Vyvanse Overdose: Symptoms, Signs, & Treatment

Vyvanse is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorders [1], but it can be dangerous if taken in high doses. Misusing Vyvanse or taking too much can lead to an overdose. Overdosing on Vyvanse is a medical emergency. Knowing the symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose and what to do in such a situation can save lives.

This guide explains the signs of overdose, how much Vyvanse is too much, what happens if you take too much Vyvanse, and the steps to take if you or someone you know accidentally took 100mg of Vyvanse or more. You will also learn how to get effective treatment for prescription drug addiction.

Can You Overdose on Vyvanse?

For anyone wondering, “Can you OD on Vyvanse?”, it is possible to overdose. Vyvanse is a stimulant drug [2], and when taken in higher amounts than prescribed, it can overload the body. Whether it’s taken for ADHD, binge eating disorder, or misused, too much Vyvanse can cause serious harm.

An overdose can happen when someone takes more than their body can handle, either all at once or over time. Overdosing on Vyvanse is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening issues like heart problems, seizures, or even death.

Overdose risk increases if someone misuses Vyvanse by taking more than prescribed or using it to feel more alert or energetic. Since Vyvanse is a stimulant, people may feel like they need more of it to keep the effects going. This can lead to higher doses being taken, which increases the chance of an overdose. Even if someone is taking Vyvanse as prescribed, an overdose can still occur if their body reacts negatively to the drug. 

Another risk factor for Vyvanse overdose is combining it with other drugs, especially other CNS stimulants or substances like alcohol. When drugs are mixed, the body has a harder time processing them, which can increase the danger of an overdose. 

If you or someone else shows signs of a Vyvanse overdose, get medical help immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious complications and save lives – learn more about this below. 

What Is a Lethal Dose of Vyvanse?

The lethal dose of Vyvanse varies from person to person. Factors like body weight, tolerance to stimulants, and overall health can play a part in how much Vyvanse a person can handle before it becomes dangerous. For most people, the maximum prescribed dose of Vyvanse is 70mg per day. Taking more than that can lead to severe side effects, but a lethal dose usually involves much higher amounts. 

A Vyvanse overdose amount over 200mg of Vyvanse is considered extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening [3]. That said, people react differently to drugs. Some might experience severe symptoms at lower doses, while others might not. The more Vyvanse someone takes, the higher the chance of deadly complications like heart attack, stroke, or organ failure. 

People with pre-existing heart conditions or other health issues are in even greater danger when taking high doses of Vyvanse. For them, even lower doses can cause major health problems, including heart failure. Follow a doctor’s prescription closely and avoid increasing the dose without medical supervision. If someone takes a large dose of Vyvanse – especially over 100mg – they should seek medical help right away to prevent fatal outcomes.

Vyvanse Overdose

A Vyvanse overdose happens when someone takes too much of the drug, overwhelming their body’s ability to handle it. The overdose may occur accidentally, such as when someone takes more than they realize, or intentionally in cases of substance abuse. Either way, the consequences of an overdose are serious and can quickly become life-threatening. 

When someone overdoses on Vyvanse, their central nervous system becomes overstimulated. This can cause a wide range of physical and mental symptoms. The body’s heart rate and blood pressure may spike to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. At the same time, the brain may become overstimulated, leading to confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. A Vyvanse overdose can also cause extreme fatigue, loss of consciousness, coma, or death. 

Some people may not realize they are experiencing an overdose because the symptoms can sometimes be confused with normal side effects of Vyvanse. If symptoms like chest pain, severe headaches, uncontrolled shaking, or hallucinations occur, get emergency medical attention right away. Early treatment can make a big difference in preventing long-term damage or death from a Vyvanse overdose. 

In the case of a suspected overdose, medical professionals may use a variety of treatments to stabilize the person. This could include medications to lower heart rate or blood pressure, fluids to keep the body hydrated, and treatments to control seizures. In severe cases, activated charcoal may be used to help absorb the drug and prevent further damage. With prompt care, many people are able to recover from a Vyvanse overdose, but Vyvanse overdose risk should be taken seriously – act quickly if you suspect an overdose of stimulants. 

What are the Signs Your Vyvanse Dose Is Too High?

Taking too much Vyvanse, even if it’s not enough to cause a full overdose, can still lead to uncomfortable and dangerous side effects. When your Vyvanse dose is too high, your body may start to show signs that it can’t handle the amount you’ve taken. These signs may come on slowly or all at once – they shouldn’t be ignored. 

One of the first signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high is feeling restless or jittery. You might notice that your heart is beating faster than normal, and you may feel anxious or uneasy for no clear reason. Your thoughts could race, and it may be hard to focus or calm down. These symptoms are common when someone has taken more Vyvanse than their body needs.

• Trouble sleeping: Another sign of a high Vyvanse dose is trouble sleeping. Vyvanse is a stimulant, so it can keep you awake if you take too much, even hours after the medication was taken. Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, is a common side effect of high doses. Not getting enough rest can make you feel tired and irritable during the day, taking a toll on your health.
• Physical discomfort: Physical symptoms can also appear when your Vyvanse dose is too high. These can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. You may experience dry mouth, muscle pain, or even tremors – uncontrollable shaking in your hands or other body parts.
• Loss of appetite: Another key sign of too much Vyvanse is a significant loss of appetite. Some people may also lose weight because they don’t feel hungry while taking the drug.
• Serious side effects: In extreme cases, a high dose of Vyvanse can lead to more serious symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision problems. These are signs that the heart or other vital organs are being strained and should not be ignored. If you experience any of these severe symptoms, seek medical attention. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or explore other treatment options to avoid further complications.

 Communicate with your healthcare provider if you think your Vyvanse dose is too high. Never adjust the dosage on your own, as this could increase the risk of an overdose or other serious health problems. A doctor can help find the right dose for you, balancing the benefits of Vyvanse while minimizing harmful side effects. 

Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms

When someone takes too much Vyvanse, their body may start showing warning signs of an overdose. These symptoms can affect both the mind and body and can become serious if not treated. Some common symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include a fast or irregular heartbeat, extreme restlessness, and shaking that is hard to control. You might also notice that they are sweating more than usual, confused, or have trouble thinking clearly.

As the overdose worsens, more severe symptoms can appear. Side effects of too much Vyvanse can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and high blood pressure. In some cases, a person might experience panic attacks, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), or even seizures. They may also feel nauseous or begin vomiting. If someone shows any of these signs, get emergency medical help immediately. Overdose symptoms should never be ignored, as they can quickly become life-threatening. 

Vyvanse Overdose Treatment

Treating a Vyvanse overdose requires quick action. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. While waiting for medical help, try to keep the person calm and in a safe place. If they are overheated, move them to a cooler area and offer water if they are awake and can drink it. 

Once at the hospital, doctors will work to stabilize the person. This may include giving medications to lower their heart rate or blood pressure. They might also provide IV fluids to keep the person hydrated, which helps flush the drug out of the body. If the overdose is severe, the person may need more intensive treatment, such as medications to control seizures or other serious symptoms. In some cases, activated charcoal may be used to absorb the excess Vyvanse in the stomach and prevent more of it from entering the bloodstream.

Recovery from a Vyvanse overdose depends on how quickly treatment is received and how much of the drug was taken. With fast medical care, many people recover fully. To avoid future overdoses, use the drug exactly as prescribed. 

Is There a Risk of Vyvanse Overdose Death?

Vyvanse overdoses can be fatal if not treated quickly. The risk of death increases when the overdose causes severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, or seizures. In some cases, a person may lose consciousness or fall into a coma, which can lead to permanent damage or death if left untreated.

A fatal overdose often happens when someone takes a large dose of Vyvanse or mixes it with other substances, like alcohol or other drugs. These combinations put extra stress on the heart and other organs, which can lead to deadly outcomes. Even when taken alone, Vyvanse in high amounts can cause a fatal reaction, especially if the person has a pre-existing health condition like heart disease. 

If you believe someone is experiencing a life-threatening overdose, get medical help as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent death and improve the chances of a full recovery. 

Risk Factors for Vyvanse Overdose

Several factors can increase the risk of a Vyvanse overdose. One of the most common is taking too much of the drug. People who abuse Vyvanse by taking higher doses than prescribed or using it without a prescription are at a much greater risk. Over time, the body can build up a tolerance to Vyvanse, meaning that the person needs more of the drug to feel the same effects [5]. This can lead to dangerous dose increases and a higher chance of overdose. 

Mixing Vyvanse with other substances also raises the risk. Alcohol, for example, can interact with Vyvanse in ways that strain the heart and other organs. Other stimulants, such as Adderall or cocaine, can put even more stress on the body when combined with Vyvanse, making an overdose more likely. Additionally, people with underlying health problems, especially heart issues, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of a Vyvanse overdose. 

Age and weight can also play a role in how someone’s body handles the drug. Young people and those with lower body weight may be more sensitive to Vyvanse and its effects, increasing their overdose risk. Understanding these risk factors is central to preventing overdose and using Vyvanse safely.

Vyvanse Overdose | FAQs

Can too much Vyvanse kill you?

Yes, taking too much Vyvanse can be life-threatening. An overdose can cause heart failure, seizures, or other deadly complications, so use the drug exactly as prescribed and get help if there’s a problem.

I accidentally took 120mg of Vyvanse—what do I do?

If you took 120mg of Vyvanse, contact a doctor or call 911 right away. Watch for symptoms like a racing heart, confusion, or shaking. Get medical help quickly.

I accidentally took 140mg of Vyvanse—what do I do?

Taking 140mg of Vyvanse is dangerous, and you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Serious side effects like seizures, heart problems, or hallucinations may happen, so don’t wait to get help.

Get Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at a World-Class Facility: Renaissance Recovery

Although Vyvanse addiction is challenging, it’s also treatable – we can help you with this at Renaissance Recovery. We treat all addictions and mental health disorders at our luxury rehabs in California and Florida.

When you choose an outpatient program at one of our beachside rehabs, you can continue at home, work, or school while getting compassionate and effective treatment for prescription drug addiction.

Expect to access a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to fight back against prescription drug addiction, call 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841437/

[2] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cns-stimulant

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470276/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/