Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
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Table of Contents
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, which is a prescription drug and a central nervous system stimulant. It is used to treat ADHD but has also been approved by the FDA to treat binge eating disorder. It is classified as a Schedule II drug by the DEA because it has the potential to be abused.
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) works by restoring the natural balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which increases the user’s ability to concentrate and stay focused on a given task. Vyvanse is designed to be taken orally and is available in a capsule or chewable tablet form. When used on a long-term basis, it can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Although it is a Schedule II drug, Vyvanse is less likely to be abused than other similar drugs like Adderall because it is a prodrug and its effects aren’t felt immediately. It must first be absorbed by the intestinal tract and converted to dextroamphetamine (the active form of the drug) before any effects are felt. So, if a person takes a dose of Vyvanse, he or she won’t feel its effects until an hour or two later.
Slang for Vyvanse
According to the World Health Organization, there are no current street names or slang terms for lisdexamfetamine, however, the following terms are slang for amphetamines:
- Speed
- Uppers
- Pick me ups
- Lightening
- Fet
- Powder
- White
- Throttle
How Common Is Vyvanse Addiction and Abuse?
The abuse of prescription stimulants like Vyvanse is common in the U.S. and abuse is growing. In 2017, 7,663 people died from a psychostimulant overdose, compared to 5,992 in 2016 (an increase of 30 percent). Additionally, according to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 4.3 million people used prescription stimulants to get high in the last month.
Prescription stimulant abuse can happen in a variety of different ways, including:
- Taking someone else’s prescription stimulant drug
- Using a prescription stimulant drug when it is not medically necessary
- Getting multiple prescriptions from several different doctors
- Taking prescription stimulants with other drugs or alcohol
- Taking larger or more frequent doses than necessary
- Crushing the pills and snorting the powder to get high
- Diluting the powder and injecting it to get high
Long-term abuse of prescription stimulants like lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) can cause dependence, addiction, and result in severe or even life-threatening side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Abuse?
Common side effects of lisdexamfetamine abuse include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature
- Reduced appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Involuntary twitching
- Excessive sweating
- Chest pain
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Coma
What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Addiction and Abuse?
If you or a loved one has developed an addiction to lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), there are several signs and symptoms to watch for. Common signs of prescription drug abuse and addiction include:
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Problems sleeping
- Reduced appetite
- Hyperactive behavior
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
- Hostile behavior
- Excessive mood swings
- Requesting early refills
- “Losing” prescriptions
- Poor decision-making
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Vyvanse Detox
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to deal with on your own at home. The safest and most effective way to detox from Vyvanse is to do so at a medical detox center. Medically-assisted Vyvanse detox provides round-the-clock medical and clinical care, to treat the uncomfortable physical and psychological side effects of withdrawal. Treatment may also involve a process called tapering, where you are gradually weaned off the Vyvanse instead of abruptly quitting. This can reduce the severity of the withdrawal side effects.
At a detox center, your treatment team can also provide personal recommendations for ongoing care if you choose to continue your addiction treatment after completing Vyvanse detox. These options may include residential rehab, outpatient rehab, IOP. a sober living program, or a peer monitoring program. These Vyvanse treatment services can help to address the underlying causes of the addictive behavior to prevent relapse.
Overall, an inpatient Vyvanse detox program can help prevent relapse by providing medical, clinical, and personal support, even after detox is over.
What Are Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms?
If a person attempts to stop using Vyvanse once they are addicted or dependent, they may experience uncomfortable physical side effects called withdrawal. Common symptoms of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Concentration problems
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Mood swings
- Exhaustion
Vyvanse Withdrawal Timeline
The duration and intensity of Vyvanse withdrawal will vary from person to person depending on the method they used to quit (taper or cold turkey), the typical dose and frequency of use, the method of abuse, the duration of time Vyvanse was abused, and if the Vyvanse was abused with any other drugs.
Although Vyvanse detox and withdrawal are different for everyone, here is an estimated Vyvanse withdrawal timeline.
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Treatment for Vyvanse Addiction
Once you have completed detox for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) addiction, you may choose to continue your treatment with a Vyvanse rehab program. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, long-term addiction treatment of 90 days or longer is recommended for people who want to sustain their sobriety and maintain positive outcomes.
Vyvanse rehab programs are designed to help clients address the root causes of their addiction and learn how to live a sober life. During rehab, clients work with a team of addiction treatment professionals (many of whom are often also in recovery themselves) to achieve the following objectives:
- Maintain their sobriety
- Learn about the disease of addiction
- Implement relapse prevention strategies
- Gain the life skills necessary for a sober lifestyle
- Establish healthy relationships with sober peers and mentors
These Vyvanse treatment program objectives can be achieved with several different types of rehab programs, including residential programs, outpatient rehab programs, or intensive outpatient rehab programs (IOP).
Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Vyvanse Addiction
There are several differences between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. To determine which type of rehab program is best for you, it is wise to consider several different factors, such as:
- Your treatment needs
- Your financial ability
- Your history with addiction and relapse
- Your location
- Your health insurance benefits coverage
While enrolled in an inpatient drug rehab program, clients can expect to:
- Live on-site at the rehab center in gender-specific group housing
- Have immediate access to treatment professionals and medical care
- Attend educational lectures, process groups, and group counseling sessions
- Follow a structured daily routine and schedule
- Participate in family therapy during treatment
- Attend individual counseling and therapy sessions
While enrolled in an inpatient drug rehab program, clients can expect to:
- Live on-site at the rehab center in gender-specific group housing
- Have immediate access to treatment professionals and medical care
- Attend educational lectures, process groups, and group counseling sessions
- Follow a structured daily routine and schedule
Participate in family therapy during treatment - Attend individual counseling and therapy sessions
While enrolled in an outpatient drug rehab program, clients can expect to:
- Attend weekly group meetings at a clinical location for several weeks
- Live at home while completing rehab
- Attend to other responsibilities while enrolled in rehab (attend school, work, care for children, etc.)
- Attend educational lectures
- Complete individual counseling
The cost of an inpatient or outpatient treatment program will vary depending on several factors, like the location of the treatment center, the services offered, the amenities, and whether the facility accepts your insurance benefits. Most often, clients have several different payment options, including:
- Health insurance benefits
- Privately financed healthcare loans
- HSA funds
- Treatment scholarships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits
- Credit cards
- Out-of-pocket payments
Neither inpatient nor outpatient treatment programs are better than the other. Rather, each one caters to the different needs of recovering individuals.
Continued Care Options for Vyvanse Addiction Treatment
Any type of drug addiction cannot be “cured” or easily overcome within a matter of days. Overcoming any type of addiction, including Vyvanse addiction, takes time, effort, and support. Fortunately, overcoming lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) addiction is possible with the right support and there are many different types of recovery support programs available to those who need them. The following programs are just a few examples of continued care options after rehab.
Sober Living Programs
A sober living program provides safe and sober gender-specific group housing. Most people who live in sober living homes have already completed detox and rehab and are actively working to maintain their sobriety.
Sober living homes also provide structured daily schedules for residents, with access to recovery support services such as:
- Education and employment assistance
- Tiered recovery programming
- Regular drug and alcohol testing
- Peer support programs
- Family support
The cost of a sober living program will vary, depending on the recovery support services offered, the amenities, and the location.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are also beneficial for people in recovery. They provide continued peer support in early sobriety, which is often a challenging time. Aftercare programs are comprised of a series of group meetings that are facilitated by an addiction treatment professional. Each meeting is intended to be a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel accepted, regardless of their personal successes or failures in recovery.
Many people also use aftercare meetings as an opportunity to check-in with their peers and remain accountable to their own sobriety goals.
Overcoming lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) addiction is an ongoing process, but you can achieve full recovery with the right treatment and support. If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription stimulant abuse, a Vyvanse rehab program may be exactly what you need. Call Nova Recovery Center today at (512) 309-5694 to find out how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vyvanse Addiction and Withdrawal
Vyvanse addiction often begins subtly, especially when the medication is used outside of a prescription. Common signs include taking larger doses than prescribed, running out of pills early, obsessing over the next dose, changes in sleep or appetite, mood swings, and doctor shopping. Long-term misuse may lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
While Vyvanse is designed to have a lower abuse potential than other stimulants, addiction is still possible—even when taken as prescribed. Individuals may develop a psychological dependence, especially if they begin to rely on the drug for focus, energy, or emotional regulation over time.
Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms can be intense, particularly after extended or high-dose use. These may include fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and strong drug cravings. Some people also report feeling mentally foggy or unmotivated for several days to a week.
Withdrawal symptoms from Vyvanse typically begin within 24 hours after the last dose. The most intense symptoms usually occur between days 3 and 5. For most individuals, withdrawal resolves within 7 to 10 days, although some emotional symptoms—like low mood or anxiety—may persist longer.
A Vyvanse crash is a short-term, immediate reaction to the drug wearing off, often marked by irritability, fatigue, and low mood. Withdrawal, on the other hand, is a longer-lasting process that begins once the drug is stopped completely. Crashes can happen daily, while withdrawal occurs after long-term use is discontinued.
Stopping Vyvanse should always be done under medical supervision. A gradual taper is often recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms and avoid serious mental health effects. At Nova Recovery Center, clients undergo a personalized detox plan with 24/7 clinical support to ensure safety and comfort.
Yes, comprehensive treatment is available for Vyvanse addiction. Nova Recovery Center offers medically supervised detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and aftercare planning. Evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and holistic modalities support long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
While Vyvanse withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it can be emotionally intense and psychologically dangerous—especially for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. Suicidal thoughts, depression, and severe anxiety may occur, making professional support critical during detox.
Most people begin to experience Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms within 24 to 36 hours after the final dose. Symptoms gradually increase in intensity over the next few days before tapering off by the end of the first week.
It’s highly recommended to taper off Vyvanse under medical supervision rather than quitting cold turkey. Sudden cessation can trigger severe psychological withdrawal symptoms. At Nova Recovery Center, our clinical team creates a customized taper plan to reduce discomfort and support long-term sobriety.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a long-acting Schedule II controlled substance prescribed for ADHD and binge-eating disorder. It comes in doses from 10 mg up to 70 mg once daily, typically lasting about 10–14 hours
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, loss of appetite, and irritability. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, potentially worsening any pre-existing heart problems or heart disease, especially if there’s a family history of cardiovascular issues
Yes. Look out for chest tightness, excessive sweating, or unexplained wounds on your fingers (e.g. from skin picking or circulation issues). These signs may indicate peripheral circulation problems or stimulant misuse
Withdrawal symptoms—such as severe fatigue, depression, irritability, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, and cravings—typically begin within 24–36 hours and can peak over the first 14 days, sometimes lasting
A typical taper may start at 70 mg, then reduce to 50 mg → 30 mg → discontinuation. Medical detox includes monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, managing nausea and vomiting, and screening for cardiac complications
No. Although it’s FDA-approved for ADHD and binge-eating disorder, off-label use for weight loss can dangerously raise blood pressure, heart rate, and increase risk of cardiovascular problems
es. Vyvanse may cause heart attack, stroke, and worsening of untreated heart disease. It’s contraindicated in people with significant cardiovascular conditions or family histories of heart problems. Regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring is essential
Vyvanse begins to work within 90 minutes to 2 hours, with peak effects around 3.5–4.5 hours. Its therapeutic effects typically persist throughout the day—up to 14 hours
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- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/vyvanse#basics
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148324/vyvanse-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/ingredient/lisdexamfetamine.html
- https://amphetamines.com/street-names/
- https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/5_1_Prereview.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20376813
- https://www.detox.net/vyvanse/
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Vyvanse withdrawal can be physically draining and emotionally overwhelming, especially without proper medical support. Symptoms like fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cravings often intensify before they improve, making professional treatment essential for a safe and effective detox process. At Nova Recovery Center, we offer medically supervised detox, comprehensive therapy, and personalized aftercare to help clients navigate every stage of recovery. With the right support, long-term healing is not just possible—it’s within reach. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to begin your recovery from Vyvanse.
Our Vyvanse Rehab Services in Texas
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Nova’s Comprehensive Continuum of Care Plan
90-Day Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Our 90-day residential drug and alcohol rehab in Austin center provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for you to heal, learn, and recover. Unlike other 30 or 60-day programs, our long-term rehab program gives you more time to adjust to a new way of living, more time to practice the mental and spiritual tools you will use outside of rehab, and more time to acclimate into a recovery community. This 90-day time span promotes genuine and lasting change for sobriety that lasts long after inpatient rehab ends.
Drug and Alcohol Detox
Our medical detox programs treat all kinds of addictions and are tailored to meet your individual needs. We use a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized detox program that will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal process. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin individual and group therapy to address any emotional issues and prepare for the transition into a rehab program. We believe this process provides the best foundation for continued sobriety.
Aftercare Program and IOP
Our Intensive Outpatient and Aftercare programs are designed to assist those who have graduated from our inpatient residential facility. Group sessions are available in Austin and Houston and provide structured addiction treatment sessions and recovery counseling in a safe, clinical setting. The first year of recovery can be difficult, but these support groups provide consistency, accountability, and peer support at a time when it’s needed most.
Sober Living Apartments
The transition from a residential rehab center into independent sober life is littered with obstacles. For this reason, we provide sober living homes and support programming for clients who need continued support as they make the transition. With regular drug and alcohol screenings, one-on-one sobriety coaching, and a safe, comfortable place to practice relapse prevention strategies, our sober living program is key to achieving an independent, substance-free life.
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