What Is Lisdexamfetamine Used For?

Lisdexamfetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children age 6 to 12 years old. Although the medication is a stimulant, lisdexamfetamine has the effects opposite of what would be expected of a stimulant.

 

Lisdexamfetamine Uses: An Overview

 Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse™) is a prescription medicine that is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is part of a group of medications known as amphetamines.
 
ADHD is a common problem involving difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling one's behavior. In ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. In general, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD (see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
 
In clinical trials, lisdexamfetamine has been shown to help children age 6 to 12 years old who have ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine can help children sit still and pay attention in the classroom, and can help to improve behavior. Clinical trials have also shown Vyvanse to be effective for adult ADHD. The medication is taken just once a day in the morning, eliminating the need to take medication at school or work.
 
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy (see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at changing ADHD behavior, ADHD medications, such as lisdexamfetamine, may be necessary.
 
Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD in adults is different than diagnosing ADHD in children. Lisdexamfetamine is approved for use in adults (see Adult ADHD).
 
(What Is Lisdexamfetamine Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;