Can you take Vyvanse on an empty stomach? 

Can you take Vyvanse on an empty stomach? 

Yes, you can take Vyvanse on an empty stomach. The medication can be taken with or without food and it doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. (1)

Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach can have both potential benefits and risks, which are important to consider before deciding when and how to take the medication. It’s crucial to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and discuss any concerns or questions with them. 

Potential benefits of taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach

Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach can have some potential benefits. These include:

Enhanced Absorption

Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach may lead to enhanced absorption of the medication into the bloodstream. When the stomach is empty, there is less food present that could potentially interfere with the absorption process. 

This can result in a quicker onset of action and more consistent blood levels of the medication.

Faster Effects

By taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach, the medication may start working more quickly. The absence of food in the stomach allows the medication to be absorbed and enter the bloodstream faster, leading to a more rapid onset of therapeutic effects. (2,3)

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who require immediate symptom relief or need the medication to be effective during specific times of the day.

Increased Concentration

When Vyvanse is taken on an empty stomach, the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream may be higher compared to taking it with food. 

This can result in a potentially stronger therapeutic effect, especially for individuals who require higher doses to achieve the desired response. However, it’s important to note that dosage adjustments should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Potential risks of taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach

Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach can have some potential risks. These include:

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach can increase the risk of experiencing gastrointestinal discomforts, such as nausea, stomach pain, or acid reflux. (3)

The absence of food in the stomach may irritate the stomach lining and lead to these unwanted side effects. If you are prone to stomach issues or have a sensitive digestive system, taking Vyvanse with a small meal or snack may help mitigate these risks.

It is also important to make sure that you do not split Vyvanse tablets in half, as these tablets are entended-release and cutting them can cause the drug to release rapidly, causing more severe side effects.

Appetite Suppression

Vyvanse is known to suppress appetite, and taking it on an empty stomach can amplify this effect. For individuals who struggle with maintaining a healthy appetite or have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs, taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach may further reduce their desire to eat. 

This can potentially lead to inadequate calorie intake and nutritional deficiencies over time. It’s important to ensure proper nutrition and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.

Other side effects

While taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach may lead to faster effects and enhanced concentration, it may also increase the likelihood of experiencing certain side effects. 

Common side effects of Vyvanse include headache, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness (3). Taking the medication on an empty stomach may intensify these side effects, particularly in individuals who are more sensitive to stimulant medications.

Final words

To sum up, taking Vyvanse on an empty stomach can have potential benefits such as enhanced absorption, faster effects, and increased concentration. However, it also carries risks including gastrointestinal discomfort, appetite suppression, and an increased potential for side effects.

It’s important to weigh these factors and consider individual circumstances when deciding whether to take Vyvanse on an empty stomach. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advised to determine the most appropriate dosing regimen for your specific needs.

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References

1.-

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VYVANSE ® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules, for oral use, CII VYVANSE ® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) chewable tablets, for oral use, CII. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208510lbl.pdf

2.-

VyvanseTM (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate). Full drug information”. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf

3.-

Goodman DW. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a prodrug stimulant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. P T. 2010 May;35(5):273-87. PMID: 20514273; PMCID: PMC2873712. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873712/ Goodman DW. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a prodrug stimulant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. P T. 2010 May;35(5):273-87. PMID: 20514273; PMCID: PMC2873712. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873712/