Vyvanse Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Detox

Your Guide to Vyvanse Withdrawal

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Vyvanse addiction, it’s essential to know that help is available. Withdrawal from Vyvanse can be difficult and uncomfortable, but some things can be done to ease the process and make it more tolerable.

What Is Vyvanse?

This is a brand name for a stimulant drug known as lisdexamfetamine. It is often used to treat narcolepsy, obesity, or ADHD clients. This drug can also be sold on the streets as people take it for its stimulant effects.

Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Vyvanse works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to a feeling of euphoria.

Vyvanse can be detrimental if you consume more than the prescribed dose or take it for non-medical purposes. Studies have shown that this drug is often abused by learners seeking to improve their concentration to study for tests or to improve academic performance.

When used as a long-acting stimulating drug, Vyvanse is less prone to abuse than shorter-acting stimulants. In most cases, Vyvanse addiction manifests through misuse or when consumed without a prescription.

Vyvanse Withdrawal

What Are the Signs of Vyvanse Addiction

Vyvanse has the potential for abuse and addiction. Some of the signs that may be indicative of a Vyvanse addiction include:
• Spending too much time with new drug-using friends
• Withdrawing socially from family or old friends
• Increased reckless behavior, irritability, and mood swings
• Missed deadlines or appointments
• Sleep habit changes
• Problems with the law, at school, and at work

Behavioral and physical signs and symptoms might be associated with addiction to Vyvanse, such as appetite loss, dilated pupils, sweating, and undergoing a crash after getting high on Vyvanse.

Vyvanse Withdrawal

Vyvanse is categorized as Schedule II controlled substance because it can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Hence, tolerance to Vyvanse and other stimulants can quickly occur, implying that increased doses are required to experience similar effects. This tolerance then ushers dependence. Dependence then means that whenever individuals stop using Vyvanse suddenly they will undergo withdrawal signs and symptoms. Symptoms of lisdexamfetamine withdrawal can be classified as moderate or severe with respect to certain factors, including the length of drug usage, the frequency of usage, and whether or not they also indulge in other drugs and substance abuse.

Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms

There are a number of common withdrawal symptoms of Vyvanse. Some of them are as follows.

Depression

Vyvanse is a central nervous system depressant, and this is why people often feel depressed when they withdraw from it. This can be one of the most severe symptoms of lisdexamfetamine withdrawal as it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Fatigue

When you stop taking Vyvanse, you may feel exhausted. This is because your body is no longer used to functioning without the drug. You may feel unmotivated, withdrawn, and like you just don’t have the energy to do anything.

Cravings

During the withdrawal phase, you may experience strong cravings for Vyvanse. This is because your body is trying to adjust to the lack of the drug in your system. Some people crave Vyvanse because they know that taking more will alleviate the withdrawal symptoms.

Mood changes

During this stage, you may experience mood swings, depression, and anxiety. This is due to the lack of dopamine in your brain. Your moods will even out once your brain corrects the imbalance.

In some extreme and rare cases, severe withdrawal symptoms like suicidal thoughts or psychosis can manifest. Lisdexamfetamine withdrawal can also alter behavior and mood in such a way that professional intervention is required.

Agitation and Anxiety

Additionally, you may also feel agitated and restless during this phase. When people are withdrawing from Vyvanse, they often experience anxiety. This is because the drug helps to regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and when it is withdrawn, this can cause feelings of panic and agitation.

Sweating and Shaking

You may also be sweating more than usual while the Vyvanse is leaving your body because your body is trying to detoxify itself from the drugs. When withdrawing from Vyvanse, you may also experience shaking and tremors. This is because your body is trying to adjust to the changes in its chemistry without the drug.

Insomnia and Sleep Disruption

Problems sleeping are another common symptom of lisdexamfetamine withdrawal. This is because the drug helps regulate the sleep cycle, and when it is withdrawn, you may find it difficult to sleep. In addition to having problems falling and staying asleep, once you do fall asleep, you may also experience strange and vivid dreams during this phase. This is because your brain is trying to adjust to the lack of Vyvanse and the chemical changes that it causes.

Increased appetite

When in the withdrawal phase, you may experience an increase in appetite. This is because the drug suppresses appetite, and when it is no longer in your system, your body may try to take in more nutrients. Your body may be trying to replenish the caloric defecit that you have experienced while taking Vyvanse.

Vyvanse Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for lisdexamfetamine withdrawal varies from one person to another, depending on their Vyvanse use level. Initially, many people crash when using Vyvanse and similar stimulants. This crash cycle happens immediately when the Vyvanse “high” effects start to wane off, unlike withdrawal. A crash takes place whenever an individual uses the drug once, and in most cases, they don’t have to be dependent for it to occur. Symptoms of Vyvanse crash that begin in a few minutes for many individuals entail motivation loss, irritability and irritation, and low mood.

After the crash feelings, actual withdrawal symptoms set in. Withdrawal from Vyvanse takes place the brain seeks to adjust to the drug’s absence. For instance, the brain might struggle to balance its neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which Vyvanse disrupts.

It is estimated that lisdexamfetamine withdrawal symptoms set in within 24-48 hours after taking their last dose. Symptoms often entail cravings, depression, and fatigue at this stage. About five days to many weeks after stopping Vyvanse consumption, withdrawal symptoms like depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, pains, aches, and mood swings manifest. Most of the lisdexamfetamine withdrawal signs and symptoms for many individuals cease within 14 days. It is, however, possible that people could continue experiencing signs and symptoms, primarily if they have used Vyvanse for a very long time.

Vyvanse Detox

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) withdrawal signs and symptoms can be difficult to deal with individually and at home. Hence, it is recommended that individuals seeking to detox safely and effectively do so at a detox center.

Vyvanse detoxification that is medically assisted offers comprehensive and round-the-clock clinical and medical care to handle challenging psychological and physical side effects of lisdexamfetamine withdrawal. The detoxification process might also entail tapering, whereby the client is gradually stopped from using Vyvanse instead of abrupt stopping. This, in turn, minimizes the severity of withdrawal side effects.

In the medical detox center, the team taking care of a client can also offer personal recommendations for continuing care in case they go on to get addiction treatment after the detox process. Such choices might include peer monitoring, sober living, intense outpatient programs (IOPs) and outpatient programs, or residential rehab programs. These services of handling Vyvanse addiction can aid in treating the underlying causes of addictive behavior to avoid relapsing in the future.

Vyvanse Addiction Treatment

Vyvanse addiction treatment is vital to aid one quit using the drug and prevent relapse. Treatment also aids manage withdrawal signs and symptoms, making you feel terrible. Vyvanse addiction treatment entails getting psychological help to change behaviors, emotional healing to treat underlying causes of addictive behavior, and comprehensive medical care to help handle physical needs like pain management.

Professional help for Vyvanse addiction may include the following:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change conditions that make you feel like using
• Peer support groups and 12-step programs such as NA or AA to get social support
• Holistic treatment options, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, to help you feel relaxed and promote healing
• Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs to offer more structure and support as you recover

Inpatient Vyvanse Rehab

Inpatient rehab is a live-in treatment program that offers 24/7 care and support. It is ideal for people who have been struggling to quit Vyvanse on their own, who have severe withdrawal symptoms, or who need a high level of care. Inpatient rehab programs may involve detoxing, tapering, counseling, therapy, and other treatment modalities. Inpatient programs can last for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or longer, depending on the needs of the individual. It all depends on the level of care required and the individual’s progress in treatment.

Outpatient Vyvanse Rehab

Outpatient rehab is a treatment program that allows people to live at home while receiving treatment during the day. It is less intensive than inpatient rehab, but it still offers people the structure and support to recover from Vyvanse addiction. Outpatient programs may involve counseling, therapy, and other treatment modalities. Behavioral and family counseling can help identify and change conditions that make you feel like using Vyvanse. Also, teletherapy and support groups can help you get social support while in recovery.

Peer Monitoring

Another important component of Vyvanse addiction treatment is peer monitoring, involving accountability partners or sobriety coaches. Peer monitoring can help you stay accountable and avoid relapse by focusing on your recovery goals. These partners can also offer encouragement and support when you feel like giving up or relapsing.

Medication Management

In addition to psychological support, Vyvanse addiction treatment may also involve medical care and management. This can include tapering off the drug and managing withdrawal symptoms. Medication management can also help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Aftercare and maintenance are essential parts of Vyvanse addiction treatment. Aftercare can include ongoing therapy, support groups, and other forms of relapse prevention. Maintenance involves continued care and monitoring. This can include regular check-ins with a therapist and addressing any issues that may arise.

Vyvanse addiction and withdrawal can be challenging to manage. They present various signs and symptoms that may require professional help to manage and overcome. Thankfully, there are many different types of Vyvanse addiction treatment. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are struggling with Vyvanse addiction, it is crucial to seek professional help. There are many resources available to help you on your journey to recovery.

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Reviewed By:

Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis

Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis completed medical school at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and residency in general psychiatry in 2003. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2005. Following this, he served as Chief Medical Officer for 10 years of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare a private health system including a 105-bed hospital, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient services.

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