Is Vyvanse Addictive?

Vyvanse is the brand name for a substance known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Doctors prescribe it to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] As a prescription stimulant, it can help treat ADHD by lessening impulsivity and increasing focus.

While ADHD medications are helpful, they can also be habit-forming and addictive. If you do not have ADHD, the effects can lead to a high that is characterized by euphoria and increased energy. According to a study, up to 20% of college students admit to abusing prescription drugs like Vyvanse to increase academic performance and stay awake for long hours.[2]

Abusing Vyvanse long-term will lead to a substance use disorder. Some of the signs of addiction include having a hard time controlling how much you use, developing a tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, using Vyvanse in higher doses can lead to a life-threatening overdose.

If you or a loved one suffers from Vyvanse addiction, you should seek professional substance abuse treatment. Drug rehab programs like The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center can help you overcome your physical dependence on Vyvanse and uncover the root causes of your addiction.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication that medical professionals use to treat ADHD. It can help improve symptoms of ADHD like impulsiveness and concentration issues. If you do not have the condition, taking Vyvanse can lead to a high similar to cocaine or other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.

The side effects of Vyvanse include:[3]

• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite and weight loss

While Vyvanse can cause side effects like sleepiness or drowsiness among people with ADHD, it has the opposite effect on neurotypical people. This is why many college students use it to stay awake for long hours while they are studying or taking a lot of classes. Some people simply abuse Vyvanse to experience a rush of euphoria and energy.

Can You Get Addicted to Vyvanse?

If you take Vyvanse in a manner other than prescribed, you can get addicted to it. As a CNS stimulant, it affects your pleasure and reward system. When you repeatedly abuse it to experience a high, you are teaching your brain to associate it with reward.

Some of the addictive effects of lisdexamfetamine include euphoria, feelings of pleasure, heightened self-confidence, increased energy, and weight loss.

It is possible to abuse Vyvanse by swallowing a pill or by crushing up the pill to snort it. Any form of Vyvanse abuse can lead to dependency, addiction, and long-term health risks. If you are struggling with Vyvanse addiction, you should seek help from a professional addiction treatment center.

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What are the Signs of Vyvanse Addiction?

If you misuse Vyvanse, you might be wondering how to tell if you are developing an addiction. The early signs of Vyvanse addiction include using more of it than you are prescribed, buying it illegally, or taking it to experience a high or receive a benefit like studying for long hours.

Other signs and symptoms of addiction include:

• Having a hard time controlling how much you use
• Mixing it with other drugs like alcohol to increase the effects
• Using higher doses than you are prescribed or running out of pills early
• Experiencing urges and cravings to abuse Vyvanse
• Attempting to crush the pill to snort it
• Going to multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription for Vyvanse
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Having a hard time keeping up with responsibilities at home, school, or work because of your Vyvanse abuse
• Continuing to use Vyvanse even though it is causing adverse physical or mental health effects
• Using Vyvanse in risky situations, such as while driving
• Getting into interpersonal conflicts because of your Vyvanse use
• Needing to increase your dose to experience the desired effect
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Vyvanse

You only need to experience 2 to 3 of the symptoms to qualify for a Vyvanse addiction. It can be incredibly difficult to break free from an addiction to Vyvanse without professional support and medical supervision. Thankfully, drug rehab programs like The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center can help you regain control over your life.

What are the Risks of Abusing Vyvanse?

Abusing Vyvanse can lead to a long list of adverse physical and mental health effects. For example, repeated abuse of a stimulant can lead to substance-induced psychosis.[4] You could also damage your kidneys and liver from using too much of a drug like Vyvanse.

Over time, you will likely increase the amount of Vyvanse you use to experience a high. This puts you at risk of experiencing an overdose.

The signs and symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:[5]

• Agitation or aggressive behavior
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Twitching or tremors
• Hallucinations
• High body temperature (hyperthermia)
• Changes in speech patterns
• Dilated pupils
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
• Seizures, heart attack, and stroke

If you or someone you love is experiencing a Vyvanse overdose, contact 911 immediately. The symptoms will become life-threatening without medical intervention.

Find Help for Vyvanse Abuse and Addiction

Vyvanse addiction can be hard to overcome without professional help. Thankfully, The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center is here to offer you the tools and support you need.

Contact us today for more information on how our Vyvanse rehab program works.

References:

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse Label
2. Semantic Scholar: Raising Awareness About Prescription and Stimulant Abuse in College Students Through On-Campus Community Involvement Projects
3. Medline Plus: Lisdexamfetamine
4. Merck Manuals: Substance-/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
5. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Amphetamine Toxicity