Simulant drug comes in different variations, but they all have common side effects. One common side effect of the stimulant drug is anxiety, so Vyvanse could help ease, or it could make your anxiety worst. Each drug reacts differently for everyone, but if you or your child is experiencing extreme anxiety after taking Vyvanse, you might want to let your doctor know so they can change or adjust your medication.
Vyvanse is a brand of an amphetamine-based stimulant drug. It is a medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which was approved for children 6 to 17 and adults last 2008 and now comes in two forms.
It was initially made as a capsule but was also made available as a chewable tablet last 2017. The dosages remain the same (10-60mg, by 10 increments) except for the capsules, which have a 70mg dosage available.
How does Vyvanse work in our body?
Vyvanse in either capsule or tablet form is both in delayed-release preparation, which means that the drug is not active in the body until it enters the bloodstream.
Both also come in a delayed-release preparation, so it will take effect an hour after you take it and would last 10-12 hours, depending on your dosage and age.
For both adults and children (not younger than 6 years old) with ADHD, you might notice improvements in your attention span, concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
It may also improve depression, fatigue, and sleeping irregularities.
In 2015, Vyvanse was approved to be the first medication to treat BED (Binge-eating disorder), which would minimize binge-eating urges, but this is not recommended for weight loss or diet medication.
Common side effects of Vyvanse on the body
Most medications come with a set of side effects.
That’s why it is important that you proactively advise your health care provider of all other conditions that you have and other medications that you might be taking on top of Vyvanse.
This is vital to prevent side effects that might conflict with your other conditions.
Once you start taking Vyvanse, observe the reaction and changes in your body, and note them down if you could so that you can relay this information to your doctor as accurately as possible.
Things like:
- Loss or decreased appetite which could lead to weight loss
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- DIzziness
- Nausea or vomiting
Rare side effects when taking Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse or dependence.
Some of these rare side effects are usually due to misuse or abuse of this drug. It is vital to let your doctor know if you have any alcohol or substance dependence.
Do not sell or give your Vyvanse to anyone without a prescription. It might cause them harm or even death, and it is also against the law.
- Heart-related problems – Both children and adults must first be thoroughly checked before starting with Vyvanse medication. People with heart defects might experience increased blood and heart rate that could lead to stroke or even death.
- Mental (psychiatric) problems – This might include extreme anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, mania, and paranoia. It is imperative to proactively advise your doctor of any family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression for them to take this into consideration.
- Slowing of growth in children – Since they are in their growing years, a regular appointment with your doctor is important to make sure that they are growing at a normal rate both in height and weight. If your child is not increasing or worse, decreasing weight, let your local health provider know immediately.
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes – It could start by feeling numb or cold, and you might also notice a change in color or turning pale. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Who should NOT take Vyvanse?
- Allergic reaction with certain ingredients in Vyvanse.
- Taking or have recently stopped (within 14 days) taking a medicine called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
- Receiving treatment with antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
- Pregnant, planning to get pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers.
FAQs
Can Vyvanse calm you down?
Although Vyvanse is not an anxiety medication, it can sometimes be prescribed off-label for this condition.
It is made of lisdexamfetamine and dextroamphetamine conjugated to the amino acid lysine. This combination can aggravate anxiety in some individuals while radically alleviating it in others.
Each person’s neurochemical reaction is unique; therefore, no two doses of Vyvanse will work the same way.
Can Vyvanse cause depression?
There are some side effects to this drug that might lead to depression or other mental health issues, that is why letting your health care provider know your current mental state or if you have a family history of any mental issues for them to consider it in prescribing your medication and treatment plan.
Summary
We are living in a generation of breakthroughs and monumental discoveries. However, there is still a lot of work to get to where humanity wants to be, especially in the mental health department.
The best way to progress further is by asking new questions, raising unfamiliar concerns, and being curious to find answers in general.
If you or anyone you know feels mentally distressed and needs immediate help, please ask for help. You can call the 988 lifeline, which works across the United States.
