Is Vyvanse Addictive?
Vyvanse was formulated to have a lower risk of misuse and abuse than other prescription stimulants. Prior to administration, Vyvanse is in the form of a “prodrug,” meaning that it is inactive and requires enzymatic metabolism in order for the active drug to become available. After oral administration, the prodrug lisdexamfetamine interacts with enzymes in the blood that break the drug into its metabolic byproducts, namely the normally occurring amino acid L-lysine and the active form of the stimulant, dextroamphetamine.
The requirement for metabolism to achieve the desired effect means that common routes of abuse (for example, snorting the powder) do not deliver the potent high that is often associated with other prescription amphetamines. In addition, Vyvanse was formulated as a drug with extended-release capabilities, meaning that the drug is released slowly. These precautions were designed to reduce Vyvanse’s potential for abuse. However, like all stimulants, Vyvanse has been shown to cause tolerance, dependence and addictive behavior when taken regularly. Vyvanse is considered by the FDA and the DEA to have a high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Vyvanse addiction potential can be minimized by taking the drug exactly as prescribed. Caution should be exercised with long-term regular use. Make sure to discuss whether you have particular risk factors that could lead to dependence or addiction with your doctor.
What Causes Vyvanse Addiction?
Vyvanse causes chemical changes in the brain that are associated with addiction. The primary mechanism of action is increased availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is strongly implicated in the development of dependence and addiction via regulation of the reward pathway. Increased levels of dopamine correlate with increased activation in the reward pathway, which subsequently causes a sense of pleasure or euphoria. Increasing levels of dopamine lead to increasing euphoria. Importantly, activation of the reward pathway is associated with the development of incentive salience, meaning that any stimulus that activates the reward system is attributed with a sense of “want” or “need” that increases in intensity as the stimulus intensity increases. These events are primary causes of drug addiction.
Many drugs, including Vyvanse, are associated with the development of tolerance. Tolerance is a state where ever-increasing amounts of the drug are required to elicit the same effect because, with regular use, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug. Dependence is a consequence of tolerance and is associated with physical withdrawal symptoms when sufficient amounts of the drug are not administered. Addiction is considered to be a behavioral component of dependence and is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior in spite of harmful consequences.