lisdexamfetamine dimesylate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting stimulant prodrug.
Usual role
Part of a wider treatment programme for ADHD.
Food
Can be taken with or without food.
Capsule administration
Swallow whole or disperse the entire contents in yogurt, water or orange juice and consume immediately.
Legal status
A prescription-only, Class B Schedule 2 controlled drug.
What is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate used for?
Selected Elvanse capsules are licensed as part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment programme under appropriate specialist supervision.
Children aged 6 years and over when previous methylphenidate treatment is considered clinically inadequate.
Adults who had ADHD symptoms in childhood, following a full clinical assessment.
How does lisdexamfetamine dimesylate work?
Lisdexamfetamine is inactive until red blood cells convert it to dexamfetamine. Dexamfetamine increases dopamine and noradrenaline signalling; its precise therapeutic mechanism in ADHD is not fully established.
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg
How to take lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
Follow the prescriber's instructions.
It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the capsule whole with water, or open it and mix all contents into yogurt, water or orange juice.
Stir until dispersed, consume the whole mixture immediately and do not store it.
Do not divide a capsule or take only part of its contents.
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Irritability, anxiety or feeling jittery
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Chest pain, fainting or a new irregular heartbeat
- Seizure
- Hallucinations, psychosis or mania
- Severe blistering or peeling rash
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts or dangerous behavioural change
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in pregnancy
Therapeutic amfetamines may be used in pregnancy when a specialist considers them necessary. Available evidence does not suggest an increased risk of birth defects, but later exposure may be associated with placental effects, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, lower birth weight or temporary newborn withdrawal symptoms. Discuss planned or confirmed pregnancy promptly and do not stop treatment suddenly without medical advice.
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate while breastfeeding
The product information says lisdexamfetamine should not be used while breastfeeding because its active amphetamine metabolite passes into human milk. Evidence is limited; discuss feeding and treatment options with the specialist and maternity or infant-care team.
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate interactions
Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and non-prescription products. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including phenelzine, tranylcypromine and selegiline
The combination can cause a dangerous hypertensive reaction and is contraindicated during or shortly after MAOI treatment.
Serotonergic medicines, including SSRIs and SNRIs
Combining them can rarely cause serotonin syndrome.
Other sympathomimetics, including some decongestants and stimulants
They may add to effects on blood pressure, heart rate and the nervous system.
Common questions about lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate the same as dexamfetamine?
No. Lisdexamfetamine is an inactive prodrug that the body converts to dexamfetamine, which produces the clinical effects.
Can lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules be opened?
Yes. The entire contents can be mixed into yogurt, water or orange juice and consumed immediately; the mixture must not be stored or divided.
Can lisdexamfetamine dimesylate be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.