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Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug that’s used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It can also treat moderate to severe binge eating disorders, and it may be prescribed off-label to treat narcolepsy or other sleeping disorders. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has medical value but can easily result in strong physical or psychological dependence. If someone is dependent on Vyvanse, they may go through withdrawal if they stop using it. Symptoms of Vyvanse withdrawal vary and differ from person to person. Vyvanse withdrawal can impair a person’s functional abilities and lead to changes in behavior or mood that may require professional treatment.
Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. It contains the active drug lisdexamfetamine, which gets converted into dextroamphetamine in the body. This provides a slow steady release of the stimulant over time to control ADHD symptoms.
While Vyvanse is effective, some people consider stopping their medication for various reasons. A common question is whether you can safely stop Vyvanse suddenly, or if you need to taper off it gradually. Below we’ll explore whether it’s possible to quit Vyvanse cold turkey.
What Happens When You Quit Vyvanse Cold Turkey?
Vyvanse belongs to a class of stimulants that includes medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine. These drugs increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to provide a feeling of focus and motivation.
When taken daily at the same dose, your brain adjusts to the extra stimulation. If you suddenly stop the drug, your brain is left with abnormally low levels of these neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance leads to withdrawal symptoms as your nervous system struggles to regain equilibrium.
Common Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Inability to focus/concentrate
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
These effects typically begin within 1-2 days after the last dose and can last for up to 2 weeks in some cases. The severity depends on factors like the Vyvanse dosage and length of treatment. Higher doses usually cause more intense withdrawal.
In addition to physical and emotional symptoms, ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness often return if Vyvanse was used to manage them. This can impair functioning until the brain rebalances itself.
Is Quitting Vyvanse Cold Turkey Dangerous?
While uncomfortable, quitting Vyvanse cold turkey is not generally dangerous when used as prescribed at normal doses. However, those misusing extremely high doses of Vyvanse may be at risk for more serious psychiatric effects.
Potential complications include:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Disordered thinking
- Agitation
- Seizures
These are more likely if abusing doses over 100-200 mg per day for an extended period.
Still, even people taking Vyvanse responsibly can experience significant impairment from withdrawal side effects. Many find it very difficult to quit Vyvanse suddenly due to mental slowness, emotional swings, and returning ADHD symptoms. Tapering off gradually provides a more comfortable discontinuation process.
Can You Taper Off Vyvanse?
Most doctors recommend slowly tapering Vyvanse over several weeks before fully stopping. This gives your brain more time to readjust as the dose decreases incrementally. Tapering minimizes the severity of withdrawal effects.
One possible tapering schedule involves reducing the daily Vyvanse dose by 10-20 mg each week. However, exact timing depends on the starting dose and how quickly withdrawal symptoms emerge. These are best monitored under a doctor’s supervision.
During the taper, withdrawal discomfort may still occur as the dose lowers. But tapering prevents a rapid plunge in dopamine/norepinephrine levels, avoiding intense symptoms.
Once the smallest dose is reached, the drug can be stopped completely. Any remaining withdrawal is usually mild.
Of course, not everyone requires a Vyvanse taper. Those on lower doses may tolerate quitting cold turkey with just transient, tolerable withdrawal effects. Discuss the pros and cons of tapering versus abruptly stopping with your prescribing doctor.
Who Should Not Quit Vyvanse Cold Turkey?
Certain populations are more likely to need a gradual Vyvanse taper versus suddenly stopping:
High Doses
People taking the maximum Vyvanse dose of 70 mg per day (or off-label doses above this) are at increased risk for withdrawal effects during sudden discontinuation. Tapering prevents intense symptoms.
Long-Term Treatment
Vyvanse withdrawal may be worse in those treated for many consecutive years, as the brain becomes more reliant on the drug over time. Tapering lessens this shock.
Childhood ADHD
Young people often need special care when stopping ADHD meds, as their brains are still developing. Sudden changes can impact growth and mental health.
History of Drug Abuse
Those with a history of stimulant misuse may be psychologically dependent on Vyvanse. They benefit from cautiously tapering dose to avoid drug cravings or relapse.
Binge Eating Disorder
BED patients are prone to relapse if withdrawing too rapidly from Vyvanse. Gradual tapering prevents severe returns of binge urges.
In these cases, doctors typically recommend tapering Vyvanse even if withdrawing cold turkey seems technically possible. The goal is a smooth discontinuation process to avoid setbacks.
Tips for Coming Off Vyvanse
If you and your doctor decide to stop Vyvanse, here are some tips to ease the transition:
- Taper slowly under medical supervision
- Take prescribed non-stimulants for emerging ADHD symptoms
- Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods
- Exercise to reduce restlessness
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol during withdrawal
- Try meditation, yoga, or massage for anxiety
- Ask your doctor about supplements like magnesium, omega-3s, or melatonin
- Consider counseling to develop behavioral coping strategies
- Communicate with loved ones so they understand withdrawal effects
Proper support makes discontinuing Vyvanse more comfortable even if stopping cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms are temporary and resolve within days to weeks in most people.
The Bottom Line
While possible in some cases, most doctors don’t advise stopping Vyvanse suddenly without a taper. This can lead to greater withdrawal severity and potential setbacks. Lowering the Vyvanse dose gradually over weeks allows an easier adjustment for your brain and body.
Talk to your prescribing doctor before making any changes to Vyvanse treatment. They can help determine if you need to taper based on your situation. Work together to establish the safest discontinuation method. This ensures you avoid intense withdrawal symptoms while successfully quitting Vyvanse.
Can You Quit Vyvanse Cold Turkey?
Vyvanse is one of the few psychoactive medications that you may be able to stop cold turkey (without a taper) in some cases. This is because it is a long-acting medication that wears off slowly. The half-life of Vyvanse — or how long it takes half the drug to leave the body — ranges from 8.6 to 11.3 hours. It takes around five half-lives to completely remove a drug from your system. This means that even if you suddenly stop taking the drug, it will take the better part of a week for your system to be completely cleared of it. However, depending on the dose of the drug and whether you have previously experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping, your doctor may recommend a taper. This is particularly true if you take a high dose of the drug, as this can put you at a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Detox for Vyvanse Withdrawal
For some drugs, specific medications can be given to help lessen the symptoms of withdrawal or cravings. However, with a CNS stimulant like Vyvanse, there are no approved withdrawal medications that are currently available. If someone experiences psychological withdrawal symptoms, professionals in a medical detox program can ensure they receive the proper therapy needed. Over-the-counter medications can also be given to help with headaches, body aches or nausea. This assistance helps to ease symptoms, and it also ensures that the individual can focus on the detox process. If you become dependent on Vyvanse, professional detox programs are the best option. Without one, it can be difficult to manage detox on your own.
Thinking about quitting Vyvanse cold turkey? Think again!
FAQ
What happens if you suddenly stop taking Vyvanse?
Is it bad to take a break from Vyvanse?
Is it hard to stop taking Vyvanse?
What happens if you don’t take Vyvanse everyday?
What happens if you stop taking Vyvanse cold turkey?
Your experience will be drastically different if you taper off than if you suddenly stop taking Vyvanse. Quitting Vyvanse cold turkey will likely result in a period of ADHD medication withdrawal. According to Harvey (2015), the most common things people experience with going through Vyvanse withdrawal are
How do you deal with Vyvanse withdrawal symptoms?
There are ways to deal with the effects of withdrawal. Unlike other drugs, Vyvanse has no medication that is proven to be effective in treating the withdrawal symptoms. While your symptoms can’t be eased medically, they can be eased psychologically. Therapy can be an important component of the process of getting off Vyvanse.
What happens if you stop taking Vyvanse?
While both are caused by low levels or absence of Vyvanse, they differ in their timing and symptoms. Withdrawal occurs when a patient stops taking Vyvanse, with symptoms developing around 36 hours after the last dose. A crash entails milder symptoms and is far more common. Crashes can occur despite consistent and proper use of Vyvanse.
Does Vyvanse have withdrawal medications?
The dose was reduced to 50 mg for one week, and then the drug was stopped. For some drugs, specific medications can be given to help lessen the symptoms of withdrawal or cravings. However, with a CNS stimulant like Vyvanse, there are no approved withdrawal medications that are currently available.