Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Its side effects are usually the same for males and females.

Vyvanse is used to treat:

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug is taken by mouth and is available as a capsule that you swallow or a chewable tablet.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Vyvanse can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Note: In this article, we use the terms “female” and “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Vyvanse treatment.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Vyvanse in studies. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Vyvanse for ADHD include:

More common side effects in people taking Vyvanse for binge eating disorder include:

  • dry mouth
  • decreased appetite
  • constipation
  • anxiety
  • sleep problems*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Like most medications, taking Vyvanse may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Vyvanse include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop taking Vyvanse unless your doctor recommends it.

Vyvanse may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Vyvanse prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Vyvanse, visit MedWatch.

Although it’s uncommon, taking Vyvanse may cause serious side effects in some people.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Vyvanse include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Vyvanse. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.
‡ Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
  • Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Vyvanse typically causes the same side effects in both females* and males.* There haven’t been reports of any side effects being different in females and males.

But Vyvanse can have harmful effects if taken during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Warnings for Vyvanse” section below.

* In this article, we use the terms “female” and “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Although not common, taking Vyvanse can cause long-term side effects. This includes side effects that may continue even after treatment ends, or side effects that occur after taking the drug for a long time.

Long-term side effects of Vyvanse may include:

If you have questions about possible long-term side effects of Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 years and older. Children may be more likely to have certain side effects than adults.

Examples of these side effects include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In studies, sudden changes in emotion or mood were also reported in children who took Vyvanse. Examples of these types of changes may include crying uncontrollably or laughing at inappropriate times.

Vyvanse may cause slowed growth (height and weight) in children. Your child’s doctor will closely monitor their height and weight and compare it with average growth rates for your child’s age. If they note signs of slowed growth, your child’s doctor may temporarily or permanently have your child stop taking Vyvanse.

If you have questions about Vyvanse’s side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor or with a pharmacist.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Vyvanse’s side effects.

Can Vyvanse’s side effects differ depending on the strength of my dose (10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg)?

It’s possible. For example, studies found weight loss to be more likely with higher Vyvanse doses.

These studies didn’t always compare side effects across different Vyvanse strengths, so it’s not known if other side effects may differ depending on strength.

If you experience side effects from taking Vyvanse, lowering your dose may help relieve the side effect. But you shouldn’t change your Vyvanse dose unless your doctor tells you to do so. Always take Vyvanse exactly as your doctor prescribes.

If you have other questions about how your dose may affect your risk of side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Vyvanse cause anger or other emotional side effects?

Yes, Vyvanse can cause emotional side effects, including anger.

Certain emotional side effects were reported by people taking Vyvanse in studies, including:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you’re concerned about emotional side effects with Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss how to treat these side effects.

How long do Vyvanse’s side effects tend to last?

In many cases, side effects caused by Vyvanse should be temporary. And mild side effects often go away on their own or can be easily treated.

But if you have any symptoms that don’t go away or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest stopping your Vyvanse treatment and switching to a different drug.

Learn more about some of the side effects Vyvanse may cause.

Sleep problems

Sleep problems can occur during Vyvanse treatment. Sleep problems reported in the drug’s studies included insomnia (trouble sleeping) and nightmares. Insomnia was among Vyvanse’s more common side effects. In rare cases, people stopped taking Vyvanse due to insomnia.

In the studies, insomnia occurred more often in adults, but it was also reported in children taking Vyvanse.

It’s important to note that sleep problems can also be a symptom of serious side effects that Vyvanse may cause. Examples of these serious side effects include mental health conditions, such as mania, depression, and psychosis.

What might help

Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that can keep you awake if taken later in the day. To help prevent sleep problems such as insomnia while taking Vyvanse, avoid taking your dose in the afternoon. Take Vyvanse in the morning instead.

If you have sleep problems while taking Vyvanse, talk with your doctor. They may suggest treatment for this side effect, which may include a new prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Or they may have you stop taking Vyvanse and switch to a different treatment for your condition.

Headache

Some people may experience headaches during their Vyvanse treatment. This side effect was rare in studies, but some people did stop taking Vyvanse due to headache.

What might help

Headaches from Vyvanse may go away on their own. But if you experience headaches that bother you or won’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest treatment for this side effect, such as a new prescription or OTC drug. Or they may suggest that you stop taking Vyvanse and try a different treatment for your condition.

Depression

In some cases, depression can occur with Vyvanse use. In studies, depression was reported in people using Vyvanse, but it wasn’t common.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • changes in appetite
  • feeling agitated or restless
  • feeling guilty or worthless
  • losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
  • sleeping too much or too little

What might help

If you notice symptoms of depression while taking Vyvanse, it’s important to talk with your doctor. They can suggest treatment options, such as prescription medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of treatments. Your doctor may also suggest that you stop taking Vyvanse and try another treatment for your condition.

Risk of misuse and dependence

Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Treatment with Vyvanse may lead to physical dependence or misuse. With dependence, your body needs a drug to feel like you usually would. And misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes. This includes taking a medication for non-medical purposes.

Misuse can lead to addiction. Some people may also develop addiction when taking Vyvanse as prescribed. With addiction, it’s difficult to stop taking a drug even though it may be causing harm.

Symptoms of Vyvanse misuse can include:

  • aggressive or hostile behavior
  • excessive sweating
  • heavy breathing
  • high blood pressure
  • sleep problems, including insomnia
  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

What might help

Before prescribing Vyvanse, your doctor will review your medical history. They’ll look for any risk factors for misuse or dependence. They’ll also monitor you for any symptoms of misuse or dependence during your treatment.

Call your doctor right away if you’re concerned about misuse or dependence while taking Vyvanse. They may lower your dose or have you switch to a different drug for your condition.

Because Vyvanse can cause dependence, it’s important that you don’t stop taking the drug unless your doctor tells you to. If you need to stop your treatment, your doctor will lower your dose over time. This can help prevent withdrawal symptoms (side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on).

If you have questions about stopping your Vyvanse treatment or about your risk for misuse or dependence, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Vyvanse can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies. It has been reported since the drug was approved for use, though.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Vyvanse, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Vyvanse, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Vyvanse treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
  • what your symptoms were from the side effect
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were also taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Vyvanse affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Before deciding to take Vyvanse, there are certain warnings to consider. See below for more details.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and dependence

Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking stimulant drugs such as Vyvanse can lead to misuse and dependence. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes. And with dependence, your body needs a drug to feel as it usually would. This can occur even at recommended doses.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Vyvanse may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Vyvanse. The list below includes factors to consider.

Blood flow problems. Vyvanse can cause blood flow problems to your fingers and toes, including a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon. If you already have blood flow problems, taking Vyvanse may worsen your condition. Your doctor can help determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

Heart problems. In rare cases, Vyvanse can cause heart-related side effects, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or sudden death. You may have a higher risk for these side effects if you already have heart problems such as an abnormal heart rhythm or heart disease. Your doctor can help determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take with your heart condition.

Kidney problems. Before taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease. Having kidney problems could cause the drug to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to prescribe a lower dose of the drug for you.

Mental health conditions. Vyvanse can cause certain mental health conditions, including mania, depression, and psychosis. If you or a family member have a mental health condition, you may have a higher risk for these side effects if you take Vyvanse. Your doctor can determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you. They can also advise you on symptoms to watch for if they prescribe Vyvanse for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vyvanse. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Alcohol and Vyvanse

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Vyvanse. But Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk for misuse and dependence. (Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes. And with dependence, your body needs a drug to feel as it usually would.) For more information, see “Side effects explained” above.

If you have a history of alcohol misuse or dependence, your doctor may decide to prescribe a different medication other than Vyvanse. This is because you may have a higher risk for misuse or dependence with Vyvanse.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Vyvanse. They can tell you how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink during your treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Vyvanse

There is limited data available on the use of Vyvanse during pregnancy. But taking Vyvanse while pregnant may cause harm to a fetus.

If you have questions about using Vyvanse during pregnancy, talk with your doctor. If you do take Vyvanse while pregnant, consider signing up for The National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications. Pregnancy registries collect information on the safety of certain drugs when taken during pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed while taking Vyvanse. This is because the drug passes into breast milk. The drug could cause serious side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you have questions about using Vyvanse while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

If you’re looking at treatment options for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or an eating disorder, your doctor may suggest Vyvanse. Like most medications, taking Vyvanse can cause side effects in some people.

If you’re considering treatment with Vyvanse, talk with your doctor. Some examples of questions you may want to ask include:

  • How do Vyvanse’s side effects compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
  • Can taking Vyvanse cause sexual side effects?
  • If I have side effects while taking Vyvanse, will taking a lower dose help?

To learn more about Vyvanse, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

If I need to stop taking Vyvanse, will I have withdrawal symptoms?

Anonymous

A:

If you stop your Vyvanse treatment suddenly, this could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Because your body can become dependent on Vyvanse, it’s important that you don’t stop taking the drug unless your doctor recommends it. (With dependence, your body needs a drug to feel as you usually would.)

Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Examples of these symptoms include:

If you and your doctor decide to stop your treatment, your doctor will lower your dose slowly over time. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms.

If you have questions about stopping your Vyvanse treatment, talk with your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.