Vyvanse 70mg Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication at the same time every day, with or without food. To minimize sleep disturbances, avoid taking this medication late in the day.
When taking the capsule, swallow it whole without chewing, breaking, or crushing. However, if needed, you can open the capsule and mix the powder with water, orange juice, or yogurt. If the powder clumps together, you can use a spoon to gently break it apart. Mix well and swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store the mixed medication for later use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, away from bathrooms. Store the medication in a secure location where children and pets cannot access it, and consider using a locked box or area to prevent unauthorized use. Keep all medications out of reach of pets.
When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning, with or without food.
- Do not take in the afternoon or evening to avoid sleep problems.
- Swallow capsules whole, or open and mix contents with yogurt, water, or orange juice and consume immediately.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Do not share this medication with others, as it has a high potential for abuse.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Vyvanse 70mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 50mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 30mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 60mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 40mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 20mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 10mg Capsules
- Vyvanse 10mg Chewable Tablets
- Vyvanse 20mg Chewable Tablets
- Vyvanse 30mg Chewable Tablets
- Vyvanse 40mg Chewable Tablets
- Vyvanse 50mg Chewable Tablets
- Vyvanse 60mg Chewable Tablets
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in vision
Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
Difficulty controlling body movements
Uncontrollable sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
Changes in skin color (hands, feet, or other areas), which may turn pale, blue, gray, purple, or red
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold sensation in the hands or feet
Sores or wounds on the fingers or toes
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or difficulty urinating
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a pre-existing heart condition or heart defect, inform your doctor. Additionally, if a family member has an abnormal heartbeat or has died suddenly, notify your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of heart problems, such as:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
Taking this medication with certain other drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
Agitation
Balance problems
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, stomach upset, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to be aware of the following potential side effects:
Anxiety
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Dry mouth
Feeling jittery
Weight loss
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
If any of these side effects or other symptoms bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting (seek immediate medical attention)
- New or worsening mental problems (e.g., hallucinations, paranoia, mania, aggression)
- Numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in fingers or toes, or unexplained wounds on fingers or toes
- Unexplained weight loss or slowed growth (in children)
- Uncontrolled muscle movements or tics
- Severe headache, blurred vision, or seizures
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
A family history of certain health conditions, such as:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics
Your medical history, including:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
+ Previous instances of drug abuse or stroke
Current or recent medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications taken within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline (as they may cause very high blood pressure)
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
* If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine the safety of taking this medication with your existing conditions and medications. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
When starting this medication, be cautious when driving or performing tasks that require alertness and clear vision until you understand how it affects you. Long-term or high-dose use of this medication can lead to tolerance, where the drug becomes less effective, and you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness, contact your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Prolonged or regular use of this medication may result in dependence, and suddenly stopping it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Before reducing the dose or discontinuing the medication, consult your doctor and follow their instructions. Report any adverse effects to your doctor.
Prior to initiating treatment, you may need to undergo heart tests. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. This medication can cause high blood pressure, so it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. Before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or certain natural products or aids, consult your doctor.
A severe skin reaction, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur with this medication. This condition can cause severe health problems, permanent damage, or even death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without fever, red or irritated eyes, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
This medication can cause changes in behavior and mood, including hallucinations, anger, and altered thinking. If you or a family member have a history of mental or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar illness, or if a family member has committed suicide, inform your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations, changes in behavior, or signs of mood changes, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and adolescents, and they may require regular growth checks. This medication is not approved for use in children under 6 years of age, as it can increase the risk of long-term weight loss in this age group.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with you.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid breathing
- Confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states
- High fever, rhabdomyolysis
- Cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Convulsions, coma, death
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Management includes symptomatic treatment, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and sedation for CNS overstimulation.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOI use (risk of hypertensive crisis).
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, fentanyl, tramadol, buspirone, St. John's Wort) - risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Antihypertensive agents (may reduce hypotensive effect).
- Urinary acidifying agents (e.g., ascorbic acid, ammonium chloride) - increase renal excretion of amphetamine, decreasing efficacy.
- Urinary alkalinizing agents (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - decrease renal excretion of amphetamine, increasing efficacy and potential toxicity.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may increase cardiovascular effects of amphetamines.
Moderate Interactions
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists (may alter gastric pH, but less significant for lisdexamfetamine due to hydrolysis in blood).
- Antipsychotics (may antagonize stimulant effects).
- Alcohol (may alter absorption or increase adverse effects).
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify pre-existing cardiovascular conditions that may be exacerbated by stimulants.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To identify risk factors for stimulant-induced psychiatric adverse events.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To establish baseline for monitoring growth suppression.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or every 3-6 months.
Target: Within normal limits for age/sex.
Action Threshold: Persistent elevation (e.g., >95th percentile for age/sex or clinically significant increase) warrants investigation and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months.
Target: Consistent growth trajectory.
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration or weight loss warrants investigation and potential drug holiday or alternative therapy.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Absence of new or worsening symptoms.
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms warrants immediate evaluation and potential discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, or if symptoms reported.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: New onset or worsening symptoms warrant evaluation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, mania, psychosis)
- New or worsening tics
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope
- Numbness, tingling, or color changes in fingers or toes
- Unexplained weight loss or growth deceleration (in children)
- Insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amphetamines have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery and low birth weight. Neonates exposed to amphetamines during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amphetamines are excreted into human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., agitation, insomnia, anorexia, poor weight gain, cardiovascular effects), advise mothers not to breastfeed during treatment with Vyvanse or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Approved for ADHD in children 6 years and older. Monitor growth (height and weight) carefully. Long-term safety and efficacy in children under 6 years have not been established. Not approved for BED in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until converted in the body to dextroamphetamine. This conversion occurs primarily in the blood, not the GI tract, which may contribute to its smoother pharmacokinetic profile and potentially lower abuse liability compared to immediate-release amphetamines.
- The duration of action is approximately 14 hours, allowing for once-daily morning dosing.
- Can be opened and mixed with soft food (yogurt) or liquid (water, orange juice) for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.
- Careful monitoring for cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse effects is crucial, especially at baseline and during dose titration.
- Due to its Schedule II classification, strict prescribing regulations apply.
Alternative Therapies
- Other CNS Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate products: Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR; Amphetamine products: Adderall XR, Mydayis, Dexedrine)
- Non-stimulants for ADHD (e.g., Atomoxetine, Guanfacine ER, Clonidine ER)
- Other medications for Binge Eating Disorder (e.g., Topiramate, SSRIs)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information about its use. It is vital to read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of the medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for clarification.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.