Vyvanse is a stimulant medication prescribed to treat ADHD. It is a long-acting form of amphetamine and has been shown to be more effective than immediate release medications like Adderall in improving attention, focus, mood and impulse control. It is also approved by the FDA to treat binge eating disorder in certain cases. However, a 30 mg dose of Vyvanse can be quite powerful and may cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, insomnia and weight loss. These side effects should be discussed with your doctor.
When taken orally, the active component in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. It is a prodrug that the body converts to its active form, dextroamphetamine, once it is absorbed in the digestive system. It takes an hour or so for the lisdexamfetamine to be converted, but once that happens, free-floating dextroamphetamine is being produced and released into the bloodstream for hours afterwards. The slow delivery of this drug is one of the reasons why it is thought to be less likely to be abused than Adderall or other immediate-release stimulants.
The lisdexamfetamine component of Vyvanse is more potent than the D-amphetamine that makes up the other half of Adderall. This is because the lisdexamfetamine component has the chemical structure of lysine, which makes it more lipid-soluble than D-amphetamine. The lipid-soluble molecules allow them to remain longer in the synaptic cleft, and thus to act on post-synaptic receptors for a more prolonged period of time. The L-form of lisdexamfetamine appears to be slightly more selective in its effects on dopamine than the D-form, which may explain some of the clinical differences between the two medications.
Many patients prefer Vyvanse to other immediate-release stimulants because it doesn’t cause the abrupt “crash” in energy, focus or mood that is sometimes seen with these drugs. The slower delivery of this drug also helps to reduce the occurrence of a binge-like episode in those suffering from binge eating disorder.
It is possible to take this medication with other prescription medications and supplements, but it is important to be aware of potential interactions that could occur. Some of these can be serious and may require a change in dosage or schedule. Others may be easily corrected by a doctor or pharmacist. Taking Vyvanse with other types of sedatives can increase the risk of suicidal or agitated behavior.
This medication is not intended for weight loss, but studies have indicated that it can lead to modest and temporary weight loss. In some people, this effect is augmented by other treatments such as dieting or exercise. It should be avoided in people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney problems or an uncontrolled thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism). This medication can also cause a rare but severe side effect known as serotonin syndrome. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid putting this medication in wastewater or household garbage. Ask your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of any unused or expired medicine. 30 mg vyvanse