Millions of people in the United States take prescription drugs to manage a medical or mental health condition. Some prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. It is essential to understand the risks of prescription drug abuse and seek treatment when needed.
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant drug with the potential for abuse and addiction. People may take higher doses of Vyvanse or take it differently than prescribed in other ways, such as snorting it.
Abusing Vyvanse is dangerous, but snorting it has additional risks. This article will explore the dangers of snorting Vyvanse. You will learn:
- The risks of snorting Vyvanse
- How to recognize the signs of an overdose
- The signs of Vyvanse abuse and addiction
- What to expect in Vyvanse addiction treatment
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Vyvanse abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is the brand name for a prescription drug called lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Medical professionals may prescribe Vyvanse to help patients manage the symptoms of binge eating disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other conditions.
Many prescription medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are stimulants. This means the drugs increase central nervous system (CNS) activity. Many stimulant medications have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Can You Snort Vyvanse?
Some people who take prescription Vyvanse will abuse it. People who take it may like the side effects of Vyvanse and begin to take it differently than prescribed.
Vyvanse abuse includes:
- Taking a larger dose of Vyvanse than prescribed
- Taking Vyvanse more often than prescribed
- Using Vyvanse for a longer period than advised
- Using Vyvanse recreationally (without a prescription)
People may also abuse Vyvanse by crushing and snorting their pills. People may do this because they believe it will lead to quicker or more intense effects. However, snorting Vyvanse does not change the effects of the drug.
What are the Dangers of Snorting Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a prodrug stimulant that increases CNS activity, similar to Ritalin, Adderall, and other stimulants.
People who abuse other stimulant drugs may snort it to get quicker or more intense effects. However, snorting Vyvanse does not change the way it works. Snorting the drug does not change the onset of effects or make them more intense. However, it is a sign of substance abuse.
Vyvanse abuse can cause or worsen health conditions. Some of the risks of Vyvanse abuse include:
- Excessive sweating
- Verbal or motor tics
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Constipation
- Rapid weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty speaking
- Facial swelling
- Seizures
- Mood changes
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Snorting Vyvanse can increase the risk of serious health risks. Some of the dangers of snorting Vyvanse include:
- Impaired sense of smell
- Dry throat
- Hoarse voice
- Damage to nasal passages or sinuses
- Perforated septum
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mucus membrane damage in the nasal passages
Snorting Vyvanse may be a sign of substance use disorder (SUD). If you or someone you love snorts Vyvanse or another prescription medication, seek treatment right away.
Vyvanse Overdose: Recognizing the Signs
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant that can increase energy and cause other side effects that people like. People who abuse Vyvanse are at risk of taking too much and experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
Signs of an overdose include:
- Severe anxiety
- Panic
- Psychosis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Hostility
- Weakness
If you or someone near you is exhibiting signs of a Vyvanse overdose, seek treatment right away. Call 911 immediately and wait with the person until EMS arrives.
Recognizing and Treating Vyvanse Addiction
People may take Vyvanse to manage ADHD and binge eating disorder. Some may abuse it and become addicted to it. Recreational Vyvanse use increases the risk of developing addiction and other serious problems.
People who abuse Vyvanse may develop a physical dependence or addiction to it. It is critical to recognize and treat Vyvanse as quickly as possible.
Signs of Vyvanse abuse include:
- Finishing prescriptions early
- Doing dishonest or illegal things to get more Vyvanse
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Vyvanse
- Neglecting responsibilities because of Vyvanse use
- Having significant changes in appearance, mood, sleep, eating, or behaviors
You may notice physical signs of Vyvanse abuse, including white powder on the face or hands. People who snort Vyvanse may also have frequent nosebleeds or damage to the sinuses.
Vyvanse addiction treatment programs may occur in inpatient or outpatient settings. Treatment plans might include:
- Medical detox programs (medications, supervision, emotional support, holistic therapies)
- Behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
Comprehensive treatment programs can help to identify and address the complex roots of addiction. Treatment can help people put addiction in the past and move forward toward a healthier future.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with Vyvanse abuse, you are not alone. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you need at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse), A Prodrug Stimulant for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
