Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children, and binge-eating disorder in adults. Understanding how to properly take Vyvanse is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. One common question is: Should You Take Vyvanse With Food? The answer is a bit nuanced, and this article will explore the impact of food on Vyvanse absorption and onset of action.
Generally, Vyvanse begins working within 90 minutes to two hours. However, this timeframe can be influenced by several factors, including age and whether you take Vyvanse with food or on an empty stomach. Let’s delve deeper into how food affects Vyvanse.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vyvanse-GettyImages-1815420198-146fc2d345a94ebabadffb799d265b55.jpg)
Alt text: Close-up of Vyvanse capsules in their prescription bottle, highlighting the medication’s appearance and common form.
Understanding Vyvanse: How It Works
Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. This means lisdexamfetamine is inactive until it’s converted to dextroamphetamine in the body.
Dextroamphetamine increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two key neurotransmitters in the brain. Norepinephrine enhances concentration and reduces impulsivity, while dopamine regulates mood, movement, and the experience of pleasure and pain. In binge-eating disorder, Vyvanse helps restore dopamine balance, potentially reducing binge-eating episodes.
The Impact of Food on Vyvanse Absorption
So, should you take Vyvanse with food? The short answer is: it depends on your goals and individual response.
ADHD
For managing ADHD symptoms like improved focus and reduced fidgeting, Vyvanse typically starts working within 90 minutes to two hours in children. Adults might experience the effects within a similar timeframe. The effects usually last 12 to 14 hours.
Taking Vyvanse with food can delay its absorption, potentially extending the time it takes to start working by up to an hour. However, it generally doesn’t affect how well Vyvanse works overall.
Binge-Eating Disorder
When using Vyvanse for binge-eating disorder, you might feel the effects within two hours. However, it can take up to 12 weeks to see a significant reduction in binge-eating days per week. Studies have shown that Vyvanse can control binge-eating symptoms for at least 38 weeks.
Absorption Rate: Empty Stomach vs. With Food
Studies on children with ADHD (ages 6-12) showed that when Vyvanse capsules were taken on an empty stomach, dextroamphetamine reached peak levels in about 3.5 hours. In adults, it took slightly longer, around 3.75 hours.
The type of food also matters. A high-fat meal (like a hamburger or eggs with buttered toast) can delay absorption by about an hour. A lighter snack or meal (such as yogurt) might only delay absorption by about 30 minutes compared to taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach.
Vyvanse chewable tablets take approximately 4.5 hours to be fully absorbed on an empty stomach. Like the capsules, absorption is delayed by roughly an hour when taken with a high-fat meal.
Vyvanse Dosage and Usage
Vyvanse is usually taken once daily in the morning, whether for ADHD or binge-eating disorder. Regular daily use ensures effective symptom management.
Your doctor will determine the appropriate Vyvanse dosage based on factors like your age, the condition being treated, your response to the medication, any existing kidney problems, and other medications you’re taking.
Sometimes, doctors may recommend a “drug holiday,” a temporary break from Vyvanse. This helps determine if you still need the medication or to alleviate potential side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never stop taking Vyvanse without their guidance.
Vyvanse Compared to Other ADHD Medications
Understanding how Vyvanse stacks up against other ADHD medications can help you make informed decisions.
Other common stimulant medications for ADHD include Concerta (methylphenidate ER) and Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts). All three are long-acting, but they differ in their onset and duration of action.
Adderall XR typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, while Concerta takes about an hour. Vyvanse generally takes longer, around 90 minutes to two hours.
However, Vyvanse’s effects tend to last longer than Adderall XR or Concerta. Adderall XR improves ADHD symptoms for about 10 hours, Concerta for 10 to 12 hours, and Vyvanse for 12 to 14 hours.
| Medication | Time to Begin Working | Duration of Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Adderall XR | 30 minutes – 1 hour | 10 hours |
| Concerta | 1 hour | 10 – 12 hours |
| Vyvanse | 90 minutes – 2 hours | 12 – 14 hours |
What If Vyvanse Isn’t Working?
Your doctor will monitor your progress after prescribing Vyvanse. It’s important to remember that the medication’s effects might be gradual.
Signs that Vyvanse is working include:
- Fewer careless errors at work or school.
- Improved recall of details from conversations or lessons.
- Better time management and punctuality.
- Less impulsivity and fewer interruptions.
- Improved task completion and homework performance.
- Decreased fidgeting and restlessness.
- Fewer binge-eating days per week (if treating binge-eating disorder).
If you don’t see these improvements, inform your doctor. They might adjust the dosage or recommend a different treatment.
Contact your doctor if:
- Symptoms worsen in the evening.
- You experience new or worsening irritability or hyperactivity.
- There’s no symptom improvement after a few weeks.
- Initial improvements fade over time.
Conclusion: Optimizing Vyvanse Use
So, should you take Vyvanse with food? Ultimately, the decision depends on individual factors. Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach might lead to faster absorption, while taking it with food could delay the onset but might be gentler on the stomach for some individuals.
Vyvanse is a valuable medication for treating ADHD and binge-eating disorder. It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels, improving concentration, reducing impulsivity, and managing binge-eating symptoms.
Remember that food can affect how quickly Vyvanse starts working. It generally takes 90 minutes to two hours to begin working, but food can delay this by 30 minutes to an hour.
Pay attention to how Vyvanse affects you and communicate any concerns to your healthcare provider. They can help you optimize your treatment plan for the best possible outcome. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen after a few weeks, be sure to inform your doctor.
