Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder. While it can be effective when used as directed, it also carries risks for dependence, misuse, and serious side effects, especially when taken without medical guidance. Understanding what Vyvanse does, how it works, and its potential dangers can help you or a loved one make safer, more informed decisions.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Unlike many ADHD medications that begin working immediately, Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it must be metabolized by the body before becoming active. This design produces a smoother onset and a longer-lasting effect.
FDA-approved uses include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Not approved for:
- Weight loss
- Cognitive enhancement
- Staying awake or working longer hours
Misusing Vyvanse for productivity or weight control is increasingly common and significantly raises the risk of addiction.
How Vyvanse Works
Vyvanse increases the levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain:
- Dopamine (motivation, reward)
- Norepinephrine (focus, alertness)
This leads to improved concentration, reduced impulsivity, and better task completion for people with ADHD. For individuals without ADHD, however, the dopamine surge can feel euphoric, and that’s where misuse risks begin.
Common Side Effects of Vyvanse
Vyvanse can cause both mild and significant side effects, including:
Physical side effects
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Sweating
Mental and emotional side effects
- Anxiety or jitteriness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Hyperfocus to the point of burnout
Severe side effects (seek help immediately)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Aggressive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
Is Vyvanse Addictive?
Yes. Although Vyvanse is designed to have a slower onset, it still contains amphetamine, which has addictive potential.
People may develop:
- Tolerance (needing higher doses)
- Psychological craving
- Dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
Misuse includes:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using without a prescription
- Crushing or chewing the capsules
- Taking it to lose weight or enhance performance
These behaviors significantly increase the risk of addiction.
Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping Vyvanse abruptly can cause uncomfortable withdrawal effects:
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog
- Increased appetite
- Strong cravings
Withdrawal can last several days to weeks depending on dose and duration of use.
Who Should Avoid Vyvanse?
Vyvanse may not be appropriate if you have:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- History of substance use disorder
- Thyroid conditions
- Glaucoma
Always consult with a medical professional before starting or adjusting stimulant medications.
Vyvanse and Alcohol
Mixing Vyvanse with alcohol is risky because:
- Stimulants mask alcohol intoxication
- Increased risk of alcohol poisonin
- Heart strain from combining a stimulant + depressant
- Higher chance of risky decisions, dehydration, or overheating
Vyvanse Misuse Among Students & Professionals
Vyvanse misuse is increasingly common in:
- College students
- High-performance professionals
- Individuals seeking weight loss
- Athletes or gym-goers
Although often viewed as a “productivity booster,” misuse increases the risk of:
- Dependence
- Cardiovascular complications
- Mood instability
- Psychosis in severe cases
Vyvanse (Brand) & Lisdexamfetamine (Generic) Pill Identifiers
Vyvanse (Brand) Capsules — Official Identifiers
| Strength | Color | Imprint | Form | Notes |
| 10 mg | White | S489 10 mg | Capsule | Shire-branded |
| 20 mg | Pink | S489 20 mg | Capsule | |
| 30 mg | Orange | S489 30 mg | Capsule | Very common |
| 40 mg | Blue | S489 40 mg | Capsule | |
| 50 mg | White/Blue | S489 50 mg | Capsule | Two-tone |
| 60 mg | White/Orange | S489 60 mg | Capsule | Two-tone |
| 70 mg | Blue/Orange | S489 70 mg | Capsule | Highest strength |
Lisdexamfetamine (Generic) Capsules — Common Identifiers
(Note: Generic manufacturers vary, so imprints differ.)
| Strength | Color | Imprint | Manufacturer | Form |
| 10 mg | White | M L10 or TEVA L10 | Mallinckrodt, Teva | Capsule |
| 20 mg | Pink | M L20 or TEVA L20 | Mallinckrodt, Teva | Capsule |
| 30 mg | Orange | M L30 or TEVA L30 | Same | Capsule |
| 40 mg | Blue | M L40 or TEVA L40 | Same | Capsule |
| 50 mg | Blue/White | M L50 or TEVA L50 | Same | Capsule |
| 60 mg | Orange/White | M L60 or TEVA L60 | Same | Capsule |
| 70 mg | Orange/Blue | M L70 or TEVA L70 | Same | Capsule |
Vyvanse Chewable Tablets — Brand Identifiers
| Strength | Color | Shape | Imprint | Notes |
| 10 mg | White | Round | S489 10 | Chewable |
| 20 mg | Pink | Round | S489 20 | |
| 30 mg | Orange | Round | S489 30 | |
| 40 mg | Blue | Round | S489 40 | |
| 50 mg | Beige | Round | S489 50 | |
| 60 mg | Purple | Round | S489 60 | |
| 70 mg | Violet | Round | S489 70 |
Generic Lisdexamfetamine Chewable Tablets — Identifiers
(Few generics widely available; imprints vary.)
| Strength | Color | Imprint | Manufacturer | Notes |
| 10 mg | White | L10 | Teva (common) | Chewable |
| 20 mg | Pink | L20 | Teva | |
| 30 mg | Orange | L30 | Teva | |
| 40 mg | Blue | L40 | Teva | |
| 50 mg | Tan/Beige | L50 | Teva | |
| 60 mg | Purple | L60 | Teva | |
| 70 mg | Dark Purple | L70 | Teva |
When Vyvanse Use Becomes a Problem
Signs that Vyvanse use has crossed into unhealthy territory:
- Taking more than prescribed
- Running out early
- Obsessing over access to the medication
- Using it to cope with stress or emotions
- Hiding use from others
- Crushing, chewing, or altering the dose
- Using alongside other substances
If this sounds familiar, treatment may help you regain balance and safety.
Treatment for Vyvanse Misuse or Dependence
At Brooks Healing Center, we provide evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals struggling with stimulant misuse. Our approach includes:
- Medical supervision
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication-assisted stabilization if needed
- Residential Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed support
- Stress-management + emotional regulation skills
- Aftercare and relapse-prevention planning
We help clients rebuild stability, confidence, and long-term health, without shame or judgment.
Get Help Today
If Vyvanse is affecting your health, relationships, or daily life, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to manage this on your own. Brooks Healing Center is here to walk with you through every step of recovery.
Call us today or reach out online for a confidential assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Vyvanse last?
Vyvanse typically lasts 10–14 hours, depending on your metabolism and dosage. Most people feel the strongest effects within the first 4–6 hours, with a gradual taper rather than a sudden “crash.” Because it’s a prodrug, Vyvanse activates more slowly and tends to provide smoother, sustained focus throughout the day.
What drug is in Vyvanse?
Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, a long-acting stimulant medication. Lisdexamfetamine is converted in the body into dextroamphetamine, which is the active stimulant responsible for its therapeutic effects in ADHD and binge eating disorder.
How long does Vyvanse stay in your system?
Vyvanse and its active metabolite (dextroamphetamine) stay in the body for different lengths of time:
– Blood: up to 24 hours
– Urine: 2–3 days
– Saliva: 1–2 days
– Hair: up to 90 days
Heavy or prolonged use can extend detection times.
Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?
Yes. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This is the same category as Adderall, due to its potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Can you snort Vyvanse?
Vyvanse should never be snorted. While some people misuse stimulant medications this way, Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it requires digestion to activate. Snorting it will not make it “hit harder”, but it can cause:
– Severe nasal and sinus damage
– Dangerous heart strain
– Higher risk of overdose
– Increased addiction potential
Does Vyvanse cause weight loss?
Weight loss is a common side effect of Vyvanse. The medication reduces appetite and increases energy expenditure, which can lead to:
– Decreased daily calorie intake
– Unintentional weight loss
– Difficulty maintaining nutrition
For some people, this side effect becomes severe and requires medical monitoring.
Can you take Vyvanse while pregnant?
Vyvanse is not generally recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Stimulants may increase the risk of:
– Preterm birth
– Low birth weight
– Blood pressure complications
– Withdrawal symptoms in newborns
Always speak with a medical provider before continuing or stopping Vyvanse during pregnancy.
Is Vyvanse an amphetamine?
Yes. Vyvanse is a type of amphetamine-based stimulant. The lisdexamfetamine in Vyvanse converts into dextroamphetamine, which is the active ingredient found in many ADHD medications.
Can you drink on Vyvanse?
Mixing alcohol with Vyvanse is dangerous. Stimulants mask the sedating effects of alcohol, which can lead to:
– Drinking more than intended
– Blackouts
– Alcohol poisoning
– Irregular heart rhythm
– Dehydration
– Risky decision-making
It’s best to avoid drinking while taking Vyvanse.
Sources
- Goodman, D. W., & others. (2010). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a prodrug stimulant in ADHD: long-term tolerability, efficacy, and safety profile. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 20(2), 141–149. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2873712/
- Dolder, P. C., & others. (2017). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lisdexamfetamine in adults. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 37(1), 24–32. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5594082/
- Krishnan, S. M., & others. (2008). Metabolism, distribution and elimination of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in humans. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 48(7), 825–835. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18991468/
- FDA. (2017). VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsule prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208510lbl.pdf
- Coghill, D. R., & others. (2014). A systematic review of the safety of lisdexamfetamine in ADHD treatment. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(7), 678–689. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4057639/
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, October 31). Lisdexamfetamine (Oral Route) — Uses, Side Effects, and More. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lisdexamfetamine-dimesylate-oral-route/description/drg-20070888
