This article describes Vyvanse’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Vyvanse.
If you want to know more about this drug, see this Vyvanse overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Vyvanse is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet. It’s available in a generic version called lisdexamfetamine. This article describes dosages of Vyvanse.
Vyvanse has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Forms and strengths of Vyvanse
Vyvanse comes in these forms and strengths. Strength is measured in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule | take by swallowing | • 10 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg • 50 mg • 60 mg • 70 mg |
| chewable tablet | take by chewing, then swallowing | • 10 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg • 50 mg • 60 mg |
Dosage of Vyvanse
This article describes the recommended dosages for Vyvanse. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
Doctors may adjust your dosage based on several factors, including:
- how well the medication manages your symptoms
- the occurrence of any side effects
- other health considerations, such as your kidney function
They will typically increase your dosage in small amounts weekly until they notice the desired results, following prescribing guidelines.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Vyvanse without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Vyvanse in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Vyvanse. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Vyvanse that gives the desired outcome.
Below are the usual recommended adult dosages of Vyvanse in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 30 mg once per day in the morning | 30 to 70 mg once per day in the morning | 70 mg once per day in the morning |
| moderate to severe binge eating disorder | 30 mg once per day in the morning | 50 to 70 mg once per day in the morning | 70 mg once per day in the morning |
Dosages of Vyvanse in children
Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. It’s not approved to treat binge eating disorder in children.
Below are the typical recommended dosages of Vyvanse for children.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 30 mg once per day in the morning | 30 to 70 mg once per day in the morning | 70 mg once per day in the morning |
Dosage adjustments for Vyvanse
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Vyvanse based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have, including kidney problems
- other medications you may take
- how you respond to the drug
Missed dose of Vyvanse
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Vyvanse. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Vyvanse and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Stopping Vyvanse
If you need to stop taking Vyvanse, do not do so suddenly without talking with your doctor.
Stopping Vyvanse too quickly, especially after long-term use, can cause withdrawal symptoms, including:
- fatigue
- depression
- changes in sleep patterns
- increased appetite
- unpleasant dreams
Your doctor may recommend lowering your dosage slowly to help prevent these problems.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Vyvanse and its dosage.
What are the signs that my dosage of Vyvanse is too high?
When you start Vyvanse, you’ll usually start at a low dose. Depending on how well this works, your doctor may adjust your dose until the right dosage is reached. This is the dosage where your treatment works well and your symptoms have improved, with few or no side effects.
If you’re having side effects, this might be a sign that the dosage of Vyvanse is too high for you. Side effects of Vyvanse could include:
- anxiety
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- stomach pain
- faster heart rate
- insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
This list does not include all possible Vyvanse side effects. And having a side effect doesn’t always mean the dose is too high. Your body may need time to adjust to the medication, or you may need to take it in a different way. Plus, side effects may vary depending on the condition your doctor prescribed Vyvanse for.
Talk with your doctor if you think your dosage of Vyvanse may be too high.
What are the signs that my dosage of Vyvanse is too low?
If your condition doesn’t start improving after you start taking Vyvanse, this could be a sign that your dosage of Vyvanse is too low. For example, if you’re taking Vyvanse for ADHD but you’re still having difficulty focusing or managing impulses, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
It may take some time for you and your doctor to find the best dosage of Vyvanse. Or you might need to try a different medication. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Vyvanse or if you think your dosage of Vyvanse may be too low.
Will my dosage of Vyvanse be calculated based on my weight?
No, the recommended dosage for Vyvanse is not based on weight for adults or children. Most children and adults will start at a low standard dosage, typically 30 mg once per day in the morning.
Dosages of Vyvanse are then usually adjusted regardless of your weight. Instead, your doctor will increase or decrease your dosage based on how well the medication is working for you and whether you’re having any side effects.
Your doctor will typically increase your dosage of Vyvanse each week until the right dosage is reached. The typical recommended dosage for ADHD is 30 to 70 mg once per day, for adults and children. The typical recommended dosage for binge eating disorder is 50 to 70 mg once per day. For either use, the maximum recommended dosage is 70 mg once per day.
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication. The guideline for treating ADHD in children from the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that it’s hard to predict how children will respond to a stimulant, and the right dosage doesn’t seem to be related to weight or height.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the dosage of Vyvanse.
Is Vyvanse taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Vyvanse as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Depending on why you take Vyvanse and how you’re doing with it, your doctor may recommend taking a break from the medication. This is sometimes called a “drug holiday.” It can help you and your doctor know if the drug is still working well or whether you’re having any side effects. If your doctor decides that a “drug holiday” may be helpful, it’s important to follow their specific instructions on how to do this.
If you have questions about how long you need to take Vyvanse, talk with your doctor.
How Vyvanse is taken
If you’re taking Vyvanse oral capsule, you’ll swallow it whole once per day in the morning. It’s best to take Vyvanse in the morning. Taking it in the afternoon may make it hard for you to fall asleep at night.
You can take Vyvanse oral capsule or chewable tablet with or without food.
If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you can open up the capsule, then empty and mix the entire contents in yogurt, water, or orange juice. If you see any compacted powder, you can break it up with a spoon. Swallow all the mixture within a short space of time. You may see a film remaining in the container after you take the mixture. This is natural.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, read these tips for how to swallow a pill.
If you’re taking Vyvanse chewable tablet, you’ll chew and then swallow it once per day in the morning. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing it.
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Vyvanse coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Vyvanse when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of Vyvanse
It’s important that you do not take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Vyvanse overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- fast heart rate
- high or low blood pressure
- agitation (feeling of restlessness)
- confusion
- hallucinations
- seizures
- stroke
- hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- coma
What to do if you take too much Vyvanse
If you think you’ve taken too much Vyvanse, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for Vyvanse
Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Vyvanse has a high risk of misuse. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed.
Misusing Vyvanse can cause serious side effects, overdose, and possibly death. It can also lead to addiction. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm. Doctors sometimes refer to misuse and addiction as substance use disorder.
These risks increase with higher doses of Vyvanse and the medication being used in a way it’s not supposed to be, such as through snorting or injection. Due to these risks, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dosage of Vyvanse. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about misuse.
Be sure to store Vyvanse in a secure place, and do not share Vyvanse with anyone else. Make sure you dispose of any unused or expired Vyvanse safely.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.