Vyvanse Overdose: How Much Vyvanse is Fatal?

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse, whose generic name is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a medication prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and moderate to severe BED. For either condition, the person typically takes one pill daily in the morning.¹

Vyvanse is a stimulant. It is not known exactly how Vyvanse relieves symptoms of ADHD, but stimulants increase the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine plays a role in reinforcing pleasurable behaviors, such as eating or sex. Norepinephrine increases blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.²

Some people may begin to see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms after a few days of taking Vyvanse. But it can take up to several weeks to experience the full effects of the medication.³

Vyvanse Abuse and Increased Overdose Risk

Vyvanse is a Schedule II federally controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.¹

Substance abuse refers to dangerous or harmful use of substances that affect the mind. Abuse of Vyvanse could include someone who uses the drug without a prescription, takes more than the recommended dose, takes it more frequently than prescribed, or uses the drug in a way other than prescribed, such as by snorting or injecting it.

Signs of stimulant abuse include:¹

• Elevated heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
• Increased sweating.
• Dilated pupils.
• Restlessness.
• Insomnia.
• Low appetite.
• Aggression.
• Poor coordination.
• Tremors.
• Flushed skin.
• Abdominal pain.

Abusing the drug, such as using it in a way other than prescribed, increases the risk of overdose.¹

Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms

Overdosing on Vyvanse can be harmful and potentially even life-threatening.¹

Complications from an overdose on Vyvanse may include high body temperature, muscle breakdown that results in the release of a protein into the blood that damages the kidneys (rhabdomyolysis), liver damage, cognitive difficulties, and death.⁸

How Is a Vyvanse Overdose Treated?

If you or someone you know experiences an overdose, it is important to seek emergency medical care immediately.

Depending on the symptoms of the overdose, a number of different treatments may be administered.

• If the person is a serious danger to themselves or others, they may be restrained through medications or physical restraints.
• All serious symptoms should be immediately addressed as needed, such as trauma, trouble breathing, seizures, and heart problems.
• The person may be given benzodiazepines for sedation and/or seizure control.
• They may also be given activated charcoal to try to decrease absorption of the drug in the digestive tract.
• If the person has become dehydrated, they should be administered fluids.⁸

Fortunately, most people survive a stimulant overdose. However, there is a higher risk of death if the person takes amphetamines with other drugs.⁸

Addiction treatment is usually recommended to address the reason for the overdose and reduce the likelihood of such an event happening again in the future.

Sources

[1]. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules, for oral use, CII.

[2]. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Prescription Stimulants.

[3]. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Amphetamine (Vyvanse).

[4]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

[5]. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).

[6]. National Institute of Mental Health. Eating Disorders.

[7]. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

[8]. Vasan, S., and Olango, G. (2018). Amphetamine Toxicity. StatPearls.