Can Vyvanse Chewable Tablets Be Crushed?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses crushing Vyvanse Chew Tablets as well as alternative options.
Is it safe and/or as effective to crush a 20mg chewable tablet of lisdexamfetamine before administering it? My child is struggling with chewing the medicine, and I'm looking for more options.
Apr 14, 2024- Vyvanse chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing according to the prescribing information.
- Crushing Vyvanse chewable tablets is possible but may be difficult since they contain guar gum and won't break down into a fine powder like regular tablets.
- If swallowing difficulty is the concern, talk to your doctor about alternative long-acting ADHD medications like Adzenys XR, which dissolves in the mouth, or Quillivant XR liquid suspension.
Answer
Thank you for getting in touch! I'm happy to help.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) chewable tablets can be crushed if necessary, as this is unlikely to alter their effectiveness or absorption. In fact, unlike some chewable medications that can be either chewed or swallowed, Vyvanse chewable tablets are required to be chewed before swallowing, as stated in the prescribing information for the drug:
VYVANSE chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
However, crushing Vyvanse chewable tablets can be somewhat challenging, and they may not crush into a fine powder like other non-chewable tablets.
Vyvanse chewable tablets contain guar gum, which is a thickener used to make them more palatable for chewing.
While not exactly the same, crushing Vyvanse tablets would be more akin to crushing a Skittle (the candy) than crushing a regular compressed powder tablet. I use this example to convey that crushing the Vyvanse chewable tablets may not resolve your problem if texture is an issue for your child. Additionally, a 'crushed' Vyvanse chewable tablet would likely still need to be chewed at least a little bit to be able to be swallowed without representing a choking hazard.
You can certainly try crushing them to see how your child responds, but it may be advisable to explore other options.
Here are some alternative drugs that are all long-acting and not a traditional tablet or capsule:
- QUILLICHEW ER and QUILLIVANT XR: Quillichew is a chewable long-lasting tablet, while Quillivant is a long-acting liquid suspension. Both contain methylphenidate.
- DYANAVEL XR: Dyanavel is available as an extended-release tablet and extended-release liquid suspension formulation. Both contain amphetamine.
- ADZENYS XR: Adzenys is a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet containing amphetamine.
I highly recommend speaking with your doctor to determine the best medication option for your situation. Although I don't know the exact issues you (and your child) are experiencing, something like Adzenys XR, which is long-acting, only needs to be dissolved in the mouth, and contains amphetamine like Vyvanse (Vyvanse contains an amphetamine known as lisdexamfetamine), may be a more appropriate option.
Final Words
Thank you once again for reaching out. I hope this information has been helpful!
References & sources
- Vyvanse Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Lisdexamfetamine
- A type of amphetamine medication used to treat ADHD that is converted in the body into dextroamphetamine.
- Absorption
- The process by which a medication enters the bloodstream and becomes active in the body.
- Prescribing information
- Official instructions from a drug manufacturer that describe how a medication should be used, including dosage and administration guidelines.
- Guar gum
- A natural thickening ingredient added to medications to improve their taste and texture.
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to slowly release the drug into the body over an extended period rather than all at once.
- Orally disintegrating
- A tablet that dissolves in the mouth without needing to be swallowed whole.
- Methylphenidate
- A stimulant medication used to treat ADHD that works by increasing focus and attention.
- Choking hazard
- A risk that an object may become lodged in the throat and obstruct breathing.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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