Life After Vyvanse Withdrawal

Learn about Vyvanse abuse and how a safe Vyvanse withdrawal followed by treatment can launch recovery.

Vyvanse is a stimulant drug that is prescribed for use in people who struggle with ADHD. Vyvanse differs from similar drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall, as it will have a delayed effect. Still, Vyvanse is often misused and still has a high risk for addiction.

About Vyvanse Abuse

Vyvanse is labeled a “prodrug” for treatment of ADHD. This is because it contains a different compound for achieving the stimulant effects by later creating amphetamine. This causes it to be slower in bringing on the desired effects for helping someone with ADHD. It is thought to be safer than the other drugs used for ADHD, but still has a Schedule II legal status.

For this reason, Vyvanse tends to fly under the radar, while the others are the drugs of choice when accessed for misuse. The problem is that people who are intent on abusing Vyvanse end up taking higher doses. Therefore, the end result is much like those who abuse Ritalin or Adderall.

Signs of Vyvanse abuse include:

• Weight loss.
• Insomnia
• Stomach pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of libido.
• Mood swings.
• Increased heart rate.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Feeling dizzy.

Also, when someone takes high doses of Vyvanse they may be at risk of overdose. Signs of Vyvanse overdose include confusion, fever, vomiting, aggression, tremors, panic, hallucination, seizure, or coma.

Vyvanse Addiction, Vyvanse Crash, and Vyvanse Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone may seek out Vyvase from illicit sources for many reasons. They may want the drug to help them stay awake, to have more energy, or to be more alert. But, as with other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse abuse can result in addiction.

When someone takes this drug for a prolonged time their brain adapts and becomes dependent on it. This is why they will start having cravings for the Vyvanse. Soon they will need higher and higher doses to gain the same effects they once enjoyed.

When the effects of the drug begin to wear off, the person may have what is termed “Vyvanse crash.” This happens because the brain has been altered and needs the drug to remain stable. Signs of a Vyvanse crash include muscle aches, feeling very sleepy, and other withdrawal symptoms.

Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Extreme hunger.
• Mental fog.
• Irritability
• Sleep problems.
• Depression
• Thoughts of suicide.

What to Expect During Vyvanse Detox and Withdrawal

To avoid extreme withdrawal symptoms, a drug taper schedule is designed by a doctor. This means that the person will not just stop the drug in an abrupt manner, i.e., “cold turkey.” Instead, they will slowly lower their dose of the drug over a period of one to two weeks. This helps the body to slowly adapt to the lower levels of Vyvanse. In this way, the detox symptoms are less harsh.

As the symptoms emerge, the detox team is tasked with keeping the person as comfortable as they can. They will provide meds to address some of the symptoms, and also offer some counseling to help usher them through the process.

Each person is unique, so this affects how severe the symptoms will be. Things like how long they had been involved in Vyvanse abuse and how much they were dosing will affect severity. The detox process will take from one to three weeks to complete. Still, some symptoms will still likely linger for a while longer.

Getting Help for Vyvanse Addiction

After detox is complete, the next phase to tackle is treatment. A formal treatment program will provide the means for making the needed changes to remain sober. These changes can help prevent the person from going back to Vyvance use by teaching new coping skills. The person needs to learn how to face and manage triggers without reaching for the drug.

Treatment for stimulant use disorders involves a multi-step approach. Each part of the program moves them closer toward making choices that help sustain sobriety. These learned behaviors become new habits formed by new thought patterns. Here is what to expect in treatment:

• CBT. CBT is a type of therapy that helps the person adopt new ways of thinking. They will be taught in sessions to notice when their drug-seeking actions are due to a disordered thought process. Once they become aware, they can begin to make changes in the way they think and how they react to triggers.
• Peer sessions. Group therapy sessions are a good way to hash out your feelings among a group of peers in recovery. Subjects are discussed in the group that can help shine a light on the things that no longer work for you. Through these chats they learn how to improve daily life.
• Mindfulness. Learning how to gain control over one’s thoughts is a large part of overcoming a Vyvanse addiction. Mindfulness helps you direct your conscious thoughts away from things that distract and distress you. Instead you learn to focus on the here and now, and what you are feeling and observing.
• Fitness. In rehab you will learn how to improve your wellness through sound nutrition and getting regular exercise. These actions can help you maintain a daily routine, which helps you feel more energy and focused without drugs.

Vyvanse Aftercare

A new life without Vyvanse won’t just happen on its own. It takes real focus and effort to create a new lifestyle without the stimulant. Part of that effort involves taking mindful actions that support recovery. These actions include sober living for a while, going to therapy on a weekly basis, and joining a 12-Step group.

The Treatment Specialist Online Resource for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

The Treatment Specialist is a trusted source for information about substance use disorders, such as Vyvanse abuse and Vyvanse withdrawal. Our team can help guide your next steps in finding help for yourself or a loved one with a Vyvanse use disorder. Please contact us today for free guidance at (866) 644-7911.