The Vyvanse - Essay Example

Vyvanse is a medication prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which may increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients (fda.gov). The drug may is taken orally as a whole or can be opened for the patient to mix in a glass of water to be drunk. If the latter is done, the patient must make sure that all the powder is mixed and the whole solution should be drunk right away to get the full effect of the desired dose. Patients must take the medicine in accordance with the doctor’s prescription because it is a nervous system stimulant that may cause more trouble in patients. From Dr. Kenny Handelman’s blog (2012), most users claimed they suffered from increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. One patient in particular, Lori’s eight-year-old daughter, is said to describe the medicine as cardiac medication because it makes her heartbeat go fast. Another patient, Donna, says she suffers from vomiting and headache after a few days of taking the drug. Other side-effects that the drug gives are anxiety, decreased or loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, trouble sleeping, upper stomach pain, and weight loss. It is important for patients to inform their doctor about any other medications or even food supplements taken because there are certain reactions of the drug to other medications and vice versa that may cause further health problems. There may also be side effects that may be caused when the drug is simultaneously taken with vitamins, supplements, or medications. With the side-effects specified earlier, precaution must be taken by patients with heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, mental problems such as psychosis, tits or Tourette’s Syndrome, and seizures. The physician must be informed about the medical history of the patient to make sure there would be no adverse side effects to the medication (fda.gov, 2012).