Vyvanse Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Vyvanse Abuse

Drug use is a serious issue that can quickly lead to abuse or addiction. This holds true for stimulants like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). Once someone becomes dependent on a drug to function physically or mentally, there is a significant risk of addiction.

Vyvanse addiction is a chronic condition that requires professional treatment. It can be very dangerous and may cause long-term damage to both physical and psychological health. With an increase in prescriptions for stimulants, the addictive potential of this Schedule II drug has raised growing concerns about misuse.

Understanding why Vyvanse is addictive, identifying individuals who may be at a higher risk for addiction, and recognizing the signs of addiction can help people access the necessary care early on.

Used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder, Vyvanse is a stimulant that interacts with the brain and spinal cord, known as the central nervous system (CNS).

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, which affects various neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Specifically, Vyvanse increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels, which function as part of the brain’s reward system. As a result, Vyvanse produces stimulating effects.

Vyvanse is an extended-release medication, meaning it is converted into its active form once it enters the bloodstream. However, when misused, Vyvanse can have euphoric effects that may contribute to its addictive potential. For example, some people snort Vyvanse to get it into the bloodstream faster.

The euphoria often associated with high doses of Vyvanse can make it very enticing, causing people to use the drug often. Long-term use of any addictive medication can also lead to increased tolerance. This means your body will need a higher dose of the drug to feel the same effects.

People often talk about abuse and addiction simultaneously, which can cause some confusion surrounding the conditions. The bottom line is, abuse is not the same as addiction, though there are some grey areas.

Any use of Vyvanse that is not prescribed can be considered abuse. Common types of abuse include taking the drug more frequently than recommended, taking it differently than prescribed, taking higher doses, or taking it without a prescription.

Though abuse is not considered addiction, Vyvanse abuse greatly increases the likelihood of developing a Vyvanse addiction. Once your brain starts to depend on Vyvanse to work properly, you’ve developed a psychological dependence, which is classified as addiction.

People assume recreational stimulant use is safe because they are prescribed drugs, but this is not the case. Taking any medication that is not prescribed for you can be very dangerous, as medications are indicated to be taken in certain ways and at individualized doses.

Yes, there are two different types of dependence you can develop from Vyvanse. When the brain relies on a drug, it is considered psychological dependence. Psychological dependence can create intense cravings and feelings you cannot ignore without taking Vyvanse. This is because it affects your brain chemistry.

When the body relies on a drug, it is called physical dependence. Long-term use of addictive substances creates changes in the body. Over time, your body will expect Vyvanse to be there; when it’s not, you may experience withdrawal symptoms as a result.

Withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to quit Vyvanse and can encourage habitual use that may lead to addiction or overdose. Many people turn back to Vyvanse due to the painful and unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Another factor that may encourage habitual use is building up a tolerance to the medication. If you need higher or more frequent doses of Vyvanse to feel the same effects you did the first time you used it, you’ll be more likely to use it regularly.

It’s very important to recognize signs of dependence when it comes to Vyvanse use. Dependence can quickly turn into addiction, which is challenging to recover from. The sooner you identify dependence, the sooner you can get the help you need.

In addition to recognizing signs of dependence, identifying signs of Vyvanse addiction can save you or your loved one’s life. There are a plethora of Vyvanse addiction signs, though these signs alone cannot diagnose addiction.

Signs of addiction can be both physical and psychological. These signs will vary from person to person. In other words, some people may have just one while others will show several. Signs of stimulant addiction can include insomnia, anxiety, weight loss, and agitation.

Behavioral changes are also common in stimulant addiction. Obsessing over Vyvanse, doctor shopping, sudden secrecy, engaging in risky behaviors, lying about symptoms, or extreme behavioral shifts can all be signs.

Similarly, addiction can affect one’s social and occupational life. People with Vyvanse addiction may show signs of isolation, poor academic performance, and poor work performance.

Another telltale sign of addiction is persistent use despite negative consequences. Someone with a Vyvanse addiction may be aware of the way it is disrupting their life, but will continue to use it anyway.

Physical dependence on Vyvanse leads to withdrawal symptoms following a sudden stop in Vyvanse use. There are many different kinds of withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological.

Symptoms of withdrawal from stimulant addiction can be mild, moderate, or severe, and last for different amounts of time for each person.

Physical symptoms of Vyvanse withdrawal include:

• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Slowed movement
• Intense cravings
• Oversleeping
• Weakness

Psychological withdrawal symptoms are also common:

• Slowed thinking
• Agitation
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety

Withdrawal symptoms typically show up a few hours to a few days after the last dose of Vyvanse. In most cases, a few days after the onset is when symptoms are the worst. They can last several weeks to months in some cases.

While some people will endure several withdrawal symptoms, some may only experience a few. The same goes for duration and severity. This is because withdrawal symptoms are dependent on several factors, like the severity of your addiction, how long you’ve used Vyvanse, your overall health, and how much Vyvanse you typically take.

It’s important to note that withdrawal is often very unpleasant and hard to go through. On top of that, withdrawal can be dangerous, and being alone during this time can have severe health consequences. With proper supervision, you can get through the detox process as safely as possible.

Many people abuse Vyvanse for its stimulating and euphoric effects. However, these effects do not account for all of the not-so-pleasant side effects associated with the drug. Vyvanse can have both short-term and long-term effects.

Side effects that occur right after Vyvanse use or in the few days after use are called short-term effects. Those that occur after repeated use over an extended period are called long-term effects. Different people will experience different side effects. For example, young adults and teens may experience deficits in brain development with Vyvanse abuse.

Short-term effects often resolve within a few days after Vyvanse use, but in some cases, they can have a lasting impact on your life.

Short-term effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Unexplained wounds
• Numbness
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Stiffness
• Hallucinations
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Coldness
• Fast heart rate
• Euphoria
• Shivering
• Restlessness
• Trouble breathing
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Skin color changes
• Muscle twitching
• Pain
• Nausea
• Priapism
• Stimulation
• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting
• Hostility
• Aggression
• Dry mouth
• Vyvanse overdose
• Death

Long-term Vyvanse abuse, as well as increased tolerance for the drug, is often associated with a higher risk of overdose. Keeping an eye out for signs of overdose such as muscle pain or weakness, agitation, fast or pounding heartbeats, headache, seizure, tremor, confusion, vomiting, hallucinations, muscle twitches, fever, sweating, dry mouth, dilated pupils, pounding in your neck or ears, or coma can save a life.

If you suspect someone is overdosing on Vyvanse, call 911 immediately. An overdose can lead to death or other lasting consequences, making professional treatment essential.

Using Vyvanse for a long period of time can create more permanent effects. This includes both physical and mental well-being.

Long-term effects can include:

• Cardiovascular issues
• Anxiety disorders
• Cognitive decline
• Severe weight loss
• Circulatory problems

In extreme cases, psychosis and paranoia can be long-term effects of Vyvanse addiction.

Certain factors can put you at higher risk of abusing Vyvanse or becoming addicted to it. Because it has a high risk of addiction, even those without risk factors may become addicted, but not everyone who takes it will.

Genetic predisposition to addiction is a common risk factor. If your family has a history of drug addiction, you may be genetically more likely to abuse drugs. The same goes for those with a personal history of drug abuse.

Co-occurring disorders (mental health disorders that occur in tandem with addiction) are another risk factor. People with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or binge eating disorder may use Vyvanse to cope with their symptoms, eventually causing repeated abuse.

Stimulants like Vyvanse are also more likely to be abused by those under academic or professional pressure, like students and high achievers. The stimulant effects of Vyvanse can help people get more tasks done in a short amount of time. This can lead to habitual abuse.

Likewise, people with access to a Vyvanse prescription or a peer’s prescription are also at higher risk of addiction. If you can easily access the drug, you’ll be more likely to use it regularly, which can lead to misuse.

If you fall into the above categories, it is strongly recommended that you stay away from both prescribed and non-prescribed stimulant use. Tell your doctor if you are at higher risk of stimulant addiction. They may choose to monitor you very closely or prescribe something else.

While certain signs and symptoms may suggest Vyvanse addiction, a diagnosis cannot be made based solely on these indicators. An official diagnosis must be obtained from a healthcare professional.

If you observe signs of addiction in someone you care about and wish to help, it’s important to encourage them to seek professional treatment. This can be a challenging process, so you might consider having an open and honest conversation with them, organizing an intervention, or providing them with access to online screening tools and self-assessments.

Doctors follow a precise framework when diagnosing substance use disorders. They’ll ask you a variety of questions surrounding your behaviors and thoughts related to Vyvanse. Be honest with your doctor when answering these questions, as it will help you get the proper diagnosis.

Questions may include topics like:

• Tolerance levels (needing more Vyvanse to feel the same effects)
• Frequency and amount of use
• Attempts to quit and whether they were successful
• Impact on daily life, such as relationships, work, or responsibilities
• Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms

Vyvanse addiction treatment comes in many forms, and in many cases, your treatment is guided based on the details of your addiction. That being said, having a proper diagnosis and determining the severity of your addiction can dictate your treatment plan.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is an important tool in the addiction diagnostic process. The DSM-5 provides a list of symptoms and criteria an individual must meet to be diagnosed with stimulant use disorder.

The DSM-5 lists the following as symptoms of stimulant use disorder:

1. Using larger amounts and/or over a longer period than intended
2. Unable to cut down or control use
3. Spending a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the stimulant
4. Craving stimulants
5. Stimulant use interferes with taking care of responsibilities at work, school, or home
6. Continued use despite stimulants causing persistent social or interpersonal problems
7. Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of use
8. Recurrent use in situations that increase the chances of getting hurt
9. Continued use despite persistent physical or psychological problems caused by stimulants
10. Tolerance to stimulants
11. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping stimulants

These symptoms also help determine the severity of a Vyvanse addiction. Experiencing two to three symptoms typically indicates a mild addiction; four to five suggest a moderate addiction; and six or more within a 12-month period signal a severe addiction.

Early diagnosis is critical to achieving successful treatment outcomes. Identifying Vyvanse addiction while it is still in the mild or moderate stages can help prevent the more serious consequences that often result from long-term stimulant abuse.

Stimulant addictions are increasing greatly in the U.S. and can have life-altering effects on teens, young adults, professionals, and other Americans. Some people may be at higher risk of Vyvanse addiction.

It’s important to catch Vyvanse addiction early to allow for early, professional treatment. For more information on stimulant addiction and treatment, call our helpline today.