Long-Term Side Effects of Vyvanse: What to Expect and When to Get Help

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What you will learn

• Learn which side effects of Vyvanse long term improve over time, which need medical attention, and how adults can safely manage lisdexamfetamine treatment.
• Many side effects of Vyvanse long-term ease up once the body adjusts to treatment.
• Appetite changes and trouble sleeping are common early on but often improve with time.
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and mood changes need ongoing monitoring throughout treatment.
• Certain psychiatric or cardiovascular symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider right away.
• Adults taking Vyvanse may have added cardiovascular risk factors that make check-ins especially important.
• Routine follow-up appointments help keep long-term treatment both safe and effective.

When taking a new prescription drug, there are a multitude of questions you will likely have. If you or a loved one has recently started Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), as prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or binge eating disorder, you may be asking yourself what might happen in the next several weeks.

Many of the side effects experienced by adults while on Vyvanse appear early in treatment and dissipate over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, there are some side effects that last longer than others; those are worthy of further exploration with a healthcare professional. Fortunately, when taken under proper supervision, many individuals take Vyvanse long-term without issue. This article provides guidance regarding the typical improvement in symptoms, the need for communication with your physician to report changes that occur in symptoms, and how to discern the difference, so that you may become increasingly comfortable and empowered throughout your treatment process.

What Are the Most Frequent Long-Term Side Effects Experienced While Taking Vyvanse?

Many people see similar side effects when taking Vyvanse for extended periods of time. Those that are the most commonly reported include:[1]

• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Headaches

Please note that although the above-mentioned symptoms are common, that does not necessarily mean everyone will experience them. In many instances, symptoms will gradually diminish with time. However, everyone reacts uniquely to medications; monitoring your physical reactions and reporting them during future appointments can be helpful.

What Early Side Effects May Improve?

Many early side effects will improve as your body gets used to the medicine. However, the amount of time it takes for the side effect to fade depends on each individual.

Common side effects:

• Dry mouth
• Mild nausea
• Appetite reduction
• Sleeping difficulties
• Headaches
• Jitters

Your body will begin to adapt to the stimulant type of medication that you have taken over time.[2] Adjustments to the dose that you take, along with your healthcare provider’s recommendations, can lead to improvement. Drinking plenty of water, planning your meals around when you feel hungry, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can also contribute. Some people will experience significant improvement; however, others may experience limited improvement.

When Should I Contact My Doctor About a Side Effect I Am Experiencing?

Some side effects should never be ignored, regardless of how long you’ve been taking Vyvanse.

Cardiovascular side effects:

• High blood pressure
• Palpitations or racing heartbeat
• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Psychological side effects:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Aggression
• Hallucinations
• Mania
• Psychosis

Circulatory side effects:

• Cold hangs/fingers
• Numbness
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (color of fingers and toes lightens due to less blood circulation)

If you notice significant weight loss or difficulty eating, nutritional deficiencies, or if your body mass index significantly decreases, you need to contact your doctor. Always contact your doctor instead of attempting to adjust your dose yourself. Your physician can help identify if there is an issue with the drug itself, the dose you are taking, or if something else is at play.

Most adult patients experiencing side effects from long-term Vyvanse use will have a combination of side effects similar to those experienced by adolescents; however, there may also be some differences. Some of the commonly experienced side effects in adults include: appetite suppression or weight loss, insomnia, increased anxiety, hypertension, dry mouth, decreased libido (less frequent), and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, gastritis, and constipation.[3]

How Can Stimulants Like Vyvanse Impact My Cardiovascular Function?

Research has shown that the impact of stimulants on cardiovascular function varies among individuals based upon their age and pre-existing health conditions.[4] This makes routine cardiovascular assessments especially crucial to monitor for potential cardiovascular changes. If your provider identifies you as being at an increased cardiovascular risk due to previously identified cardiovascular conditions or cardiovascular risk factors (such as familial cardiac disease or high cholesterol), then they may require more regular blood pressure and pulse measurements.

Stimulants are known to cause an elevation in both heart rate and blood pressure. While most patients do not experience significant adverse cardiovascular effects, this is one of many reasons why routine screening is necessary prior to initiating therapy and periodically throughout the course of taking Vyvanse. The cardiovascular risks associated with stimulants are typically greatest in individuals who have had previous cardiovascular events, have a family history of heart conditions, or have hypertension or arrhythmias. As a result, these patients may require close cardiovascular monitoring, including periodic electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood pressure readings.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance immediately:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unconsciousness
• Stroke symptoms (such as weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking)

Are There Any Other Potential Adverse Psychological Effects I Should Monitor?

Monitoring changes in your mood is also essential. These changes may include: anxiety, irritation, mood swings, and depression.

Although rare, some people may develop psychotic or manic symptoms. Fortunately, most individuals experience improvements in their ADHD symptoms along with enhanced executive function without suffering from any psychiatric complications. However, if you notice any of the aforementioned mood-related changes occurring either for the first time or increasing in intensity, please inform your healthcare provider promptly, as addressing these changes early makes them much easier to treat.

Can Tolerance or Dependence Develop?

The terms physical dependency, tolerance, and addiction relate to each other; however, they are certainly not the same thing.

• Tolerance is the need for a greater amount of the medication to obtain the same level of response.
• Physical dependency is a physiological adaptation to the presence of a drug, where, when stopping the drug, withdrawal-like symptoms may occur in some patients.
• Abuse or misuse is taking medication in a manner other than how it was prescribed, such as taking more than recommended or taking medication without a valid prescription.

As long as you are taking Vyvanse according to the directions given by your healthcare provider, you are not abusing the medication. But just because you have a valid prescription does not mean that you cannot develop a tolerance or dependency on Vyvanse. That’s why any changes to your medication regimen, whether it’s an increase or decrease, should only be made with input from your healthcare provider.

How Do Healthcare Providers Continuously Monitor Long-Term Use of Vyvanse?

Monitoring is an essential aspect of chronic treatment for most conditions treated with stimulants.[5] Health care providers generally monitor heart rate, blood pressure, weight, hunger, quality of sleep, emotional state, and effectiveness of the medication for your specific condition.

Additionally, healthcare providers will review all of the other medications you’re currently taking to determine potential drug-to-drug interactions. Research regarding the long-term use of stimulants showed that the frequency of routine visits allows health care professionals to detect developing issues prior to them becoming a problem.[6] The data collected and based on evidence-based practices help facilitate balance between your symptom relief and your overall safety during the duration of your treatment.

Practical Tip to Manage Mild, Long-Term Side Effects of Taking Vyvanse

Some simple habits can make a big difference in helping you manage treatment-related discomforts:

hat Early Side Effects May I

• Eat healthy meals when you have an appetite.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help alleviate dryness in the mouth.
• If you experience difficulty sleeping as a result of taking Vyvanse, try practicing good sleep hygiene, and consider talking to your healthcare provider about adjusting the timing of your dose.
• Regularly weigh yourself and report any significant weight loss/gain to your healthcare provider.
• Do not modify your dosage without consulting with your healthcare provider — regardless of how much you dislike the side effects.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments, even when everything seems fine.
• Inform your healthcare provider immediately when you notice any new or worsening symptoms rather than waiting until your next scheduled appointment.

Concerned About Vyvanse Dependency? Reach Out to Ascendant NY

Taking Vyvanse long-term can be an effective way to manage ADHD or binge eating disorder, but it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider along the way.

Many side effects get better as your body adjusts to the medication, while others may need medical attention if they continue or become more severe. Keeping track of how you feel, going to your regular follow-up appointments, and speaking up about any new or worsening symptoms can help you get the most benefit from treatment while reducing the risk of complications. With ongoing monitoring and the right support, many people are able to take Vyvanse safely and successfully for the long term.

If you are concerned about your Vyvanse usage, then professional treatment can help. Reach out to Ascendant NY and talk to one of our admission specialists to learn more.