Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain.
This medication comes in capsule form and is taken once daily, in the morning, with or without food. It may take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medicine. Your doctor may increase your dose over time.
Tell your doctor if you or your child have any heart problems or high blood pressure. Also, let your doctor know if you have or have ever had any other mental health problems, especially depression, bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Your doctor may need to check your blood pressure and heart rate often while you are taking this medication.
Avoid eating foods containing large amounts of fat or sugar. These foods can increase your risk of side effects. It is important to drink enough fluids while taking this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your doctor or pharmacist about tools that can help. Store this drug in a cool, dry place and keep it out of reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
This medication may cause you to lose weight or change your appetite. Your doctor should monitor your or your child’s weight and height while taking it. If you have not gained the expected amount of weight after a few months, your doctor may stop this medicine.
Some medicines can interact with Vyvanse and affect how well it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you or your child are taking any other medicines, including nonprescription medicine, vitamins or supplements. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have ever had a heart problem or high blood pressure, or if your or your child’s family has a history of these problems.
Vyvanse can raise the level of serotonin in your body, which could lead to a life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome. This may include symptoms such as high body temperature, fever, tremors, involuntary muscle jerking, changes in your blood pressure or heart rate, and confusion. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have these symptoms.
This medicine can cause a rare but serious problem in some infants, young children, or teenagers. It may lead to hallucinations or delusions. Call your doctor right away if you or your son or daughter have any of these symptoms. Also, call your doctor right away if you or your boy or girl has unexplained wounds on fingers or toes. This may be a sign of a serious condition called peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s disease. vyvanse 30 mg capsule