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Vyvanse heart attack


Side effects and what to do about them

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition makes it hard to focus on tasks and control your attention. To treat ADHD, Vyvanse can be taken by adults as well as children ages 6 years and older.

Vyvanse is also prescribed to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This condition involves periods of excessive overeating.

Here are some fast facts on Vyvanse:*

  • Active ingredient: lisdexamfetamine
  • Drug class: central nervous system stimulant
  • Drug forms:
    • oral capsule
    • oral chewable tablet

Like other drugs, Vyvanse can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Vyvanse, including details about its uses, see this article.

* Vyvanse is not approved to be used for weight loss or to treat obesity.

Vyvanse can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Vyvanse in clinical studies. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Vyvanse for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include:

  • loss of appetite or decreased appetite
  • anxiety
  • weight loss
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)

More common side effects in adults taking Vyvanse for binge eating disorder include:

  • dry mouth
  • insomnia
  • decreased appetite
  • increased heart rate
  • constipation

Mild side effects can occur with Vyvanse use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vyvanse’s medication guide.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Vyvanse include:

  • loss of appetite or decreased appetite
  • dry mouth
  • anxiety
  • abdominal (belly) pain
  • increased heart rate
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • irritability
  • dizziness
  • feeling jittery
  • headache*
  • nausea and vomiting
  • weight loss
  • sleep problems*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Vyvanse and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Vyvanse may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vyvanse’s medication guide.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, including increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain
    • cold sweat
    • dizziness
    • fainting
    • nausea and vomiting
    • severe pain or tightness in your arm, throat, neck, or jaw
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden numbness or weakness in one arm
    • trouble speaking or slurred speech
  • Blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s disease. Symptoms can include:
    • fingers or toes that look blue, pale, purple, or red
    • cold, numb, or painful fingers or toes
    • unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes
  • Serotonin syndrome (a dangerous condition caused by high levels of the brain chemical serotonin). Symptoms can include:
    • agitation
    • increased heart rate
    • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
    • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
    • loss of coordination
    • seizures
    • tremors (shaking) or twitching
  • Risk of misuse and dependence.*†
  • Mental health side effects, such as depression.†
  • Slowed growth in children.‡
  • Allergic reaction.†

* Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
‡ For more information about this side effect, see “Side effects of Vyvanse in children vs. adults” below.

Side effects of Vyvanse are usually the same in both females* and males.* There aren’t any side effects that are known to occur only in either sex.

Vyvanse can have harmful effects if taken during pregnancy, however. For more information, see the “Precautions for Vyvanse” section below.

Your doctor can answer any questions you have about your risk for side effects from Vyvanse.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

If you’re prescribed Vyvanse and you have side effects, you may be wondering how long Vyvanse side effects last.

Most side effects caused by Vyvanse go away within a few days or weeks of taking the drug. Rarely, Vyvanse can cause side effects that last longer or that cause long-term problems. These effects can include:

  • cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, including increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke*
  • blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s disease*
  • slowed growth in children†

If you have questions about long-term side effects from Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* See “Serious side effects of Vyvanse” above for symptoms of this side effect.
† See “Side effects of Vyvanse in children vs. adults” below for details.

Vyvanse is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. Children may be more likely to experience certain side effects than adults, including:

  • weight loss
  • decreased appetite
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • upper respiratory infections
  • irritability

In addition, children ages 6 to 12 years old reported emotional changes or mood changes in clinical studies of Vyvanse. These changes may have included uncontrollable crying or laughing at inappropriate times. This side effect wasn’t reported in adults taking the drug, or in adolescents ages 13 to 17 years old.

Also, Vyvanse can rarely cause slowed growth in children. Your child’s doctor will closely monitor your child’s height and weight and compare it to average growth rates for your child’s age. The doctor may temporarily or permanently have your child stop taking Vyvanse if your child shows signs of slowed growth.

If you have questions about Vyvanse’s side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor or with a pharmacist.

Vyvanse may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Do Vyvanse’s side effects vary based on the strength I’m taking?

Yes, some side effects can vary based on which strength of Vyvanse you’re taking.

For example, higher doses in children ages 6 to 12 years old caused more weight loss in clinical studies. These doses included 70 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 30 mg. (In studies, a 60-mg dose wasn’t studied.)

But most side effects didn’t vary depending on which strength people took in studies.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about what to expect when taking Vyvanse.

Is anger a side effect of Vyvanse?

Anger wasn’t reported as a side effect by people taking Vyvanse in clinical studies. Irritability was a commonly reported side effect, though. Sometimes irritability can lead to anger.

Also, it’s important to note that anger was a rare withdrawal side effect in children ages 6 to 12 years old. Withdrawal refers to effects that occur after stopping a drug that your body has become dependent on. Vyvanse has a boxed warning about dependence. For more information, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Vyvanse may cause.

Mental health side effects

Rarely, Vyvanse can cause side effects that affect mental health. These can include:

  • worsening of existing psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
  • an episode of mania (high energy or excitement) in people with bipolar disorder
  • new psychosis or mania in people who don’t have a history of these conditions

Symptoms of these side effects can include:

  • delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • impulsive behaviors (doing things without thinking about them first, which can be dangerous)
  • paranoia
  • racing thoughts
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)

In rare cases, depression can also be a side effect of Vyvanse treatment. This occurred in adults in clinical studies. Depression has also been reported as a side effect since Vyvanse was approved. Symptoms of depression may include:

  • changes in appetite
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • agitation and restlessness
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
What you can do

Before you begin treatment with Vyvanse, you and your doctor will discuss your risk factors for mental health side effects.

It’s very important that you tell your doctor about any past depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions you’ve experienced. Also tell them about any history of these conditions in your family. This helps your doctor determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

If you have any symptoms of mental health side effects, contact your doctor right away. They may have you stop taking Vyvanse and may recommend a different treatment.

Headache

Headaches are a possible side effect of Vyvanse. This is a common side effect of stimulant drugs such as Vyvanse.

What you can do

If your doctor advises that this is safe for you, taking over-the-counter medications can help relieve headaches. These medications may include Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

For headaches that are severe or bothersome, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other treatments.

Sleep problems

Taking Vyvanse can cause insomnia. This refers to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This was a common side effect reported by people taking Vyvanse in clinical studies.

What you can do

You’ll typically take Vyvanse in the morning to lower the risk of sleep problems. Taking your dose in the afternoon could cause trouble falling asleep. Make sure to take Vyvanse as prescribed by your doctor.

If you take Vyvanse in the morning and you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a treatment to help you sleep better, such as taking a medication to help you sleep. Or they may have you stop taking Vyvanse and switch to a different drug.

Risk of misuse and dependence

Vyvanse has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking Vyvanse can cause physical and psychological dependence. With physical dependence, the body becomes used to the drug and needs it in order to function as you usually do. With psychological dependence, you feel that you’re unable to stop using a drug.

Misusing Vyvanse makes it more likely that you’ll become dependent. Misuse (sometimes called abuse) means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes. This includes taking a medication for non-medical purposes.

Misuse of Vyvanse can cause serious side effects. These include cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems such as a heart attack. Rarely, Vyvanse misuse can cause death.

What you can do

Before prescribing Vyvanse, you and your doctor will discuss your risk for misuse and dependence. They’ll monitor you for symptoms of misuse and dependence while you’re taking Vyvanse. These include:

  • aggressive or hostile behavior
  • coordination problems
  • dilated pupils (the black part of your eye being larger than usual)
  • excessive sweating
  • hyperactivity or restlessness
  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

You could consider asking someone (such as a family member or friend) to help watch for serious side effects of Vyvanse. This would include the above signs misuse and dependence, as well as other side effects listed above in the “Serious side effects” section. Your doctor can help with this, if you want.

Due to Vyvanse’s risk of dependence, it’s important that you do not stop taking the drug unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Suddenly stopping Vyvanse could cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include fatigue (low energy) and depression.

If you and your doctor agree you should stop taking Vyvanse, your doctor will help you safely stop treatment.

If you have any thoughts about harming yourself or others while taking Vyvanse or after stopping the drug, make sure to contact your doctor right away. If you feel like it’s an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Vyvanse can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Vyvanse. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

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 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.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Before beginning treatment with Vyvanse, there are important precautions to consider.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and dependence

This drug has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Vyvanse. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Heart problems, including high blood pressure. If you have a serious heart condition, you should not take Vyvanse. These conditions include a heart defect, irregular heartbeat, or coronary artery disease.

Vyvanse can cause serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) side effects that can be fatal in rare cases. These side effects include heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating).

If you have a heart problem, you’re at higher risk for these serious side effects. Before treatment, your doctor will check your heart health to see if Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

High blood pressure. Vyvanse can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will monitor your treatment to see if it’s safe for you to take Vyvanse.

Mental health condition. Vyvanse can cause symptoms of existing mental health conditions to get worse. These conditions include psychosis and mania. If you have a mental health condition, or if your family has as history of psychosis or mania, Vyvanse may not be safe for you to take. Be sure to talk about your complete personal and family mental health history before you start taking Vyvanse.

Circulation (blood flow) problems in your fingers and toes. Taking Vyvanse can cause circulation problems, including Raynaud’s disease. If you already have circulation problems, Vyvanse could worsen your symptoms. Your doctor can help determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

Kidney problems. If you have problems with your kidneys, your body may not get rid of Vyvanse as well as usual. This can cause the drug to build up in your body, which can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Vyvanse than usual for you.

Allergic reaction. You shouldn’t take Vyvanse if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.

Alcohol use with Vyvanse

You should avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking Vyvanse. This is because Vyvanse can mask the effects of alcohol in your body, which can make it hard for to know how much you’ve had to drink.

People who have misused or become dependent on alcohol are also at higher risk for misusing or becoming dependent on Vyvanse. Make sure your doctor is aware of any history you have of misuse or dependence.

Alcohol can also make certain Vyvanse side effects worse. These include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to drink while taking Vyvanse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Vyvanse

It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Vyvanse while pregnant. But Vyvanse may increase the risk of problems if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before you start taking Vyvanse.

It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Vyvanse. Vyvanse can cause serious side effects in a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor about safe options for feeding your child if you’re taking Vyvanse.

Vyvanse has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes.

Because of this risk, Vyvanse is a controlled substance. This means the drug is regulated by the government because it can cause misuse, dependence, or withdrawal.

For details about Vyvanse misuse, see the “Side effects specifics” section above.

Side effects from Vyvanse are typically mild. Most go away with time and don’t require medical attention. Serious side effects are also possible, and you should talk with your doctor if you have any symptoms of a serious side effect.

If you’d like to learn more about Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information on Vyvanse. For details on other aspects of Vyvanse, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. To learn how Vyvanse compares with other drugs, see the following articles:
    • Strattera vs. Vyvanse
    • Concerta vs. Vyvanse
    • Vyvanse vs. Ritalin
  • A look at your condition. For details on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, see our list of ADHD articles. For more information on binge eating disorder, see this list of related articles. Our mental health hub may also be helpful.

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.

Side effects and what to do about them

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition makes it hard to focus on tasks and control your attention. To treat ADHD, Vyvanse can be taken by adults as well as children ages 6 years and older.

Vyvanse is also prescribed to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This condition involves periods of excessive overeating.

Here are some fast facts on Vyvanse:*

  • Active ingredient: lisdexamfetamine
  • Drug class: central nervous system stimulant
  • Drug forms:
    • oral capsule
    • oral chewable tablet

Like other drugs, Vyvanse can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Vyvanse, including details about its uses, see this article.

* Vyvanse is not approved to be used for weight loss or to treat obesity.

Vyvanse can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Vyvanse in clinical studies. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Vyvanse for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include:

  • loss of appetite or decreased appetite
  • anxiety
  • weight loss
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)

More common side effects in adults taking Vyvanse for binge eating disorder include:

  • dry mouth
  • insomnia
  • decreased appetite
  • increased heart rate
  • constipation

Mild side effects can occur with Vyvanse use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vyvanse’s medication guide.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Vyvanse include:

  • loss of appetite or decreased appetite
  • dry mouth
  • anxiety
  • abdominal (belly) pain
  • increased heart rate
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • irritability
  • dizziness
  • feeling jittery
  • headache*
  • nausea and vomiting
  • weight loss
  • sleep problems*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Vyvanse and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Vyvanse may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vyvanse’s medication guide.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Vyvanse, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, including increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain
    • cold sweat
    • dizziness
    • fainting
    • nausea and vomiting
    • severe pain or tightness in your arm, throat, neck, or jaw
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden numbness or weakness in one arm
    • trouble speaking or slurred speech
  • Blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s disease. Symptoms can include:
    • fingers or toes that look blue, pale, purple, or red
    • cold, numb, or painful fingers or toes
    • unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes
  • Serotonin syndrome (a dangerous condition caused by high levels of the brain chemical serotonin). Symptoms can include:
    • agitation
    • increased heart rate
    • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
    • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
    • loss of coordination
    • seizures
    • tremors (shaking) or twitching
  • Risk of misuse and dependence.*†
  • Mental health side effects, such as depression.†
  • Slowed growth in children.‡
  • Allergic reaction.†

* Vyvanse has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
‡ For more information about this side effect, see “Side effects of Vyvanse in children vs. adults” below.

Side effects of Vyvanse are usually the same in both females* and males.* There aren’t any side effects that are known to occur only in either sex.

Vyvanse can have harmful effects if taken during pregnancy, however. For more information, see the “Precautions for Vyvanse” section below.

Your doctor can answer any questions you have about your risk for side effects from Vyvanse.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

If you’re prescribed Vyvanse and you have side effects, you may be wondering how long Vyvanse side effects last.

Most side effects caused by Vyvanse go away within a few days or weeks of taking the drug. Rarely, Vyvanse can cause side effects that last longer or that cause long-term problems. These effects can include:

  • cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, including increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke*
  • blood circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s disease*
  • slowed growth in children†

If you have questions about long-term side effects from Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* See “Serious side effects of Vyvanse” above for symptoms of this side effect.
† See “Side effects of Vyvanse in children vs. adults” below for details.

Vyvanse is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. Children may be more likely to experience certain side effects than adults, including:

  • weight loss
  • decreased appetite
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • upper respiratory infections
  • irritability

In addition, children ages 6 to 12 years old reported emotional changes or mood changes in clinical studies of Vyvanse. These changes may have included uncontrollable crying or laughing at inappropriate times. This side effect wasn’t reported in adults taking the drug, or in adolescents ages 13 to 17 years old.

Also, Vyvanse can rarely cause slowed growth in children. Your child’s doctor will closely monitor your child’s height and weight and compare it to average growth rates for your child’s age. The doctor may temporarily or permanently have your child stop taking Vyvanse if your child shows signs of slowed growth.

If you have questions about Vyvanse’s side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor or with a pharmacist.

Vyvanse may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Do Vyvanse’s side effects vary based on the strength I’m taking?

Yes, some side effects can vary based on which strength of Vyvanse you’re taking.

For example, higher doses in children ages 6 to 12 years old caused more weight loss in clinical studies. These doses included 70 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 30 mg. (In studies, a 60-mg dose wasn’t studied.)

But most side effects didn’t vary depending on which strength people took in studies.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about what to expect when taking Vyvanse.

Is anger a side effect of Vyvanse?

Anger wasn’t reported as a side effect by people taking Vyvanse in clinical studies. Irritability was a commonly reported side effect, though. Sometimes irritability can lead to anger.

Also, it’s important to note that anger was a rare withdrawal side effect in children ages 6 to 12 years old. Withdrawal refers to effects that occur after stopping a drug that your body has become dependent on. Vyvanse has a boxed warning about dependence. For more information, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Vyvanse may cause.

Mental health side effects

Rarely, Vyvanse can cause side effects that affect mental health. These can include:

  • worsening of existing psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
  • an episode of mania (high energy or excitement) in people with bipolar disorder
  • new psychosis or mania in people who don’t have a history of these conditions

Symptoms of these side effects can include:

  • delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • impulsive behaviors (doing things without thinking about them first, which can be dangerous)
  • paranoia
  • racing thoughts
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)

In rare cases, depression can also be a side effect of Vyvanse treatment. This occurred in adults in clinical studies. Depression has also been reported as a side effect since Vyvanse was approved. Symptoms of depression may include:

  • changes in appetite
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • agitation and restlessness
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
What you can do

Before you begin treatment with Vyvanse, you and your doctor will discuss your risk factors for mental health side effects.

It’s very important that you tell your doctor about any past depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions you’ve experienced. Also tell them about any history of these conditions in your family. This helps your doctor determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

If you have any symptoms of mental health side effects, contact your doctor right away. They may have you stop taking Vyvanse and may recommend a different treatment.

Headache

Headaches are a possible side effect of Vyvanse. This is a common side effect of stimulant drugs such as Vyvanse.

What you can do

If your doctor advises that this is safe for you, taking over-the-counter medications can help relieve headaches. These medications may include Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

For headaches that are severe or bothersome, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other treatments.

Sleep problems

Taking Vyvanse can cause insomnia. This refers to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This was a common side effect reported by people taking Vyvanse in clinical studies.

What you can do

You’ll typically take Vyvanse in the morning to lower the risk of sleep problems. Taking your dose in the afternoon could cause trouble falling asleep. Make sure to take Vyvanse as prescribed by your doctor.

If you take Vyvanse in the morning and you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a treatment to help you sleep better, such as taking a medication to help you sleep. Or they may have you stop taking Vyvanse and switch to a different drug.

Risk of misuse and dependence

Vyvanse has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking Vyvanse can cause physical and psychological dependence. With physical dependence, the body becomes used to the drug and needs it in order to function as you usually do. With psychological dependence, you feel that you’re unable to stop using a drug.

Misusing Vyvanse makes it more likely that you’ll become dependent. Misuse (sometimes called abuse) means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes. This includes taking a medication for non-medical purposes.

Misuse of Vyvanse can cause serious side effects. These include cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems such as a heart attack. Rarely, Vyvanse misuse can cause death.

What you can do

Before prescribing Vyvanse, you and your doctor will discuss your risk for misuse and dependence. They’ll monitor you for symptoms of misuse and dependence while you’re taking Vyvanse. These include:

  • aggressive or hostile behavior
  • coordination problems
  • dilated pupils (the black part of your eye being larger than usual)
  • excessive sweating
  • hyperactivity or restlessness
  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

You could consider asking someone (such as a family member or friend) to help watch for serious side effects of Vyvanse. This would include the above signs misuse and dependence, as well as other side effects listed above in the “Serious side effects” section. Your doctor can help with this, if you want.

Due to Vyvanse’s risk of dependence, it’s important that you do not stop taking the drug unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Suddenly stopping Vyvanse could cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include fatigue (low energy) and depression.

If you and your doctor agree you should stop taking Vyvanse, your doctor will help you safely stop treatment.

If you have any thoughts about harming yourself or others while taking Vyvanse or after stopping the drug, make sure to contact your doctor right away. If you feel like it’s an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Vyvanse can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Vyvanse. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

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 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.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Before beginning treatment with Vyvanse, there are important precautions to consider.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and dependence

This drug has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Vyvanse. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Heart problems, including high blood pressure. If you have a serious heart condition, you should not take Vyvanse. These conditions include a heart defect, irregular heartbeat, or coronary artery disease.

Vyvanse can cause serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) side effects that can be fatal in rare cases. These side effects include heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating).

If you have a heart problem, you’re at higher risk for these serious side effects. Before treatment, your doctor will check your heart health to see if Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

High blood pressure. Vyvanse can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will monitor your treatment to see if it’s safe for you to take Vyvanse.

Mental health condition. Vyvanse can cause symptoms of existing mental health conditions to get worse. These conditions include psychosis and mania. If you have a mental health condition, or if your family has as history of psychosis or mania, Vyvanse may not be safe for you to take. Be sure to talk about your complete personal and family mental health history before you start taking Vyvanse.

Circulation (blood flow) problems in your fingers and toes. Taking Vyvanse can cause circulation problems, including Raynaud’s disease. If you already have circulation problems, Vyvanse could worsen your symptoms. Your doctor can help determine whether Vyvanse is safe for you to take.

Kidney problems. If you have problems with your kidneys, your body may not get rid of Vyvanse as well as usual. This can cause the drug to build up in your body, which can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Vyvanse than usual for you.

Allergic reaction. You shouldn’t take Vyvanse if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.

Alcohol use with Vyvanse

You should avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking Vyvanse. This is because Vyvanse can mask the effects of alcohol in your body, which can make it hard for to know how much you’ve had to drink.

People who have misused or become dependent on alcohol are also at higher risk for misusing or becoming dependent on Vyvanse. Make sure your doctor is aware of any history you have of misuse or dependence.

Alcohol can also make certain Vyvanse side effects worse. These include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to drink while taking Vyvanse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Vyvanse

It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Vyvanse while pregnant. But Vyvanse may increase the risk of problems if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before you start taking Vyvanse.

It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Vyvanse. Vyvanse can cause serious side effects in a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor about safe options for feeding your child if you’re taking Vyvanse.

Vyvanse has a boxed warning about risk of misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes.

Because of this risk, Vyvanse is a controlled substance. This means the drug is regulated by the government because it can cause misuse, dependence, or withdrawal.

For details about Vyvanse misuse, see the “Side effects specifics” section above.

Side effects from Vyvanse are typically mild. Most go away with time and don’t require medical attention. Serious side effects are also possible, and you should talk with your doctor if you have any symptoms of a serious side effect.

If you’d like to learn more about Vyvanse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information on Vyvanse. For details on other aspects of Vyvanse, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. To learn how Vyvanse compares with other drugs, see the following articles:
    • Strattera vs. Vyvanse
    • Concerta vs. Vyvanse
    • Vyvanse vs. Ritalin
  • A look at your condition. For details on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, see our list of ADHD articles. For more information on binge eating disorder, see this list of related articles. Our mental health hub may also be helpful.

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.

Heart attacks | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This information will help you learn about heart attacks, including their signs and how to diagnose and treat them.

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About heart attacks

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when one of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle) is blocked. This can lead to weakening of part of the heart muscle, as there is no blood flow to it (see Figure 1). If part of the heart muscle is weakened, that muscle will not work as well as it used to.

Figure 1. Cardiac muscle damaged by blockage of a coronary artery

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Common signs of a heart attack

The following are signs of a heart attack. You may have one or more of these signs.

  • Pain, tightness or discomfort in the chest.
  • Pain, tingling or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Difficulty breathing at rest and with mild exertion, such as walking several blocks or climbing one flight of stairs.
  • Wheezing (whistling or wheezing when breathing).
  • Sweating.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Indigestion (burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen (belly).
  • Nausea (feeling like vomiting) with or without vomiting. This is a common symptom of heart attacks in women.

If you think you are having a heart attack, call 9 immediately11. No need to go to the hospital by car on your own. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can start your treatment on your way to the nearest emergency room.

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Diagnosis of a heart attack

There are many different tests to diagnose a heart attack. When you arrive at the emergency room, you may have one or more of the tests listed below.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of your heart. This means that it is determined how often your heart beats and many other parameters are measured. During this test, your healthcare provider will place sensors (electrodes) on your chest, arms, and legs, or all three positions. These sensors will show you how your heart is working.

Blood test

This test detects the presence of a protein in the blood called troponin, which is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an imaging test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to take pictures of your heart. It allows you to see how your heart beats, how it pumps blood, and can also show if there are abnormalities in the work of the heart muscle and heart valves.

Exercise Cardiogram

Exercise Cardiogram allows doctors to see if your heart is getting enough blood when you exercise or when you do something that makes your heart work harder. For this test, you may be given medication through an intravenous (IV) line (a needle placed in your vein to give medication) to increase your heart rate and blood pressure as if you were exercising, or you may be asked to do physical exercises.

Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography

This is a procedure to see if your coronary arteries are blocked.

You will be given medication to help you relax before the procedure. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a thin catheter (long, flexible tube) into a blood vessel in your arm or leg and advance it to your heart. This process is called cardiac catheterization.

When the end of the catheter is in your heart, your doctor will inject a special dye into your heart through the catheter. With the help of an X-ray machine, the doctor will observe how the dye leaves the heart and moves through the coronary arteries. This is called coronary angiography.

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Treatment and prevention of heart attacks

Heart attacks can be treated with medication, a cardiac catheterization procedure, or surgery. Many of the treatments described below can also prevent future heart attacks.

Medicines

There are many medicines used to treat and prevent heart attacks. These medicines work in different ways. The following are examples of some remedies, but there are others. Your cardiologist (heart doctor) will discuss with you which one is best for you.

OTC drugs
  • Aspirin. This medicine helps prevent platelet aggregation (blood clots) and reduces the risk of death from a heart attack.
Prescription drugs
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) relax blood vessels. It helps improve heart function after a heart attack and lowers blood pressure. Examples of such drugs include enalapril (Vasotec ® ) and lisinopril (Prinivil ® ).
  • anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as heparin and enoxaparin (Lovenox ® ), thin your blood and prevent blood clots.
  • Antiplatelet medicines (like aspirin) prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries. These drugs include clopidogrel (Plavix ® ), prasugrel (Effient ® ) and ticagrelor (Brilinta ®). They can prevent reocclusion if you have stents. For more information about stents, see the Cardiac Catheterization section below.
  • Beta blockers slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. This helps reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Examples which may be mentioned are carvedilol (Coreg ® ) and metoprolol (Lopressor ® ).
  • Nitrate dilates your coronary arteries. This allows more blood to flow to the heart muscle and relieves chest pain. Examples of such drugs include nitroglycerin and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur ®).
  • Statins lower cholesterol levels. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood (high cholesterol), it can clog your arteries, making you more likely to have a heart attack. Statins reduce the amount of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries, reducing the risk of future heart attacks. In addition, statins help fix existing fatty deposits on the artery walls, preventing them from breaking away and clogging the arteries. Examples of such drugs include atorvastatin (Lipitor ® ) and rosuvastatin (Crestor ® ).

Procedures and surgeries

Sometimes you may need more specialized care after a heart attack, including angioplasty, stents, or surgery. If you have a heart attack while at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and need specialized care, you may need to be transferred to another hospital. Your doctor will discuss with you which type of treatment is best for you.

The procedures that can be performed after a heart attack are described below.

Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography

During the cardiac catheterization procedure, you have a small catheter placed in an artery. It is placed in one of the arteries in the wrist (radial artery) or in one of the arteries in the upper thigh (femoral artery).

Figure 2. Unblocked and blocked arteries.

Through the catheter, your doctor will inject a contrast agent (a dye that allows you to see your arteries more clearly) into your coronary arteries to see if they are blocked (see Figure 2). If the doctor sees that the arteries are blocked, he may perform an angioplasty.

Coronary angioplasty and stenting

During an angioplasty procedure (also known as coronary angioplasty), your doctor will insert a thin catheter with a balloon at the end into your blocked artery. When the catheter reaches the blocked area, the doctor will inflate the balloon so that it rests against the walls of the artery (see Figure 3). As a result, the artery will expand and blood flow to the heart will improve.

Figure 3. Balloon dilating an artery

At the same time, the doctor may insert a stent into the artery. A stent is a hollow metal tube that keeps an artery open (see Figure 4).

Figure 4 Arterial stent

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Figure 5 Coronary artery bypass graft

During coronary artery bypass surgery, your doctor will take a blood vessel from another part of your body (such as your arm or leg) and connect it to your coronary artery before and after the blockage (see Figure 5). This allows blood to bypass the blocked section of the artery.

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Lifestyle changes after a heart attack

Here are steps you can take to take care of yourself after a heart attack. Some of them relate to lifestyle changes and can prevent the occurrence of heart attacks in the future.

  • If you smoke, try to get rid of this habit. If you would like help to stop smoking, please contact our Tobacco Treatment Program at 212-610-0507 or ask your nurse for information about the program.
  • If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to lose weight.
  • Maintain a healthy diet by including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. For more information, read the resource How to Improve Your Health Through Nutrition, or consult with a clinical dietitian nutritionist.
  • Talk to your PCP or cardiologist (heart doctor) about managing other health problems (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes) if you have them.
  • Participate in a heart disease rehabilitation program (a program to improve the health and well-being of people with heart problems). It includes:
    • safe exercise to strengthen the heart;
    • information on how to reduce the risk of other heart problems;
    • counseling on ways to reduce stress, as stress can increase the risk of heart disease.

Additional information and resources are also available on the American Heart Association website www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/heart-attack-tools-and-resources/patient-information -sheets-heart-attack.

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Heart attack: how to help a loved one and yourself? – Academic Medical Center (AMC)

Every third heart attack ends in the death of the patient, which occurs within 1-6 hours after its onset. Such statistics are associated with untimely seeking medical help and the inability of people to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Many do not attach importance to the occurrence of pain in the region of the heart and other symptoms of a heart attack, as a result, irreversible changes occur in the heart, leading to death. Patients with cardiovascular diseases are very weather dependent, and in summer the risk of a heart attack increases many times. To protect yourself and loved ones, you need to know the characteristic symptoms and, if they appear, immediately call an ambulance, as well as be able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

How can you tell if you have a heart attack?

A heart attack develops as a result of insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, which can be caused by a clot blockage or spasm of an artery supplying the heart. A heart attack leads to the development of ischemia and necrosis of a section of the heart muscle, that is, the occurrence of myocardial infarction.

« A heart attack may cause a feeling of suffocation, severe pain or burning behind the sternum, loss of consciousness may occur», - tells to a cancer doctor of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences, cardiac surgeon, vascular surgeon of the Academic Medical Center Oleg Valerievich Zelenchuk.

A heart attack has many symptoms, and each patient may have different symptoms. The most common symptoms are pain behind the sternum, in the region of the left forearm, left shoulder blade, part of the neck and jaw. Also, pain can appear in both shoulders and arms, in the lower chest and upper abdomen. A heart attack is characterized by pain persisting for more than 5 minutes.

In some cases, the attack may be painless and present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, choking, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and irregular heartbeat. Also, the patient may develop a cough, cold sweat and pale skin with a grayish tinge.

How to help the sick?

« The first thing to do in case of a heart attack is to check for pulse and breathing. If a pulse is not felt or there is no breathing, the patient needs to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If the person remains conscious, they should be laid down, given fresh air, and an ambulance should be called immediately. ” - says Oleg Valerievich Zelenchuk.

In case of a heart attack, a person's life depends on the timely provision of medical care. More than 50% of sudden deaths occur within 1 hour of the onset of symptoms.

“If you have a heart attack, you should immediately stop physical activity, sit or lie down and ask someone for help. If the patient has a cardiovascular disease, he should always have with him the drugs recommended by the doctor, which are used in case of a heart attack.0197 - tells Oleg Valeryevich Zelenchuk.

How to properly perform CPR?

How to give first aid is taught at school, but in a crisis, many are lost and do not know what to do. If there are people with cardiovascular diseases in your environment, be sure to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If you doubt your skills, remember that it is better to give the patient at least some help than to do nothing, because his life may depend on it.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed in the event of a heart attack if the person is unconscious, has no pulse, or is not breathing. Assistance should include alternating chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing.

For circulation, place the palm of one hand on the center of the chest and place the other hand on top. Straighten your arms at the elbows and stand so that your shoulders are exactly above the palms. Pressing on the chest should be done from top to bottom, while you need to use the strength not only of the hands, but of the entire upper body. The depth of pressure should be 4-5 cm, and the frequency should be 2 per second.

After pressing, you need to make two exhalations "mouth to mouth". To do this, tilt the patient's head back and pull the chin forward to open the airways. Pinch the patient's nose and exhale 2 times within 1 second, then repeat the cycle of chest compressions.

Continue resuscitation until the patient regains consciousness or until an ambulance arrives.

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