Understanding Vyvanse Abuse

Vyvanse abuse can occur even if someone was prescribed the medication. Continued misuse of Vyvanse can lead to addiction as well as mental and physical health problems. Due to the potential for Vyvanse addiction to develop, it is a federally controlled substance.

Vyvanse can be misused when someone wants to experience a high, others misuse it to lose weight because it reduces appetite and one of the drug’s primary side effects is weight loss.

What Is Vyvanse?

What is Vyvanse? Vyvanse is a brand-name, prescription drug used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients who are at least six years old. Vyvanse is also used for the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant, and it contains the generic, active ingredient lisdexamfetamine.

Vyvanse has effects similar to Adderall. While both are treatments for ADHD, a big difference between the two are the active ingredients. Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, rather than lisdexamfetamine. The lisdexamfetamine in Vyvanse is converted into dextroamphetamine by the body. This process makes the symptoms of Vyvanse less intense than Adderall, for most people. Symptoms of Vyvanse use can still include anxiety, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.

Is Vyvanse Addictive?

Is Vyvanse addictive? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vyvanse has the potential for abuse and dependence. This potential for abuse is why Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance. As a controlled substance, Vyvanse is available only by prescription and there are legal penalties to using it without one. According to FDA prescribing guidelines, doctors should perform a screening before prescribing Vyvanse to see if there is a high potential for addiction to develop.

Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning that the FDA sees it as being very addictive. There is a “black box” warning that comes with Vyvanse due to the potential for addiction.

Why Is Vyvanse Addictive?

Why is Vyvanse addictive? Vyvanse is a stimulant drug that acts on the central nervous system. Vyvanse can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and BED when used as prescribed and instructed, but it can also trigger the release of certain brain neurotransmitters. This release can occur in any situation, but especially when high doses are used or the drug is misused.

The stimulating effects of Vyvanse on the brain can cause someone to feel pleasant effects or even a euphoric high which can then trigger their brain’s reward response. These effects can lead to addiction. It should be noted that while Vyvanse is addictive, the risk of addiction is lower than with other prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Vyvanse?

People often wonder how long does it take to get addicted to Vyvanse, and the answer is that it varies from person to person. Some people may use Vyvanse and never become addicted, while others could become addicted quickly. Some of the factors that could lead to someone becoming addicted to Vyvanse quickly include:

• Using it recreationally, rather than as prescribed
• Taking high doses
• Mixing it with other psychoactive substances
• Misusing it for certain effects like euphoria or weight loss
• A personal or family history of addiction

Get Help for Vyvanse Addiction

Vyvanse misuse can cause serious side effects, and the risks increase the more someone misuses the drug. If you would like to get help for Vyvanse addiction, contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield to learn about treatment programs that address addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Your health is too important to ignore, call today.