One of the ways addiction treatment programs keep clients safe during medical detox is by following protocols for withdrawal timelines. Some substances, such as Vyvanse, are unsafe to quit “cold turkey.” To learn more about Vyvanse addiction and safe withdrawal, contact Promises at 844.875.5609 today.
What Is Vyvanse?
What is the timeline for Vyvanse withdrawal exactly? It helps to first understand what the drug is and why physicians prescribe it.
Vyvanse is the brand name of the stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. This prescription medication treats the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and binge eating disorders in adults. Vyvanse might also be used off-label to treat schizophrenia, depression, and excessive daytime fatigue.
As a central nervous system stimulant and a Schedule II drug, Vyvanse is considered safe when used as prescribed, but it can be habit-forming. Individuals who have had problems with drug or alcohol misuse in the past may not be good candidates for using Vyvanse.
Why Is a Vyvanse Withdrawal Timeline Needed?
Vyvanse works by changing the chemical balance in your brain. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels to improve attention span and concentration. The substance also helps to control hyperactivity.
Over time, the increased levels of neurotransmitters become the normal state in which your body functions. Suddenly stopping the medication removes the stimulation and causes what is known as a crash.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms during a crash depends on the dosage a person was taking and how long they have been using Vyvanse. Symptoms of sudden withdrawal can include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Extreme cravings
- Appetite changes
- Hypersomnia
A prolonged recovery timeline accounting for withdrawal from Vyvanse is key to avoiding such a crash. The cravings caused by suddenly stopping the medication could lead to an accidental overdose.
Symptoms of Vyvanse Overdose
Once the body begins to detox, it may no longer be able to metabolize the same dosage you were used to before detox. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Tremor
- Muscle twitching
- Aggression and violence
- Feelings of panic
- Muscle pain
- Seizure
- Coma
If you suspect someone has overdosed on Vyvanse, call 911 immediately. Overdose can be fatal.
What Is the Timeline for Vyvanse Withdrawal?
A tapering protocol normally occurs under close medical supervision. Tapering off involves taking increasingly smaller doses of the substance. Slowly decreasing a substance gives the body an opportunity to adjust and avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
The exact timeline depends on each individual’s needs. For example, people with a prolonged or severe dependence on Vyvanse will need to reduce dosage more slowly than others. It may take several weeks to completely detox. However, keep in mind that a longer timeline means fewer and less severe withdrawal symptoms.
Your supervising physician will design an individualized Vyvanse withdrawal timeline to suit your unique needs. The first step is to reduce the dosage with the minimum amount of discomfort. The dosage will continue to be reduced over a number of weeks until the minimum dosage of 30 mg once day is reached.
Once a person has adjusted to the minimum dosage, it is generally safe to stop using Vyvanse completely.
Signs of Vyvanse Addiction
Many prescription medications are misused both by accident and on purpose. Misuse can increase health risks, including the risk of addiction. The warning signs of Vyvanse addiction include:
- Extreme mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressive, hostile, or violent behavior
- Changes in personality
- Inflated sense of self-confidence
- Unusually high levels of energy
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
If you recognize the warning signs in yourself or someone else, don’t stop taking Vyvanse suddenly. Speak with your healthcare provider about tapering off safely.
Find Safe Vyvanse Recovery with Addiction Treatment at Promises
You don’t have to suffer through painful withdrawal symptoms or put your health at risk to begin recovery from Vyvanse addiction. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 to learn more about the benefits of medically supervised detox today.