Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete ADHD care programme which includes psychological, educational, and social measures.
Lisdexamfetamine may also be used to treat binge eating disorder (a disorder characterised by frequent and uncontrollable consumption of unusually large amounts of food) in adults.
Take Lisdexamfetamine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine in the morning with or without food. Avoid taking your dose in the afternoon as Lisdexamfetamine may cause difficulty sleeping.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a capsule or a chewable tablet.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you have difficulty swallowing capsule(s), you may open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents into soft foods (e.g. yogurt) or liquids (e.g. water, orange juice). Stir the mixture using a spoon to break apart any compacted powder until completely dispersed. Swallow or drink it immediately. Do not store the mixture for later use. You may see a thin film coating inside the glass after taking the mixture. This is normal, do not be alarmed.
If you are taking the chewable tablet, completely chew the tablet before swallowing.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Lisdexamfetamine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Lisdexamfetamine or other medicines containing amfetamines.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
- serious heart problems
- moderate to severe high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid gland
- thickening or stiffness of the blood vessels
- state of agitation
as Lisdexamfetamine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Lisdexamfetamine with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), medicine for a blood disorder, and certain antibiotic. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of high blood pressure
- with or a family history of heart disease
- QT interval prolongation (heart rhythm disorder)
- with or a history of mood disorders e.g. bipolar disorder (mood changes between feeling very high and very low)
- tics or Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by repetitive and uncontrollable speech or body movements)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of substance or alcohol abuse
- imbalance of essential minerals in the body
- severe kidney disease
Lisdexamfetamine is not intended for losing weight.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. test for steroid levels), inform your doctor that you are taking Lisdexamfetamine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor will perform a complete assessment for the presence of heart disease or history of substance abuse before starting the treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure periodically during treatment.
- Children taking Lisdexamfetamine may also need to have their height and appetite checked regularly.
- Regular monitoring for signs of unusual changes in behaviour or sleep patterns may also be needed.
Lisdexamfetamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or some problems with your eyesight such as blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, increased sweating, tremors, and restlessness.
Men may experience sexual dysfunction while taking this medicine. You may discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about these side effects.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes, face, mouth or throat
- fast heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath
- pain, numbness, changes in skin colour, or sensitivity to temperature of your fingers or toes
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, aggressive, agitated, hostile, highly irritable, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- delusional thinking (not being able to tell what is real from what is imagined)
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Lisdexamfetamine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Do not take this medicine with the following medicines:
- linezolid (certain antibiotic)
- methylene blue (medicine for certain blood disorder)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, desipramine, protriptyline
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. haloperidol, chlorpromazine, lithium
- strong painkillers e.g. fentanyl, tramadol
- acetazolamide (water pill or medicine for water retention)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lisdexamfetamine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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