Vyvanse is the commercial name for a drug called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), which is considered a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant [3]. It is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults [3].

Vyvanse is classified as a stimulant and is sympathomimetics – meaning the drug triggers the release of neurological chemicals in the brain. Specifically, Vyvanse’s job is to “fire up” the parts of our brain that are responsible for our alertness and attention control [8].

Vyvanse is often mistakenly understood as a slow-release form of Adderall, but this is not the case. Vyvanse was made by extracting the D-amphetamine component in Adderall and attaching it to an amino acid. This attachment means Vyvanse is a “prodrug” and does not work unless it passes through the body’s GI system, where it will metabolize slowly, lasting up to 14 hours for adults [1,3]. 

Vyvanse’s unique chemical difference from Adderall was an intentional effort to deter abuse and misuse. While it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, development of tolerance, physiological dependence, and addiction are still reported. The risk versus benefit in the case of Vyvanse may differ from person to person [3]. 

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Can You Overdose on Vyvanse? 

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Vyvanse, but fatalities are relatively uncommon when compared to other drugs. Vyvanse and other prescription stimulants still carry risks, particularly when misused or taken in excessive amounts. However, it is not typically associated with high mortality rates, especially when used as directed by a doctor. 

Several factors can significantly increase the risk of overdose, and in some cases, complications can lead to severe outcomes such as heart attack, seizures, or even death. These factors include:

1. Medical History: A pre-existing heart condition, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues are at higher risk when taking Vyvanse. Doctors will typically screen for these issues before prescribing Vyvanse. Make sure you disclose any heart condition to your Doctor before taking a stimulant. 
2. Polydrug Use: Combining Vyvanse with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or additional stimulants—dramatically increases the risk of arrhythmia, heart attack, or respiratory failure. Taking multiple substances at one time can have an unpredictable effect on the body. It is vital to disclose all current medication and lifestyle choices with your doctor before going on Vyvanse. 
3. High Dosage: Vyvanse has a slower onset due to its prodrug formulation, which may lead to users feeling their medication isn’t “strong enough.” Overdosing without consulting your doctor can lead to significant health complications. A medical professional can help you adjust your dosage in small increments, but you should not exceed 70mg per day. 

Drug metabolism varies from person to person, with no practical way to test how you might respond to a new stimulant. It is vital to follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage and report any adverse symptoms immediately. 

While Vyvanse overdoses are not common in typical therapeutic use, factors like underlying health conditions, polysubstance use, or excessive dosing can significantly increase your risks.

What Is a Lethal Dose of Vyvanse?

There are limited studies on humans that determine the lethal dose of Vyvanse (LDX). One short-term study in rats found that a dosage of 1,000 mg/kg resulted in the death of one rat [5].

However, it’s much more relevant to focus on the effective and safe dosages of Vyvanse. For treating ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED), the recommended starting dose is 30 mg per day, with a maximum of 70 mg daily. Your doctor can adjust your dosage as needed, typically in small increments of 10-20 mg [5].

What are the Signs Your Vyvanse Dose Is Too High? 

It is vital to communicate with your doctor about your experience with Vyvanse. Be aware of the following signs and symptoms, which may suggest your dosage is too high.

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Excessive Sweating
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Upper abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Decreased appetite and weight [3]

Contact your doctor if you’ve experienced one or more of these symptoms. They may decrease your dosage or explore alternative stimulant options. Since everyone’s metabolism and digestive system function differently, Vyvanse may not be your most suitable option. 

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Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose is crucial. If your loved one shows any of the following signs, seek emergency medical help immediately.

• Agitation and Restlessness
• Rapid Breathing and Fast Heartbeat
• Tremors, Twitchiness and Uncontrollable Shaking
• Muscle Pain and Weakness [3]
• Hallucinations
• Confusion, Disorientation and Panic
• Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Abdominal cramps.
• Abnormally High Body Temperature and Fever
• Speaking Rapidly and Urgently 
• Enlarged Pupils
• High blood pressure
• Weakness and Severe Insomnia [1,2]

Some of the most severe outcomes of a Vyvanse overdose are heart attack or seizures, leading to cardiac arrest, comas, and even death. [2] Early intervention is the most effective way to assist your loved one or yourself. 

Remember, accidental overdosing is common. Unwanted complications can occur even when taking the prescribed dosage. Drug metabolism differs from person to person. Take precautions when using prescription medication, and do not hesitate to consult a doctor should these symptoms arise. 

An accidental overdose of any drug is a sign that a person may be suffering from a substance use disorder. After the medical crisis is addressed and the individual stabilizes, it’s important to seek evaluation for substance use disorder and pursue appropriate treatment. [2].

Vyvanse Overdose Treatment

If you or a loved one experiences an OD on Vyvanse, there is hope for your recovery through several behavioral therapy options. While no FDA-approved medication counteracts substance use disorder, the following treatment therapies have shown significant success. [1].

• Contingency management (CM)
  • Which is a reward system set in place for individuals who test negative for drug use [1]
• Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), 
  • This intensive 24-week outpatient program has various therapeutic activities, supports, and incentives [1].
• Motivational interviewing (MI), 
  • This helps individuals self-identify personal barriers to success and strengthen internal motivation [1].
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  •  This assists people in recognizing their unhelpful thoughts, triggers, and behaviors that contribute to substance use [1].

It’s important to note that only a professional can provide an accurate diagnosis of a substance use disorder. Additionally, many instances of Vyvanse Overdose and misuse are associated with polysubstance abuse and underlying health issues. Seeking medical evaluation may shed light on any co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Developing a full scope of an individual’s diagnosis is crucial to their treatment program and overall success [2].

Is There a Risk of Vyvanse Overdose Death? 

While there is always a risk to prescription medication, a death occurring from Vyvanse alone is uncommon. 

A study from the General Practice Research Database on a population of 18,637 individuals aged 2 to 21 years found no increased risk of sudden death associated with ADHD medications (this would include LDX, aka Vyvanse) [6]. Similarly, an analysis of healthcare records from 443,198 adults aged 25 to 64 years—150,359 of whom were on ADHD medications—revealed no evidence of sudden cardiac death, heart attack, or stroke linked to these medications. Overall, this data suggests a limited risk of serious cardiovascular events in both children and adults taking ADHD medications like Vyvanse [6].

However, the vast research across the board prompted European and North American guidelines to advise against prescribing ADHD medication to more at-risk populations (e.g., patients with cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease) [6]. 

This research pulls from patients following the prescribed dosage under a doctor’s instruction. Vyvanse and other stimulants are prescription medications; “misusing a prescription medication increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal” [2].

Risk Factors for Vyvanse Overdose

Vyvanse Overdose is most commonly reported with misuse or polydrug use. Misuse occurs when someone uses the medication against prescribed directions, such as:

• Taking more than prescribed
• Using someone else’s prescription (even if it is for a legitimate medical condition)
• Forging prescriptions
• Ingesting the drug via unapproved routes (i.e., snorting, smoking, or injecting it)
• Using it to achieve a “high” or euphoric feeling 

Misuse may be a sign of a more significant substance use disorder. Taking prescription medication outside of its intended use can lead to various health issues. A disregard for personal safety or health may indicate drug dependency or abuse. Consult a medical professional if you or a loved one may be at risk due to prescription drug use.

Can you get high on Vyvanse? 

Vyvanse works slightly differently than other stimulants like Adderal. It must pass through the GI system, metabolizing in the body before properly releasing the stimulant to the brain. This chemical difference is a positive adaption to Adderal as it is thought to deter the unsafe act of disassembling the capsules for snorting, smoking, or injecting.  

For many stimulants, snorting or injecting the drug will bypass the time-release mechanism and can produce a euphoric high. However, Vyvanse is thought to minimize this effect due to its required attachment to an amino acid called lysine. Without this agent, the prodrug becomes ineffective, thereby discouraging improper use. 

The jury is still out on whether the Vyvanse drug abuse deterrent is effective. Even if the euphoric high of Vyvanse may be difficult to achieve without excessive overdosing, the risk of addiction remains [3]. 

Is Vyvanse Additive?

Vyvanse lights up specific brain receptors associated with concentration, productivity, and dopamine. Vyvanse users may experience increased excitement, alertness, euphoria, and a greater sense of well-being [3]. Because these are desirable outcomes, individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD or BED may seek to obtain this drug as an aid to their professional, academic, and personal lives. 

With ongoing misuse or illicit drug use, an individual can heighten their physiological tolerance and dependence, sparking an addiction to Vyvanse [3]. Though there is insufficient evidence on a specific combination of Vyvanse usage with other drugs, people often attempt to enhance their high with other substances like alcohol, opioids, and prescription drugs. Doing so is extremely dangerous and puts an individual at the highest risk of a lethal overdose. 

Vyvanse Overdose | FAQs

I accidentally took 120 mg of Vyvanse—what do I do?

Taking 120 mg of Vyvanse—a high dose—can lead to severe side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, tremors, confusion, or agitation. If you experience chest pain, severe restlessness, hallucinations, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or visit the nearest ER if symptoms worsen.

I accidentally took 140 mg of Vyvanse—what do I do?

The recommended maximum daily dose of Vyvanse is 70 mg. If you have taken more than this amount in a day, seeking medical advice is critical. After consulting with your doctor, be sure to stay hydrated and watch for the following symptoms, which may signal a more severe overdose.

• Aggression
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Heart problems such as heart attack or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• High fever
• Panic
• Psychosis
• Rapid breathing
• Restlessness
• Stomach cramps
• Tics or tremors

If you or a loved one exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance. Timely intervention may save a life or prevent further complications.

Get Vyvanse Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

Vyvanse, a CNS stimulant, is prescribed to treat ADHD and moderate to severe BED in adults. As a prodrug, it metabolizes slowly through the stomach’s GI system, offering extended effects and potentially reducing the potential for abuse. However, risks like tolerance and addiction are still common. 

If you or a loved one requires medical assistance for a Vyvanse addiction, consider reaching out to Gratitude Lodge for guidance on the next steps. Our treatment programs provide:

• Talk therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

Find effective treatment for Vyvanse addiction today by calling our recovery team at (800) 994-2184.

Sources 

1. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/stimulants/amphetamine/vyvanse/overdose
2. https://drugabuse.com/stimulants/vyvanse/overdose/
3. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/stimulants/amphetamine/vyvanse
4. https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/66/22/2005/5130331
5. https://www.addictionresource.net/lethal-doses/vyvanse/
6. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40263-014-0166-2.pdf
7. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/signs-vyvanse-dose-too-high/
8. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/adderall-stimulants-and-modafinil-for-adhd-short-and-long-term-effects