Drug Notes

Lisdexamfetamine (By mouth)

Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (lis-dex-am-FET-a-meen dye-MES-i-late)

Treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder.

Brand Name(s):

Vyvanse

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine in the morning. It may be hard for you to sleep if you take it in the afternoon or evening.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew it.
• If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open the capsule and mix the powder into a glass of water, yogurt, or orange juice.
  • Use all of the powder from inside the capsule.
  • Mix the powder with water, yogurt, or orange juice. Use a spoon to break up any clumps of powder.
  • Eat or drink all of this mixture right away. Do not save any for later.
  • There may be a film coating the inside of the glass after you drink the medicine. This is normal and not a concern.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how lisdexamfetamine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or sodium bicarbonate.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, blood circulation problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, or mental illness, or if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious heart or blood vessel problems, such as heart attack or stroke
  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Slow growth in children
  • Raynaud phenomenon (problem with the blood circulation in your fingers or toes)
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
• Extreme energy, mood or mental changes, confusion, agitation, unusual behavior
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Unexplained sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Feeling anxious, restless, irritable, or nervous
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017