Vyvanse is a safe drug when used as prescribed. But when used recreationally or other than prescribed, Vyvanse can have devastating long-term effects - including overdose and death. Vyvanse causes a sense of euphoria and well-being, making it addictive.
Many people use Vyvanse with other illicit drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous short- and long-term effects on the brain and body. Overdose on Vyvanse is, unfortunately, becoming more common across the United States, as people use the drug recreationally and mix it with other questionable substances.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and BED (Binge Eating Disorder). It has proven to be very successful in treating both disorders for which it is prescribed, but in an alarming trend, people use Vyvanse for other reasons.
Can You Overdose On Vyvanse?
Yes, you can overdose on Vyvanse. Vyvanse is a Schedule II substance, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and has a high potential for abuse and death. It produces a pleasurable short-term ‘high’ feeling that users crave once the effects of the drug wear off, causing them to take another ‘fix’ to reproduce the experience.
After some time, the body may develop tolerance to Vyvanse, meaning a greater dose is needed to produce the same effect as previously. At the same time, the body becomes dependent on the drug, which is how the addiction starts. Once addicted, the user has no control over their behavior, and they are no longer rational, so they will do everything they can to get their next dose of Vyvanse.
People who use Vyvanse regularly are at risk of taking a lethal dose of Vyvanse, which can have fatal consequences. This is because they do not measure their dosage or monitor when they took their last dose. This can cause a potentially fatal Vyvanse overdose.
Vyvanse Overdose Risk Factors: Who Is Most At Risk?
People who are prescribed Vyvanse as a treatment for ADHD or BED are at risk of overdose if they take the medication more often than prescribed, for longer than prescribed, or differently than prescribed. For example, snorting or injecting Vyvanse instead of taking the pill increases the chances of overdose.
People who have never been prescribed Vyvanse but take it recreationally- whether on its own or mixed with other substances- are also at risk of overdosing on Vyvanse. Additionally, people who are exposed to Vyvanse, whether prescribed or otherwise, and are experiencing difficulties in their lives, are at greater risk of taking Vyvanse to help them escape their issues.
Regular Vyvanse users who experience a period of abstinence from the drug, either intentionally or unintentionally, are at greater risk of overdosing when they take the same dose as before the abstinence period. This is because the body may have decreased its tolerance level, and the regular dose may be too much for the body to handle safely.
This is especially true of people who enter rehab and then relapse. They may have several weeks or months of sobriety, but when they relapse, they take the same dose as before they started recovery. This is extremely dangerous and can cause the person to overdose and die.
Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms
If you or someone you know is using Vyvanse recreationally or at greater doses than recommended, it’s important to know the symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose so you can recognize one and take quick action. Swift action in the case of an overdose can save lives.
Here are some symptoms that are an indication that a person may have overdosed on Vyvanse:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Rapid breathing
- High fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- Confusion
- Panic
- Hallucination
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Severe insomnia
- Depression
- Agitation and aggression
- High blood pressure
- Stomach cramps
- Heart attack
- Coma
- Stroke
What To Do In The Event Of A Vyvanse Overdose
If you suspect you may have overdosed on Vyvanse, call 911 right away and ask for medical assistance. If you cannot do it yourself, alert someone immediately so they can call emergency services for you. Don’t go into a room on your own. Make sure there are people around you who are aware that you are experiencing an overdose, so they can help you if the situation gets worse.
If you suspect a loved one may have had an overdose of Vyvanse, call 911 immediately. Don’t leave the scene- stay with the person until medical assistance arrives. It is invaluable to let the medical personnel know that you have reason to suspect the person has overdosed on Vyvanse so they can administer medical treatment as appropriate.
Treatment for Vyvanse Overdose
There are several substances that can be used to counteract the dangerous effects of Vyvanse overdose:
- Fluids- The person will most likely need intravenous fluids to flush the drug out of the body as quickly as possible.
- Activated charcoal- This can stem the absorption of Vyvanse in the body, preventing further damage.
- Benzodiazepines- Different types of benzodiazepines can sedate the person and control seizures for damage control.
How To Prevent a Vyvanse Overdose
The best way to prevent overdosing on Vyvanse is by entering recovery so you can learn to live a beautiful life without being dependent on the drug. However, if you are not yet ready for recovery, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Don’t store large amounts of Vyvanse at home. Having a small amount will decrease the chances of taking too much once you are already on the euphoric ‘high’ from the first dose.
- Don’t attend parties where people regularly use too much drugs. The best thing you can do is control yourself from taking the first dose to avoid reaching for more once the effects wear off.
- Never mix illicit street drugs with Vyvanse. Resist the temptation to make the Vyvanse more exciting by taking it with other drugs. It’s impossible to know exactly what those substances contain and what effect they can have on your body.
- Ask someone to store your medication for you. If you were prescribed Vyvanse and you have a history of drug abuse, it would be wise to ask someone to keep your medication for you and give you the prescribed amount for you to take every day.
Treatment for Vyvanse Addiction
Vyvanse addiction can cause irreversible damage to the brain and body. Even if doses aren’t fatal, the effects of consistent misuse of the substance are debilitating. You may feel like your life is out of control and that all meaningful relationships and responsibilities are falling apart, but life does not have to be that way.
You can choose to enter one of Avenue Recovery’s drug rehab centers and start your journey to sobriety. Our mental health professionals will guide you through a safe detox that will minimize the unpleasant side effects as much as possible.
With our incredibly devoted and professional staff, along with the support of addicts just like you, you can find your path to sobriety, serenity, and freedom. Contact us today to create your story.