Patient handout

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

You have been prescribed Vyvanse. This page explains what it is, what to expect, and when to call.

Prepared by Alice Tran, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC · Alice Tran Psychiatric Care · Updated October 2026

What it is

Vyvanse is a once-daily stimulant for ADHD. It is inactive until the body converts it, which gives a smooth start, a long effect of about ten to fourteen hours, and a lower potential for misuse than other stimulants. It is a controlled substance.

How to take it

• Take it first thing in the morning, with or without food. Taken later, it will interfere with sleep.
• The capsule can be swallowed whole or opened and mixed into water, yogurt, or juice and taken right away. The chewable tablet is chewed fully.
• Eat breakfast before or with it, since appetite drops once it takes effect.
• If you miss a dose, take it only if it is still early morning. Otherwise skip it. Do not double up.

What to expect, and when

• Day 1: it starts in about one to two hours, more gradually than Adderall, and lasts most of the day.
• Week 1 to 2: appetite, sleep, and heart rate are watched while the dose is adjusted.
• Week 2 to 4: the right dose is found. The goal is steady focus through the workday without an evening crash.
• Follow-ups are more frequent at first, then spaced out once the dose is stable.

Common side effects

Reduced appetite, trouble falling asleep, dry mouth, headache, stomach upset, faster heartbeat, and a small rise in blood pressure. Some people feel irritable or flat as the dose wears off in the evening. Most effects ease over the first weeks or with a timing or dose change.

Call the office the same day if

Stopping

Stimulants can be paused and restarted, and some people skip days off work by plan. Stopping suddenly after daily use can bring a few days of fatigue, low mood, and extra sleep. Tell us before you stop so we can plan it.

Good to know

• This is a controlled substance. Keep it in a safe place, never share it, and know that early refills generally cannot be issued. Visits are required for each new prescription.
• Tell us about any heart condition, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or history of substance use before starting, and tell other prescribers and your pharmacist you take it.
• Caffeine, decongestants, and cannabis add to the heart-rate and blood-pressure effects. Keep caffeine modest and be honest with us about cannabis.

This handout is for education and is not a substitute for the instructions you received at your visit. Follow the dose on your prescription label. If anything here differs from what you were told, call the office. In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

Related: Full guide to Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) · All patient resources