Vyvanse abuse can lead to a long list of problems, including addiction.

The misuse of stimulants has long existed, but there seems to be a significant wave in stimulant use, especially among teens and young adults. According to recent studies, approximately 5 million U.S. adults misused their prescription stimulants at least once, and 0.4 million had prescription stimulant addictions. Because around 16 million U.S. adults are prescribed stimulants, this is a real concern.¹ Our Stuart rehab center is familiar with all kinds of habit-forming drugs, including a stimulant called Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). If you’ve never heard of this medication, then keep reading to learn more about lisdexamfetamine side effects and why you should be cautious.

What Is Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)?

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Increased levels improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Dopamine is a chemical or neurotransmitter that sends signals from the body to the brain through the CNS. It plays a role in emotional responses as well as controlling movement. Norepinephrine, along with adrenaline, works to increase heart rate and blood pumping from the heart. It also increases blood pressure, breaks down fat, and increases blood sugar levels to increase energy. Not only does Vyvanse increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, but it also decreases their reuptake, which is why the drug can be habit-forming.

When dopamine levels increase, and the brain is inhibited from reabsorbing the excess, it can produce a surge of euphoria and energy, also referred to as a high. People can get high on Vyvanse, and long-term misuse can lead to addiction. If you’re addicted to a prescription drug, Banyan Stuart offers prescription pill detox treatment that can help flush it out of your system and aid in your physical recovery.

List of Lisdexamfetamine Side Effects

Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine can produce an overabundance of dopamine, flooding the brain with a sensation of pleasure. Despite any severe side effects of Vyvanse that you can experience as a result of misuse, a build-up of physical tolerance to it will make it more difficult to quit using. When a person develops a tolerance to a drug, they have to use more of it to experience the same side effects. Over time, this becomes physical dependence and eventually addiction.

Short-Term Effects of Vyvanse

Vyvanse side effects begin about 90 minutes after the last dose and peak after about 3 to 4 hours. Lisdexamfetamine effects can last for up to 14 hours, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be high for that long. Below are some immediate side effects you may experience when using Vyvanse.

• Euphoria
• Disinhibition (impulsivity)
• Increased focus
• Increased alertness
• Feelings of being in control
• Increased sociability
• Increased energy

Taking Vyvanse without ADHD or a binge eating disorder can cause some undesirable side effects. These physical and behavioral changes can also be more extreme in people who do not have these conditions, which is why you should never take any prescription drug that hasn’t been prescribed to you.

Long-term Effects of Vyvanse

Some of the common lisdexamfetamine side effects can be exacerbated by abuse, both short and long-term. Cardiovascular and psychiatric complications can occur as a result of Vyvanse abuse, which is one of the main reasons why this drug is a controlled substance. If you take Vyvanse and have experienced any cardiovascular symptoms, consult your doctor right away. If you have a lisdexamfetamine addiction and experience these symptoms, look into prescription pill treatment immediately.

Some long-term side effects of Vyvanse include:

• Weight loss
• Sleep problems
• Increased risk of mental illness
• Stroke (can cause sudden death)
• Heart attack (can cause sudden death)
• Chest pains
• Fainting
• Heart palpitations
• Increase blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Worsening symptoms of mental illness like bipolar disorder, psychosis, and mania
• Dependence and addiction

Not only can you get addicted to Vyvanse, but long-term misuse can lead to many if not all of the issues listed above. Lisdexamfetamine and other habit-forming drugs can affect the brain, often resulting in severe repercussions. If you or someone you know is addicted to stimulants, now is the time to get help.

Banyan Treatment Centers Stuart offers a wide range of substance abuse treatment options to help people with all types of disorders get sober. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to speak to a team member about our Florida drug and alcohol treatment.