Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication commonly used in Australia to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED). Among its various available strengths, the 40 mg dose is one of the options your doctor might prescribe as part of your treatment plan. This blog post provides a clear and practical overview of Vyvanse 40 mg, including how it fits into therapy, dosing guidelines, and important usage tips for Australians.
What Is Vyvanse 40 mg?
Vyvanse 40 mg capsules contain lisdexamfetamine, a stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves contributing to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until converted in the body to dextroamphetamine, which helps improve focus, attention, and control over impulses.
The 40 mg dose is an intermediate strength between the usual starting dose (30 mg) and higher doses (up to 70 mg). Your doctor may adjust your dose to 40 mg if they determine it provides the best balance of symptom control and tolerability.
Typical Dosage and Administration
- Starting dose: Most patients begin treatment at 30 mg once daily in the morning.
- Dose adjustment: Your doctor may increase your dose by increments of 10 mg or 20 mg weekly, depending on your response and side effects. The 40 mg dose is a common step in this titration process.
- Maximum dose: The highest recommended dose for both ADHD and binge eating disorder is 70 mg per day.
- How to take: Vyvanse 40 mg capsules should be taken once daily in the morning, with or without food. Taking it later in the day can cause insomnia.
- If swallowing capsules is difficult: You can open the capsule and mix the powder with soft food like yogurt, water, or orange juice. Consume the entire mixture immediately.
Who Might Be Prescribed Vyvanse 40 mg?
- Patients whose symptoms are not fully controlled on 30 mg but do not require a full jump to 50 mg or higher.
- Those who experience side effects at higher doses and need a moderate dose adjustment.
- Individuals being carefully titrated to find the lowest effective dose.
Monitoring and Safety
- Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to assess how well the 40 mg dose is working and to monitor for side effects.
- Children and adolescents should have their height and weight checked regularly during treatment, as Vyvanse can affect growth.
- Inform your doctor about any side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite, mood changes, or cardiovascular symptoms.
Summary
Vyvanse 40 mg is a commonly used intermediate dose in Australia for managing ADHD and binge eating disorder. It is typically prescribed after starting at 30 mg and adjusting based on individual response. Taking Vyvanse in the morning and following your doctor’s guidance will help maximize benefits while minimizing side effects.
If you have questions about your Vyvanse dose or how to take it, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised advice