Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant drug typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a schedule II controlled substance and comes with risk of abuse and addiction. Vyvanse should only be used if it has been prescribed to you by a licensed medical professional.
Taking Vyvanse for any reason other than its intended purpose and with a legitimate prescription is considered drug abuse. Abusing prescription medication is just as dangerous as abusing any street drug and can cause adverse consequences to your health.
Prescription medications such as Vyvanse are typically abused to obtain a “rush” known as a euphoric high. Other common reasons for Vyvanse abuse include for its possible side effect of weight loss or because a person believes it will improve focus and enhance their studies. Whatever the reason, abusing Vyvanse is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided.
It is typical to take this drug orally in pill form. However, sometimes Vyvanse is crushed and snorted or injected because the user believes it will achieve a faster high. Injecting or snorting Vyvanse is dangerous and comes with many adverse side effects and health risks including addiction and overdose.
If you abuse Vyvanse or other prescription stimulants, it is important to seek help. At Empowered Recovery, we can help you with your drug abuse problems. Our personalized addiction treatment plans are designed with you in mind.
Call us for confidential advice and start your addiction treatment today.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a brand name for the drug lisdexamfetamine and comes from the amphetamine family. This prescription medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children over 6 years of age. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder.
Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant medication. This means it speeds up messages sent between the brain and body. Stimulant drugs also:
- Speed up your heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Constrict blood vessels
- Increase body temperature
- Increase energy
In addition, stimulants generally make you feel more awake and alert. Caffeine, for example, is a legal and natural stimulant. Other stimulant medications include Adderall and Ritalin, which are also schedule ii controlled substances.
You should not take Vyvanse if it has not been prescribed to you by a licensed medical professional. Prescription drugs should be treated with caution like any other drug and can cause adverse effects, especially if you have not prescribed them. This could be incredibly dangerous.
If you are concerned about taking Vyvanse that has been prescribed to you, it is important that you talk to your healthcare provider.
What Does Vyvanse Abuse Look Like?
Vyvanse is categorized as a schedule ii controlled substance meaning it has a high potential for abuse.
You might not realize that you are abusing Vyvanse. This can look like:
- Taking a higher doses than prescribed
- Prolonging use longer than recommended by a medical doctor
- Taking Vyvanse not prescribed to you even if you think you need it
- Buying Vyvanse as a street drug for any reason
- Taking Vyvanse for a reason other than its intended purpose such as for weight loss
- Crushing and snorting Vyvanse for a euphoric high
- Dissolving in water and injecting
Support for Vyvanse abuse is available, and you are not alone. Asking for help can seem daunting but it is the essential step to starting recovery. Your health is important and you deserve a drug-free future.
What are the Risks of Abusing Vyvanse?
Depending on the length and severity, abusing Vyvanse can cause short and long term effects including:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Trouble sleeping and insomnia
- Exacerbated existing mental health issues
- Psychosis
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Mania
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
- Stroke
- Addiction
In extreme cases, Vyvanse abuse can result in overdose and even sudden death. This is why it is never worth the risk.
If you have misused or have any concerns regarding using Vyvanse, talk a medical professional. You can also contact us at Empowered Recovery for confidential advice. We offer treatment plans with you in mind.
What are the Dangers of Snorting Vyvanse?
Some people snort drugs for a more immediate rush or “high”, and this is also the case for snorting Vyvanse.
Vyvanse is a prodrug stimulant. This means it is inactive until metabolized in the bloodstream at which time it is then converted. Due to this process, studies have found that snorting Vyvanse does not particularly speed up the effects of the drug.
Snorting Vyvanse might not achieve its desired effect for a user, but it is still very harmful and can cause:
- Damage to nasal passages
- Nasal septum perforation
- Chronic sinus infections
- Respiratory infections
- Cardiovascular issues
- Loss of sense of smell
- Swelling of face, mouth, and tongue
- Blurred vision
Snorting drugs is always dangerous and can also lead to addiction and overdose.
What are the Signs of a Vyvanse Overdose?
If you take too much Vyvanse or misuse it such as by snorting, you may overdose. This is very serious and requires immediate treatment.
Signs and symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include:
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Aggressive behavior
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Panic
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
There is also a risk of coma and even sudden death. This is why a Vyvanse overdose is always a medical emergency. If you experience overdose symptoms, always call 911 immediately.
How do I Know if I Have a Vyvanse Addiction?
You might have an addiction to Vyvanse if you continue to take the drug despite adverse effects to your health and wellbeing. Addictions take over people’s lives and leave you feeling out of control.
An addiction to drugs is known medically as a substance use disorder (SUD). This is a disease which is hard to overcome but possible with professional treatment and care.
Signs of substance addiction include:
- Compulsive drug-seeking and obsession over next fix
- Mood swings
- Becoming secretive
- Increased drug tolerance
- Prioritizing drug use over other responsibilities and commitments
- Losing interest in things that were once important
- Poor performance at school and work
- Poor hygiene and self care
- Social withdrawal
- Wanting to quit drugs but being unable to
- Withdrawal symptoms
If you have been taking Vyvanse and notice signs of addiction, is it important that you seek addiction treatment from a medical professional.
What does Treatment for Vyvanse Addiction Look Like?
An addiction can only be diagnosed by a specialized medical professional. This is known medically as a substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction is hard to overcome, but possible with the right support.
If you have an addiction to Vyvanse, you will need to undergo a detox to overcome physical dependence. For your safety and peace of mind, this is best done at a treatment center. We do not recommend detoxing at home without professional supervision or quitting cold turkey.
Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inability to concentrate
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Cravings
The detox process is only short term and Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms usually taper off after a few days, until you have also taken other substances. As part of your treatment process, you may also undergo therapy and other treatment programs. These steps will help you to achieve long term recovery. This takes time, but recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Get Help for Vyvanse Abuse Today
At Empowered Recovery, we understand how difficult it can be to seek addiction treatment. That is why we offer treatment placement tailored to your specific needs, so you can focus on creating a brighter future.
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