From the Guidelines
No, as a 15-year-old, you should not take a second dose of Vyvanse during finals without explicit direction from your doctor. Vyvanse is a controlled substance prescribed at specific doses for conditions like ADHD, and taking additional doses beyond what's prescribed can be dangerous. It can cause serious side effects including increased heart rate, blood pressure problems, severe anxiety, and in rare cases, more serious cardiovascular issues 1. The medication typically lasts 10-14 hours, so a second dose could disrupt your sleep cycle, which is crucial for memory consolidation and exam performance.
Some key points to consider when taking Vyvanse include:
- The usual starting dose is 20-30 mg po qam, with titration by 10 mg weekly to a maximum of 70 mg daily 1
- Stimulants like Vyvanse have a rapid onset of treatment effects, but can have adverse effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and increased blood pressure and pulse 1
- Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine have smaller effect sizes compared to stimulants, but can be beneficial for certain comorbidities like disruptive behavior disorders, tic disorder, and substance use disorders 1
If you're concerned about your medication not lasting through your finals, speak with your parent or guardian about scheduling an appointment with your prescribing physician. They might adjust your dosing schedule or recommend alternative strategies to help you manage during exams. Proper sleep, nutrition, and study breaks are often more effective for exam performance than increasing medication.
From the Research
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Dosage and Administration
- Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is a prodrug stimulant used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dosed once daily 2.
- The efficacy of LDX has been demonstrated in several studies in adults with moderate to severe ADHD, with significant improvements noted in ADHD rating scales, Clinical Global Improvement scores, and assessments of executive function, for all doses of LDX (30-70 mg daily) 2.
- LDX has been approved for use in adults with ADHD, with a convenient once-daily oral regimen that offers the potential for improved adherence and reduced abuse compared with short-acting preparations of amfetamines 3.
Safety and Efficacy in Children and Adolescents
- LDX is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of ADHD in children (aged 6-12 years) and adults 4.
- Several studies have evaluated the pharmacokinetics of LDX in pediatric patients (6-12 years of age) and healthy adults with ADHD, with LDX following linear pharmacokinetics at therapeutic doses (30-70 mg) 4.
- However, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of LDX in adolescents 5.
Considerations for 15-Year-Olds
- As there is limited information available on the use of LDX in adolescents, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking the medication, especially during critical periods such as finals 5.
- The safety profile of LDX is consistent with long-acting stimulants use, with common adverse events including decreased appetite, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, headache, irritability, weight loss, and nausea 2, 4.