From the FDA Drug Label
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules, assess: for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam)
The tests required for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) represcription include:
- A careful history
- Family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia
- Physical exam to assess for the presence of cardiac disease
- Clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome 1
From the Research
For Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) represcription, typically required tests include blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, weight checks, and a review of side effects and medication effectiveness. These monitoring requirements exist because Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that can affect cardiovascular function, appetite, and growth in children 2. Some providers may also require periodic blood tests to check liver function, complete blood count, and electrolytes, though these aren't universally mandated. Children and adolescents should have their height measured to monitor growth. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions may need ECG monitoring. The frequency of these tests varies by provider, but often occurs every 3-6 months for stable patients.
- Blood pressure monitoring is essential due to the potential for Vyvanse to cause minor increases in blood pressure, as seen in studies such as 3 and 4.
- Heart rate monitoring is also necessary, as Vyvanse can cause increases in heart rate, as reported in 3 and 4.
- Weight checks are important to monitor potential effects on appetite and growth, particularly in children and adolescents, as discussed in 2 and 4.
- Review of side effects and medication effectiveness is crucial to ensure the medication is working as intended and to identify any potential issues early on. Before appointments, patients should track any side effects, sleep patterns, and how well the medication controls their symptoms. Some clinics may also implement drug screening to ensure appropriate medication use. It's essential to never abruptly stop taking Vyvanse without medical supervision, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The most recent and highest quality study, 2, supports the importance of monitoring for potential cardiovascular effects, although it also suggests that these effects are generally mild and well-tolerated.