From the Guidelines
The starting dose for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is typically 20-30 mg orally once daily in the morning. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that the usual starting dose for lisdexamfetamine is 20-30 mg po qam 1.
Key Considerations
- The dose may be titrated by increasing it by 10 mg weekly to a maximum of 70 mg daily, as needed and as tolerated by the patient 1.
- It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions, as individual factors like weight, age, metabolism, and medical history can affect dosing.
- Vyvanse should be taken consistently at the same time each morning, with or without food.
- The medication works by being converted to dextroamphetamine in the body, which increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to improve focus and attention.
- Potential side effects may include decreased appetite, insomnia, and increased heart rate, so monitoring is crucial during dose adjustments.
Important Notes
- Limited published information is available on the use of lisdexamfetamine in pregnancy, and it is a prodrug that is converted to dextroamphetamine 1.
- There are no published studies specifically on lisdexamfetamine while breastfeeding, but information on amphetamine may be applicable 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
2.3 Dosage for Treatment of ADHD The recommended starting dosage in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older is 30 mg once daily in the morning. 2.4 Dosage for Treatment of Moderate to Severe BED in Adults The recommended starting dosage in adults is 30 mg once daily to be titrated in increments of 20 mg at approximately weekly intervals to achieve the recommended target dose of 50 mg to 70 mg once daily.
The starting dose for Vyvanse is 30 mg once daily in the morning for both ADHD and moderate to severe BED in adults, and ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years and older 2.
From the Research
Starting Dose for Vyvanse
- The starting dose for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the efficacy of LDX has been demonstrated in several studies at doses of 30-70 mg daily 3, 4.
- In the study by 4, LDX was found to be effective in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults, with significant improvements in ADHD rating scales and Clinical Global Improvement scores at doses of 30,50, and 70 mg.
- Another study by 5 mentions that LDX has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in children older than 6 years, adolescents, and adults, but does not specify a starting dose.
- It is worth noting that the choice of drug and dosage can be tailored to patients' circumstances, especially intended duration of action, and then titrated week by week, according to response 6.
Dosage Range
- The dosage range for LDX is 30-70 mg daily, with significant improvements in ADHD symptoms noted at all doses 3, 4.
- The study by 4 found that LDX provided efficacy for a full treatment day, up through and including 6 PM, based on parent ratings, at doses of 30-70 mg.
- Another study by 5 mentions that LDX has a smooth onset of action, exerts its action up to 13 hours, and may have less rebound symptoms, but does not specify a specific dosage range.
Clinical Trials
- Several clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of LDX in the treatment of ADHD, including studies by 3, 4, 5.
- These studies have found that LDX is effective in improving ADHD symptoms, with significant improvements in ADHD rating scales and Clinical Global Improvement scores.
- The studies have also found that LDX is generally well-tolerated, with common adverse events including decreased appetite, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, headache, irritability, weight loss, and nausea 4.