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Lisdexamfetamine

This information is intended for use ONLY after you have been prescribed lisdexamfetamine.

Key points about lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It belongs to a group of medicines known as stimulants.
Lisdexamfetamine is also called Vyvanse.
From 1 December 2024, lisdexamfetamine will be funded for people with ADHD who meet certain eligibility criteria.

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Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children (6 years and older). It can help you to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel calmer.

It's not known exactly how lisdexamfetamine works. It's thought to boost the levels of chemicals called dopamine and noradrenaline in your brain.
This can increase activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour, to reduce hyperactivity or impulsivity and improve concentration.

Medication is just one part of treatment for ADHD and is used to support other changes to your lifestyle and behaviour. Read more about ADHD in adults and ADHD in children.

In Aotearoa New Zealand lisdexamfetamine is funded under a Special Authority, for people who meet the criteria. A special authority means your specialist will need to make an application to Pharmac (the government medicine funding agency) for approval before the medicine can be funded for you. Lisdexamfetamine provides another option for people with ADHD if other medicines have not been effective, if they're not suitable, or if there are medicine supply issues.

Factsheet: Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine [PDF, 329 KB]

Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024

Is lisdexamfetamine the same as dexamfetamine?

Dexamfetamine is similar to lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way.
When it's absorbed, lisdexamfetamine is converted to its active form 'dexamfetamine'.
Dexamfetamine is short-acting and is usually taken as a tablet 2 to 4 times a day,
Lisdexamfetamine is long-acting and comes as a capsule taken once a day.
Find out more about dexamfetamine.

In Aotearoa New Zealand lisdexamfetamine is available as capsules, which come in 3 different strengths: 30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg.

The dose of lisdexamfetamine will be different for different people.
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase the dose depending on how you respond. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
Always take your lisdexamfetamine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Timing: Lisdexamfetamine can be taken with or without food, once each day, in the morning.
Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water whilst sitting or standing. This is to make sure that they reach the stomach and don't stick in your throat.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsules they can be opened and the contents added to a glass of water or orange juice, or to yoghurt. Stir the liquid until it's fully dissolved and then drink straight away.
Missed dose: If you forget to take your capsules then take them as usual the next morning. Don't take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Avoid taking lisdexamfetamine in the afternoon or evening because it can cause sleep problems.

Here are some things to know when you're taking lisdexamfetamine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Taking other medicines

Lisdexamfetamine interacts with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting lisdexamfetamine and before starting any new products.

Limit drinking alcohol while you're taking lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine and alcohol affect your heart and blood pressure, increasing your risk of side effects. Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant that increases your body’s activity, while alcohol is a depressant and lowers your level of functioning. Since they have opposite effects, lisdexamfetamine can mask the effects of alcohol making it take longer to feel the effects of alcohol which can risk alcohol poisoning.

Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you

Lisdexamfetamine may cause blurred vision, make you feel dizzy, or affect your focus especially when you start taking it.

You may need to take lisdexamfetamine for several months or even years, but it's unlikely that you'll need to take it for the rest of your life.

Regular check-ups: You'll have regular check-ups, usually every 6 months or so, to see how well the medicine is working and if any changes are needed. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, heart rate and weight.
Medicine holiday: Your doctor may recommend stopping lisdexamfetamine for a while, or reducing the dose. For children, this will normally be during the school holidays and can be called a 'medicine break'. This is to check whether it’s still helping.
Teenage reassessment: As your child gets to puberty, or just after, they will be assessed to see if the medicine is still needed. If the medicine is still helping, it may be recommended your child keeps taking it, even as an adult.
Don't stop lisdexamfetamine suddenly: Talk to your doctor first, it might be best to reduce the dose gradually. This reduces the risk of having side effects when you stop taking this medicine.

Like all medicines, lisdexamfetamine can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often unwanted side effects improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Difficulty falling asleep	Take your lisdexamfetamine dose in the morning. Avoid taking lisdexamfetamine in the afternoon or evening because it can cause sleep problems.
Dizziness Problems with your vision	Don't drive or operate machinery. Don't drink alcohol
Anxiety Nervousness Irritability Changes in mood Feelings of harming yourself or others	Tell your doctor or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Headache Reduced appetite (you may not feel like eating) Dry mouth Stomach (tummy) pain Constipation or diarrhoea (runny poo)	Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Chest pain Fainting Fast or irregular heartbeat	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.