Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?

More than 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD. Although males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, ADHD can affect people of all ages, races, and genders. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral disorders. If not treated properly, ADHD can affect all aspects of a person’s life. 

Fortunately, there are treatment options available to those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, including behavior therapy and medication. Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is among the most common prescription medications used for the treatment of ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing. It is also the only FDA-approved stimulant used to treat binge eating disorder (BED). 

Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its associated higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) and abuse. Following the prescriber’s instructions will help reduce the potential risks associated with taking Vyvanse. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or BED, it’s important to understand your treatment options. This article provides an overview of Vyvanse, including what it is, what it means to be prescribed a controlled substance, and alternative medications. 

RELATED: Considering ADHD medication? Your guide to adult ADHD treatment

What is Vyvanse?

“Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older, as well as binge eating disorder in adults,” says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, the medical director of the National Capital Poison Center. 

Vyvanse (is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, meaning the drug is inactive until it’s absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract where it is then converted to dextroamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that affect mood and attention, in the brain.

Vyvanse isn’t an opioid or a narcotic. It’s a type of central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug, known as an amphetamine, that is most used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Amphetamines are also commonly used in the treatment of narcolepsy and obesity. 

RELATED: List of stimulants

Is Vyvanse a controlled substance?

“Amphetamines and their derivatives are Schedule II controlled substances in the United States,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. “Even though they are not traditional narcotic drugs, like heroin or fentanyl, amphetamines still have a high potential for abuse and their use may lead to psychological or physical dependence. Because of this, amphetamines are classified as controlled substances.”

Per the Controlled Substances Act, Schedule II drugs are those with a high potential for abuse and complications as a result of misuse, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Due to the higher risk of misuse and dependency, it’s important to only use the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider and store it in a safe place where it will not be accessed by others.

What does that mean for me?

“While amphetamines, including Vyvanse, are classified as controlled substances, this does not mean they are unsafe,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains. “Rather, it means that the drugs must be prescribed and used with caution, as patients who use these drugs may experience addiction or withdrawal symptoms.”

For this reason, there are stricter guidelines and regulations for controlled substances, which help ensure proper usage and help reduce the risk of misuse. Many controlled substances are not eligible to be refilled early and often require a visit to your prescribing healthcare provider for refill authorization. If certain criteria are met, however, your prescribing healthcare provider may be able to issue 90-day supplies of prescriptions. There also may be special requirements for ordering controlled substances through mail-order pharmacies. 

RELATED: 11 common pharmacy problems when filling prescriptions 

Side effects of Vyvanse

As with other medications, there are potential side effects associated with Vyvanse. Common side effects of Vyvanse may include: 

• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased risk for heart problems, including heart attack, stroke, and sudden death in people who have heart issues or defects
• New or worsened bipolar disorder 
• Mental health concerns, including new or worsened behavior and thought problems
• New or worsened psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or hearing voices 

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider or emergency room for medical advice if you are experiencing any side effects that may be concerning, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or manic symptoms. 

RELATED: Vyvanse side effects in women | Vyvanse side effects in men | Vyvanse side effects in kids

Signs of prescription drug abuse

As with other controlled substances, there is an increased risk of misuse with Vyvanse. It’s important to be aware of signs of prescription drug abuse, which may include:

• Taking more than prescribed
• Taking more often than directed
• Taking it for longer than prescribed
• Taking it without a prescription
• Mixing it with other drugs or alcohol 
• Snorting, injecting, or using it in ways other than what is directed by your healthcare provider

While Vyvanse is legal when prescribed for medical use and used as directed, it’s illegal to give away or sell any prescription medication, including Vyvanse. It’s also illegal and potentially dangerous to take Vyvanse that was prescribed to someone else. 

Risks and complications of prescription drug abuse

If Vyvanse is not taken as directed, it can lead to complications, including: 

• Tolerance: When a person gradually stops responding to a drug with repeated use, requiring them to take a higher dose of that drug to achieve the same result as they did at first
• Dependence: When the body learns to depend on the drug and will go through withdrawal symptoms if use is discontinued
• Withdrawal: The physical and mental symptoms that occur once the drug intake has been reduced or stopped completely
• Substance use disorder (SUD): A mental disorder in which a person is unable to control their substance usage
• Overdose: Taking too much of a drug or medication, causing a severe adverse reaction or death

To decrease the risk of misuse or complications, it’s extremely important to only take your Vyvanse prescription as directed by a healthcare professional. It’s also important to store and dispose of Vyvanse safely to eliminate the risk of someone else gaining access to your prescription medication.

RELATED: Vyvanse dosage

What can I take instead of Vyvanse?

“All stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD, including Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, are controlled substances; however, there are non-stimulant alternatives used to treat ADHD that are not controlled substances,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor adds. 

Qelbree (viloxazine), Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine) are non-stimulants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of ADHD. 

While non-stimulant ADHD medications are less effective than stimulant medications, they generally aren’t accompanied by the same serious side effects and risks of abuse. They do, however, have their own potential side effects that you should discuss with your healthcare provider before beginning any prescription drug. Vyvanse, on the other hand, is currently the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of BED in adults. 

“If you have ADHD but wish to avoid the use of controlled substances for the treatment of this disorder, talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives to stimulant medications,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. 

Your healthcare provider will help determine the correct treatment plan for you. You may be asked about past or current substance abuse issues, medical history, family medical history, and any other prescription and nonprescription drugs you take. This includes supplements and antidepressants that may cause potential drug interactions. It’s also important to inform your healthcare provider whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. 

Finding the right medication and dosage to treat ADHD or BED can be a process of trial and error. Be patient and work closely with your care team to find the best solution for you. 

If you are having difficulty affording your ADHD medication, SingleCare’s prescription drug saving card can help you save up to 80% off your next prescription.