Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a brand-name drug prescribed for ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet. It’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on which condition the drug is taken to treat.
Vyvanse belongs to a drug class called central nervous system stimulants. Vyvanse is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Vyvanse, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Vyvanse, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Vyvanse provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Vyvanse, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
This section describes the typical dosing guides for Vyvanse.
Vyvanse forms
Vyvanse comes as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet.
Your doctor can recommend the form of Vyvanse that’s best for you. For example, if you have trouble swallowing capsules, they may suggest you take the chewable tablet. For details about how to take each form of Vyvanse, see the “How to take Vyvanse” section below.
Vyvanse strengths
Vyvanse oral capsules come in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg.
Vyvanse chewable tablets come in the following strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg.
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for binge eating disorder
To treat binge eating disorder in adults, the Vyvanse starting dose is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.
Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.
The recommended dosage for binge eating disorder is 50 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average (“normal”) Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to take the dose your doctor prescribes for you.
The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.
Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
To treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children ages 6 years and older, the starting dose of Vyvanse is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.
Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.
The recommended dosage for ADHD is 30 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to take the dose your doctor prescribes.
The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.
Children’s dosage
Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. For this purpose, the starting dose of Vyvanse is 30 mg. You’ll take this once per day.
Your doctor will likely increase your dose over time to find the best dose for you.
The recommended dosage for ADHD is 30 mg to 70 mg per day. A dose in this range is considered an average Vyvanse dose. However, be sure to give your child the dose their doctor prescribes.
The maximum Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.
Long-term treatment
Vyvanse may be prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Vyvanse is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
However, in some cases, your doctor may have you stop taking Vyvanse for a short time. They’ll see if the symptoms of your condition return or worsen. If the symptoms do return or worsen, your doctor may have you restart Vyvanse treatment.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Vyvanse.
If there are signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high or too low, your doctor may adjust it.
The starting dose of Vyvanse for binge eating disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 30 mg. If this dose doesn’t work well for you, your doctor may increase your dose.
Other reasons why your doctor might increase your Vyvanse dosage include:
- your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should
- you experience certain side effects
In addition, your doctor may increase or decrease your dose if you start or stop taking certain medications during Vyvanse treatment.
If you have any questions about your Vyvanse dosage, talk with your doctor.
This section answers some frequently asked questions about Vyvanse.
What’s the maximum (highest) Vyvanse dose in a 24-hour period? What about the lowest dose?
The maximum recommended dosage of Vyvanse in a 24-hour period is 70 milligrams (mg). You can ask your doctor what’s the lowest dose they would prescribe.
The recommended dose ranges of Vyvanse are:
- 50 mg to 70 mg for binge eating disorder
- 30 mg to 70 mg for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The recommended starting dose for both conditions is 30 mg. However, your doctor may recommend a lower dose in certain situations.
If you have questions about the Vyvanse dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Are Vyvanse’s dosages based on weight? If so, what are the drug’s dosages by weight?
Vyvanse’s dosages are not based on weight for adults or children. Your doctor will not determine your dosage based on a weight chart.
Other medications prescribed to treat ADHD are dosed by weight. (Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD.) For example, Strattera (atomoxetine) is dosed based on weight in certain children. To learn more about how Vyvanse compares with Strattera, see this article.
Your doctor can help answer other questions you have about Vyvanse’s dosage.
Is Vyvanse prescribed in a dose of 100 mg for adults?
The recommended maximum dose of Vyvanse for adults is 70 mg. Taking more than 70 mg of Vyvanse can cause serious side effects. You should not take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes.
Is Vyvanse approved for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Vyvanse to treat weight loss, so there isn’t a recommended dosage. When drugs similar to Vyvanse have been taken for weight loss, serious cardiovascular problems (such as heart attack and stroke) have occurred. Cardiovascular refers to the heart and blood vessels.
If you’re looking for help with managing your weight, talk with your doctor.
Can Vyvanse be prescribed with a twice-daily dosage?
No. It’s recommended that Vyvanse be taken only once each day, in the morning. You should not divide a single dose into multiple doses.
To learn more, see “How to take Vyvanse” below.
I accidentally took a double dose of Vyvanse. What should I do?
If you believe you have taken too much Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you take more than one dose of Vyvanse, you may experience some side effects. For more information, see “Vyvanse and overdose” below.
If you miss a dose of Vyvanse, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to when you would take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. You should not take more than one dose of Vyvanse to make up for a missed dose.
Keep in mind that Vyvanse may cause insomnia if you take it in the afternoon or evening. If you forget to take your dose in the morning, you may want to skip it and take your usual dose of Vyvanse the next day.
If you’re not sure if you should take a missed dose of Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Vyvanse has a
Taking drugs called stimulants may lead to drug misuse and physical dependence. (Vyvanse is a type of stimulant.) Misuse (also called abuse) refers to taking a drug in a different way than how your doctor prescribes. With physical dependence, you need to take a drug to feel as you typically do.
Vyvanse should not be taken recreationally (without a medical purpose and prescription). Misusing Vyvanse, as well as taking it as prescribed, can sometimes lead to addiction. (With addiction, a drug is used even if it’s causing harmful outcomes.)
In fact, Vyvanse is a schedule II controlled substance, which means the FDA regulates it closely. It’s important to store Vyvanse in a safe place. This helps prevent others from misusing the drug. It’s illegal to give or sell Vyvanse to someone else.
Symptoms of misuse
You, your loved ones, and your doctor should keep an eye out for symptoms of Vyvanse misuse. Symptoms of taking too much Vyvanse can include:
- sweating
- dilated pupils
- insomnia
- anxiety
- aggression
- thoughts of harming yourself or others
Other symptoms of Vyvanse misuse are similar to those of overdose. For details, see “Vyvanse and overdose” below.
You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist about symptoms of Vyvanse misuse.
Symptoms of withdrawal
Because Vyvanse can cause you to become dependent upon it, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.) These can include extreme fatigue and depression.
It’s important that you do not stop taking Vyvanse unless you first talk with your doctor.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Here’s some information about how to take Vyvanse oral capsules and chewable tablets.
Whichever form your doctor prescribes, keep in mind that you should take Vyvanse in the morning. The drug may cause insomnia, so try to avoid taking it in the afternoon. You can take Vyvanse with or without food.
Oral capsules. There are two ways to take Vyvanse oral capsules. One is toswallow them whole. You can also open the capsule and mix the contents with yogurt, water, or orange juice. Be sure to mix the contents thoroughly and consume the entire amount right away. You should not store the mixture.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also open the capsule and mix its contents as mentioned above. In addition, you can ask your doctor if the chewable tablet is a better option for you.
Chewable tablets. Be sure to fully chew Vyvanse tablets before swallowing.
If you have questions about how to take Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug labels and containersIf you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Vyvanse in an easy-open container. They may also recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
The Vyvanse dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Vyvanse to treat
- how well your kidneys work
- what other medications you’re taking
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Vyvanse dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may adjust your Vyvanse dosage if your kidneys don’t work as well as they should or if you take certain other medications. To learn more, see “Signs that a Vyvanse dose is too high or too low” above.
If you take more Vyvanse than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.
It’s important that you don’t take more Vyvanse than your doctor advises.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Vyvanse can include:
- increased rate of breathing
- feeling restless
- confusion
- tremors
- hallucinations
- feeling panicked
- high or low blood pressure
- breakdown of muscle tissue
- fever
- irregular heart rate
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
If you take more than the recommended amount of Vyvanse
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Vyvanse. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Vyvanse for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Vyvanse without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Vyvanse that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Vyvanse. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Vyvanse. For information about other aspects of Vyvanse, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Vyvanse, see this article. You can also look at the Vyvanse prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. Find out how Vyvanse compares with Straterra, Adderall, and Concerta.
- Cost. If you’d like to learn about Vyvanse and cost, see this article.
- Interactions. For details about what Vyvanse interacts with, see this article.
- Details about your condition. For details about binge eating disorder, see our mental health hub and these articles. To learn more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you can refer to our ADHD hub as well as this list of articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.