In a bid to combat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulants known as amphetamines are used.
Specifically, these are Vyvanse and Adderall whose role is to step up the dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals in your brain.
These chemicals help to boost your level of focus and control and they heighten your concentration while in school or at work.
However, the symptoms may vary based on the individual taking it.
Now if your doctor has prescribed one of these to you, you may be wondering, how long does Vyvanse last?
If that’s the case, then it’s around 14 hours and we’ll soon tell you why that is.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a stimulant classified as amphetamines.
It is also a brand name for the stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
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Vyvanse has contained in a capsule as well as tablets that are chewable.
Another compound in Vyvanse is lysine which is absorbent to the body.
It can last as long as 14 hours after it has been taken.
How Long Does It Take For Vyvanse To Work?
Vyvanse can begin working in the body after it has been taken within an hour to two.
That being the case, it works faster than lisdexamfetamine.
Similarly, its effect could last up to 14 hours a day after it has been taken.
The higher the dosage taken by a person, the longer its effect is retained and the more the feeling from the drug is to be prolonged, the more addictive it can become.
There’s the good thing that while Vyvanse can expire like every other drug out there, but its effectiveness cannot decrease after a while.
Who Should Not Take Vyvanse
It is not recommended for children or adults meeting the following criteria to take Vyvanse
These criteria are:
- Those who are generally sensitive or allergic to stimulants
- Those who have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), an antidepressant within the past 14 days.
Risks That Can Occur While Taking Vyvanse
There are certain risks that can occur with the use of Vyvanse and if you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor.
Some major concerns include:
- If your child’s height seems to have slowed down or they’re not growing according to their age while they’re on Vyvanse, then you need to consult a doctor who will determine if there is a need to stop the treatment.
- Stimulants are known to have caused sudden deaths in people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart defects, etc. It could lead to chest pain or shortness of breath. Thus, your doctor will be able to ascertain if Vyvanse is to be recommended for your child.
- If you know of any circulation problems in the toes and fingers where they feel cool, numb, sensitive to pain, or occasionally change in color, you need to consult the doctor.
- If you are breastfeeding mother, it is not advisable to take Vyvanse at this period and you need to seek the counsel of your doctor on how you should feed your baby during this period.
What are the possible side effects of Vyvanse?
Some common side effects of taking Vyvanse are :
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased appetite
- Upper stomach pain
How Lisdexamfetamine Works In Different Body Systems
These are some of the mechanisms that show you how Lisdexamfetamine works in different parts of the body:
Mechanism Of Action In The Central Nervous System
The balance in the brain can be altered with an increase in the level of lisdexamfetamine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
What are these? You may wonder!
Norepinephrine is a stimulant while dopamine, on the other hand, is a substance that incites pleasure.
There’s also Lisdexamfetamine which is used to reduce the level of hyperactivity and control impulsiveness.
Mechanism Of Action In The Circulatory System
Vyvanse can have an action on the circulatory system and that it is why it is medically advisable to consult a doctor before you go on it.
If a person has a heart-related problem, then their doctor will determine how safe it is to go on the stimulant.
This stimulant is not also recommended for a hypertensive patient since it could potentially heighten their blood pressure.
Mechanism Of Action In The Digestive System
Vyvanse can be absorbed into the body easily and as such, it is a pro-drug.
Generally, pro-drugs have the same behavior but lisdexamfetamine still has a disadvantage of being able to cause problems to the digestive organs.
Mechanism Of Action In The Reproductive System
One of the most important organs in the body is the reproductive organs and they are quite sensitive to drugs.
In the male reproductive health, for instance, it could alter spermatogenesis.
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It could also affect the erection cycle since a healthy male usually experiences about 2 to 5 erections while asleep which could last between 25 to 35 minutes.
The same can be said about a pregnant female which may be advised not to take it since it could pass through the milk to the baby.
How Lisdexamfetamine Works
Vyvanse is a pro-drug and its inactive elements become active once they enter a person’s body.
It is also easily absorbed into the body and may not need to be taken frequently which may have made it found favor among its users.
Having a good idea of how long Vyvanse last can help you ascertain when and when not to take it.
Keep in mind that it’s up to your doctor to prescribe this stimulant to you depending on the diagnosis he/she carries out.
Also, you need to report any negative side effects that occur as you take the stimulant and we’ve outlined a number of these ranging from shortness of breath to more serious concerns such as heightened blood pressure.
Any other concerns you may have will require the expertise of a doctor and how to mitigate these risks if there are any potential ones in the near future.
What this boils down to, is that the drug may have its benefits on what it can do and help you achieve, but great has to be taken before and when is consumed.