Key takeaways

  • Dyanavel XR is a long-acting stimulant medication containing amphetamine, approved by the FDA to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and some children. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors for up to 13 hours.
  • Common side effects include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, and increased heart rate. Serious risks include potential for abuse and addiction, cardiovascular problems in people with heart disease, mental health changes like hallucinations, and slowed growth in children.
  • You typically take Dyanavel XR once daily in the morning, starting at 2.5 mg or 5 mg, with doses adjusted every 4 to 7 days up to a maximum of 20 mg per day. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is required to check heart rate, blood pressure, and signs of misuse or addiction.

Dyanavel XR is a long-acting stimulant medication containing the active ingredient amphetamine. Doctors prescribe it to help manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dyanavel XR is a brand-name medication, and no generic (and cheaper) alternative is currently available.

This article examines how the medication works, its potential side effects, how to take it, and its effectiveness in both children and adults.

Dyanavel XR has a boxed warning relating to its stimulant effects.

Dyanavel XR is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Doctors prescribe Dyanavel XR to help improve your ability to pay attention while decreasing impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity. By managing these symptoms, you may be able to function more effectively in daily life, whether in the classroom, at work, or in other social situations.

Dyanavel XR works by targeting two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. The medication blocks these chemicals from being reabsorbed by brain cells and also triggers their release into the spaces between neurons.

By increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, Dyanavel XR helps improve communication between different parts of the brain responsible for focus and self-control.

Dyanavel XR is formulated with coatings of varying thicknesses on the drug particles to ensure it is released slowly and steadily throughout the day. Some of the particles are uncoated for immediate release, while others are coated for a delayed release. This helps prevent the ups and downs or crashes that people may experience with shorter-acting medications.

How quickly does Dyanavel XR start working?

Dyanavel XR may begin to improve ADHD symptoms as soon as 1 hour after taking it. However, it reaches peak concentrations in the blood around 4 to 5 hours after taking it.

Dyanavel XR carries a boxed warning, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) most serious warning about adverse effects. It focuses on the medication’s potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

  • Abuse and misuse: Dyanavel XR is a federally controlled substance because it contains amphetamine, a drug that some people take recreationally, often by snorting or injecting it. Using Dyanavel XR in this way is extremely dangerous and can lead to a drug overdose or even death.
  • Addiction: Using Dyanavel XR can lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. Even when you take it exactly as a doctor prescribes, it’s possible to develop a physical dependence after using the drug for a long time.

To ensure the safety of you and those around you:

  • Before prescribing Dyanavel XR, a doctor will check your personal and family history for any past or current experiences of alcohol or drug misuse to see if it is right for you.
  • Never share or give your Dyanavel XR to anyone else. This is against the law and can cause serious harm.
  • Store the medication in a safe, secure place, such as a locked cabinet.
  • If you have any leftover or expired Dyanavel XR, dispose of it properly through a drug take-back program. Alternatively, mix it with something unappealing, like cat litter or coffee grounds, before throwing it in the trash.

ADHD resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on ADHD.

Like all medications, Dyanavel XR can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious.

Common side effects

Dyanavel XR’s most common side effects are typically mild. If you experience side effects that bother you or last longer than a few weeks, talk with your doctor.

The most common side effects include:

  • dry mouth
  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • trouble sleeping
  • restlessness
  • extreme mood changes
  • dizziness
  • increased heart rate
  • mild allergic reaction

Serious side effects

As described above, Dyanavel XR carries a boxed warning because it has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Other serious side effects include:

  • Risks for people with heart disease: Sudden death has occurred in people taking Dyanavel XR who have existing heart problems.
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate: Dyanavel XR can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which may stress your cardiovascular system.
  • Mental health problems: Some people may experience new or worsening mental health issues, such as hallucinations, when taking Dyanavel XR. It can also trigger manic episodes, delusional thinking, or aggressive behavior.
  • Circulation problems: Dyanavel XR can decrease circulation in the fingers or toes, which is known as Raynaud phenomenon. It may cause skin color changes in the fingers or toes, and they may feel numb, cool, or painful.
  • Serotonin syndrome: This is a life threatening reaction that can happen when you take Dyanavel XR with other medications, such as those for depression or migraine. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, a very fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and a high body temperature.
  • Slowed growth in children: Stimulants may cause weight loss and slowed growth in children. A doctor will monitor a child’s growth regularly and may pause treatment if the child is not growing as expected.
  • New or worsening tics: Taking Dyanavel XR can cause a person to develop motor or verbal tics, which are repeated, involuntary movements or sounds. People with existing tics may find their tics worsen while taking Dyanavel XR.

Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews its side effects. If you develop a side effect while taking this medication and want to report it to the FDA, you can visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Call a doctor or go to the emergency room if you or your child experiences:

  • heart issues, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting
  • mental symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusional thinking, and aggressive behavior

If you notice changes in skin color or sensation in your fingers and toes, report them to your doctor right away.

Routine monitoring

While taking Dyanavel XR, your doctor will check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly to ensure your cardiovascular system is not under stress. They will also look for signs of misuse or addiction.

For children taking Dyanavel XR, their doctor will monitor their height and weight carefully to ensure the medication is not slowing their growth.

Dyanavel XR is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Bubblegum-flavored liquid (oral suspension): 2.5 milligrams of amphetamine per milliliter (mg/mL)
  • Bubblegum-flavored tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg

The 5 mg tablet is scored so it can be split in half to provide a 2.5 mg dose.

You typically start by taking a low dose of 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily in the morning. You can take it with or without food. A doctor may increase your dose every 4 to 7 days in increments of 2.5 mg to 10 mg.

The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

What to do if you miss a dose of Dyanavel XR

If you miss a dose of Dyanavel XR, wait until the next day and take your dose as usual in the morning. Do not take a dose in the afternoon. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor for advice on getting back on track.

Tips for taking Dyanavel XR

Screenshot these tips to ensure you’re taking Dyanavel XR correctly.

  • Take Dyanavel XR once every morning at roughly the same time, with or without food.
  • If you’re using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before measuring your dose and use the oral dispenser provided by the pharmacist.
  • If you’re using tablets, either chew them or swallow them whole.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking Dyanavel XR, as it can cause the medication to be released into your system too quickly.
  • Keep the medication in a safe, locked place to prevent others from taking it accidentally or intentionally.

Clinical studies have shown that Dyanavel XR is effective at managing ADHD symptoms for up to 13 hours with one morning dose.

In a study involving 108 children ages 6 to 12 years, teachers used the SKAMP scale to rate children’s attention and behavior in a classroom setting. Children taking Dyanavel XR had significantly better focus and behavior at every time point measured, from 1 to 13 hours after taking it.

A study involving 91 adults found that Dyanavel XR helped adults maintain their focus and stay “on task” from morning through evening.

Drug savings programs are available to help make Dyanavel XR more affordable.

People with commercial insurance may pay $25 per month by using a copay savings card provided by the manufacturer, Tris Pharma.

For people without insurance who choose to pay cash, there are options to pay approximately $100 per month.

Dyanavel XR is a powerful stimulant and is not suitable for everyone.

Contraindications

Do not take Dyanavel XR if you are allergic to amphetamines or other ingredients in the medication.

Do not take Dyanavel XR if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication within the last 14 days, as this can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.

Interactions

Other drugs can interact with Dyanavel XR and affect the way it works. Examples include:

Before prescribing Dyanavel XR, your doctor will review the medications you take and may recommend an alternative if there is the possibility of an interaction.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Medical experts don’t know whether taking Dyanavel XR during pregnancy can harm a fetus. However, amphetamine use by pregnant people has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Do not breastfeed while taking Dyanavel XR because the drug passes into breastmilk and may cause serious reactions in a baby.

A dose of Dyanavel XR can help manage ADHD symptoms consistently for around 13 hours.

Yes, you can switch between the two forms. Talk with your doctor about how to make sure you’re taking the right dose when you switch.

Dyanavel XR and Adderall (available in immediate- or extended-release formulations) are both stimulants that treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

While they both contain amphetamine, Adderall also contains other amphetamines, such as dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Generic Adderall is typically cheaper than Dyanavel, which is available only as a brand-name drug.

Dyanavel XR and Adderall XR are both dosed once daily, whereas immediate-release Adderall may require twice-daily dosing.

Dyanavel XR is a long-acting stimulant that helps manage ADHD symptoms for up to 13 hours.

The medication is available as a liquid or a tablet, and you take it once in the morning. It helps adults and children ages 6 years and older to maintain focus and control impulsive behaviors throughout the day.

Dyanavel XR is a controlled substance that has boxed warnings due to its potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction. It can also worsen heart issues and affect your mental health. Anyone taking Dyanavel XR will require regular monitoring by their doctor.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.