Can You Inject Vyvanse?

While some may choose to inject Vyvanse for a stronger high, the drug is actually less effective due its properties as a prodrug.

Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a central nervous system stimulant drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. It’s similar to Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride).

Unfortunately, despite legitimate medical uses, this prescription drug is also frequently abused. Vyvanse abuse can become habit-forming as well as increase the risk of overdose, dependence, and substance use disorder.

Can You Inject Vyvanse?

Injecting Vyvanse is possible by crushing the pill, dissolving it in a liquid, and injecting it into a vein. From there, it goes right into the bloodstream and to the brain and completely bypasses the digestive system.

Normally, injecting a drug would lead to an intense high, but because Vyvanse is a prodrug, snorting, smoking, plugging, or injecting it isn’t as effective. As a prodrug, it only works when it metabolizes in the intestines. This means the Vyvanse must be swallowed to be effective.

How Vyvanse Works

When taken as directed, Vyvanse works in the central nervous system and increases the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Together, this increase helps treat the symptoms of ADHD by improving focus and decreasing hyperactivity. 

The increased dopamine can also create a euphoric feeling. This euphoric feeling is one of the many reasons Vyvanse is abused. 

Vyvanse Abuse

Due to its addictive qualities, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the ADHD medication as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to dependence and addiction.

You may think the lack of high may stop people from abusing the prescription medication but that’s not the case. High doses taken orally can produce the euphoric feeling that some people are looking for. On top of the high, abusing Vyvanse can lead to negative side effects as well.

Side Effects

Vyvanse abuse can lead to a number of side effects, and the more the drug is abused (especially in higher doses), the more intense the side effects can be. 

The side effects of Vyvanse abuse may include:

• sleepiness
• dizziness
• headache
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• nausea
• ​constipation
• psychosis
• seizures
• weight loss
• dilated pupils

• reduced appetite
• stomach pain
• poor coordination
• anxiety

Risks Of Injecting Vyvanse

Injecting Vyvanse may not cause a high but it can increase the risk of dangerous and life-threatening issues, including overdose, serotonin syndrome, addiction, and dependence/withdrawal.

Overdose

Injecting Vyvanse can cause an overdose. When you take Vyvanse as prescribed, the risk of overdose is low because you start with a low dosage.

However, if you shoot it into your veins, you immediately start with a higher dose and that goes right to the brain, which makes your risk of overdose significantly higher. 

Signs and symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose can include:

• restlessness
• confusion
• hallucinations
• fast breathing
• chest pain
• uncontrollable shaking 
• fever
• muscle aches
• irregular heart rate
• nausea/vomiting
• seizure
• coma

Serotonin Syndrome

The risk of serotonin syndrome increases when you take Vyvanse with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. Together, the combination can increase serotonin levels in the brain to a dangerous level and lead to:

• agitation
• insomnia
• rapid heart rate
• high blood pressure
• loss of muscle coordination
• muscle rigidity
• diarrhea
• high fever
• tremor
• seizure
• unconsciousness

To stop this from happening, let your healthcare provider know all the medications you’re prescribed.

Dependence & Addiction

When abusing Vyvanse, the risk for dependence is significant. Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to a drug and cannot function properly without it. While this can occur when the drug is taken as directed, it often occurs when you abuse it.

Once the body depends on a drug to function, it’s very difficult for someone to stop taking it and if they do, they will likely feel unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood swings. 

To try and prevent withdrawal, you may return to using high doses of vyvanse, ultimately increasing your risk of addiction.

If you or a loved one live with Vyvanse addiction or another form of prescription drug abuse, Ohio Recovery Center is here to help. We offer a wide-range of addiction treatment options including detox, inpatient drug rehab, and aftercare support.

For more information, please call our helpline today.