Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for ADHD: Side Effects & Dosage

• What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?
• What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?
• What is the dosage for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?
• Which drugs or supplements interact with lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?
• Is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What else should I know about lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and
• moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder.

What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

Common side effects of Vyvanse include:

• upper abdominal pain,
• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• dizziness,
• weight loss,
• trouble sleeping,
• irritability,
• decreased appetite, and
• vomiting.

Other important side effects of Vyvanse include:

• blurred vision,
• growth retardation in children, and
• seizures in patients with a history of seizures.

Increased blood pressure, sudden death in patients with heart problems, strokes, and heart attacks have been associated with Vyvanse. Patients may experience new or worsening of psychiatric symptoms (for example, manic episodes, hearing voices, hallucinations) or worsening of aggressive behavior or hostility.

Vyvanse like other amphetamines may be abused. Amphetamines have been associated with tolerance, psychological dependence, and social disability. Stopping amphetamines suddenly may cause a withdrawal syndrome that includes extreme fatigue and mental depression. Therefore, there use should be discontinued by slowly reducing the dose.

Priapism, defined as painful and nonpainful penile erection lasting more than 4 hours, has been reported in pediatric and adult patients treated with stimulants. The erection usually resolves when the drug is stopped. Prompt medical attention is required in the event of suspected priapism.

What is the dosage for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

• The recommended starting dose of Vyvanse for treating ADHD in adults is 30 mg and for pediatric patients ages (6-12) it is 20 to 30 mg once daily in the morning. Doses may be increased by 10-20 mg/day at weekly intervals. The maximum dose is 70 mg daily.
• The recommended dose for treating binge eating in adults is 50 to 70 mg daily. The starting dose is 30 mg/day and the dose is gradually increased by 20 mg at weekly intervals to reach the recommended daily dose.

Which drugs or supplements interact with lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl) and procarbazine (Matulane), slow the elimination of amphetamines in the body. This increases the concentration of amphetamines and their effect. This can cause serious elevations in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) with headaches, other signs of hypertensive crisis, and even fatal reactions. Vyvanse should not be administered until 14 days after MAOIs have been discontinued in order to allow the effects of the MAOIs to dissipate.
• Amphetamines increase the effect of norepinephrine. Combining both drugs may lead to serious cardiovascular toxicity.

QUESTION

Is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

• There are no adequate studies of Vyvanse in pregnant women. Amphetamines may cause premature delivery, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants born to mothers who are dependent on amphetamines.
• Amphetamines are excreted in breast milk. Mothers taking amphetamines should not breastfeed.

What else should I know about lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)?

What preparations of lisdexamfetamine are available?

Capsules: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mg

How should I keep lisdexamfetamine stored?

Vyvanse should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F), and protected from light.

Health News

Summary

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for patients with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) should not be taken with MAOIs. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Review drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information prior to taking this medication.

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Related Disease Conditions

• Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) About 2%-6% of adults have ADHD, a common behavioral problem. Symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Treatment may involve ADHD education, attending a support group, skills training, and medication.
• ADHD in Children Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes the following symptoms in children: excessive activity, problems concentrating, and difficulty controlling impulses. Stimulant medications are the most common medication used to treat ADHD.
• ADHD in Teens Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in teens is a disruption of neurocognitive functioning. Genetics contribute to ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in teens include inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of these. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, medication, or alternative therapies.
• Binge Eating Disorder Characteristics of binge eating disorder include eating more quickly than usual, eating until uncomfortably full, eating a lot of food despite not being hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feeling disgusted by overeating.
• Parenting a Child With ADHD ADHD is a behavioral condition with characteristics that include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Parenting a child with ADHD presents a variety of challenges. Treatment options for children with ADHD include medication and behavioral therapy.

Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

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REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information