What is lisdexamfetamine used for?

Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older, and binge eating disorder in adults.

Is lisdexamfetamine safe for children under 6?

No, it is not recommended for children under 6 because they may experience higher drug levels and more side effects like weight loss.

What should I do if I have heart problems?

You should avoid using lisdexamfetamine if you have known serious heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia.

Will lisdexamfetamine affect my child's growth?

Yes, lisdexamfetamine can cause long-term suppression of growth in pediatric patients, so height and weight should be monitored closely.

Can I take lisdexamfetamine with antidepressants like MAOIs?

No, you should not take lisdexamfetamine if you are taking an MAOI or have taken one in the last 14 days due to the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

What happens if I take too much lisdexamfetamine?

An overdose can cause heart rhythm issues, high blood pressure, confusion, seizures, or dangerously high body temperature.

How does urine pH affect this medication?

Changes in urine pH can change how much drug is in your blood; acidifying agents can lower it, while alkaliinizing agents can increase it.

Lisdexamfetamine | CAS 608137-32-2 | VOBHXZCDAVEXEY

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Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant

Lisdexamfetamine is a prescription medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years and older, as well as moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. It carries a high risk for abuse and addiction and should be used with caution in people with heart problems.

How it worksLisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that helps manage symptoms of ADHD and binge eating disorder.

Brand names:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate

Used for

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years and olderModerate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults

Conditions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Class

StimulantCentral Nervous System (CNS) StimulantCentral Nervous SystemCardiovascular

How to take

Formscapsules

Routesoral

For ADHD, the starting dose is usually 30 mg every morning, with a maximum of 70 mg per day. For binge eating disorder, the starting dose is also 30 mg every morning, with a maximum of 70 mg per day. Patients with severe kidney issues may need a lower maximum dose.

Before starting, a doctor should check for heart disease. If you have severe kidney disease, your maximum dose may be limited to 50 mg or 30 mg per day depending on the severity.

Key warnings

Lisdexamfetamine has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to a substance use disorder. Misuse can result in overdose and death, especially if the drug is snorted or injected.

·Lisdexamfetamine has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to a substance use disorder. Misuse can result in overdose and death, especially if the drug is snorted or injected.
·High risk of abuse and addiction
·Risk of serious cardiac events in patients with heart disease
·Potential for increased blood pressure and heart rate
·Risk of psychiatric issues like mania or psychosis
·Long-term suppression of growth in pediatric patients

Do not use if

·Known allergy to amphetamine products or other ingredients in the capsules
·Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or having taken them within the last 14 days

Side effects

Common

weight lossincreased blood pressureincreased heart ratepsychiatric symptoms (like mania or psychosis)

Serious

·abuse, misuse, and addiction
·serious heart problems or sudden cardiac death
·hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure)
·growth suppression in children
·seizures or coma
·hallucinations or confusion

Seek help if

·Chest pain
·Shortness of breath
·Hallucinations or confusion
·Extremely high body temperature
·Seizures

Interactions

·Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure if taken with lisdexamfetamine.
·Acidifying agents (which make urine more acidic) may lower the amount of drug in your blood.
·Alkaliinizing agents (which make urine less acidic) may increase the amount of drug in your blood.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is limited data regarding the risks of taking lisdexamfetamine during pregnancy. Some reports have noted adverse outcomes like premature delivery or low birth weight. A pregnancy exposure registry exists to monitor these outcomes.

PediatricLisdexamfetamine is approved for ADHD in children ages 6 to 17. It is not recommended for children under 6 years old due to higher exposure and more side effects like weight loss.

GeriatricThere isn't enough data on patients 65 and older to know if they respond differently. Doctors often start elderly patients on a lower dose because of potential changes in heart or kidney function.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood pressure
·Heart rate
·Growth (height and weight) in children
·Signs of mania or psychosis
·Signs of abuse or misuse

Questions to ask

·Do I have any underlying heart conditions?
·How will this affect my child's growth?
·Am I at risk for psychiatric side effects like mania?
·How should I monitor my blood pressure while taking this?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismSlowed by MAOIs; affected by urinary pH

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose of lisdexamfetamine can cause fast or irregular heartbeat, extremely high or low blood pressure, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and life-threatening high body temperature.

StorageStore in a safe place, preferably locked, to prevent misuse.

DisposalProperly dispose of any unused drug to prevent accidental exposure or misuse.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.