doctor can monitor your/your child’s progress. This includes tests of your/your child’s blood pressure and heart rate.
This medicine can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and some antipsychotics. This interaction can increase your risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. These interactions usually occur with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and triptans. It can also happen with a type of medication that changes urine pH, such as acetazolamide and sodium bicarbonate. 50 mg vyvanse