Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that has certain medical benefits. However, it also carries a risk of misuse and dependence. Understanding the signs of a high Vyvanse dose is the first step to seeking treatment and embarking on a sober life.
First Things First – What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine. It is a medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED).
Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance and, hence, must only be taken as per your doctor’s prescription and instructions. Generally speaking, the standard dosage is once per day, as its effects are long-lasting. Consuming more than prescribed can lead to misuse and dependence.
Of late, Vyvanse has become famous for the wrong reasons. It can boost energy, focus, and feelings of euphoria, making it quite a sensation among college students. Therefore, recognizing the signs of a high Vyvanse dose is the first step you take toward acknowledging the need for change and treatment.
How Can You Know if Your Vyvanse Dose Is Too High?
You may experience difficulty in falling asleep, feel jittery, experience mood swings, and/or other symptoms like sweating, high blood pressure, and heartbeat faster than normal. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Understanding The Basics – Vyvanse Dosage Explained
While Vyvanse dosage can vary as per age, severity of the condition, and other personal factors, the standard dosage is as follows:
For ADHD
- Starting Dose: 30mg per day.
- Maximum Dose: 70 mg per day.
For BED
- Starting Dose: 30mg per day.
- Maximum Dose: 70mg per day.
For both these conditions, your doctor can increase the dose by 10mg or 20mg per week, depending on whether it benefits you and how you respond to it.
When You Know It’s Too Much – 5 Signs Your Vyvanse Dose Is Too High
Here are the signs you need to look out for to know that your Vyvanse dose is indeed too high:
- Sleeping Difficulties: You will find it extremely difficult to fall asleep and experience insomnia, as Vyvanse can overstimulate your CNS.
- Physical Signs: You can experience heavy sweating, high blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Irritability: You tend to feel a general unease. You get irritated with minor things that you might not otherwise if not for Vyvanse.
- Hyperactivity: You feel extremely energized. While feeling energized is a positive thing, this will only make you feel jittery and distracted.
- Mood Shifts: Your shifting moods can make you feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride. In extreme cases, it can even escalate to psychosis (a break from reality).
These signs are similar among children and adults. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs while on Vyvanse, it is crucial that you contact your doctor immediately.
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A Deeper Look – Severe Reactions Of A High Vyvanse Dose
Sleep-related difficulties, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and mood swings are the most visible signs of a high Vyvanse dose. In some cases, one can experience more severe reactions to high Vyvanse levels in their body.
Sometimes, you can experience dilated pupils, dry mouth, and vomiting. While not very common, headaches can also be a sign of a high Vyvanse dosage. It is not like your typical headache but a whole-head headache – a dull pain on both sides of your head that can even extend to your neck.
While rare, Vyvanse can even lead to a heart attack and other severe heart problems if you do not take immediate action.
Hence, early medical intervention becomes vital. Not only does it enable you to manage your symptoms effectively, it also prevents them from getting worse and life-threatening.
The Hidden Cost – Mental Health Risks At High Doses
Vyvanse high dose poses severe physical health risks. At the same time, the mental health risks cannot be ignored.
Vyvanse can lead to temporary changes in one’s personality, where they can experience anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and a general sense of restlessness. These signs are particularly noticeable among children.
It can also lead to psychosis and/or mania in both children and adults. Psychosis is when you experience a break from reality. Common symptoms are hallucinations (experiencing things that are not present), delusions (believing in things that are not true), and paranoia. Mania is when you experience hyperactivity, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and impulsive behavior.
Know When to Act – When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience any of the physical, psychological, emotional, and/or behavioral symptoms of a high Vyvanse dose, seek medical attention right away.
Specifically, in cases where you feel your heart beating differently than normal or experience lightheadedness, heavy sweating, shivers, mood swings, and confusion, you need to get medical care right away.
Finding The Right Dosage – How Dosage Adjustments Work
If there are signs that your Vyvanse dosage is not benefitting you, your doctor will adjust it.
The standard starting dose for ADHD and BED is 30mg. However, if you do not experience any benefits with this, your doctor may increase your dose by 10mg or 20mg per week.
On the other hand, if you experience high Vyvanse dose effects or take other medications while on Vyvanse, your doctor will decrease your dose.
If you have any queries regarding your Vyvanse dosage, you need to speak with your doctor. Be open and honest, especially if you have pre-existing medical problems or take other prescription and/or non-prescription medication.
Keeping It In Check – Tips for Managing Side Effects
Like any other medication, Vyvanse does have its share of side effects. Some of them are mild and common, such as:
- Sleep-related difficulties
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness and irritability.
Some ways you can manage these side effects are:
- Take Vyvanse only as per your doctor’s prescription.
- If you take Vyvanse during a specific time (typically in the morning), then take it at the same time every day.
Maintain a consistent sleep pattern. - If side effects persist, your doctor may suggest reducing its dosage for a few days or weeks or discontinuing it for some time. Follow these instructions to a tee.
The Bottom Line
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a stimulant that is used to treat ADHD and BED. Common signs of a high Vyvanse dose include sleeplessness, sweating, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, hyperactivity, and mood swings. Severe effects include psychosis, paranoia, and heart problems.
While Vyvanse can be beneficial when taken as prescribed, there is always a risk of misuse and dependence. Therefore, always follow your doctor’s instructions and get medical attention right away when you experience any of the aforementioned negative effects.