Vyvanse has a
Highlights
- Vyvanse side effects are generally the same in both males and females, but they might feel different in females for various reasons.
- Vyvanse does not directly affect hormones. There is
not enough evidence to prove[2] that stimulant medications influence hormone levels or the menstrual cycle, or vice versa. - ADHD symptoms may worsen pre-menstrually, making it seem as if Vyvanse is not working.
- PMS symptoms and hormonal birth control side effects are similar to Vyvanse’s adverse effects, causing confusion about the cause.
- Don’t take Vyvanse while pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you’re an adult female, recently diagnosed with ADHD, and you have a Vyvanse prescription, this article is a must-read. It addresses common side effects, why they feel different in women, and tips for safer use.
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a
In the past,
Read more: ADHD in women
Common Vyvanse Side Effects in Both Sexes
Generally speaking, Vyvanse doesn’t cause different side effects in females vs. males. The clinical trials done before Vyvanse was approved found that both sexes
- Suppressed appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety; feeling jittery, aggressive, or irritable
- Decreased weight
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
During these trials, between
Why Side Effects Can Feel Different in Females
Sometimes, Vyvanse side effects in females are not actually due to the medication. Confusion arises because symptoms are similar to those of normal hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and of female life phases, such as peri- and menopause.
The key to figuring out which is which is to look for patterns that coincide with the menstrual cycle and to consider your age.
Journaling might be useful for recognizing whether a symptom fluctuates during the month; for example, if it’s only happening in your ‘pre-period week,’ it’s unlikely to be a side effect.
Female-Specific Concerns
Vyvanse and Hormones
Firstly, let’s address the question, “Does Vyvanse increase estrogen?” The answer is no. And secondly, the term ‘Vyvanse hormonal imbalance’ isn’t accurate either.
Here’s why.
Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS) and Menstruation
The confusion starts because there is an overlap of Vyvanse side effects and certain menstrual cycle symptoms caused by hormone changes.
Just before and during their periods, most females experience some degree of the following:
- Headaches
- Stomach ache
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Mood swings, irritability, or anger
- Anxiety
- A depressed mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in libido
- Diarrhea or constipation
You can see how many symptoms are similar to the common Vyvanse side effects listed earlier. But it doesn’t end there.
Approaching Menopause: Hot Flashes and Other Symptoms
Women who are menopausal or perimenopausal commonly report sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruption, changes in mood and libido.
Perimenopause usually starts in your mid-40s, announced by irregular periods, and you are only officially menopausal after no periods for 12 months in a row.
On the other hand, Vyvanse can cause increased sweating (mimicking hot flashes); however, this can occur at any age, even when your cycles are regular.
Menopause is also associated with poor memory and lower concentration.
ADHD Symptoms: Period and Cycle Changes
In addition to the symptom similarity between female hormonal fluctuations and Vyvanse side effects, ADHD itself may cause more confusion.
Studies show that ADHD symptoms in females can
Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of
Sexual Side Effects, Birth Control, and Fertility
Vyvanse and Sex Drive
Vyvanse and Fertility in Females
Vyvanse will not make you infertile, but it might cause problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery and low birth weight. Always talk to your doctor if you are taking Vyvanse and thinking about trying to conceive.
Vyvanse and Birth Control
Although it interacts with certain prescription medications, Vyvanse does not affect birth control.
In fact, because of the potential risks to the baby, if you are taking Vyvanse, you should be using some form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Something else to be aware of is that some hormonal birth control pills may have
Serious and Less Common Side Effects
There are a few situations where it is best not to take Vyvanse, and there are rare side effects that could be dangerous:
- Palpitations, a racing or irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Tics, paranoia, hallucinations, or manic episodes in bipolar disorder
- Numb, cold, painful hands and feet
- Serotonin syndrome if you are also using medication such as antidepressants
That is why it is important to tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and current medication. If you experience any of the above, please seek immediate medical attention.
Managing Side Effects
Now that you know more about what to expect when starting Vyvanse, here are some tips on managing the side effects.
- Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss: Make sure to eat balanced meals at regular intervals. Make sure you eat breakfast before leaving home, and pack a lunch every day.
- Dry Mouth and Diarrhea: Keep hydrated; consider carrying a water bottle to work.
- Trouble Sleeping: Take Vyvanse as early as possible in the morning.
- Stomach Ache and Nausea: Try taking Vyvanse after breakfast; sometimes this helps.
- Anxiety and Irritability: Limit the use of other stimulants, such as caffeine, as well as alcohol, which can affect mood.
Remember to journal your symptoms so it is easier to recognize patterns.
If side effects are severe, do not settle or interfere with your daily life, contact your healthcare provider to discuss dosage adjustments or other treatment options.
Dependence, Misuse, and Withdrawal
Unfortunately, there exists a risk for Vyvanse misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction. This is why it is a controlled medication.
Signs of
- Craving the medication
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you haven’t taken it: muscle aches, twitches, shakes, racing heart, feeling very hot or cold, having diarrhea or vomiting.
Even at prescribed doses, you may experience mild withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, you should never stop Vyvanse cold turkey; always discuss tapering down your dose with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Vyvanse is used successfully to treat males and females with ADHD, although there are female-specific ADHD patterns to consider regarding medication choice and dosages. MEDvidi’s team of licensed medical practitioners can help you with a personalized treatment plan for ADHD, so book your online ADHD consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vyvanse make you emotional?
Yes, Vyvanse may make certain people feel emotional, jittery, irritable, or anxious.
Can Vyvanse mess with birth control?
No, Vyvanse doesn’t interact or mess with birth control.
Is Vyvanse causing my hormonal acne?
It is unlikely that Vyvanse affects skin or causes acne, as there is no evidence that it or other stimulants mess with hormones in any way.
Is Vyvanse good for menopause?
Vyvanse is not approved for the treatment of menopause, and certain Vyvanse side effects might worsen menopausal symptoms such as sweats, hot flashes, irritability, and insomnia.
Does Vyvanse help hot flashes?
No, Vyvanse doesn’t help to ease hot flashes, and in fact, might make them worse; possible side effects of Vyvanse are increased sweating and flushing.
How to deal with Vyvanse hypersexuality?
If you are experiencing hypersexuality on Vyvanse that is harmful, risky, or interfering with your daily life, you should contact your healthcare professional about adjusting the dose or changing medication.
Can Vyvanse delay your period, cause heavy periods, or affect your period in any other way?
There is not enough evidence proving that Vyvanse, or other stimulants, affect hormones or the menstrual cycle in any way.
What are the long-term side effects of Vyvanse in females?
Long-term use of Vyvanse increases the risk of side effects such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and decreased blood supply to the hands and feet. Chronic use might trigger underlying mental health condition symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, manic episodes, or tics.
