Know the Signs Your Vyvanse Dose is Too High

Know the Signs Your Vyvanse Dose is Too High

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Arooj Anjum

Biomedical Engineer

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A high dose of Vyvanse is potentially life-threatening. Some signs that the Vyvanse dose is too high are tremors, anxiety, Jittery feelings, Irritability, or sleep problems. Look out for these symptoms.

 

Vyvanse is a prescribed stimulant medication used for ADHD and Binge eating disorder in children and adults. High levels of this medicine are dangerous. Watch out for signs that the Vyvanse dose is too high. Taking the correct dose of Vyvanse drug administration is crucial if your doctor has prescribed Vyvanse. Use it as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Always watch out for signs and symptoms because high doses of Vyvanse can be dangerous and fatal.

 

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What Is the Maximum Dose of Vyvanse?

 

Overdosing from Vyvanse is common. Your body will react automatically and show signs when the Vyvanse dose is too high. The highest dose you can use per day is 70 mg/day for children and adults alike. Use of Vyvanse should be as prescribed. Initially, your healthcare professional will prescribe 30mg/day and increase to 10 or 20 until the medicine starts working. It depends on the medical condition and the potential of the individual. Take Vyvanse in the morning with food or on an empty stomach. Getting the proper Vyvanse dosage is essential.

Signs Your Vyvanse Dose is Too High

 

A Vyvanse dose that is too high can increase the risk of adverse side effects that interfere with daily functioning. Signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high include the following common severe effects that may occur frequently: All prescription stimulants should be taken as directed by the doctor.

  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling jittery
  • Increased heart rate
  • Irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weight loss 

Does Vyvanse Overdose Happen?

 

Like any other medicine, OTC or a prescribed one, overdosing on Vyvanse is possible. Your body automatically shows signs of overdosing. Sometimes, you forget that you took an earlier dose and take another. If accidental overdosing happens, and the limit crosses 70mg/day, that becomes dangerous. Signs of Vyvanse being too include jittery feelings, for example.

 

However, often, when used for recreational purposes, risk of overdose is expected (without a valid prescription from the healthcare professional).

 

If you don’t treat the overdose of Vyvanse on time, it can prove to be fatal when mixed with other medications like antidepressants and alcohol. Studies discovered a high lethal level of Vyvanse in animal studies. Almost 1000mg/kg is five times more than the deadly dose of dextroamphetamine (it is an ingredient used in Adderall).

Overdosing- What Next?

 

In case of a Vyvanse overdose, please seek medical help immediately. It is a medical emergency, and you must contact the Poison Control Centre at 1-800-222-1222. If you notice an adverse reaction, take the patient to the nearest emergency center.

 

The overdose of Vyvanse is treated depending on the dose the patient took. After evaluation, your healthcare professional will provide treatment.

 

1. Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high are seizures and agitation. In this case, benzos like valerian reduce the symptoms.

2. Activated charcoal is given to prevent the binding of Vyvanse in the digestive system.

3. IV fluids are used to replenish the fluids and electrolytes in the body.

 

Note- overdosing on Vyvanse is common, but with on-time treatment, fatalities are rare. A high dosage of Vyvanse can cost you your life.

Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms

 

Sometimes, taking more than the prescribed dose leads to overdosing, which is severe. It can lead to circulatory collapse, muscle/tissue breakdown, and sometimes death. Some signs of overdosing are;

  • Panic
  • Psychosis
  • Aggressive nature
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • High fever
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Stomach pain
  • And extreme tremors and agitation.

Do you know more than 11% of children and 4% of adults are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the USA? 2016 was the year when around 62% of the children diagnosed with ADHD were on medications. 

5 Effective Ways to Prevent Vyvanse Overdose

 

With certain precautions, overdosing can be prevented. Read the following to understand better.

1. Follow a Titration Schedule

It means increasing the dose slowly until you feel it benefits you. Your healthcare professional can guide you better. Someone using Vyvanse for the first time will start at the lowest dose, and at weekly intervals, it will be increased until the benefits are visible.

2. Do not take Antidepressants

 Due to drug interactions with antidepressants, they should be avoided. Most antidepressants increase the serotonin levels in the body, which leads to serotonin syndrome. Avoid taking Vyvanse with MAOIs.

3. Do not Drink Alcohol

 Due to the sedative effect of alcohol, it is better not to take Vyvanse. Vyvanse is a stimulant, and alcohol is the opposite. You won’t notice any benefit of the medicine with alcohol. If you feel the drug is not working, DO NOT increase the dose by yourself. Do not mix alcohol with stimulants, as it leads to overdosing.

4. Take Vyvanse at the same time.

 This prevents accidental overdosing. Do not use a double dose. Follow the instructions as it is.

5. Do not share your medicine.

This holds for someone with the same symptoms and disorder, too. According to a study conducted on college students, about 33% share their prescription medicine with others. Do not try this with Vyvanse because it is fatal. Always keep the medicine in a safe place away from others.     

Does Vyvanse Have Withdrawal Effects?

 

Yes, Vyvanse can cause dependency when used for a long time. Physical addiction is possible, and it leads to apparent withdrawal symptoms when the dose is decreased, or the medicine is stopped abruptly.

 

The time the withdrawal symptoms remain depends on the duration and dose of the medicine. However, some symptoms get better within a few days. The following symptoms include;

  • Anxiety
  • Cravings
  • depression
  • Agitation
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Increased appetite

Avoiding Vyvanse Misuse

 

As mentioned earlier, Vyvanse is a stimulant, and the chances of misuse are high. By misuse, we mean using the medicine in a way not prescribed by the other or recreational use. People have been misusing these stimulants for feeling high, to enhance their mental state, or for athletic performance.

 

Although Vyvanse has less chance of abuse, as compared to other medicines for ADHD, Vyvanse, compared to Adderall, does not show any effect until the body metabolizes it. Still, misusing it can cause addiction and dependency. If you have a history of drug abuse in the family, tell your doctor.

 

Do you know that prescription stimulation is widely abused in the United States?

 

1. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 5.1 million individuals older than 12 years were reported to have misused stimulants in 2020

2. If we only talk about adolescents in the same year, around 2.7 % of students in grade 8, 2.9% of grade 10, and 4.4% of grade 12 were misusing Adderall without a valid prescription

3. Almost 758,000 individuals had stimulant drug disorders in 2020, and a vast number of deaths were reported of overdose. 

Signs to Identify Vyvanse Misuse in Teenagers/Children

 

 Keep the medicine out of reach of your children and teens, as they are at risk of misuse. A child can play around with the medicine without knowing its adverse effects.

 

For teens, misusing is common. The parents are responsible for keeping the controlled medicines away from them and keeping an eye out for signs of misuse. High doses in a short period can cause sudden death. Always use the medicine as your healthcare provider as directed.

 

Look out for;

 

1. Change in Behavior.

2. Signs that the Vyvanse dose is too high are insomnia, palpitations, agitation, and gradual weight loss

3. Constant mood swings, aggressive nature, and psychosis

 

 If you think your teenager is misusing Vyvanse, please talk to them. Discuss the warning signs and tell them about the adverse reactions of misusing the medicine. Closely monitor the children and keep all controlled/prescribed medicine out of reach. There are different treatment plans for addiction to Vyvanse.

 

The main focus is to detoxify the person and gradually stop the medicine while battling the withdrawal effect. Behavioral therapy is given to such patients. A complete rehab is offered for such cases. Certain drugs are used for the symptoms. With long-term support, getting back to normal is possible.

 

 How Will I Know Vyvanse Working? 3 Major Signs

 

 Each person’s treatment plan is different. If a specific treatment works for others, it might not work for you. People have different tolerance levels; some can only take a low dose, while others need a higher one for the same disorder.

 

 It is crucial to see when the amount is too low, too much, or just right.

 

1. Too little. When Vyvanse does not control symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention, it is time to get the dose increased

2. Just right. When the overall quality of life gets better, with minimum side effects, understand that the medicine dose is perfect

3. Too much. Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high include tremors. Keep a look out for other adverse reactions.

 

An ideal dose is when there is a balance between the symptoms of ADHD or BED and has fewer side effects. Therefore, only a healthcare professional can guide you better at this point.

How is Vyvanse Used?

 

Vyvanse should be used as directed by the doctor. There are stimulants like methylphenidate and non-stimulants like atomoxetine. And then there’s Vyanse. The active ingredient for Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It is commonly prescribed for ADHD in pediatrics and adults. Another disorder treated by Vyvanse is binge eating.

 

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Use the Prescribed Dose

 

Consuming the correct prescribed dose is crucial, as different disorders need different doses. Only increase/decrease the dose with consultation.

Vyvanse Should be Taken in the Morning

 

Take It once a day in the morning. Vyvanse is a stimulating drug, so taking it later in the day can cause changes in patterns. Ensure you take the medicine simultaneously each day to keep the effects consistent.

Swallow the Medicine

 

Do not chew or crush the capsule. It is an extended-release medicine and should not be opened. The only way to use it is to swallow the capsule whole.

Food Intake

 

Take the medicine with food or on an empty stomach. However, if taken with food, it decreases stomach discomfort.

Follow Up

 

Make sure to check up with a healthcare professional. They will assess your progress and check whether the medicine is causing any unwanted discomfort. Some common signs that your Vyvanse dose is high are irritability, anxiety, and tremors. Your doctor will keep a close eye on this.

 

As discussed earlier, Vyanse leads to different drug interactions and can lead to misuse and dependency. Discuss the medicine with your doctor if it affects your health negatively. Vyvanse misuse is fatal for some people with specific medical conditions. Do not shy away from asking questions. Your doctor can alter the treatment plan and offer something that suits you better.

List of People who can/cannot Use Vyvanse

 

Although the medicine benefits many people, it also comes with various precautions. Some things to consider discussing with your doctor are;

  • Medical History

People with arteriosclerosis, moderate/severe hypertension, symptomatic cardio disease, overactive thyroid, hypersensitivity to amphetamines, or any psychiatric issue must be given an alternate treatment.

  • History of Substance Abuse

People with a history of substance abuse should discuss their concerns with the doctor.

  • Concurrent Medications

 As we checked above, Vyvanse has some serious drug interactions. Tell your doctor about the list of medicines you use regularly. This includes supplements, vitamins, and herbal medicine. Some drug interactions are MAOIs and antidepressants. For a complete list, read above. These drug interactions can lead to fatal effects.

  • Breastfeeding and Pregnancy

 If you are pregnant, plan to be a mother soon, or are breastfeeding a young one, you should discuss this with the doctor before starting the medicine. It would help if you learned more about the safety of the drug or any alternate treatment.

 

People respond differently. If you feel any adverse effects after starting the medicine, discuss with your healthcare professional. Please do not stop the medicine out of the blue, as it can lead to severe withdrawal effects.

Vyvanse Facts

 

Some common facts of Vyvanse are mentioned below. Keep reading to find out more.

  • Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines called prodrugs. This means it is only active once metabolized by the body, more specifically, once in contact with RBC enzymes.
  • You can’t find a generic version because none exists in the States. However, other ADHD medications have alternate generic versions.
  • Vyvnase’s unique mode of action made it part of a vast study highlighting new models of psychopharmacology. The way Vyvanse targets the neurotransmitters in the brain is fantastic.

Vyvanse Mode of Action

 

Like Adderall, Vyvanse increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the CNS and brain. When high levels of these neurotransmitters are found in the body, the symptoms of ADHD and episodes of binge eating decrease automatically. This way, Vyvanse enhances focus in patients with ADHD and reduces the excessive need to keep eating in individuals with BED. 

 

Do you know that Vyvnase is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance? These substances can develop misuse that can lead to overdosing, resulting in physical and psychological dependence.

Vyvanse has some fatal adverse side effects. /We will look at the complete list of side effects later in our blog. However,  some common signs that the Vyvanse dose is too high are mentioned above. Look out for them, and in case of an emergency, please contact your nearest helpline number.

Vyvanse for ADHD

 

As we have discussed, Vyvanse is a stimulant that increases the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The presence of these two neurotransmitters makes it an ideal treatment plan for ADHD and is an ideal ADHD medication if it suits you. Vyvanse is very effective in controlling ADHD symptoms.

 

If your healthcare professional has prescribed you Vyvanse, know that it is often given along with additional medical treatments, like psychological therapy, for instance. Vyvanse misuse is possible; only a professional can determine whether you need it as a part of your treatment plan.

 

Vyvanse for BED

 

BED is a medical condition where an individual keeps eating without any control. They consume large amounts of food and are unable to stop. These people are primarily obese, though not always. When Vyvanse is used for binge eating, the compulsive thoughts and behavior are reduced, helping the person to control their need to eat.

 

Conclusion

 

Vyvanse is a common medication prescribed for BED and ADHD. It is recommended that you use the medicine according to your prescription. Overdosing on Vyvanse is easy. Always visit a certified healthcare professional. Discuss your concerns with them.

 

Get immediate medical advice online from TherapyFleet. After evaluation, we will connect you with a healthcare professional. Come and get a customized treatment plan now! Connect today!

 

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Medical Disclaimer:

 

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.

 

Proper dosing of Vyvanse is crucial for effectiveness and safety. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure your medication is tailored to your needs.

Most Concerning Questions Regarding High Vyvanse Dosage

1. Can Vyvanse cause dependency?

 

Yes. Vyvanse is a controlled medicine classified as a Schedule 2 drug class. It means there are high chances of misuse and abuse. Thus, when used for the long term, it causes dependency. That’s why it is a prescription medicine; the treatment should not exceed.

2. What’s the half-life of Vyvanse?

 

The half-life of Vyvanse is 10 to 12 hours. The peak effect time is quick; fortunately, the decrease is fast. Vyvanse remains in the blood for 8 hours and in urine for three days.NOTE: The half-life depends on person to person; expect slight variations.

3. Should I use Adderall or Vyvanse for ADHD?

 

That solely depends on the individual’s needs. Doctors prescribe both of these for ADHD, and both have different benefits and disadvantages. Please consult your health care professional for assessment.

4. What are the signs your Vyvanse dose is too high?

 

The first thing you need to check for is tremors because it is the earliest sign of Vyvanse overdose.

5. Can Vyvanse help with depression?

 

Off-label, it’s used for depression, but it is not the recommended medicine for depression. It is mainly approved and used by the FDA to treat binge eating disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. Wellbutrin helps to treat depression.

6. Can I drink alcohol with Vyvanse?

 

Do not drink alcohol or take stimulating drinks like caffeine. This medicine loses focus and causes drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until the side effects are less severe.

7. I missed a dose. Can I have two doses?

 

If you remember a missed dose, please take it immediately. Don’t take double doses if it’s almost time for your next dose. Take your regular dose only. Always take the medicine as directed by the doctor.

8. When can I see changes with Vyvanse?

 

You can start noticing changes in about an hour or so for ADHD. For BED, it takes about a few weeks to fully effect. Remember, the duration of the action and onset varies from person to person. Factors like dose metabolism play a massive role in this.

 

Additional Resources

 

Is Vyvanse a Controlled Substance

How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Your System

How Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss?

Vyvanse vs Adderall for ADHD

ADHD Paralysis

ADHD Mood Swings in Adults and Children

Does Caffeine Help ADHD Symptoms?

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