An overdose is a biological response to when the human body receives too much of a substance or mix of substances. An overdose can be intentional or accidental. People can overdose on illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription medications, and many other substances.
In many cases, overdoses are fatal, although most individuals who have overdosed can be saved if medical treatment is provided quickly enough. In terms of drugs, there are a few different ways your body can become overwhelmed by substances. However, the most common cause of death during any chemical overdose is respiratory failure.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a brand of lisdexamfetamine a prescription medicine used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and above, and for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (B.E.D.) in adults. Vyvanse is not for use in children under 6 years of age with ADHD. Vyvanse is not for weight loss. It is not known if Vyvanse is safe and effective for the treatment of obesity. It is not known if Vyvanse is safe and effective for use in children with B.E.D. Vyvanse works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it contains lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Keep Vyvanse in a safe place to protect it from theft. Never sell or give your Vyvanse to anyone else because it may cause death or harm to them and it is against the law.
How should Vyvanse be used?
Lisdexamfetamine comes as a capsule and a chewable tablet to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the morning with or without food. Take Vyvanse at around the same time every day. The typical starting dose for adults and children 6 years of age and older, is 30 mg daily in the morning. The maximum dose is 70 mg. Do not take Vyvanse in the late afternoon or evening because it may cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Vyvanse exactly as directed.
Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.
You may swallow the capsule whole, or you may open the capsule, sprinkle the entire contents into yogurt, a glass of water, or orange juice. Stir to dissolve and swallow the mixture right away. Do not store the mixture for future use, and do not divide the contents of one capsule into more than one dose.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Vyvanse and increase your dose gradually, not more often than once every week. Your doctor may decrease your dose if you experience unpleasant side effects.
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Vyvanse from time to time to see if the medication is still needed. Follow these directions carefully.
If Vyvanse feels like it is wearing off, can I take another one?
Don’t take an extra capsule/tablet if you feel like Vyvanse is not lasting all day. Taking an extra dose can result in unwanted side effects like not being able to sleep. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you feel like your medication is wearing off too soon.
Can you take 80mg of Vyvanse?
Vyvanse at a daily dosage of 80 mg daily for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reasonable, in the patient’s best interest, and consistent with prevailing standards of medical practice, as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated use for the treatment of ADHD.
Can Vyvanse cause permanent damage?
Rarely, Vyvanse can cause side effects that last longer or that cause long-term problems. These effects can include: cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, including increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke* blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s disease.
Does Vyvanse cause sudden death?
Though the risks may be low, it has led to sudden death in adults and children, even when taken as prescribed. Vyvanse overdose is an unequivocally serious medical issue that requires emergency intervention, since it may lead to seizures, heart attacks, coma, and even death.
What are the signs that Vyvanse dose is too high?
There are several signs that can indicate that you have a higher than normal Vyvanse concentration in your system, signs of overdose include:
- restlessness
- confusion
- aggressive behavior
- feelings of panic
- hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- fast breathing
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- fever
- muscle weakness or aching
- tiredness or weakness
- depression
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- seizures
- coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Vyvanse.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Vyvanse.
This prescription is not refillable. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
