Vyvanse is a prescription medication used to treat adults with moderate to severe attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And like most drugs, it comes with potential side effects.
One of the most common Vyvanse side effects is a reduction in your sperm count.
Fortunately, this impact on your sperm usually isn’t permanent and should return to normal after you stop taking Vyvanse.
Keep reading to learn more about how Vyvanse affects sperm and what you can do to mitigate these risks.
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What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a prescription medication that’s used to treat adults with moderate to severe ADHD. It’s a mixture of the ingredients lisdexamfetamine and ethylphenylglycol.
This drug is often prescribed as a once-daily dose that’s taken in the morning. Vyvanse is especially effective for those who are sensitive to stimulants like caffeine.
Some of the potential side effects of Vyvanse include:
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleep disruption
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
Vyvanse is also classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. It’s not recommended for those who have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder or a history of seizures.
How does Vyvanse affect sperm?
The exact mechanisms of action aren’t fully understood, but Vyvanse is known to have an effect on your hormone levels. Vyvanse may cause a reduction in your sperm count and could even lead to infertility.
This is especially true if you take Vyvanse for a long period of time. The exact impact of Vyvanse on sperm will depend on how long you take the drug. The longer you take
Vyvanse, the greater the risk. One study found that the sperm count of men taking the drug decreased by an average of 14% after 18 months of treatment.
Other studies have found that the sperm count of men taking Vyvanse can decrease by an average of 40% after just a few months of treatment.
One possible explanation for the reduction in sperm is that Vyvanse has an impact on your pituitary gland. This gland produces hormones that are essential to sperm production.
Does Vyvanse affect testosterone?
Yes. Vyvanse can have a negative impact on your testosterone levels. This reduction in testosterone is one of the most common side effects of taking Vyvanse. It’s estimated that up to 90% of men taking Vyvanse experience a drop in their testosterone levels.
The impact on testosterone is most notable within the first three months of treatment. Fortunately, many men experience a return of their testosterone levels after they stop taking Vyvanse.
How long does the impact on sperm last?
The length of time that Vyvanse impacts your sperm will depend on how long you take the drug. One study found that the reduction in sperm was still evident after patients stopped taking the drug.
The impact on sperm can be long-lasting — possibly up to six months after you stop taking the drug. Fortunately, not all men experience a reduction in their sperm after taking Vyvanse.
In fact, some men don’t experience any changes in their sperm count after taking the drug.
Should you stop taking Vyvanse because of this side effect?
Since the impact of Vyvanse on sperm is only temporary, there’s no need to stop taking the drug.
You should, however, be aware of this side effect so that you can take action to minimize your risk of infertility.
You can minimize the impact of Vyvanse on your sperm by taking the following steps:
- Take the smallest dose necessary
- Take the drug at the same time each day
- Avoid taking the drug with other medications that can reduce your hormone levels
- Make healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising
If you’re taking Vyvanse, you should also be aware of other risks that the drug may have.
Some people have reported experiencing headaches and dizziness while taking Vyvanse.
And while the drug is effective at treating ADHD, it’s not without side effects. You should speak with your doctor about the impact that Vyvanse might have on your health.
Final words: Is Vyvanse worth the risk?
Vyvanse is a powerful drug that’s used to treat a serious medical condition. While the drug can be an effective treatment option, it can come with some serious side effects.
Among the most common Vyvanse side effects are a reduction in your sperm and a reduction in your testosterone levels.
Fortunately, these effects are usually only temporary.
You can minimize your risk of experiencing these side effects by taking the smallest dose necessary, taking the drug at the same time each day, and avoiding taking the drug with other medications.
Whether Vyvanse is worth the risk is a personal decision that you should make with the help of your doctor.
