Vyvanse has a
Highlights
- When your Vyvanse dose is too low, you may still struggle with things like trouble focusing, acting on impulse, and feeling restless.
- Finding the right dose may take time, as your metabolism and symptom severity play a role in how you’ll respond to Vyanse and what dose will work for you.
- Talk with your healthcare provider if you think your Vyvanse dose is too low. Never adjust the dose on your own.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (
Finding the right dosage of Vyvanse is important in order to get the full benefits of taking the medication. Here we’ll walk through what happens when your Vyvanse dose is too low, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do about it.
How Vyvanse Works
Vyvanse
Because each person is unique, the right dose will be different for each person. The response to the medication may depend on several factors, including how fast your body breaks down the medication and how severe your symptoms are.
Signs Your Vyvanse Dose May Be Too Low
It’s not always easy to know when your current Vyvanse dosage is too low. If you’re taking Vyvanse but still struggling day to day, it might be a sign that your symptoms aren’t fully controlled and the dose should be adjusted. Other common signs of an insufficient dose include:
- Persistent inattention: Everyday noises, movements around you, and even your own thoughts can easily distract you.
- Trouble focusing or completing tasks: You might start a task only to drift off, daydream, and leave it unfinished, all because of difficulty concentrating.
- Impulsivity and hyperactivity: Impulsive behavior is a core symptom of ADHD, including the tendency to interrupt conversations, make quick decisions, or make impulsive purchases.
- Restlessness and agitation: You may feel restless and like you can’t sit still. If you are constantly fidgeting, tapping your foot, and getting up, this may be a symptom of ADHD that the medication isn’t helping to control.
- Mood swings, frustration, or increased anxiety: ADHD medication, such as Vyvanse, is often meant to help you feel calmer and more emotionally steady. So, if you keep feeling irritable, anxious, or frustrated, it could mean your current dose isn’t helping enough.
- Fatigue or lack of energy: Medications like Vyvanse often help improve energy and motivation. If you still feel unusually tired, unmotivated, or mentally drained, it may be a sign that your treatment needs adjustment.
Consequences of a Too-Low Vyvanse Dose
When your Vyvanse dosage is too low, you may still experience persistent ADHD symptoms. These effects of low attention and focus can go beyond difficulty staying organized or following through on tasks at work or school. For example, routine responsibilities such as paying bills or keeping up with chores can feel overwhelming or constantly unfinished. All this can lead to feeling like falling behind or frustrated.
Some ongoing symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships. Your partner may mistake forgetfulness or inattention for a lack of interest or care. If you tend to interrupt conversations, have difficulty staying engaged, or act impulsively, this can lead to emotional or financial strain. The impact of ADHD on daily life is often overlooked and thought of as caused by stress, but it’s important to talk to your provider if you think treatment adjustment can make a difference.
If Vyvanse dose is too low, emotionally, you may still feel unmotivated or mentally scattered because of ADHD symptoms. When you constantly struggle with focus and productivity, it can increase your stress and affect your self-confidence. This, together with ongoing ADHD symptoms, can eventually contribute to anxiety or
Why Your Vyvanse Dose Might Be Too Low
If Vyvanse doesn’t seem to be improving your symptoms as expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean the medication “isn’t working.” There is a possibility that a certain dosage is not suitable for you; this can happen at the stage of taking the starting dose or even later, after your healthcare provider increases it. Multiple factors can influence the effectiveness:
- Metabolism and body differences: Some people’s metabolism may be faster or slower than others. This affects how the body breaks down the medication and how long you feel the effects. That’s why there is no one dose that is right for everyone.
- Tolerance: Over time, some people notice that the same dose doesn’t work as well as it once did. This can happen when the body adapts to the medication, and a healthcare provider may recommend increasing medication holidays (days when you are not taking the medication) and/or a higher dose to get the same effect.
- Missed or inconsistent doses: To be most effective, Vyvanse should be taken at the same time on the days when you take it. Missing doses or taking Vyvanse at a different time can affect how well the medication works for you.
- Interactions: Be sure to provide your clinician with a history of medications you are taking. Some of them can interact with Vyvanse and can affect how fast your body breaks down the medication or how it is absorbed, which may decrease its effectiveness.
If the dose is too low, symptoms may continue to get in the way of work, school, home life, and relationships, even if you’re taking the medication as prescribed. Finding the correct dose for you may not happen right away. Be open with your provider to help them determine the most appropriate course of action.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Dose Is Too Low
- Consult with your healthcare provider. Always reach out to your provider first if you think that your dose is too low. A small change in dose can sometimes make a big difference in how well it controls your symptoms, but you shouldn’t change it without a consultation.
- Prepare for your appointment. Keep track of the symptoms you are experiencing and note what the medication has and has not been helping with. Try to think about changes in mood, concentration, specific times of day you’re having trouble, and specific problems you are experiencing.
- What to expect during dosage adjustments. If your provider agrees that your Vyvanse dosage may be too low, adjustments are usually made gradually. This process, called medication titration, helps find the lowest dose that provides good symptom control with minimal side effects. They may also recommend that you take your dose at a different time of day. It may take some time to find the right dose.
- Don’t adjust the dose on your own. Don’t adjust your dose on your own without first talking with your medical provider. Taking extra doses or splitting doses can be dangerous. Too much Vyvanse can increase the risk of side effects, such as severe anxiety, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sleep problems, or mood changes.
- Consider alternatives. If you still notice persistent ADHD symptoms after your Vyvanse dose has been adjusted, talk to your provider about alternatives. These may include switching to another ADHD medication or adding non-medication strategies.
How to Optimize Vyvanse Effectiveness
How you take Vyvanse and how it fits into your daily routine impacts how well it works. Here are a few things to consider:
- Make a schedule: Vyvanse tends to work best when it’s taken at the same time on days of use, typically in the morning. Pill organizers or phone alarms can help you
remember[5] on which days to take your medication. - Improve your sleep: You might be surprised to learn that everyday healthy habits can affect how well Vyvanse works. For instance, a good night’s sleep can help you stay more focused and stabilize your mood and emotions. Try to take your Vyvanse in the morning and try to get around 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Eat a balanced diet: If you’re skipping meals or loading up on sugary foods, you may notice your
concentration decreases[6] . Stick to regular meals with plenty of lean protein when you can. And if Vyvanse affects your appetite (which it often does), don’t force yourself to eat big meals. Instead, try smaller, healthy snacks throughout the day. - Increase physical activity:
Exercise[7] can help with mental clarity. Even a quick 10-minute walk, some stretching, or a little yoga will make it easier to stay on task when you get back to it after a break. - Consult a therapist: A therapist or an ADHD coach can help you develop skills like managing your time better, staying organized, and handling your emotions when things get frustrating.
- Find self-help tips that work for you: To make life feel less overwhelming, try keeping a visual schedule you can actually see, whether it’s a planner or a wall calendar. It will also make it easier to actually finish what you start. In addition, explore simple mindfulness exercises, like taking a few deep breaths to genuinely improve your attention and decrease restlessness.
You’ll know when your Vyvanse dose is right for you. You’ll feel a significant positive difference in focus, impulsivity, and emotional balance, so everyday tasks become more manageable.
Alternatives and Next Steps
If adjusting your Vyvanse dose either gives you unwanted adverse effects or just doesn’t seem to be providing symptom relief, don’t worry, there are alternative medications you can try. The truth is, ADHD treatment looks different for everyone. Most people end up trying other medications before they find one that works best for them.
Other Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are the most commonly used and effective medications for ADHD. They are often divided into two groups: amphetamine-based, such as Adderall and Vyvanse, and methylphenidate-based, like Concerta, Ritalin, or Focalin. Some people respond
All stimulants work in roughly the same way, but the main differences are how fast they work and how long they last during the day. If Vyvanse isn’t right for you, switching to a different stimulant might help you get better control over your symptoms.
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications can be a good alternative if you are dealing with side effects from stimulants, have other medical issues that make stimulants unsuitable, or just aren’t getting enough relief from them.
Commonly prescribed non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). It typically takes longer to see the therapeutic benefits from non-stimulant medications, but some people find they manage ADHD symptoms effectively with fewer side effects, compared to stimulants.
Combination or Additional Approaches
Your healthcare provider may recommend combining medication with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or ADHD coaching as part of your treatment plan, rather than relying on medication alone. For some people, a lower dose of medication together with non-pharmacological strategies may provide a better balance than higher doses alone.
Take a proactive role in your ADHD care by noticing changes in your symptoms and if you are functioning better day to day. Discuss any concerns and how your treatment plan is working with your healthcare provider early by scheduling regular check-ins. This will help make sure your treatment remains effective.
In Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ADHD medication. Even the medication chosen based on your symptoms, daily life routines, and health history may need the trial-and-error period in terms of finding the right dosage. To get a personalized plan for managing ADHD symptoms, including treatment adjustments, book your online appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for Vyvanse not to work?
Why do stimulants make me sleepy if I have ADHD?
Stimulants can have a
Does Vyvanse get less effective over time?
How do I know if I should increase my Vyvanse?
Is 30 mg of Vyvanse too low?
Not necessarily. 30 mg is a
