Dyanavel XR: Uses, side effects, risks, and effectiveness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
If you notice changes in skin color or sensation in your fingers and toes, report them to your doctor right away.
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.
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.
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.
Screenshot these tips to ensure you’re taking Dyanavel XR correctly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.