Can You Take Vyvanse Two Times A Day?
I have been taking Vyvanse for a few years and it seems to not be lasting as long. Is it safe to take it twice a day?
I have been taking Vyvanse for a few years and it seems to not be lasting as long. Is it safe to take it twice a day?
Sep 13, 2022- Vyvanse is designed to be taken once daily and taking it twice daily increases the risk of side effects like insomnia because the medication lasts 13-14 hours in your system. Your doctor may occasionally prescribe twice-daily dosing off-label if medically appropriate, but you should never do this without your doctor's specific instructions. If you feel Vyvanse isn't lasting long enough, talk to your doctor about alternatives like adjusting the dose or adding a short-acting medication later in the day.
Answer
Vyvanse is indicated for once-daily dosing. Taking it twice daily would be uncommon, and increases the risk of side effects, such as nighttime insomnia.Nevertheless, your doctor may prescribe it to you off-label for more than once daily dosing if it is the best course of treatment for you. You should not take Vyvanse twice daily however if your doctor has not prescribed it that way.
Taking Vyvanse Twice Daily?
Vyvanse is only indicated for once daily doses as it is a long-acting amphetamine medication. Taking it twice daily usually isn't necessary and may cause problems sleeping at night as it will still be in your system and working during your bedtime hours.
In studies for Vyvanse, the effects of the drug have been shown to last into the early evening after taking a morning dose.
- A study published in Clinical Therapeutics showed that the effects of Vyvanse last up to 13 hours in children, with morning doses effective 6 PM.
- Similarly, for adults, a study in Behavioral and Brain Functions showed that the effects of Vyvanse lasted on average 14 hours.
If Vyvanse isn't working long enough for you, be sure to speak with your doctor about your options.
They may recommend a dose change, a different drug, or an add-on for the afternoon if Vyvanse is wearing off too soon for you. Sometimes, an immediate-release amphetamine product (e.g. Adderall), versus a long-acting one, like Vyvanse, can be added on later in the day.
Final Words
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References & sources
- Effect of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate on sleep in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — BMC
- Efficacy and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (NRP-104) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, forced-dose, parallel-group study — Clinical Therapeutics
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Indicated
- approved or recommended by medical evidence for a specific use or condition
- Off-label
- prescribing a medication in a way that is not officially approved by the FDA, but may still be legal and appropriate
- Long-acting
- a medication formulated to release slowly over an extended period of time
- Amphetamine
- a stimulant medication that increases alertness and focus by affecting chemicals in the brain
- Insomnia
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night
- Immediate-release
- a medication formulated to work quickly and wear off relatively soon after taking it
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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