From the Guidelines
Vyvanse is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 and older, as well as moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults, with the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug that gets converted in the body to dextroamphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant.
Key Points
- The medication works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity in ADHD patients 1.
- Typical dosages range from 20mg to 70mg taken once daily in the morning, with treatment usually starting at a lower dose and potentially increasing weekly based on response and tolerability.
- As a controlled substance (Schedule II), Vyvanse has potential for abuse and dependence, and common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, irritability, anxiety, and increased heart rate and blood pressure 1.
Considerations
- It should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and requires medical supervision, especially for people with heart problems, high blood pressure, or mental health conditions.
- The choice of Vyvanse as a treatment option should consider factors such as severity of symptoms, presence of comorbidities, and patient preferences, as well as the potential for medication adherence and the need for regular assessment and open discussion of potential issues 1.
- In some countries, such as Japan, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD may differ, with non-stimulants like atomoxetine and guanfacine extended release being preferred as first-line treatments, and Vyvanse being considered as a third-line option 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine used for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults.
Vyvanse is another name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules, which is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine used for the treatment of:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older
- Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults 2, 2, 2
From the Research
Definition and Mechanism of Vyvanse
- Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine covalently bound to l-lysine, which is activated during first-pass metabolism 3.
- It is a central nervous system stimulant indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults 4, 3, 5.
Indications and Efficacy
- Vyvanse is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe BED in adults, with a recommended dose range of 50-70 mg/day 4, 6, 7.
- It has been shown to significantly reduce binge eating days/week and improve binge eating-related symptoms in clinical trials 4, 6, 7.
- Vyvanse is also effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, with significant improvements in attention, impulsivity, and overall quality of life 3, 5.
Safety and Tolerability
- The most common adverse events associated with Vyvanse include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, and decreased appetite 4, 3, 6, 7, 5.
- Vyvanse has a low abuse and diversion potential due to its prodrug design and rate-limited enzymatic biotransformation 3, 5.
- Serious adverse events are rare, but may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as growth suppression in children and adolescents 3, 7, 5.