Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription drug and central nervous system stimulant that’s mainly used to treat adults and children over age 6 that suffer from ADHD. It’s also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults and children over the age of 18. Vyvanse comes in in tablets and capsules with different doses, ranging from 10mg to 70 mg. Vyvanse increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which stimulate the feelings of pleasure and reward.
Like most drugs, Vyvanse has a definite abuse and addiction potential if used for the wrong reasons or without a prescription.
Vyvanse Withdrawal
Withdrawal is a state in which the body is experiencing physical or psychological distress as a result of quitting or cutting back on drugs. This uncomfortable and difficult occurrence is a result of the person being dependent on the drug to be able to function in day-to-day life. Being dependent on a drug builds a tolerance, which means that the person’s body requires even more of the substance in order to enjoy the same pleasurable effects as before. When a person’s tolerance to a certain drug is high, stopping to take the drug or reducing its intake will lead to withdrawal. That said, the higher the person’s tolerance, the more difficult the withdrawal symptoms will be.
Vyvanse withdrawal is a result of the decrease in neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The body now needs to adjust to be able to function with a lower level of stimulation, thus bringing on withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are usually the opposite of the pleasurable symptoms the drug offers.
Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms
Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person. Their severity depends upon factors such as the amount taken, how long it has been taken for, and whether or not the person is dependent on other substances as well, such as alcohol or other drugs.
The physical symptoms of Vyvanse withdrawal can include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Shaking or trembling
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Sweating
Psychological symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Sleep disturbances
- Strange dreams
- Vyvanse cravings
- Agitation
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of motivation
Vyvanse Withdrawal Timeline
People wonder, ‘how long does Vyvanse withdrawal last?’ There is no proper answer to this question since the withdrawal timeline will differ according to the individual and their level of dependence on the drug. Generally, the first stage of Vyvanse withdrawal is the ‘crash.’ This occurs as soon as the stimulant effects of the drug begin to wear off. This stage can last for 1 -2 days. After that, the withdrawal stage kicks in. This is when the body tries to regulate its chemical imbalance and it could take from several days to weeks. In this phase the body works hard to retain its normal neurotransmitter levels. Depression, fatigue, increased appetite and cravings will usually be experienced now. After that, the other symptoms mentioned above can also take effect.
Vyvanse Crash
When the effects of Vyvanse start to wear off - usually around noon time if taken in the morning - the person will experience a Vyvanse crash. This means that the drug is leaving the system and since Vyvanse is a stimulant, once it’s no longer in the body opposite effects of stimulation will kick in.
The following are the symptoms one might suffer from during a Vyvanse crash:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Cravings for Vyvanse
- Lack of motivation
- Mood swings
A crash can occur even after the first time taking Vyvanse. If someone experiences a crash after taking Vyvanse regularly, it might be a sign of dependence on the drug.
If you or your loved one is addicted to Vyvanse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery, to begin your journey to sobriety.
Vyvanse Detox
One may be advised to stop taking the drug immediately in order to detox from the drug. This might be referred to as ‘stopping Vyvanse cold turkey.’ For someone that took a high dose, the other option will be to taper off the drug. This refers to slowly decreasing the dose of the drug until the body can cope without the drug completely. This is usually recommended as it’s the safest way. Tapering allows the body to slowly get used to coping without the drug as opposed to being shocked into a new reality. To know how to taper off Vyvanse in the most effective and proper way, it’s important to be in contact with a doctor or join a rehab. A personalized schedule will be created to help you taper off Vyvanse with successful results.
Treatment Options for Vyvanse Detox
Once fully detoxed from Vyvanse, one can begin the treatment program for Vyvanse addiction. By joining an inpatient rehab facility, one can greatly benefit from behavioral therapies that can change one’s unhealthy attitude towards the drug. These include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- focuses on and changes the negative thought patterns that lead to the problematic behavior.
- Contingency management- provides incentives to encourage positive results in behavior.
In rehab, one benefits from a drug free and calm place where care is available 24/7, enabling them to fully focus on recovery. Additionally, medical intervention is always on hand in case it’s necessary.
At Avenues Recovery, our expert staff are waiting to help you regain control of your life. We have helped thousands of people reach sobriety, and we can help you too. Our highly trained and professional addiction counselors, will guide and support you every step of the way. Embark on your journey to recovery and contact us today. Bid farewell to a life of mental and physical difficulty and embrace a life that’s filled with real inner happiness and health. We are waiting to hear from you.