Vyvanse Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a medication that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older. It’s also approved for binge eating disorder in adults.

Taking the right Vyvanse dosage can help you get the most from your medication. Let’s take a look at the recommended Vyvanse dosages, when adjustments might be needed, and what to do if you miss a dose.

What dosage forms does Vyvanse come in?

Vyvanse comes in two dosage forms and a variety of doses, as shown in the chart below.

Chew the Vyvanse tablets well before swallowing. 

You can swallow the Vyvanse oral capsules whole, or you can open the capsule and mix the contents with water, orange juice, or yogurt. Be sure to completely empty the capsule, mix the powder well with a spoon, then consume the mixture right away. You shouldn’t mix it ahead of time and store it for later. It’s OK if you see a film left behind after you consume Vyvanse this way — it doesn’t contain any active medication.

Take Vyvanse once daily, first thing in the morning. This helps prevent you from having trouble sleeping at night. You can take Vyvanse with or without food.

What’s the typical Vyvanse dosage for adults?

The typical Vyvanse dosage for adults depends on what you’re taking it for. In most cases you’ll start with a low dose then slowly work up to a dosage that helps control your symptoms. It may take a few weeks to reach the Vyvanse dosage that works for you.

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ADHD

For ADHD, the starting Vyvanse dosage is 30 mg once daily in the morning. From there, your prescriber may increase your dose about once a week by 10 mg to 20 mg at a time. The maximum recommended Vyvanse dosage is 70 mg per day.

Binge eating disorder

For binge eating disorder in adults, the target Vyvanse dosage is 50 mg to 70 mg once daily. In most cases, you’ll start with 30 mg once daily in the morning. If needed, your prescriber may increase your dose about once a week by 20 mg at a time. Doses over 70 mg daily aren’t recommended. 

What’s the typical Vyvanse dosage for children?

Children ages 6 and older follow the same Vyvanse dosage as adults to treat ADHD. They’ll typically start taking 30 mg once daily. If needed, your pediatrician may increase the dose about once a week by 10 mg to 20 mg at a time until symptoms improve. Doses over 70 mg daily aren’t recommended.

Your child’s prescriber will likely keep a close eye on their growth and development while they’re taking Vyvanse. They may need a lower Vyvanse dosage or to stop treatment if it’s affecting their growth.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

You may need a different Vyvanse dosage due to certain health conditions or other medications you take.

Dosage for people with kidney problems

If you have kidney problems, you may not be able to clear Vyvanse from the body as well as usual. If your kidney problems are mild, you may not need to change your Vyvanse dosage. But Vyvanse dosages over 50 mg daily aren’t recommended for severe kidney problems. For end-stage kidney disease, you shouldn’t take more than 30 mg of Vyvanse per day. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Vyvanse side effects: Learn about common and rare Vyvanse side effects and how to manage them if they occur.

• Vyvanse interactions: Review which medications can interact with Vyvanse so you can stay safe while taking it.

• What does ADHD feel like for adults? Read these firsthand accounts to better understand what living with ADHD is like as an adult.

Your prescriber will let you know which Vyvanse dosage is best for you based on your kidney function.

Dosage changes due to drug interactions

Medications that increase the acidity of your urine can lower your blood levels of Vyvanse, which can make it less effective. This includes supplements like ascorbic acid (vitamin C). You may need a higher Vyvanse dosage in this case.

If you take other medications that interact with Vyvanse, you may need a lower Vyvanse dosage to avoid unwanted side effects. This includes antidepressants and some migraine medications. Let your prescriber know about the other medications or supplements you’re taking before starting Vyvanse. They’ll use this information to find the safest dosage for you.

What happens if you miss a dose of Vyvanse?

If you miss a dose of Vyvanse, it’s OK to take it as soon as you remember if it’s still early in the day. Otherwise, it’s best to skip the missed dose and take your regular dose the next morning. Taking Vyvanse too late in the day can cause trouble sleeping. Don’t double your Vyvanse dosage the next day due to a missed dose.

What should you do if you take too much Vyvanse?

If you take an extra dose of Vyvanse by mistake, it’s not likely to cause a major issue. You may have more side effects, such as dizziness or loss of appetite.

Large amounts of Vyvanse can be dangerous or even life-threatening in some cases. Symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose include increased heart rate and blood pressure as well as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. In severe cases, heart attack, seizures, and death can occur.

If you think you or a loved one has taken too much Vyvanse, contact your prescriber or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.

How to save on Vyvanse

There are ways to save on Vyvanse, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price of the generic version. The price of generic Vyvanse at certain pharmacies is as low as $67.37 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Jill Barat, PharmD

Jill Barat, PharmD has nearly 10 years of experience as a pharmacist, including serving as the pharmacist in charge at an independent sterile and non-sterile compounding pharmacy. She also worked as the head of medical content for a telemedicine company.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

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