Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?

It is possible to overdose on Vyvanse, despite it being a commonly prescribed drug. 

How Does a Vyvanse Overdose Happen?

Sometimes a Vyvanse overdose happens by mistake, if you take an extra pill without realizing it. Or you may have taken more than prescribed to stay awake, focus on an exam, or even for the “Vyvanse high”. Either way, you may be experiencing worrying effects - a pounding heart, severe anxiety, confusion, or even chest pain.

Taking too much Vyvanse is dangerous, and knowing what to do immediately matters. In this article, Avenues Recovery explains how to recognize a Vyvanse OD, when to call for emergency help, and what recovery options are available afterward. At Avenues, we understand the panic, shame, and helplessness that can come with a Vyvanse overdose, because we’ve helped many people through it.

What Happens if I Accidentally Take 120mg of Vyvanse?

Taking 120 mg of Vyvanse is a serious situation, and you may be feeling panicked if this happened to you or someone you love. At this level, you may notice a racing or irregular heartbeat, intense anxiety, tremors, or vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause chest pain, hallucinations, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

It is important to call 911 right away. While waiting for help, stay calm, stay with the person (or make sure someone stays with you), and share information about the dose and timing with medical responders.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and BED (Binge Eating Disorder). Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that your body converts into dextroamphetamine, the compound that produces the stimulative effects. It has proven to be very successful in treating both disorders, but in an alarming trend, people use Vyvanse for other reasons.

Vyvanse is classified by the FDA as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. While it can be very effective and safe when taken exactly as prescribed, misuse is risky. People may take it for the “high” or boost in focus and energy, but this can lead to Vyvanse addiction, long-term health problems, overdose, and even death.

Who Is Most At Risk for a Vyvanse Overdose? 

People who take more Vyvanse than prescribed, mix it with other substances, have certain health problems, or misuse the drug are at the greatest risk for a Vyvanse overdose.

Individuals at risk for a Vyvanse overdose include:

• Regular users with ADHD or BED may accidentally take a lethal dose if they don’t carefully measure or track when they last took their medication.
• People who misuse Vyvanse by snorting or injecting it, face a much higher chance of overdose.
• Recreational users without a prescription are at serious risk of overdose.
• People with heart problems or high blood pressure are at risk, as stimulants like Vyvanse can put extra strain on the heart.
• Those mixing Vyvanse with alcohol or other drugs risk unpredictable and dangerous interactions.
• Regular users of Vyvanse who take the drug after a break have lowered tolerance and may overdose if they return to their old dose.
• People in recovery from Vyvanse addiction who relapse are especially vulnerable, as their bodies can no longer handle the amount they once used, making overdose potentially fatal.

How Much Vyvanse Is Too Much?

Anything above your prescribed dose of Vyvanse can be considered too much. For most adults, the FDA sets the maximum daily dose at 70 mg. 

Going past these limits increases the risk of side effects like a racing heart, anxiety, and high blood pressure, and in severe cases, overdose. However, a lethal dose of Vyvanse is generally a lot more than 70mg.

If you’re worried about how much you’ve taken, it’s always better to treat it seriously and get help right away. “Too much” isn’t the same for everyone. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or a lower tolerance to stimulants, even a smaller dose can feel unsafe.

What Happens When You Overdose on Vyvanse?

A Vyvanse overdose can cause intense physical and mental symptoms, including heart issues, extreme anxiety, or confusion, and may become life-threatening.

If you or someone you know is using Vyvanse recreationally or at greater doses than recommended, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of a Vyvanse OD. Swift action in the case of an overdose can save lives. 

Here are some symptoms of a Vyvase overdose you could look out for:

• 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. Although you may be worried about a loved one, such as a parent or partner, finding out that you have overdosed, calling the emergency services immediately gives you the best chance of recovery.

If you cannot call them yourself, alert someone immediately so they can call emergency services for you. Try not to be alone, ensure 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. Stay with the person until medical assistance arrives. It is very important to let the medical personnel know that you have reason to suspect the person has overdosed on Vyvanse so they can administer the right medical treatment.

How is a Vyvanse Overdose Treated?

There isn’t a single antidote for a Vyvanse overdose, but doctors can provide supportive care to manage the symptoms and keep you safe. Several substances can be used to counteract the dangerous effects of Vyvanse overdose, including:

• Activated charcoal: If the overdose is caught within an hour, this can stem the absorption of lisdexamfetamine in your body, preventing further damage.
• Fluids: You will most likely need intravenous fluids to flush the drug out of the body as quickly as possible.
• Medications for heart symptoms: Doctors may give specific medications to manage dangerously high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms.
• Benzodiazepines: Different types of benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety and control seizures for damage control. 

• Hospital monitoring: In more serious cases, you may need to be admitted to the hospital so doctors can closely monitor heart, blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs until your body clears the drug safely.

Is it Possible to Prevent a Vyvanse Overdose?

Yes, it is possible to prevent a Vyvanse overdose by being aware of the risks of taking Vyvanse and making proactive choices. 

If you are prescribed Vyvanse:

• Take only as prescribed and check in with your doctor if your current dose doesn’t feel effective, rather than adjusting it on your own.
• Keep track of when you take your dose to avoid accidentally doubling up.
• Don’t store large amounts of Vyvanse at home, to decrease the chances of taking too much once you are already on the euphoric ‘high’ from the first dose.
• Ask someone to store your medication for you, especially if you have a history of drug abuse. That person would give you the prescribed amount every day.

If you’re at risk of misuse:

• Don’t attend parties where people regularly abuse drugs. It is best to control yourself from taking the first dose to avoid reaching for more once the Vyvanse effects wear off.
• Resist the temptation to make the Vyvanse more exciting by taking it with illicit street drugs. It’s impossible to know exactly what those substances contain and what effect they can have on your body.
• Avoid mixing Vyvanse with alcohol or other prescription medications unless your doctor specifically approves it. These combinations can intensify side effects and raise the risk of overdose.

Treating Vyvanse Addiction and Preventing Overdose

 If you are addicted to Vyvanse, you may feel like your life is out of control. It’s possible that you’ve lost meaningful relationships and have trouble with basic responsibilities. Life does not have to be that way.

Drug rehab can help you recover from addiction and give you the skills to move forward without the need for drugs. At Avenues Recovery, our mental health professionals can guide you through a safe detox that will minimize the unpleasant side effects as much as possible. 

The journey to sobriety can be tough, requiring patience and lots of resilience. With our devoted and professional staff, along with the support of other addicts, you can find your path to health and stability. Contact Avenues Recovery today to begin your path to recovery.

FAQs About Vyvanse Overdose

• Can you overdose on 60 mg of Vyvanse?

60mg of Vyvanse does not automatically cause an overdose, and it is within the FDA’s approved range. But if it’s not prescribed, combined with other substances, or taken with certain health issues, 60mg of Vyvanse can cause dangerous symptoms that require medical attention.

• How fast does Vyvanse overdose set in after taking too much?

Symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose can appear within 1 to 3 hours and may intensify over several hours. Vyvanse is converted to dextroamphetamine in the body, which typically peaks around 3.5 hours after a dose. Food, other medications, and the amount taken can change how quickly effects appear.

• Is there an antidote or reversal medication for a Vyvanse overdose?

There isn’t a specific antidote for a Vyvanse overdose. Treatment focuses on supportive care - controlling heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and treating agitation or seizures. Dialysis doesn’t remove Vyvanse or amphetamines effectively.

• What should I do if I think I’m overdosing on Vyvanse?

If you think you are overdosing on Vyvanse, treat it as an emergency and call 911 right away. If symptoms aren’t immediately life-threatening, you can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Don’t try to vomit it up, don’t drive yourself, and if you’re with someone, stay close and share details of the dose and timing with medical responders.