Lisdexamfetamine

Pronounced

"lis-DEX-am-FET-a-meen"

Common brand names:

Vyvanse

Uses

Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan, including psychological, social, and other treatments. It may help to increase the ability to pay attention, stay focused, and stop fidgeting. Lisdexamfetamine may also be used to treat binge eating disorder (BED). It may help to reduce the number of binge eating days.

This medication is a stimulant. It is thought to work by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

This medication is not recommended for use for weight loss due to the risk of serious side effects.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lisdexamfetamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Do not take this medication in the afternoon or evening because it may cause you to have trouble sleeping. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose to find the dose that is best for you. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, chew the tablet thoroughly and then swallow.

If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow the capsule whole. However, if you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and pour all of its contents (powder) in a glass of water or orange juice or mix it in yogurt. Use a spoon to break apart any powder that is stuck together. Stir well until the contents dissolve completely. Drink or eat the mixture right away. Do not prepare a supply in advance. It is normal to see a filmy coating on the inside of your glass or container after you drink or eat all of the medicine.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

During treatment, your doctor may occasionally recommend stopping the medication for a short time to see whether there are any changes in your behavior and whether the medication is still needed.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes such as depression). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used lisdexamfetamine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2024.