Lisdexamfetamine is commonly used for treatment of the below conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of a group of medicines called stimulants. If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this medicine can help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness (acting without thinking) and hyperactivity. If you have binge eating disorder, it can help you to overeat less often. The exact way that lisdexamfetamine works in the body to treat these conditions is not known.
Lisdexamfetamine is available as Vyvanse and generic lisdexamfetamine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
Lisdexamfetamine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry, and safe place like a locked cabinet, in a tightly closed container. Protect it from light.
If you need to dispose of lisdexamfetamine, bring it to a medicine take-back program at an authorized collection site, such as a pharmacy or police station. If no take-back program is available, mix it with a nontoxic and unattractive substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, and place it in a container like a sealed plastic bag. Throw away the mixture in household trash.
The most common side effects of lisdexamfetamine are listed below, which vary depending on why lisdexamfetamine is prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder.
There may be other side effects of lisdexamfetamine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
While less common, the most serious side effects of lisdexamfetamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Misuse and Addiction. Misusing lisdexamfetamine can lead to substance abuse problems, overdose, and death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take lisdexamfetamine exactly as prescribed. Do not take extra lisdexamfetamine. Do not snort or inject lisdexamfetamine. You can become dependent on lisdexamfetamine even if you take it exactly as prescribed. Dependence means your body gets used to a medicine or other substance and then “needs” it or you will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms related to lisdexamfetamine misuse.
Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. Lisdexamfetamine can increase your blood pressure and cause your heart to beat too fast. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate before starting lisdexamfetamine and during treatment.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
If you measure your heart rate and it is more than 100 beats per minute for more than a few minutes while you are resting and not moving around, get medical attention right away. While you may feel no symptoms at all, watch for any of the following symptoms of a very fast heart beat.
Mental (Psychiatric) Symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine can cause you to lose touch with reality (psychosis) or can cause an extremely elevated mood (mania). This can happen even if you have never experienced these symptoms before. Tell your healthcare provider about your mental health history and if mental health conditions run in your family. In particular, tell them if you or someone in your family has a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of psychosis or mania.
Slowed Growth in Children. Lisdexamfetamine can cause children to grow more slowly (both weight and height). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your child’s height and weight before they start taking lisdexamfetamine and during treatment.
Circulation Problems. Lisdexamfetamine can cause problems with your circulation, including Raynaud’s syndrome. Raynaud’s syndrome can cause your fingers and toes to feel cold, numb, and painful. Your skin might turn blue or pale when it is cold out or you are stressed, then turn red as you warm up. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms. The circulation problems can result in wounds on your fingers or toes. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.
Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome. Lisdexamfetamine can cause or worsen tics, which are short and repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or nose-twitching that can be hard to control. If you already have tics or Tourette’s syndrome (a condition where people have tics), lisdexamfetamine can make your symptoms worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any new worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome.
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Lisdexamfetamine can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lisdexamfetamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lisdexamfetamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
