Over the last few years, ADHD drugs such as Adderall have flooded the drug scene around high schools and colleges across the country, as many students believe that these illicit substances help them get through the tough rigors of increasingly competitive educational demands. Another common drug is Vyvanse, and the popularity of Vyvanse abuse exploded over the last decade.
While Adderall has long been used by students cramming for exams, one of its competitors, Vyvanse, has recently taken off as the drug of choice among students. The potency and addictive qualities of Vyvanse has many health officials worried as abuse of the drug can not only lead to health issues, but also be a precursor to dependency on more dangerous drugs.
Vyvanse Typically Prescribed for ADHD and Eating Disorders
Vyvanse entered the market in 2007 and was advertised as a safer alternative to Adderall and Ritalin for children between the ages of six and twelve diagnosed with ADHD. Studies found that Vyvanse could also help adults with eating disorders, and in 2008, it was approved for adult use.
People with ADHD — typically children and teens — tend to have trouble focusing and have been shown to be more impulsive or hyperactive than others of the same age. Stimulants like Vyvanse help patients relax and focus, and coupled with therapy sessions, ADHD can be managed effectively.
Vyvanse was considered a better option than other ADHD medications because studies found that one dose of Vyvanse at the start of the day was found to sufficiently treat ADHD patient. By limiting the number of times medications are consumed, medical professionals claimed that the chances of abusing Vyvanse would be greatly reduced.
Because one of the most widely known symptoms for Vyvanse was a decrease in appetite, clinical studies also found that Vyvanse was also useful in treating patients with binge-eating disorders, which is another issue that plagues campuses everywhere.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Vyvanse
Vyvanse can have positive effects on the body when used as prescribed. For children suffering from ADHD, this drug can improve focus and attention span while helping with impulse control. When prescribed to help with binge-eating disorders, Vyvanse has been found to curb appetite and lead to fewer binges.
Because Vyvanse alters the chemicals in the user’s brain, the side effects for those participating in Vyvanse abuse can be severe. These side effects include fatigue, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, mania, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Along with the positive effects when taken as prescribed, Vyvanse also has a long list of negative effects on the body. The “minor” side effects of Vyvanse include mild anxiety, increased heart rate, feeling jittery and irritable, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, shortness of breath, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Because Vyvanse alters the chemicals in the user’s brain, the side effects for those that use the drug recreationally can be severe. These side effects include fatigue, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, mania, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Furthermore, because Vyvanse abuse interacts with the brain’s chemistry, users can quickly become chemically dependent. Thus, to safely stop taking Vyvanse, a frequent Vyvanse user must taper the dosage or suffer symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can include feelings of dependence, shakiness, severe insomnia, and excessive sweating, in addition to the side effects outlined above.
Have You or a Loved One Been Dealing with a Vyvanse Abuse?
According to one recent report, 4% of high school seniors said they had used an ADHD drug like Vyvanse without a prescription. The increasing demands on students to succeed in school have never been higher, and unfortunately, many turn to these ADHD drugs to try to cope with the pressures to succeed academically.
At Morningside Recovery, we offer personalized addiction treatment services that are catered to the needs of each client. Our state-of-the-art residential treatment center ensures that detox from chemical addiction occurs safely under the supervision of trained medical professionals. Our treatment programs are centered around building a foundation that will lead to a lifetime of sobriety.
For more information about how we can help you quit using Vyvanse or any other ADHD medication, call us at 855-631-2135. Our helpline is open 24/7 and our specialists will work with you to help find the treatment option that works for you.
