Everything You Need to Know About Vyvanse

Summary

Vyvanse is a prescription medication containing lisdexamfetamine, a central nervous system stimulant. It is taken orally and is available in Canada as capsules and chewable tablets in several strengths. Vyvanse is a controlled drug in Canada and should be taken exactly as prescribed.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prescription stimulant that belongs to a group of medicines called amphetamines. Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, which means the body converts it into an active form after it is taken.

Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists Vyvanse as a marketed prescription product and a controlled drug under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The current Canadian product monograph was updated in September 2025.

Vyvanse is available in Canada as both capsules and chewable tablets. The available strengths vary by formulation and include 10 mg through 70 mg.

What is the generic name for Vyvanse?

The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. Generic lisdexamfetamine products are also marketed in Canada, including capsule and chewable tablet formulations.

The active ingredient is the same, although non-medicinal ingredients and the appearance of different products can vary. Your pharmacist can explain the differences if you receive a generic product.

How does Vyvanse work?

Lisdexamfetamine is converted by the body into dextroamphetamine, an active stimulant. Dextroamphetamine affects chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, in the central nervous system.

The exact way stimulant medications produce their clinical effects is complex. Rather than describing Vyvanse as simply “boosting focus,” it is more accurate to explain that its active ingredient changes signalling involving these neurotransmitters.

Because lisdexamfetamine must first be converted in the body, its pharmacological profile differs from medications that contain an active amphetamine ingredient directly.

How is Vyvanse taken?

Vyvanse is taken by mouth and should be taken exactly as prescribed.

The Canadian product monograph recommends taking Vyvanse in the morning. Afternoon doses should be avoided because they may interfere with sleep. Vyvanse can be taken with or without food.

Capsules should not be divided into separate doses. If swallowing a capsule is difficult, the Canadian product information provides specific instructions for dispersing the contents in water, orange juice or yogurt. Chewable tablets are also available. Follow the instructions provided with your specific prescription and formulation rather than changing how you take the medication yourself.

How often is Vyvanse taken?

The prescribed schedule depends on the individual and the indication for which it has been prescribed. The Canadian product monograph provides specific dosing recommendations, including a once-daily regimen for its approved uses.

Do not take an additional dose because you feel the medication is wearing off or because you want its effects to last longer. Taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of adverse effects and misuse.

What is the usual Vyvanse dosage?

Vyvanse dosing is individualized. For its approved use in children and adults with ADHD, the Canadian product monograph describes a recommended starting dose of 30 mg once daily, with adjustments made by the prescribing practitioner when appropriate. The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg per day.

The dose prescribed to you may therefore differ from someone else's. Factors such as age, response to treatment, other medications and medical history can affect prescribing decisions.

Never increase, decrease or change your Vyvanse dose without speaking with your practitioner.

Important: A higher dose is not automatically more appropriate. Dose adjustments should be made by the practitioner managing your prescription.

How long does Vyvanse last?

How long Vyvanse's effects are experienced can vary between people. Factors including the prescribed dose, individual metabolism and other medications can influence how the medication affects you.

It is therefore not appropriate to assume that a particular dose will last exactly the same amount of time for everyone. The Canadian product information focuses on once-daily administration rather than recommending additional doses to extend its effects.

If you regularly feel that your medication is wearing off earlier or later than expected, speak with your practitioner rather than changing your dose or timing yourself.

What are the side effects of Vyvanse?

Like other prescription medications, Vyvanse can cause side effects. The Canadian product monograph reports decreased appetite and insomnia among the most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials. Dry mouth, headache and upper abdominal pain are also reported.

Other possible side effects can include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• irritability
• increased heart rate
• changes in blood pressure
• feeling jittery
• fatigue

Side effects can vary between people and may change as treatment continues. If a side effect is persistent, severe or affecting your daily life, speak with your pharmacist or practitioner.

Can Vyvanse affect appetite or sleep?

Yes. Decreased appetite and insomnia are among the commonly reported adverse reactions associated with Vyvanse.

Taking the medication later in the day can also interfere with sleep, which is why the Canadian product monograph recommends morning administration.

If changes in appetite, sleep or weight are concerning, particularly in a child or adolescent taking the medication, discuss them with the practitioner monitoring treatment.

What serious risks are associated with Vyvanse?

Vyvanse has important safety considerations because lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant and a controlled drug.

The Canadian product information includes warnings and precautions relating to cardiovascular effects, psychiatric symptoms, growth in children and adolescents, and the potential for misuse, abuse and dependence.

Seek urgent medical attention for serious or unexpected symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, severe agitation, hallucinations, seizures or other symptoms that concern you.

Vyvanse should also never be shared with another person, even if they have been prescribed the same medication. Keeping the medication secure is particularly important because it is a controlled drug.

Can Vyvanse interact with other medications?

Yes. Vyvanse can interact with other medications, supplements and substances.

Before starting Vyvanse, tell your practitioner and pharmacist about everything you take, including:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins
• herbal products
• other stimulants or substances

Some interactions can affect blood pressure, heart rate or neurotransmitter activity, while others can change how medications are processed in the body.

Your pharmacist can review your medication list and identify potential interactions before you start a new medication or supplement.

What should you know about Vyvanse and alcohol?

Alcohol can affect people differently when combined with prescription medications. Rather than assuming that drinking alcohol is safe with Vyvanse, discuss your alcohol use with your practitioner or pharmacist.

They can consider your prescription, other medications and individual health factors when advising you.

What happens if you miss a dose of Vyvanse?

If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided with your prescription or speak with your pharmacist about what to do.

Because Vyvanse is generally taken in the morning, taking a missed dose later in the day may not be appropriate if it could interfere with sleep. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose unless your practitioner specifically instructs you to do so.

Can you stop taking Vyvanse suddenly?

Whether Vyvanse should be stopped, reduced or continued depends on your individual treatment plan.

Because lisdexamfetamine is a controlled stimulant and can be associated with misuse and dependence, changes to treatment should be discussed with the practitioner who prescribed it.

Do not stop taking Vyvanse, restart it or change the dose on your own. Your practitioner can determine the appropriate approach based on your prescription and treatment history.

What should you discuss with your practitioner before taking Vyvanse?

Before starting Vyvanse, make sure your practitioner knows about your medical history and all medications or supplements you take.

It is particularly important to discuss any history of heart problems, high blood pressure, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, substance use or other conditions that could affect whether a stimulant is appropriate.

For children and adolescents, growth, appetite and weight may also need to be monitored during treatment. The Canadian product monograph recommends periodic reassessment when treatment is continued over longer periods.

Your practitioner can review these factors and determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.

When should you speak with a healthcare practitioner?

Speak with a practitioner if you are experiencing persistent or bothersome side effects, notice significant changes in appetite or sleep, have concerns about your dose or feel that the medication is affecting you differently than expected.

You should seek urgent medical attention for serious symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, seizures, severe agitation, hallucinations or other sudden or concerning changes.

Your pharmacist can also help with questions about administration, missed doses, interactions and medication-related side effects.

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Learn how Pocketpills' online pharmacy works.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication containing lisdexamfetamine. It belongs to the stimulant class of medicines and is available in Canada as oral capsules and chewable tablets. Health Canada lists Vyvanse as a controlled drug under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

What are the side effects of Vyvanse?

Commonly reported side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, headache and upper abdominal pain. Other effects can include nausea, dizziness, irritability and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Speak with a practitioner if side effects are persistent or concerning.

What is the usual Vyvanse dosage?

For its approved use in children and adults with ADHD, the Canadian product monograph recommends a starting dose of 30 mg once daily, with adjustments when appropriate. The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg per day. Dosing should always be individualized and prescribed by a practitioner.

Can Vyvanse be taken with food?

Yes. The Canadian product monograph states that Vyvanse can be taken with or without food. It should generally be taken in the morning, as taking it later in the day may interfere with sleep.

Is Vyvanse a controlled medication?

Yes. Health Canada's Drug Product Database classifies Vyvanse as a controlled drug under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It should only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed and should never be shared with anyone else.