Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) can cause a number of adverse reactions or unwanted side effects. These may vary from person to person. Many potential problems which arise will need medical attention. Many may not. It is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects, especially if they persist or worsen.
Many side effects are merely your body’s way of adjusting to the medication and will stabilise over time. Your doctor will be able to work with you and your treatment dosages to reduce and alleviate side effects which may become bothersome, or prevent them altogether. Your doctor will generally prescribe this medication if its benefits outweigh any risks or side effects.
Common Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) side effects
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain (stomach)
- Weight loss
Less common side effects include:
- Uncontrolled or repeated vocal outbursts or body movements (tics, twitching or twisting)
- Peeling, blistering or loosening of the skin
- Cough
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
- Discouragements
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Difficulties with breathing
- Difficulties with swallowing
- Increased heartbeat or pulse rate (fast, irregular, pounding or racing sensation)
- Depressive symptoms (feeling sad or empty, crying, irritability, agitation, aggression, mood swings, loss of interest or pleasure)
- Hives, welts, skin rashes, red skin lesions, inflammation of the skin or itching and swelling on the face, eyelids, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs
- Joint or muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or lower legs
- Tightness in the chest
- Concentration problems
- Sleeping problems
- Fever
- Dysphoria (feeling of unease) or euphoria (elevated mood)
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Blood flow problems (in the fingers and toes)
- Unusual wounds (on the fingers and toes)
- Frequent or prolonged erections (in males)
It is possible for your blood pressure to increase while on Vyvanse. Your doctor may check this regularly and help to manage any fluctuations.
It is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance if you experience serious side effects such as shortness of breath, sudden vision changes, fainting, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, chest / jaw / left arm pain, serious confusion, slurred speech or an allergic reaction.
Signs of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) overdose
Signs of a possible overdose, which will require medical attention as soon as possible include:
- Blurred vision
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Confusion
- Changes in consciousness or loss of consciousness
- Dizziness / light-headedness or feeling faint
- Dark-coloured urine
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Overactive reflexes
- Nervousness
- Panic and anxiety
- Pounding sensation in the ears
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Profuse sweating
- Violent outbursts
- Shakiness or trembling in the legs, arms, hands or feet