What are the indications and dosing guidelines for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?

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Last updated: June 15, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years and older, with a recommended starting dose of 20-30 mg once daily in the morning, which may be increased in increments of 10 mg weekly to a maximum of 70 mg daily, as per the most recent guidelines 1.

Indications and Dosage

  • ADHD in patients aged 6 years and older: 20-30 mg once daily in the morning, adjustable to a maximum of 70 mg daily
  • The medication should be taken in the morning to avoid insomnia
  • Vyvanse works as a prodrug that is converted to dextroamphetamine in the body, stimulating the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve attention and reduce impulsivity

Important Considerations

  • Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, and increased heart rate
  • Vyvanse is contraindicated in patients with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, agitated states, history of drug abuse, during or within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to amphetamine products
  • Limited published information is available on the use of lisdexamfetamine in pregnancy, and it is recommended to consult information on amphetamine for fetal or neonatal risk in pregnancy 1

Clinical Decision Making

  • The choice of medication for ADHD treatment should consider factors such as severity of symptoms, presence of comorbidities, and patient preferences 1
  • Medication adherence is a common problem in ADHD treatment, and regular assessment and open discussion of potential issues can help improve adherence 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsules are indicated for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

The indications for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are:

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

The dosing guidelines for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are:

  • ADHD:
    • Recommended starting dosage: 30 mg once daily in the morning
    • Dosage may be adjusted in increments of 10 mg or 20 mg at approximately weekly intervals
    • Maximum recommended dosage: 70 mg once daily
  • Moderate to severe BED:
    • Recommended starting dosage: 30 mg once daily
    • Dosage may 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
    • Maximum recommended dosage: 70 mg once daily
  • Renal Impairment:
    • Severe renal impairment: Maximum dosage should not exceed 50 mg once daily
    • End stage renal disease: Maximum recommended dosage is 30 mg once daily 2

From the Research

Indications for Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

  • Vyvanse is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adult patients 3, 4, 5
  • It is also approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6, 7

Dosing Guidelines for Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

  • For the treatment of moderate to severe BED, the recommended dose is 50-70 mg/day 3, 4
  • For the treatment of ADHD, the recommended dose is not specified in the provided studies, but it is mentioned that lisdexamfetamine is available in 20 mg and 30 mg capsules 6
  • The dose may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response and tolerability 3, 6, 7

Common Adverse Events

  • Common adverse events associated with Vyvanse include dry mouth, headache, and insomnia 3, 6, 4
  • Other adverse events may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and agitation 5, 7

Efficacy and Safety

  • Studies have shown that Vyvanse is effective in reducing binge eating days/week and improving symptoms of BED and ADHD 3, 6, 4, 5, 7
  • Vyvanse has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with most adverse events being mild or moderate in severity 3, 6, 7

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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