Vyvanse is a stimulant that’s commonly used for the treatment of ADHD. Vyvanse is prescribed for both adults and children who are at least six years old. This medication is considered to be very effective and is widely prescribed.
ADHD is a fairly common condition, with an estimated 6 million children diagnosed between 2016 and 2019. There are a variety of different treatment options available for those with ADHD, but medication is one of the most common. There are a variety of factors that can have an impact on ADHD, and it’s possible that cannabis may be one of those things.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse, also known by the generic name lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant that works on the central nervous system.1 While ADHD is the most common condition this medication is prescribed for, it’s also prescribed for the treatment of binge eating disorder.
Vyvanse should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor, as it can be habit-forming and easily abused. If you think that Vyvanse might be the right choice for you, consider reaching out to your doctor and asking for their advice about the right medication for your symptoms.
Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant, meaning it works by speeding up processes in the brain, similar to common stimulants like caffeine, only with much greater intensity. Counterintuitively, this helps people with ADHD slow down and focus. Vyvanse should be taken only as prescribed, as deviating from your prescription could reduce the benefits that you receive or lead to dependence.
Vyvanse has a variety of side effects that you should be aware of if you’re considering taking this medication. Some potential side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Heightened heart rate
- Growth differences in children
Vyvanse is a serious medication, and combining it with other substances should only be done under the direction of a doctor. If you’re not sure whether or not you can combine Vyvanse with a substance, it’s best to reach out to a medical professional and get their advice about your specific situation.
Risks of Combining Weed and Vyvanse
There hasn’t been any research that has examined the effects of combining Vyvanse and THC. While it’s possible that this combination could lead to adverse effects, users typically do not report any adverse side effects from taking both. It’s also not clear how cannabis could impact ADHD, so it’s most likely best to speak with your doctor if you’re going to be taking Vyvanse and want to try adding cannabis to your routine.
While there are no reported adverse side effects from combining Vyvanse and cannabis, taking both together could result in intensified side effects. Vyvanse is a stimulant, and stimulants are known to increase heart rate. Cannabis has a complicated relationship with heart disease. Like stimulants, cannabis is also known to increase heart rate, at least temporarily, immediately following consumption. While limited, there has also been research connecting cannabis use to potential cardiovascular risks.2 The combination of a stimulant like Vyvanse and cannabis could put additional strain on the heart, increasing the potential risk.
If you’re going to be combining Vyvanse and weed, then it’s best to speak with a doctor about any adverse effects that you may experience. Learning more about this combination and its potential side effects can help you make an educated decision about what’s right for you and your medication routine.
It’s important to mention that you shouldn’t start or stop taking a medication without the direction of a doctor. If you choose to use cannabis, consider speaking with your doctor before ending your Vyvanse use.
Potential Benefits of Combining Cannabis and Vyvanse
There is no research that’s found any benefits of combining cannabis and Vyvanse. While some people have found that cannabis has helped their ADHD, there isn’t significant research to back this up. Everyone has a different reaction to cannabis, so it’s not possible to predict how someone will react to this combination of substances.
It’s best to speak with a doctor if you’re going to be using this combination so that they can evaluate your individual situation and needs and make you aware of any potential adverse effects.
It’s possible that further research could reveal the benefits of combining cannabis and Vyvanse. However, it may be best to avoid it until more research is done and doctors learn about this combination. Avoiding this combination is the only way to be sure that you won’t experience the adverse effects it might induce.
Additionally, some physicians that mandate drug testing for prescription stimulants like Vyvanse may require stopping the use of cannabis or forgo the use of medications like Vyvanse.
Safety Precautions When Combining Weed and Vyvanse
If you’re going to be using medical cannabis and Vyvanse, then there are a few different safety precautions you should consider.
If you take Vyvanse daily, then it may be best to stay away from using cannabis. But if you choose to combine cannabis and Vyvanse, it’s important to make sure that you avoid operating any heavy machinery. Reaction time may vary when using this combination, so take that into account as you’re going about your day.
When it comes to reducing the chances of adverse side effects, it’s important to take care of your overall health. By thinking about your comprehensive wellness, you can reduce the chances of some adverse side effects and increase your chances of having a better cannabis experience.
If you do decide to use cannabis and Vyvanse together, start with the lowest dose of cannabis possible and gradually work your way up. Starting low will allow you to be aware of any adverse effects from the combination with a low dose and relatively mild effects before progressing to a potentially dangerous situation.
It's also important to consider any other medications you may be taking – even over-the-counter ones – before you consider combining Vyvanse and weed. If you’re taking other medications, it’s possible that this medicinal combination could impact the effects of those medications.
It’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor before combining substances. This is one of the best ways to get educated and make sure that you’re on the right track. If you experience any concerning side effects, consider seeking medical attention. It’s always a good idea to ask for help and get medical support if you have any concerning symptoms after using cannabis or combining it with other substances.
Can Medical Marijuana Replace Vyvanse?
If you’ve been using Vyvanse and are experiencing adverse effects, then you may be wondering if medical cannabis could be an adequate replacement.
There is some evidence that shows cannabis may be an effective treatment for ADHD.3 However, there is a significant need for more research, and the effects of cannabis on ADHD may be dependent on the individual person. Since cannabis may act as either a stimulant or depressant, the strain and terpenes may also play a role.4
It’s possible CBD may have some positive effects on ADHD, but there is a need for more research in this area. If you’re considering using cannabis as a replacement for ADHD medication, you should speak with your doctor. It’s likely that cannabis is not as effective as ADHD-specific medication, but some people do claim that it helps.
If you have severe ADHD symptoms, then it’s likely that medical cannabis may not be an effective replacement for Vyvanse. If you think that this replacement might be right for you, consider speaking with your doctor about all of your different options and which ones make the most sense for your situation.
Medical cannabis may have a variety of benefits, but treating ADHD is not a widely recognized one. There is a need for more research in this area so that researchers can gain a better understanding of the plant's effects on ADHD.
References
- Goodman DW. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (vyvanse), a prodrug stimulant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. P T. 2010;35(5):273-287.
↩︎ - DeFilippis EM, Bajaj NS, Singh A, et al. Marijuana Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2020;75(3):320-332. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.025
↩︎ - Mansell H, Quinn D, Kelly LE, Alcorn J. Cannabis for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids. 2022;5(1):1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000521370
↩︎ - Hergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D. Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. Published 2020 Jan 30. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
