lisdexamfetamine

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Pronunciation: lis dex am FET a meen

Brand: Vyvanse

What is the most important information I should know about lisdexamfetamine?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.

What is lisdexamfetamine?

Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children who are at least 6 years old.

Lisdexamfetamine is also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This medicine is not to be used for obesity or weight loss.

Lisdexamfetamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking lisdexamfetamine?

You should not use lisdexamfetamine if you are allergic to it.

Do not use lisdexamfetamine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
  • high blood pressure;
  • a family history of heart disease or sudden death;
  • coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); or
  • history of heart attack.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • circulation problems in your hands or feet;
  • peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
  • depression, mental illness, bipolar illness, psychosis, or suicide attempt; or
  • if you take an antidepressant.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, lisdexamfetamine may cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and may affect the nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Lisdexamfetamine is not approved to treat ADHD in a child younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved to treat binge eating disorder in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Long-term use of lisdexamfetamine can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

How should I take lisdexamfetamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medicine improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.

Lisdexamfetamine should be taken in the morning with or without food.

Do not take lisdexamfetamine in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, break, or divide a lisdexamfetamine capsule. Swallow it whole.

To make swallowing easier, you may open the lisdexamfetamine capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a glass of water or orange juice, or mix it with yogurt. After the medicine has dissolved, drink or eat the mixture right away. Do not save for later use.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Throw away unused or expired lisdexamfetamine in a sealed container or bag. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a community pharmaceutical take back disposal program.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if it is already evening. Taking this medicine late in the day can cause sleep problems. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of lisdexamfetamine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking lisdexamfetamine?

Lisdexamfetamine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What are the possible side effects of lisdexamfetamine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using lisdexamfetamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or uneven heart rate;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
  • unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
  • penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer (rare); or
  • numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes.

Common side effects may include:

  • dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • dizziness, feeling irritable; or
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect lisdexamfetamine?

Ask your doctor before using a stomach acid medicine (including Alka-Seltzer or sodium bicarbonate). Some of these medicines can change the way your body absorbs lisdexamfetamine, and may increase side effects.

Other drugs may interact with lisdexamfetamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lisdexamfetamine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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