If your child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), your family doctor may have prescribed an amphetamine medication such as Vyvanse. This stimulant drug is approved to treat children and teens with ADHD so they can remain calmer and more focused throughout the day. Although Vyvanse can support your child’s productivity, it can also present various side effects, especially if taken other than as prescribed. If your child experiences adverse side effects from Vyvanse, consider enrolling them in a prescription drug addiction treatment program.
At Venture Academy, we realize how challenging it can be when a medication designed to help your child stay focused and attentive results in harmful side effects. We know that you want the best for your child and their future, so our prescription drug addiction treatment program is here to help them when prescription amphetamines lead to dependence or addiction. Contact our Venture Academy team online or call us today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about helping your child overcome adverse Vyvanse side effects.
Common Vyvanse Side Effects
As with other prescription drugs, Vyvanse comes with the risk of side effects, varying from mildly uncomfortable to severe or potentially harmful.
Some of the most common Vyvanse side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach pain
Since Vyvanse is a stimulant drug, some teens may feel anxious, restless, and unable to sleep throughout the night when taking it. If these Vyvanse side effects interfere with your child’s well-being, reach out to your doctor to discuss a change in dose or medication.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Vyvanse?
Some of the side effects of Vyvanse occur shortly after taking the medication, such as nausea or anxiety.
Other side effects can develop when using Vyvanse long term, such as:
- Addiction
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Stroke
The risk of these long-term side effects of Vyvanse is higher in individuals who misuse their medication. Over time, a person can become tolerant to the drug and need higher doses to get the same effects. If your teen takes more Vyvanse than prescribed, they can become addicted to it and be more vulnerable to serious side effects.
How to Know If Your Teen Needs Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
Stimulant drugs like Vyvanse can be used recreationally to achieve a euphoric high or aid school performance. Unlike some other amphetamines, Vyvanse was designed to provide a slow release that lasts twelve to fourteen hours. This helps decrease the intensity of a recreational high to deter misuse, although teens can still crush up the drug and snort it for a more rapid, intense experience.
Even if your child has a valid prescription for Vyvanse, they can still become addicted. If you suspect your child is misusing Vyvanse or another amphetamine drug, be on the lookout for the signs of addiction, such as:
- Aggression
- Breathing rapidly
- Excessive sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Shaking
- Vomiting
- Confusion
If your child loses consciousness or struggles with breathing, it is imperative that you call for emergency services immediately. Overdosing on Vyvanse can cause seizures and heart failure, so it is vital that they receive medical care right away.
Help Your Teen Heal with Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at Venture Academy
Whether your teen has become dependent on their Vyvanse prescription or acquired the drug illicitly from a friend, Venture Academy is here to help them overcome prescription drug addiction. We understand how challenging drug addiction can be for you and your family. Our treatment programs can help you heal together with therapy, support, and complementary programs such as life skills training. Reach out to us today at 866.762.2211 or fill out our online form to get the help and guidance you need to get your teen through Vyvanse addiction.
