Vyvanse is an FDA-approved medication used to treat ADHD. It’s a stimulant and belongs to the same class of drugs as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Vyvanse contains the active ingredient lisdexamphetamine which has a similar chemical structure to amphetamine. Therefore, many users are concerned about its potential side effects. Does Vyvanse cause memory loss? Is it safe? Keep reading to find out more!
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Is Vyvanse Safe?
All drugs have potential side effects, and Vyvanse is no different. That being said, most people tolerate Vyvanse well.
However, there are some people who should not take Vyvanse because it may not be safe for them.
Here are some groups of people who should not take Vyvanse:
- Children under the age of 6 (especially without the supervision of a doctor)
- People with certain heart conditions
- People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone who has a hypersensitivity to amphetamine or its ingredients
Does Vyvanse Cause Memory Loss?
The short answer is yes.
Vyvanse has ingredients that are similar in structure to amphetamine, so it is likely to affect the brain similarly.
You should know that all stimulants cause some degree of memory loss.
For example, Cocaine, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil are all considered stimulants. They’re all drugs that can cause memory loss and are usually prescribed for ADHD.
How Vyvanse Works
All drugs work differently, but it is believed that Vyvanse affects the neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood, attention, and sleep patterns.
Vyvanse prevents the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. This means that the neurotransmitters stay in the brain longer and are more effective.
What happens to Vyvanse after you swallow it? The substance enters your stomach, is broken down into smaller molecules, and then travels through the bloodstream.
Some of these molecules are filtered out by the kidneys and the liver, while others are transported throughout the body. Vyvanse molecules eventually make their way to your brain.
What happens in the brain after you take Vyvanse?
Molecules once again enter the synapses between neurons, and some are left behind in the synapses.
It is believed that these molecules trigger the effect of Vyvanse that we see in the brain.
Long-Term Effects of Vyvanse
Long-term use of Vyvanse can lead to dependency and tolerance. If you take Vyvanse for a long period of time, your body can get used to it and stop responding to it as well.
The risk of Vyvanse dependency is higher among people with a family history of addiction.
However, this can happen even if you’re one of the people who don’t fall into any of the groups of people who shouldn’t take Vyvanse.
Long-term Vyvanse use can also lead to other long-term side effects.
These include weight loss, muscle loss, and mood swings.
Some people also report experiencing a lack of interest in sex while taking Vyvanse.
Side Effects of Vyvanse
Just like any other drug, Vyvanse has potential side effects. We already covered some side effects of long-term Vyvanse use above.
Vyvanse side effects that occur within a few hours of taking the drug include dry mouth, headache, and stomach ache.
If you take Vyvanse before bed, you may experience insomnia due to the drug’s stimulating effects.
You may also experience a decrease in appetite.
A few rare side effects of Vyvanse include rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these side effects after taking Vyvanse, you should seek medical attention.
Warnings for Vyvanse Users
You should always be careful taking any drugs. However, there are certain things you should pay special attention to when taking Vyvanse. Vyvanse is most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
If you take Vyvanse on a full stomach, you may experience less of its desired effects.
You should also avoid taking Vyvanse at the same time every day because it can become a habit.
If you take Vyvanse on a regular basis and in the same way, it can become a habit. When this happens, the drug doesn’t work as well.
Vyvanse should be taken in moderation.
Bottom line
Vyvanse is an FDA-approved medication used to treat ADHD. It’s a stimulant and belongs to the same class of drugs as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Vyvanse contains the active ingredient lisdexamphetamine which has a similar chemical structure to amphetamine. Therefore, many users are concerned about its potential side effects.
Is Vyvanse safe? Well, yes and no. It is a stimulant so, like all stimulants, it can cause some degree of memory loss. And long-term use can lead to other problems.
When taking Vyvanse, you should always be careful and follow the instructions of your doctor.
You should also be careful not to overuse this drug!