Uses

What is lisdexamfetamine used for?

Lisdexamfetamine is commonly used for treatment of the below conditions.

Lisdexamfetamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does lisdexamfetamine work (mechanism of action)?

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. 

How is lisdexamfetamine supplied (dosage forms)?

Lisdexamfetamine is available as Vyvanse and generic lisdexamfetamine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg chewable tablets
  • 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg oral capsules

How should I store lisdexamfetamine?

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.  

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lisdexamfetamine?

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).

  • Decreased or loss of appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder.

  • Dry mouth 
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Constipation
  • Feeling jittery 
  • Anxiety

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.

What are the serious side effects of lisdexamfetamine?

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 heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fast breathing
  • Sweating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling very energetic or restless
  • Decreased appetite
  • Shaking
  • Trouble with coordination
  • Flushed skin
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Dilated (unusually large) pupils
  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling angry or aggressive
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others

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.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

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. 

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations, or feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats
  • Racing heart

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.

  • Dramatic increase in energy
  • Significant trouble sleeping
  • Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
  • Engaging in reckless behavior
  • Having unusually grand ideas
  • Feeling excessively happy or irritable
  • Talking more or faster than usual
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Suspiciousness of others
  • Changes in emotions (you feel emotions very strongly or you do not feel emotions at all)
  • Hallucinations (you hear or see things that others do not)
  • Delusions (you believe things that do not make sense to others, like you have special powers)
  • You stop taking care of yourself

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.

  • Sweating, fever, or flushing
  • Confusion
  • Feeling agitated or restless
  • Seeing or hearing unusual things
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or racing heartbeat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
  • Seizures

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.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lisdexamfetamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use lisdexamfetamine.

  • Lisdexamfetamine
  • Vyvanse
  • Any other medicine known as an amphetamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lisdexamfetamine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Lisdexamfetamine should not be taken while you are using or have used certain other medicines. Before taking lisdexamfetamine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have used recently. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about lisdexamfetamine before using it?

Take lisdexamfetamine in the morning. Avoid taking lisdexamfetamine in the afternoon, because taking it later in the day can make it harder to sleep at night.

Do not split lisdexamfetamine tablets or capsules and do not try to take less than a full capsule or tablet at a time.

Swallow lisdexamfetamine capsules whole. If you cannot swallow the capsules, you can open the capsules and mix with yogurt, water, or orange juice. Take the mixture right away. 

Chew lisdexamfetamine chewable tablets completely before swallowing. Do not swallow lisdexamfetamine chewable tablets whole.      

Do not take lisdexamfetamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lisdexamfetamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from lisdexamfetamine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Keep lisdexamfetamine out of the reach of children. Lisdexamfetamine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store lisdexamfetamine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lisdexamfetamine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if lisdexamfetamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • High blood pressure 
  • Circulation problems in your fingers and toes
  • Bipolar disorder or mania (very elevated mood)
  • Tics (repetitive movements or sounds) or Tourette’s syndrome or a family history of tics or Tourette’s syndrome
  • Kidney problems

Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of mental health problems, such as psychosis (losing touch with reality), bipolar disorder, or depression. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.

Heart Problems. Lisdexamfetamine can cause sudden death in people who have serious heart disease or heart defects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any problems with your heart. Your healthcare provider should check for heart problems before you start lisdexamfetamine and will likely check your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment.

Substance Use Disorder. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. Lisdexamfetamine is a controlled substance and may be misused. 

Pregnancy. Lisdexamfetamine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you become pregnant while taking lisdexamfetamine, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not take lisdexamfetamine while you are breastfeeding. Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lisdexamfetamine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lisdexamfetamine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lisdexamfetamine. However, the risk of side effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking lisdexamfetamine.

Does lisdexamfetamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lisdexamfetamine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. This includes the medicines linezolid and methylene blue (an injectable medicine that is sometimes used during hospitalizations)
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression 
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, even if it is not used for depression
  • A triptan, which is a medicine used for migraine headaches
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Tramadol, which is a medicine used to treat pain
  • Buspirone, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Fentanyl, which is a medicine used to treat severe pain
  • Tryptophan, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression and other conditions
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression 

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lisdexamfetamine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Vyvanse interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lisdexamfetamine?

If you or someone else has used too much lisdexamfetamine, call your healthcare provider or Poison Control center at 800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What should I do if I miss a dose of lisdexamfetamine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Avoid taking it in the afternoon, because taking it late in the day can make it harder to sleep at bedtime. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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