Vyvanse Hypersexuality & Other Sexual Side Effects

Although stimulant medications like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, there is still a risk of side effects. 

One such side effect that may occur with Vyvanse use is hypersexuality as well as other potential sex-related side effects.

Vyvanse Hypersexuality

It is normal for a person to have periods of increasing or decreasing sex drive. Hypersexuality, however, refers to an abnormal increase in sexual thoughts, urges, or sexual activity that interferes with everyday life, responsibilities, and relationships.

This effect can cause sexual preoccupation to become almost an obsession, and may lead to harmful, uncharacteristic, or risky sexual behavior.

Hypersexuality is a possible side effect of Vyvanse as well as other amphetamine-based ADHD medications. It is more likely to occur in males than females.

Symptoms Of Vyvanse Hypersexuality

Potential symptoms of this medical condition can include:

• excessive time spent preoccupied with sexual thoughts or sexual behavior, either alone or with others
• use of sexual fantasy or behavior as a coping mechanism for feelings of boredom, anxiety, depression, or irritability
• turning to sexual thoughts or behavior in response to stressful life events
• being unable to stop or control the frequency of one’s sexual desire, urges, or behavior
• engaging in high-risk sexual activity leading to physical or emotional harm inflicted on oneself or others

Why Can Vyvanse Cause Hypersexuality?

It is generally believed that the neurotransmitter dopamine increases sexual desire and sexual function, whereas serotonin decreases sexual desire and function. This is why antidepressants (which increase serotonin levels) are often associated with acute and chronic sexual dysfunction.

Lisdexamfetamine (a prodrug for dextroamphetamine) acts as a CNS stimulant and increases dopamine activity in the brain, which means this drug could be associated with an increase in sexual energy and preoccupation.

However, lisdexamfetamine also boosts serotonin activity and can interfere with peripheral circulation, explaining why it is also associated with other negative sexual side effects, and why these variable effects seem to differ so much from person to person.

Sexual Side Effects Of Vyvanse

It’s important to note that the symptoms of ADHD often correspond with impulsivity and an abnormally high interest in sex. 

On the other hand, uncontrolled ADHD symptoms can diminish one’s overall wellbeing, confidence, and happiness, and make it much harder to maintain positive relationships and enjoy sexual activity as a result.

Because of this, Vyvanse and sex drive changes often go together, even if the effects on your libido are not truly a direct side-effect of the medication.

Males

In addition to increasing or decreasing sexual desire, male patients taking Vyvanse may experience erectile dysfunction/impotence due to the drug’s effects on circulation.

Females

Females, on the other hand, can also experience greatly increased or decreased sexual desire, as well as difficulty becoming aroused, difficulty achieving orgasm, or dyspareunia (pain experienced during sexual stimulation).

Sexual Side Effects Of Other ADHD Medications

While Vyvanse is unique in that it is approved to treat severe binge eating disorder, there are a variety of other drugs which healthcare professionals can use to manage ADHD.

These drugs, including methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta), amphetamine salts (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and others, are widely known for having variable and individualized effects on sexual desire and function in both men and women.

If the effectiveness or side-effects of any specific ADHD med isn’t suitable for a particular individual, it is common for healthcare providers to adjust your dosage or switch you to an alternative product.

General Side Effects Of Vyvanse

Vyvanse may cause additional side effects that may include:

• anxiety
• decreased appetite and weight loss
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• delayed growth in children or adolescents
• irritability
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• upper stomach pain
• vomiting

Other uncommon side effects may include:

• heart- related problems, including increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, stroke, or heart attack
• new or worse behavior or thought problems, including bipolar disorder or psychosis
• circulation problems in one’s fingers or toes, also known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud’s phenomenon
• serotonin syndrome and agitation, hallucinations, twitching, sweating, fever, and other symptoms (occurring when the drug is taken with other serotonin-increasing drugs or supplements)

These various side effects and adverse events are more likely to occur, and occur more severely, when the medication is abused and either taken by those to whom it was not prescribed, or taken in other ways than prescribed.

If you struggle with prescription stimulant misuse, contact us today to learn how we can help.