Working Out On Vyvanse | Safety & Risks

Vyvanse is a stimulant that increases your energy levels, which can help when working out. Working out on Vyvanse can also lead to some serious side effects and risks, but there are some precautions you can take so you can work out while on the medication.

Vyvanse is the brand name for the amphetamine and central nervous system stimulant medication lisdexamfetamine. It’s typically used to control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and may be used to treat binge eating disorder. Similar ADHD meds include Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall XR.

Vyvanse works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain and that helps aid in focus and attention and decrease hyperactivity. 

Working Out On Vyvanse

Vyvanse and exercise can be done in safe combinations but, as with many exercises and/or medications, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They know your overall health and medical history and will be able to tell you if some exercises are better than others.

The main issue with exercise and stimulants like Vyvanse is that they increase heart rate and blood pressure. 

Since exercise can increase those things as well, you want to be sure your heart doesn’t become overworked. This is especially the case if you already have a heart condition or high blood pressure.

Vyvanse & Pre-workout Supplements

You may think that pre-workout supplements may help you as you exercise while on Vyvanse but the opposite is actually true. 

Many pre-workout supplements contain caffeine, another stimulant. Taking two stimulants together will likely only increase the side effects of Vyvanse and increase the risks that come with taking the ADHD medication and working out.

Side Effects Of Working Out On Vyvanse

Working out with Vyvanse can lead to quite a few side effects that can range in intensity from mild to severe:

• weight loss 
• anxiety
• diarrhea
• nausea
• dizziness
• high blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• increased blood flow
• dry mouth
• tremors
• hyperthermia
• insomnia
• decreased appetite
• seizures

How To Safely Work Out On Vyvanse

There are some exercises that are better for those on Vyvanse than others. Typically, both aerobic exercises and strength training can benefit those with chronic ADHD. This includes activities like swimming, running, biking, weight training, and resistance training.

Work Out Before Daily Dose

It’s also recommended that you work out in the morning before you take your daily dose of Vyvanse so you’re less likely to have heart issues than if you took the medication and then exercised. 

That being said, consulting your healthcare provider can be a great way to determine the best time to take your medication.

Watch Your Body Heat

You also want to make sure you don’t overheat if you exercise while on Vyvanse. With how it affects your heart, you could easily become too hot. Take breaks, rest, and decrease the intensity of your workout as needed.

Eat Something

You may also want to eat something before you work out. Food can slow the absorption of the medication and ensure it doesn’t reach its peak effectiveness while you’re exercising. 

Risks Of Working Out On Vyvanse

Exercising while on Vyvanse can increase the risk of a few different health issues, including heart issues and gastrointestinal problems.

Heart Issues

Working out on Vyvanse increases the risk of heart problems like heart attack, high blood pressure, and fast heart rate.

This risk isn’t very high if you don’t already have heart issues or if you take the drug as directed, but it becomes high if you’re abusing the drug or taking it in high doses.

There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular issues if you have a personal or family history of heart problems, a heart defect, sudden death, palpitations, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, or increased heart rate.

If you have any of these issues, make sure to let your healthcare provider know. They may put you on a different medication or recommend low-intensity exercises.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Taking Vyvanse and working out also increases the risk of gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting. Since Vyvanse can lead to gastrointestinal side effects on its own, the risk of them occurring while working out, especially at a high-intensity level, can increase.

Dependence & Addiction

Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the FDA. This means it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to dependence and addiction. 

Abusing Vyvanse, whether you work out or not, can easily lead to a physical dependence on the drug as well as addiction or substance use disorder.

If you or a loved one are struggling with stimulant abuse or addiction, please contact us today for information on our treatment options.