Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (VYVANSE)

Pronunciation: lis-dex-am-FET-a-meen dye-MES-i-late.

Generic name
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
Brand names
VYVANSE
Drug class
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant; prodrug of dextroamphetamine
Form
Capsule and chewable tablet
Route
Oral
Legal status
Prescription-only medicine; US Schedule II (CII) controlled substance

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · Canada

Australia: · Full directory

What lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is and how it works

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (VYVANSE) is a prescription CNS stimulant and a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. The US FDA-approved label includes treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older, and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in adults. (1)

VYVANSE is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to a substance use disorder including addiction. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, and dosing differs between ADHD and BED. A prescriber must confirm the diagnosis, indication, and appropriate dosing before starting treatment.

Mechanism of action: how lisdexamfetamine dimesylate works

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that is converted in vivo to dextroamphetamine, a CNS stimulant. Detailed pharmacokinetic parameters were not extracted in this research pass. (1)

What lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is used for

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Indicated for the treatment of ADHD in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age because of higher drug exposure and adverse reactions observed in that age group. (1)

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder in adults. The target dose range and titration schedule differ from ADHD treatment. (1)

Before taking lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Known hypersensitivity to amphetamine products or to any VYVANSE component is a contraindication; the prescriber or clinician must determine whether VYVANSE can be used. (all products) (1)
  • Concurrent use of VYVANSE with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI, is contraindicated because of the risk of hypertensive crisis; the prescriber must determine and manage the timing of starting, continuing, or stopping either medicine. (all indications) (1)
  • Do not start or adjust VYVANSE treatment yourself or obtain it without a valid prescription; it is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and misuse. (all indications) (1)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any known heart problems, including structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease.
  • Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, mania, depression, or suicide attempt.
  • Peripheral circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon, or cold/numb fingers or toes.
  • Seizures or any history of seizures.
  • Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding status.
  • All current medicines, including over-the-counter products, serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans), CYP2D6 inhibitors, antacids, and acidifying or alkalinizing agents.
(1)

How to take lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

  • Take VYVANSE exactly as prescribed by your clinician; the dose, timing, and formulation (capsule or chewable tablet) are set by the prescriber for your condition.
  • VYVANSE is generally taken once daily in the morning; taking it later in the day can cause insomnia.
  • Do not change the dose, when you take it, or which formulation you use without the prescriber's instruction.
  • Capsule-opening/mixing instructions, if applicable to your product, were not established in the sources reviewed for this article; follow the specific product instructions provided with your prescription or ask your pharmacist.
(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)

Missed dose

This information was not extracted during the current research pass. Contact the prescribing clinician for instructions if a dose is missed; do not take an extra dose or alter the next scheduled dose without advice.

Overdose

Signs and symptoms of overdose may include tachycardia, hypertension, psychomotor agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and potentially fatal hyperthermia. In case of suspected overdose, contact Poison Help (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or a medical toxicologist. Neither lisdexamfetamine nor its active metabolite d-amphetamine is dialyzable. (1)

Side effects

Common adverse reactions differ between ADHD and BED indications. Serious cardiovascular, psychiatric, and vascular effects require monitoring.

ADHD adverse reactions

What to notice: Decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, weight loss/decreased weight, irritability, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting have been reported (at ≥5% and at least twice the placebo rate per the prescribing information).

What to do: Discuss any persistent or troublesome symptoms with the prescriber rather than stopping the medicine yourself. (1)

BED adverse reactions

What to notice: Dry mouth, insomnia, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, constipation, and anxiety.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the prescriber. (1)

New or worsening psychiatric symptoms

What to notice: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article; the sources support monitoring for the emergence of new psychotic or manic symptoms.

What to do: Contact the prescribing clinician promptly for assessment. (1)

Peripheral vasculopathy (including Raynaud's phenomenon)

What to notice: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article beyond digital/peripheral color change or coldness.

What to do: Contact the prescriber for evaluation; a rheumatology evaluation may be required if symptoms occur. (1)

Serious warnings

Abuse, misuse, and addiction — boxed_warning

Symptoms: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article; the sources support a high potential for abuse and misuse leading to substance use disorder, including addiction.

Action: Follow the prescriber's directions exactly. Inform the prescriber of any personal or family history of substance use disorder; the prescriber should assess risk before prescribing and monitor for signs throughout treatment. (1)

Serious cardiovascular events — emergency

Symptoms: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article.

Action: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. VYVANSE is generally avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease. (1)

Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs — contraindication

Symptoms: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article; the sources support a risk of hypertensive crisis with MAOI co-administration.

Action: Seek emergency care immediately if symptoms suggestive of hypertensive crisis develop. Concurrent use of VYVANSE with an MAOI, or within 14 days of MAOI use, is contraindicated; the prescriber determines all VYVANSE and MAOI treatment decisions. (1)

Serotonin syndrome — emergency

Symptoms: Specific symptom detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this article; the sources support an increased risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent serotonergic drugs.

Action: Seek emergency medical attention immediately, especially when combined with other serotonergic medicines. (1)

Interactions

Medicine or testEffectAction
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Concomitant use is contraindicated because of the risk of hypertensive crisis. A 14-day washout period is required when starting or stopping an MAOI.Concurrent use, or use within 14 days of MAOI use in either direction, is contraindicated. The prescriber determines all decisions about starting, continuing, washing out, or stopping either medicine. (1)
Alkalinizing agents (agents that raise urinary pH)May increase amphetamine blood levels.Give the prescriber a complete list of all medicines and supplements you take so they can determine whether co-administration is appropriate. (1)
Acidifying agents (agents that lower urinary pH)May decrease amphetamine effectiveness.The prescriber may need to review the VYVANSE dose if acidifying agents are used. (1)
Serotonergic drugs (including SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, and CYP2D6 inhibitors)Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.The prescriber should initiate at lower doses and monitor for serotonin syndrome; give the prescriber a complete medicine list. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Children

Approved for ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. VYVANSE is not recommended for children under 6 years of age because of higher drug exposure and adverse reactions in that age group. Growth suppression has been documented — height and weight should be monitored during pediatric treatment. Pediatric BED use is not established. (1)

Pregnancy

Limited human data are available. Animal reproduction studies showed developmental effects at high doses. Discuss benefits, risks, and disease-control needs with the clinician. (1)

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with VYVANSE per the US prescribing information. (1)

Renal impairment

Dose adjustment applies for renal impairment. The specific numeric adjustment schedule was not extracted in this research pass — the prescriber must use the full prescribing information. (1)

Known cardiac abnormalities

VYVANSE is generally avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease because of the risk of sudden death and serious cardiovascular events. (1)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Confirm the diagnosis of ADHD or BED according to the approved indication and assess cardiovascular and psychiatric history.
  • Screen for bipolar disorder before starting treatment.
  • Assess personal or family history of substance use disorder or cardiac disease.
  • Determine baseline height and weight in pediatric patients.

During treatment

  • Monitor for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction throughout treatment.
  • Monitor for the emergence of new psychotic or manic symptoms.
  • Monitor height and weight in pediatric patients for growth suppression.
  • Observe for peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon.
  • Monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially if combined with serotonergic medicines.
(1)

Storage

This information was not extracted during the current research pass. Follow the storage instructions on the product packaging and pharmacy label; keep out of reach of children and secure the medicine because of the controlled-substance risk.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local prescribing information for indication-specific dosing, renal-impairment adjustment, and monitoring requirements.

United States (US FDA label)

Indication: ADHD (adults and pediatric patients ≥6 years)

Dose summary: Initial dose 30 mg once daily in the morning; titrate in increments of 10–20 mg at approximately weekly intervals; maximum recommended dose 70 mg once daily.

Renal context: Dose adjustment applies for renal impairment; the specific numeric schedule was not extracted in this research pass — refer to the full prescribing information. (1)

United States (US FDA label)

Indication: Binge Eating Disorder (adults)

Dose summary: Initial dose 30 mg once daily; titrate in 20 mg increments at approximately weekly intervals; target dose range 50–70 mg once daily; maximum recommended dose 70 mg once daily.

Renal context: Dose adjustment applies for renal impairment; the specific numeric schedule was not extracted in this research pass — refer to the full prescribing information. (1)

Outside the United States

Indication: Any VYVANSE/lisdexamfetamine use

Dose summary: No non-US label was reviewed in this research pass. VYVANSE/lisdexamfetamine scheduling, approved indications, and dose schedules vary by country; the prescriber must use the current local product information.

Renal context: Not established from the sources reviewed: refer to the relevant national label for the country of prescribing.

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

This information was not specifically extracted in this research pass; refer to the full prescribing information.

Overdose note

Signs of overdose include tachycardia, hypertension, psychomotor agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and potentially fatal hyperthermia. Poison-control or medical-toxicologist contact is indicated; neither lisdexamfetamine nor d-amphetamine is dialyzable. (1)

Frequently asked questions

Is VYVANSE a controlled substance?

Yes. In the United States, VYVANSE is a Schedule II (CII) controlled substance, reflecting a high potential for abuse and misuse that can lead to a substance use disorder including addiction. Scheduling and legal classification may differ in other countries. (1)

Can VYVANSE be used in children under 6 years of age?

No. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age because of higher drug exposure and adverse reactions observed in that age group. (1)

What should I do if I think I have taken too much VYVANSE?

Overdose can be serious and includes symptoms such as fast heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures. Contact Poison Help (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or a medical toxicologist immediately. (1)

Can I take VYVANSE with an antidepressant?

Some antidepressants, especially MAOIs, are contraindicated with VYVANSE. Serotonergic antidepressants (such as SSRIs and SNRIs) increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and should be used at lower starting doses with monitoring. Give your prescriber a complete list of all medicines you take. (1)

What is the mechanism of action of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate?

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that is converted in vivo to dextroamphetamine, a CNS stimulant. Detailed pharmacokinetic parameters were not extracted in this research pass. (1)

What is the generic name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (VYVANSE)?

The generic name is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. It is sold under brand names including VYVANSE. (1)

What class of drug is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate?

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (VYVANSE) is classed as: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant; prodrug of dextroamphetamine. (1)

References

  1. VYVANSE - lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule / chewable tablet — prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) / U.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
  2. LISDEXAMFETAMINE DIMESYLATE TABLET, CHEWABLE [TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
  3. Lisdexamfetamine — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
  4. Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA218604)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
  5. lisdexamfetamine dimesylate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 673579)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Vyvanse60 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 10 mg, 70 mg · takeda pharmaceuticals america, inc.
  • ARYNTA10 mg/mL · azurity pharmaceuticals, inc.

Canada

  • VYVANSE
View brands in additional countries.

This page provides general medicine information, not a diagnosis, prescription, dose recommendation, or substitute for the prescriber and current local product information. VYVANSE/lisdexamfetamine scheduling, approved indications, and dosing vary by country.

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