From the Guidelines
Vyvanse can cause overstimulation as a common side effect, which may manifest as excessive energy, restlessness, racing thoughts, anxiety, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, or feeling "wired". This occurs because Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2022, highlights the importance of monitoring parameters such as height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure in patients receiving stimulant treatment, including Vyvanse 1.
If you're experiencing overstimulation, it is essential to consult your prescribing doctor before making any changes. Potential solutions include:
- Lowering your dose (under medical supervision)
- Taking the medication earlier in the day to prevent sleep disruption
- Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
- Practicing relaxation techniques
- Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration. Your doctor might also recommend short-acting medications to manage acute overstimulation symptoms or consider alternative ADHD treatments if overstimulation persists 1.
The overstimulation effect often diminishes as your body adjusts to the medication, typically within a few weeks of starting treatment or after a dosage change. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the optimal dosage and treatment plan to minimize overstimulation and maximize the benefits of Vyvanse treatment 1.
Key considerations for managing overstimulation include:
- Regularly assessing medication adherence and addressing potential issues
- Evaluating factors that influence adherence, such as patient attitudes and trustful physician-patient relationships
- Preferring once-daily dosing regimens to improve adherence
- Monitoring for changes in symptomatology, psychosocial situation, and normal development, and adjusting the treatment regimen accordingly 1.
By prioritizing these considerations and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage overstimulation and achieve the best possible outcomes with Vyvanse treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution. Abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, to achieve a desired psychological or physiological effect Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a health care provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Misuse and abuse of lisdexamfetamine, a prodrug of amphetamine, may cause increased heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood pressure; sweating; dilated pupils; hyperactivity; restlessness; insomnia; decreased appetite; loss of coordination; tremors; flushed skin; vomiting; and/or abdominal pain Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed with CNS stimulants abuse and/or misuse.
The overstimulation effect of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can lead to:
- Increased heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood pressure
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Other symptoms such as sweating, dilated pupils, decreased appetite, loss of coordination, tremors, flushed skin, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. 2
From the Research
Vyvanse Overstimulation Effect
- The studies provided do not directly address the topic of Vyvanse overstimulation effect 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, the studies do report on the common adverse events associated with Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), which include decreased appetite, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, headache, irritability, weight loss, and nausea 3, 6.
- These adverse events may be related to overstimulation, but the studies do not specifically investigate this topic.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of Vyvanse in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study compares the effects of Vyvanse with behavioral treatment in youth with ADHD, and finds that Vyvanse improves symptoms of ADHD, but does not specifically address overstimulation 4.
- Another study reviews the use of Vyvanse in adults with ADHD, and reports on its efficacy and safety, but does not discuss overstimulation 5.
- A study on the open-label administration of Vyvanse in adults with ADHD reports on the improvement of executive function impairments and symptoms of ADHD, but does not address overstimulation 6.
- A study on cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation does not mention Vyvanse or overstimulation 7.