Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate

💊 What is Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate used for?

• •Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older
• •Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

How it works

The label describes lisdexamfetamine as a CNS stimulant and as a prodrug of d-amphetamine. A prodrug is a medicine that the body changes into its active form. The label says it may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD, and may help reduce the number of binge eating days in people with BED.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take this medicine by mouth in the morning, with or without food. Doses in the afternoon should be avoided because they may cause insomnia (trouble sleeping). The capsule can be swallowed whole. The label also says the capsule can be opened, and the entire contents mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice. The mixture should be stirred until completely dispersed and consumed right away, because it should not be stored. A single dose should not be divided. The label says not to take less than one capsule per day. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

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

⚠️ Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate side effects

🛑 Who should not take Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to amphetamine products or to any ingredient in this medicine.
• 🚨You are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or you have stopped one within the last 14 days. This includes the antibiotic linezolid and intravenous methylene blue.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber about any heart problems, heart disease, heart defects, or high blood pressure.
• •Tell your prescriber about any mental problems, including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression, and about any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
• •Tell your prescriber about circulation problems in the fingers and toes.
• •Tell your prescriber about kidney problems.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have had or now have tics or Tourette's syndrome, or if a family member has them.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •The label says your heart and blood pressure should be checked before starting, and regularly during treatment.

🔀 Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not use during or within 14 days after an MAOI. The label warns of hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure) with headaches and other signs.
• •Serotonergic drugs, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and triptans: The label says they can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• •CYP2D6 inhibitors: These may increase the amount of dextroamphetamine in the body and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• •Urinary alkalinizing agents: These may increase the level of amphetamine in the blood, and the label says they should be avoided.
• •Urinary acidifying agents: These can lower amphetamine blood levels. The label says the dosage may need adjusting.
• •Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Alcohol and food

The label says to take this medicine in the morning, with or without food. The provided label text does not give specific information about drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. The label does say to tell your provider if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol.

🤰 Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is limited data on use in pregnant women, so it is not enough to show the risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Premature delivery and low birth weight have been seen in babies born to mothers dependent on amphetamines. Animal studies in rats and rabbits did not show effects on the developing embryo or fetus. In rats, amphetamine given during pregnancy and nursing lowered pup survival and body weight at clinically relevant doses. The patient guide says the medicine may harm an unborn baby. Tell your prescriber if you are or may become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says this medicine passes into breast milk. The sentence advising what to do about breastfeeding is cut off in the text provided, so ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Short temperature changes between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F) are allowed. Keep it in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep it in a safe place, preferably locked, to protect it from theft. Dispose of any unused medicine properly.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label describes these effects of CNS stimulant overdose: irregular heartbeats, high or low blood pressure, chest pain, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, serotonin syndrome, seizures, stroke, coma, very high body temperature, and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Overdose can cause death. Get emergency medical help right away if you think someone has taken too much of this medicine. The label's overdose treatment section was cut off in the text provided.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate

• Is this medicine right for my condition, and what is my risk for abuse, misuse, or addiction?
• Do I have any heart problems or family history of heart problems that I should tell you about before I start?
• Should my blood pressure and heart rate be checked during treatment, and how often?
• What should I do if I notice new mood changes, hearing voices, or seeing things that are not real?
• What other medicines, including MAOIs, antidepressants, or migraine medicines, could interact with this one?
• How should I store this medicine safely and dispose of any leftover capsules?
• What should I do if I think I missed a dose or took too much?

❓ Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate: frequently asked questions