The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several first generics of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules and chewable tablets for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients six years and older and moderate to severe binge-eating disorder (BED) in adults. Lisdexamfetamine is the only approved treatment for binge eating disorder. Although restricted as a Schedule II controlled substance like other stimulants, as a prodrug lisdexamfetamine may have less propensity for abuse, intoxication, or dependence than other stimulants. Lisdexamfetamine may be particularly useful in adult patients without prior diagnosis and treatment of ADHD as a child to prevent abuse and diversion since lisdexamfetamine may be less abusable than other stimulants. FDA-approved generic medicines work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts.
Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine and is thus not active until after it has been absorbed by the intestinal tract and converted to dextroamphetamine (active component) and l-lysine. Once converted to dextroamphetamine, it increases norepinephrine and especially dopamine actions by blocking their reuptake and facilitating their release.
>> FDA News Release
Suggested NEI Education and Resources on ADHD:
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Encore Presentation ADHD: Optimizing Treatment with Patient-centered Care CME/CE Credit: 1.00 | Expires: April 1, 2026
Stahl's Essential Videos Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology, Chapter 11b: Treatment of ADHD CME/CE credits: 0.50 | Expires: March 24, 2025
Mechanism of Action Animation Developmental Trajectories of the ADHD Brain CME/CE Credit: 0.50 | Expires: November 22, 2025
CME/CE Article A Clinician’s Guide for Navigating the World of ADHD Medications CME/CE Credit: 1.00 | Expires: December 18, 2023
Encore Presentation All the Live Long Day: Optimizing Adult ADHD Treatment CME/CE Credit: 1.00 | Expires: November 6, 2025
Mental Health News Long-Term Safety of Methylphenidate in Children and Adolescents with ADHD April 29, 2023
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