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Vyvanse Review – 10 Reasons To Consider

By Michelle Giordano

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Nutrition Info | Health Benefits | Side Effects | Contraindications | Cost | Final Thoughts

Vyvanse is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition affects both children and adults. According to the CDC, ADHD affects over 6 million children and an estimated 4.4% of adults in the United States. [1][2]

Individuals diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty focusing and paying attention. For children, this can lead to poor academic achievement, behavioral problems, and it can have a negative impact on their ability to forge relationships with others. Adults dealing with this disorder have difficulty completing tasks, which can obstruct work productivity.

Obtaining the right treatment for ADHD is crucial for a person to thrive. This decision must be made in consultation with a doctor. If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD, read on to see if Vyvanse might be an appropriate treatment option.

Summary

1) What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a central nervous stimulant that affects two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. Although the exact mechanism by which Vyvanse helps with symptoms associated with ADHD is unknown, it is believed that by preventing the reuptake of these two chemicals, hyperactivity is reduced and impulse control is improved.

Vyvanse may also be utilized for adults suffering from a moderate to severe binge eating disorder; however, this medicine should not be prescribed for obesity or weight loss.

The FDA classifies this medication as a CII, meaning it has a high potential for dependency and abuse. It should only be used if prescribed directly to you or your child by a physician.

2) Who Makes Vyvanse

Vyvanse is produced by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. In the United States, their central business unit is located in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company’s goal is to improve health using innovative strategies.

Nutrition Info

3) Ingredients of Vyvanse

The active ingredient in Vyvanse that produces its positive effects is lisdexamfetamine. Inactive ingredients found in the capsule include:

  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Croscarmellose sodium
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Gelatin
  • Titanium dioxide
  • FD&C Red #3
  • FD&C Yellow #6
  • FD&C Blue #1
  • Black iron oxide
  • Yellow iron oxide

4) Does Vyvanse Work?

Vyvanse is an effective treatment for children aged six and older and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Vyvanse improves various symptoms of ADHD. One such study found that Vyvanse showed significant improvement over placebo in both inattention and hyperactivity, which are two of the most common features found in individuals with ADHD. [3]

Health Benefits

5) Vyvanse Health Benefits

This medication is controlled-release, meaning small amounts of the drug are emitted into the body over the course of a day. This is relevant because it reduces the chances of dependency, making this drug less likely to be abused compared to other stimulants, like Adderall.

Vyvanse also helps to enhance an individual’s quality of life if they are suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by:

  • Increasing attention span
  • Decreasing restlessness
  • Reducing impulsivity
  • Increasing ability to focus
  • Improving ability to complete tasks
  • Increasing academic performance
  • Improving ability to maintain relationships
  • Decreasing the likelihood of distraction
Side Effects

6) Vyvanse Side Effects

Common side-effects associated with this drug include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Increases blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Decreases libido
  • Rash

More serious side effects a person may experience when taking this medication are:

  • Blistering or peeling of skin
  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Twitching
  • Trembling
  • Hallucinations
Contraindications

7) Vyvanse Warnings and Precautions

Although Vyvanse is an effective tool in treating ADHD, certain patients should either not take this drug or be evaluated to ensure this medication is safe for them. Because Vyvanse can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, children and adults with cardiovascular disease should use caution when taking this drug. Also, certain over-the-counter cold products, containing decongestants should be avoided when using Vyvanse.

Vyvanse can slow growth including weight loss. This may be an issue for children and adolescents. It can also cause psychotic symptoms, so it should be avoided in anybody with a history of severe mental illness.

This medication can cause an effect called Serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by severe muscle stiffness, high temperature, and seizures. This interaction may occur in individuals who are taking certain drugs including SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, and St. John’s Wort.

Where to Buy?

8) Where to Buy Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication and can only be obtained through a pharmacy.

Cost

9) Vyvanse Cost

Vyvanse is an expensive medication that can cost hundreds of dollars for just a one-month supply. Luckily, this medication is usually covered by insurance, so the amount you would pay is dependent on what your copayment is. If this medication is not covered by insurance, the pharmacy can provide you with coupons or discounts that can drastically lower the price.

Final Thoughts

10) Final Thoughts on Vyvanse

Living with ADHD can reduce an individual’s overall quality of life. Controlling symptoms associated with this disorder is essential for a person to live a productive and fulfilling life. If you or your child are diagnosed with ADHD, Vyvanse is a great treatment option as it has been shown in various studies to improve outcomes.

We really like that this drug is time-released, rendering it less likely to be abused or misused. In today’s society, addiction is becoming a serious dilemma, so medications with a reduced chance for abuse are preferred over those that pose a higher risk.

2.3/5 - (3 votes)

Reference Sources

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