Vyvanse is a brand-name version of the drug lisdexamfetamine, a stimulant medication generally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
As with any medication, side effects are possible with Vyvanse use. These side effects may be more common if the user takes too much Vyvanse or combines it with other stimulants like caffeine or alcohol.
Vyvanse side effects may include dry mouth, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, nausea, sweating and dizziness. If you’re planning on taking Vyvanse or you currently take it and are worried about potential Vyvanse side effects, this article will help you understand more about this drug.
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Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is one of the most common Vyvanse side effects. This happens when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This can lead to increased risk of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
A few ways to reduce this side effect include chewing sugar-free gum, drinking plenty of water, eating moist foods like soups and stews, using a lip balm and minimizing your intake of caffeine and alcohol as they may exacerbate this side effect.
Dry mouth is also one of the most easily treated side effects.
Taking a break from the medication to let your mouth recover, then slowly and carefully reintroducing it, may help reduce dry mouth.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is another common Vyvanse side effect. If your appetite loss is severe, you may need to take the medication at a different time so you can eat your meals.
You can also try eating small meals throughout the day and eating foods that are high in protein as well as fiber.
If you are experiencing a loss of appetite and are worried about your weight loss, it’s important to talk to your doctor about this side effect. They may recommend taking the medication at a different time of day so you can eat your meals without too much difficulty.
They might also recommend trying to eat smaller meals throughout the day and eating high-protein, high-fiber foods.
Trouble sleeping
Like dry mouth, trouble sleeping is a very common Vyvanse side effect. Some individuals report having difficulty falling asleep while others have trouble staying asleep. You may be able to improve your sleep by taking the medication at a different time of day.
If you take the medication before your bedtime, try taking it earlier in the day or at least 2 hours before you go to sleep. Additionally, you can try reducing your caffeine intake, keeping the lights in your bedroom dim and practicing good sleep hygiene.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are other Vyvanse side effects that may occur if you take too much Vyvanse. Generally, this side effect only happens if you take more than the recommended daily dose.
Nausea and vomiting are signs that your body is rejecting the medication and you should seek medical attention.
If you experience nausea or vomiting as Vyvanse side effects, you can try taking the medication with food. You should also try taking a smaller dose so you do not experience these side effects.
Sweating
Excessive sweating is another Vyvanse side effect that may occur. If you notice excessive sweating while taking the medication, you can try taking the medication at a different time of day or adjusting your dose.
If you notice that your sweating is not improving, you should seek medical attention.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Dizziness, lightheadedness and feeling faint are also possible Vyvanse side effects. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness and you’re standing up, you may fall and injure yourself.
If you notice that you are dizzy or lightheaded, sit down and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
If you notice that this side effect isn’t improving, you should seek medical attention.
Other Side Effects of Vyvanse Usage
- Anxiety: Most people taking Vyvanse report feeling more calm and less anxious, but some individuals feel more anxious. If you notice that you are feeling more anxious, you may want to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.
- Hallucinations: Hallucinations are seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. If you notice that you are hallucinating, you should talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.
- Suicidal thoughts: Vyvanse can cause suicidal thoughts in some individuals. If you notice that you are having thoughts of suicide, you should talk to your doctor or call a suicide hotline.
- Seizures: Vyvanse has been known to cause seizures in certain individuals. If you have a history of seizures, you should talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
How to prevent Vyvanse side effects?
There are a few ways that you can prevent Vyvanse side effects. To reduce dry mouth and loss of appetite, you can drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in protein, fiber and fat.
To reduce trouble sleeping, you can try taking the medication at a different time of day. You can also try reducing your caffeine intake, keeping the lights in your bedroom dim and practicing good sleep hygiene.
To reduce nausea and vomiting, you can try taking the medication with food or trying a smaller dose.
Also, to reduce sweating, you can try taking the medication at a different time of day. If you notice that you are sweating excessively, you should reduce your caffeine intake and avoid humid and hot environments.
Conclusion
Overall, Vyvanse is a very effective medication for treating ADHD.
Although it does come with some side effects, most individuals find that these side effects are not very severe. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage.
