Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
Understanding Vyvanse and Its Intended Use
Vyvanse, with the generic name lisdexamfetamine, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in adults. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and dependence. Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, dextroamphetamine, by enzymes in the red blood cells. This conversion process provides a slow, extended release of the medication, with effects typically lasting up to 14 hours.
Is 100mg of Vyvanse an Overdose?
Yes, taking 100mg of Vyvanse is considered an overdose. There is a maximum recommended daily dose for Vyvanse for both ADHD and BED. Ingesting 100mg, especially in a single dose, is well above this FDA-approved limit and can lead to a range of dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects. Doses over the recommended maximum are not advised as they have not been studied for safety or efficacy and increase the risk of serious adverse events.
Immediate Symptoms of a 100mg Vyvanse Overdose
An overdose of Vyvanse overstimulates the central nervous system, leading to a cascade of physical and psychological symptoms. These can range from moderate to severe and require immediate medical evaluation.
Common Overdose Symptoms:
- Cardiovascular: Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain, and palpitations. In severe cases, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, or circulatory collapse.
- Neurological: Restlessness, tremors, uncontrollable shaking, confusion, agitation, and overactive reflexes. Severe symptoms include seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma.
- Psychological: Feelings of panic, aggression, paranoia, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), and psychosis.
- Other Physical Symptoms: Fast breathing, fever, excessive sweating, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. A high body temperature (hyperthermia) is a particularly dangerous sign.
What to Do Immediately If You've Taken 100mg of Vyvanse
If you or someone you know has taken 100mg of Vyvanse, it is critical to act quickly.
- Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) Immediately: This is the most important step. Provide them with the person's age, weight, the amount of drug taken, and the time it was ingested.
- Stay Calm and Move to a Safe Environment: Move the person to a quiet, calm space to reduce external stimuli that could worsen agitation or panic.
- Provide Supportive Care: If the person is overheating, try to cool them down with a cool, wet cloth. If they are conscious and able to drink, offer water.
- Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless specifically instructed by a poison control expert or a 911 operator, do not try to make the person vomit.
How Medical Professionals Treat a Vyvanse Overdose
In a hospital setting, treatment for a Vyvanse overdose is primarily supportive and focuses on managing symptoms.
- Monitoring: Vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature will be closely monitored.
- Sedation: Benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam), may be administered to control severe agitation, anxiety, and seizures.
- Activated Charcoal: If the overdose was recent, medical staff might administer activated charcoal to help absorb the drug in the stomach and reduce its absorption into the bloodstream.
- Supportive Care: Intravenous (IV) fluids may be given for hydration, and medications might be used to manage high blood pressure or heart rhythm abnormalities.
Comparison: Therapeutic Dose vs. 100mg Overdose
| Feature | Therapeutic Dose | 100mg Overdose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Effect | Improved focus, reduced impulsivity | Extreme overstimulation, toxicity |
| Heart Rate | Mild increase | Dangerously rapid or irregular heartbeat |
| Mental State | Calm, alert, focused | Panic, confusion, agitation, paranoia, psychosis |
| Physical Signs | Dry mouth, decreased appetite | Tremors, restlessness, high fever, sweating, seizures |
| Medical Status | Medically managed and prescribed | Medical Emergency requiring immediate care |
Conclusion: A Serious Risk Not Worth Taking
Accidentally taking 100mg of Vyvanse is a serious medical event that requires an immediate emergency response. This dosage far exceeds the safe and effective limits of the medication, posing significant risks of severe cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological harm, which can be fatal. It is essential to always take medication exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to store it securely to prevent accidental ingestion. If you have questions about your dosage or are struggling with medication misuse, speak with your doctor.
For immediate help with a substance use crisis, you can call or text 988. For information on substance abuse treatment, you can visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.
